Lesson 4: Server-side Development and Databases

Server-side development involves code running on a server (behind the scenes). Languages include Python, Java, C#, and frameworks like Django (Python) or Spring (Java). These handle business logic, database operations, and security. For example, when you submit a web form, the server processes it (saving data or performing computations). In exams, you may be asked to name a server-side language and explain its use (e.g. Java for enterprise apps, Python for web APIs).

Applications often use databases to store information. Common databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, or cloud-based options like Firebase. Key ideas: data is organized into tables (e.g., a table of student records), and SQL queries retrieve or update it. For instance, a student portal might have a Students table with columns (ID, name, grade). Knowing basic SQL commands (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE) can be useful. Even if you don't write SQL in an exam, understand that data storage and retrieval are core to many applications.