Backend

In this final installment of our backend architecture evolution series, we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies through the expert insights of Zhang Lei and Zhang Huan. Their perspectives illuminate the future direction of backend development. The AI Revolution in Backend Development Zhang Lei observes: “This stage is very early, and no company in the industry has yet taken the lead in this area. However, in two to three years, we may see operators launch many new products where you only need to simply describe your needs, and the system can generate a corresponding resource supply program for you....

Building upon the foundational era discussed in Part 1, we continue our exploration of backend architecture evolution through the insights of Zhang Lei and Zhang Huan. This article focuses on the transformative shift to distributed systems and microservices architecture. The Internet Revolution “The emergence of numerous software aimed at individuals has had a significant impact on backend architecture,” explains Zhang Lei. “Many systems have evolved from single-machine to distributed systems, fundamentally changing how we approach backend development....

In this comprehensive exploration of backend architecture evolution, we delve into insights from leading Chinese technology experts Zhang Lei, Head of Database Technology at Toutiao, and Zhang Huan, Architect at KeShell FindHouse. Their combined experience provides a unique perspective on the transformation of backend systems from the 1970s to the present day. The Foundation Years (1970s-1990s) The early development of backend architecture was primarily driven by enterprise needs, as Zhang Lei explains: “In the late 1970s and 1980s, hardware and economics dominated the industry....