What steps can I take to enhance my backend development skills beyond basic CRUD apps?

I’m seeking advice on improving my backend development abilities. I have been building full-stack web applications for the past two years but often abandon projects before completion due to losing interest. As a result, my backend skills haven’t advanced much. I’m currently using Node.js with Express for backend development. What can I do to develop more complex backend projects and enhance my skills?

you could try integrating third-party APIs in your projects. learning about user authentication, real-time functionalities or building a recommendation system based on some data you have might also help. it’s realy about finding what excites u and sticking to it!

hey ryan, ever thought about diving into microservices or contributing to open source? i found working on real-world problems keeps things interesting. what kind of projects would you love to build if you had all the skills you needed?

To push your backend development skills further, consider diving into more specialized areas. Engaging deeply with database management and optimization can be highly beneficial. Learn more about scaling databases, using indexing, and understanding query performance. Additionally, adopting test-driven development (TDD) can improve your code reliability and design. Enhancing your knowledge of security best practices, such as safe handling of user data and protection against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS, will also be crucial. Continuously challenge yourself with these new aspects to maintain interest and grow your expertise.