The term back end as two words is the correct noun form. E.g., “My company specializes in designing the back end.” Furthermore, the compound word back-end is the proper adjective form. E.g., “He works as a back-end developer.”
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, there are two correct spelling versions of the term back end.
The term back end as two words is the noun form.
- We are at the back end of the process and should be finished by Friday.
In addition, the hyphenated compound word back-end is the correct adjective form. This form will always appear before a noun.
- She is an expert in back-end architecture.
It is never correct to use the spelling backend for both the noun and adjective forms. Although people do this, backend is not in the dictionary, so you should not use it in formal writing.
Furthermore, you should avoid using backend in writing that is in AP Style. These two graphs show that writing backend as one word is more of a UK trend than a US one.
However, it is always best to follow the spelling found in the dictionary. Therefore, you should use back end or back-end rather than backend.
Using terms like back end correctly is difficult, and you do not want to get it wrong. Therefore, you should keep reading the rest of the page to discover more about how to use the different forms of back end.
Back-End
The term back-end as a compound word is correct. You should use this form as an adjective. Back-end will always come straight before the thing you are talking about.
You commonly use the term in the IT world to refer to the non-accessible part of a computer system, such as the data storage or server.
Here are some examples of how to use back-end with a hyphen:
- We are looking for a team of back-end developers for a new project.
- The back-end infrastructure needs an upgrade to support the increased traffic on our website.
- The back-end database stores all the essential information, making its security paramount.
- During the meeting, the tech lead will discuss the latest back-end technologies that can optimize our system.
- Our website’s responsiveness is heavily reliant on the performance of the back-end servers.
Furthermore, some people write the adjective as backend, more so in the UK than anywhere else. While this version may be common, it is not in the Oxford or Cambridge dictionaries, so it is best to avoid it.
Back End
The two-word phrase back end is the correct noun form of the term.
You commonly use this term when you are referring to parts of a computer system that make programs and hardware function correctly.
- My experience is mainly front end, and I have never worked on the back end.
- While many users appreciate a visually appealing interface, it’s the back end that ensures smooth functionality.
- Modern apps require a solid back end to handle vast amounts of data and user requests.
- He’s more comfortable coding the back end than designing user interfaces.
- The security of the back end is paramount to prevent potential breaches and data leaks.
However, the noun form can also refer to the end of a process or time period.
- We are at the back end of the month, and the sales figures are looking good.
- As we approach the back end of the year, we should start planning for our annual review.
- We’re entering the back end of the project, so we need to be extra diligent about meeting deadlines.
- The back end of the week is typically our busiest period, so let’s prepare in advance.
- I always find myself rushing tasks at the back end of the day, so I need to manage my time better.
Also, some people write the noun back end as backend. While people understand this form, it is not in the dictionary, and you should not use it.
Backend
The term backend as one word with no hyphen is incorrect. The word is one of those anomalies in English whereby lots of people use the spelling, but it does not appear in significant dictionaries with this spelling.
People use it as both the noun and the adjective form, which is more prevalent in the UK than in the US.
However, while it may be common and understandable if you are writing a formal text, then you should avoid this spelling and use the correct noun and adjective forms.
Here are some examples of the correct noun form.
- Correct: He lost his job at the back end of last year.
- Incorrect: He lost his job at the backend of last year.
- Correct: The festival is scheduled for the back end of September.
- Incorrect: The festival is scheduled for the backend of September.
The following examples show how you should write the adjective form.
- Correct: She is familiar with back-end languages.
- Incorrect: She is familiar with backend languages.
- Correct: The company is hiring a back-end developer.
- Incorrect: The company is hiring a backend developer.