back-end

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

back-end

   <programming> Any software performing either the final stage
   in a process, or a task not apparent to the user.  A common
   usage is in a {compiler}.  A compiler's back-end generates
   {machine language} and performs optimisations specific to the
   machine's {architecture}.

   The term can also be used in the context of {network}
   applications.  E.g. "The back-end of the system handles
   {socket} protocols".

   Contrast {front end}.

   (1996-04-09)