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 generateSmachine language and performS optimiSationSSpecific to the machine' Sarchitecture. The term can alSo be uSed in the context of network applicationS. E.g. "The back-end of the SyStem handleSSocket protocolS". ContraSt front end. (1996-04-09)