What backend does Meta use?

Meta (formerly Facebook) uses a variety of technologies for its backend infrastructure, as the company has developed its systems to handle massive scale and efficiency. Here are some key backend technologies used by Meta:

1. Hack (PHP Dialect)

• Hack is the primary language Meta uses for much of its backend web development. Hack is a language developed by Meta as an extension of PHP, adding static typing and performance optimizations. It allows the company to manage and scale its core services while still maintaining the flexibility that PHP provides.
• Source: Hack at Meta

2. C++

• Meta uses C++ for high-performance services that require efficiency, such as the backend infrastructure for handling the news feed and messaging systems. C++ is particularly well-suited for tasks that require low-latency and high-throughput.
• Source: Meta Engineering

3. Python

• Python is used for data analysis, machine learning, and automation tasks. It plays a key role in internal tools and machine learning frameworks. For instance, PyTorch, a machine learning library developed by Meta, is built with Python and used for AI research and deployment.
• Source: PyTorch

4. Erlang

• Meta uses Erlang for its messaging infrastructure, particularly in the backend of Facebook Messenger. Erlang is known for its ability to handle massive amounts of concurrent connections, making it ideal for real-time messaging applications.
• Source: Erlang Solutions

5. Java

• Java is also used within Meta, especially for large-scale distributed systems. It is typically applied for backend services and processing large data workloads, leveraging Java's robustness and scalability.
• Source: Glassdoor Meta Engineering Reviews

6. MySQL (with RocksDB)

• Meta uses MySQL as a database system, but to optimize performance, they pair it with RocksDB, a high-performance storage engine developed by Meta. This combination allows Meta to handle the massive amounts of data generated by billions of users.
• Source: RocksDB by Meta

Conclusion:

Meta uses a combination of Hack, C++, Python, Erlang, Java, and MySQL (with RocksDB) for its backend systems. This diverse set of technologies allows Meta to build scalable, high-performance applications that can handle billions of users.

Sources:

• Hack: Meta's Programming Language
• PyTorch by Meta
• RocksDB at Meta
• Erlang in Messenger