Backend
BACKGROUND
Software development is the discipline that studies the components required for the creation, management, maintenance and testing of IT software. Software can be defined as the logic programming that all IT systems need to operate properly and allow the user to enjoy the functions of an application through a practical and intuitive interface.
One of the facets of software development is the designing of the backend, which is the part of the software that is transparent to the user and is responsible for managing and processing the information that is provided by him/her. This information is obtained through the frontend in order to return the requested results.
The backend normally runs on one or more servers that are accessible through a communications network or the internet; however, in some cases, like in certain self-contained applications or for mobile devices that do not depend on external services, it may run as an application layer.
Many software developments do not properly separate the operations that must be executed on the client side from those that must be executed on the server side, executing data processing and security management operations on the frontend, when they should be executed on the backend. Likewise, often times, information post-processing operations (especially graphic types) are executed on the backend when they should be executed on the frontend, thus streamlining the communications and reducing the process load on the servers. Also a common occurrence is that the data format chosen for communications between the backend and the frontend is not efficient or does not have the proper security mechanisms.
Through an ideal design of the platform and a proper segmentation of the tasks to be carried out by the frontend and backend, a development is guaranteed that is efficient, quick for the user and light for the servers, while also guaranteeing the maximum security levels in the communications.
RESULTS
After a proper development process, efficient and fast software is obtained, with an optimum flow of procedures and efficient data storage, maintaining a low load on the servers; this results in a containment of the operating costs and increased customer satisfaction.
EXPERIENCE
Since 2013, SOLUTE has been managing many projects, for internal use as well as for customers in varied fields, such as the energy or automotive sector.
In the wind sector, SOLUTE has developed and commercially exploits the Furow software for a comprehensive implementation of wind projects, covering all its phases, from the processing of wind data, to micrositing and the financial analysis, to the wind resource calculation.
Currently SOLUTE develops Aphelion, a range of products focused on providing high resolution weather forecasts that are relevant to the energy, agricultural, industrial and naval sectors.
Backend development requires a range of skills related to application analysis and programming in languages such as Javascript, Python, PHP, Perl and Bash. Extensive knowledge of databases, their typologies and principles is also required.
METHODOLOGY
Software development in general and backend specifically, require being familiar with a series of preceding concepts about programming theory and algorithm analysis. Also, an in-depth knowledge of data processes, communications networks and hardware is required.
Backend development requires a series of skills related with the analysis of applications and programming in languages such as Javascript, Python, PHP, Perl and Bash. Extensive knowledge of databases, their types and principles is also required.
To create the code itself, coding tools like Microsoft Visual Studio Code are used as well as compilers or interpreters of the applicable programming languages. To process the information, databases like MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL are used along with their different development environments.
Just like in any type of somewhat complex software development, the use of version control tools such as Gitlab becomes essential.
It is very important to strictly track the coding standards and style for the different languages, and in recent years, special importance has been given to following the data protection regulations of the different regions regarding confidentiality, the right to cancel and rectify the data.
Different software development methodologies are available that are chosen based on if the project to be carried out must meet a need at a specific moment or if the project has long life and commercial exploitation cycles. Currently, a methodology is used that is commonly referred to as agile methodology: initially a preliminary analysis is carried out of the application and then, the project is planned out by studying the best development platform and languages as well as carrying out an estimation of the required resources and the execution time lines.
Then, the coding process and the application tests are initiated to finally continue with the implementation on the envisaged platform. The project is considered to be complete once it is validated by the client or the pertinent corrections are made. Often times, when requested by the client, a subsequent continuous maintenance phase is initiated where modifications can be made to the application as well as improvements.
In applications with long operating cycles, the possibility of creating new development iterations is studied, where new functionalities can be added to the project to extend its service life. Upon completion of the project, documentation is delivered of the source code and database, if applicable, in the format and manner agreed to in the contract.
Others
Hydraulics: turbomachines
Turbomachinery is present in many engineering sectors, including electrical power generation, using gas or wind turbines, propulsion in air vehicles or different industrial processes with turbo-compressors and/or hydraulic pumps.
Wind
Life extension evaluation of towers and foundations
This competency allows extending the functional duration of turbine components and thus obtains a greater performance from the installed wind turbines.