How can you ensure your back-end code works with different programming languages and frameworks?

To ensure your back-end code works with different programming languages and frameworks, think of it like creating a universal charging port for gadgets. Instead of having a unique charger for each device, we want one that can connect to many devices. In the world of coding, this means creating a common set of instructions (often called an API) that different software "gadgets" can easily plug into, regardless of their make or model. By adhering to widely accepted standards and testing how different software interacts with this universal "port", we can be confident that multiple programming tools can communicate with our main system without confusion.

Its better to chose the language of your domain than pick a language and make it speak your domaine. For example frontend seems dominated by #javascript, ML by python, backend by java and go, it makes you access the huge ecosystem that worked on utils for the domain. and make hiring easier, since its easier to find a backend engineer for java for ex than it is for javascript

Having a common language server and client side can be an advantage. It can reduce costs and development time. That might be in the stack or not and will depend on the developers capabilities. In my opinion what makes code able to be "integrated" with other technologies, languages, services, apis, is modularity.

To ensure backend code works universally: 1. Use common data formats. 2. Define clear APIs. 3. Thoroughly test. 4. Employ version control. 5. Containerize apps. 6. Manage dependencies. 7. Implement logging and security. 8. Document comprehensively. 9. Set up CI/CD pipelines. 10. Use compatibility layers. 11. Handle errors gracefully. 12. Design for scalability. 13. Conduct code reviews. 14. Foster cross-team collaboration.

Picture assembling a complex jigsaw puzzle where each piece represents a part of your website or app's code. Now, imagine using a special code language like JavaScript or Python as the "GLUE" to connect these pieces. This approach offers flexibility, allowing your team to switch between tools effortlessly and fostering a culture of continuous learning. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and not rely excessively on the common code language, as it might not always be the fastest choice for resource intensive tasks. Finding the right balance is key to harnessing its benefits while considering performance needs.

A well-documented API with examples is essential. You can use your unity tests as examples and make them easy to copy & paste. You also need an intermediate language to pass parameters to the API. JSON is a good choice because it works well with any frontend or backend language. You can even use curl and jq for quick REPL-like experience.

A well defined interface does wonders. Backend systems should be interchangeable and the best way to ensure that it's a smooth process is knowing what the system is expecting to ingest and output at all times. GraphQL and gRPC are great advances in this space as they require the developer to think about their interfaces and the downstream technical debt that could come from not properly defining what is expected from the business logic of the feature or architecture integration.

APIs serve as connectors, much like the interlocking mechanisms of Lego bricks, allowing different components to seamlessly join together. These standardized interfaces, such as GraphQL, gRPC, or WebSockets, act as a common language that fosters efficient communication between various parts of your application, regardless of the programming languages or frameworks they employ. This modular approach not only enhances compatibility but also empowers a flexible, Lego-like ecosystem where you can assemble and reassemble components as needed, promoting innovation and adaptability.

Since its usually hard to unify languages across multiple layers (for ex js for frontend, java for backend...), using a spec first code generator for an api, such as openapi or bufbuild allows to specify generate server and client stubs which abstract away the language differences

Quando se trata de padrão de APIs uma dos pontos importantes são os padrões de Respostas de APIs, isso sendo adicionado no Internal Developer Platform (IDP), existem um RFC (Request for Comments) 9457 que trata de Problem Details for HTTP APIs, independente das linguagens de programação teremos retornos iguais para as requisições, universalizar isso torna o aprendizado mas facil dos times que fazem as integrações, seja via client server ou via javascript no front.

By my experience, using mono repos in javascript were a huge productivity boost, you can develop a common module for frontend/backend that can be used by multiple apps in multiple layers, and they get to be published as separate modules if needed.

Creating a dedicated module that exposes the "contracts" for your backend APIs can significantly enhance the ease of integration with your application for other systems. This approach has proven effective in various Java applications, and it can also streamline the integration of JavaScript backends with front-end applications.

Development team should break down their code into small, focused functions or methods, each with a specific responsibility and meaningful names. Adhering to the Single Responsibility Principle ensures that each module or class has a well-defined purpose. Global variables should be minimized, and data should be encapsulated within functions or classes. Object-oriented programming concepts can further enhance modularity, while reusable libraries or modules should be created for common functionality. Comprehensive documentation, design patterns, and unit testing contribute to the clarity and reliability of code. Regular refactoring helps keep the codebase clean and adaptable as the project evolves.

Testing involves a systematic approach, starting with unit tests to assess individual code components, followed by integration and functional tests to ensure seamless interactions within the application. Regression and performance tests help identify issues and bottlenecks. Debugging, on the other hand, is about diagnosing and addressing issues when they arise. It's a meticulous process of isolating problems, reviewing code logic, and using debugging tools to trace and correct errors. Collaboration and documentation play pivotal roles in both testing and debugging, fostering a collective understanding of code and its issues. These processes ensure that software functions as intended, delivering a reliable and error-free user experience.

Github is a grate source of it. Learning from others is like tapping into a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply listening to the wisdom of those who have walked similar paths, we gain insights, avoid pitfalls, and discover innovative solutions. It accelerates our learning curve and helps us make more informed decisions. Embracing the lessons shared by others enriches our lives, expands our perspectives, and empowers us to navigate challenges with greater confidence. It's a continuous journey of growth and a testament to the collective wisdom of humanity.

API Design and Documentation: Create well-defined APIs that are language-agnostic. Use standards like REST or GraphQL, and thoroughly document your endpoints, data formats, and expected behavior. Choose Cross-Platform Technologies: Opt for technologies that are widely supported across languages and frameworks. For example, JSON for data interchange is universally supported. Containerize your backend using Docker. This encapsulates your application and its dependencies, making it easier to deploy and run in different environments.

In team development, since another engineer will be managing the code, it's essential to keep the logic as simple as possible. Including comments as needed, prioritize readability over writability, keep functions/methods short, and use clear names for better code design.

Code Reviews: Have your peers review your code. They might catch something you missed, or suggest a better way to do something. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Implementing CI/CD practices using tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, or CircleCI can help catch bugs and issues early in the development cycle. Allway improve