I would reverse that by asking why we don't have sliding glass doors at the front? Swing doors give a better look and presence and defines the entry. This doesn't apply at the back - so sliding doors at back, let in more light, give a wider opening for bringing things in and out, and take up less space.

we should always be ready to try different options to make the best of the available space, orientation and outlook..as usual depends on the individual situation..do you have a specific example to share?

If there is no need for sliding doors, then do not include them. A window for light and a simple hinged door in the kitchen or dining or living area would be sufficient. Maybe a glass panelled door.

I too want to know "do you have a specific example to share?" Can you explain your question. For example are you talking about a property with the more desirable outdoor access in the front, or are you talking about the choice of style of door, or are you talking about forgoing outdoor living space?

Dreamer‘s comment answered my question. Thank you.

By sliding door , I assume you mean a ranchslider , with clear glass ?

They let in as much light as a window the same size , with the added advantage that you can walk in and out , and have that indoor/outdoor flow .

Likewise , they take up as much wall space as most windows , without having to allow for a seperate door too . Every house and design is different , and some places simply don't have the space .

I like them generally , mainly because they make a room more versatile .

@pottsy99, you are definitely from New Zealand. I have never heard of the term "ranch slider" before. Googled it, a New Zealand noun for a glass sliding door. We are always learning....

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Funnily enough I was browsing house sales this past week and the question reminded me of one property which sold for an unusually low price for a house of that size etc where the only negative I could see in the listing was the lack of indoor/outdoor living. And that soon after watching an episode of Escape From The City where indoor/outdoor living was on the buyers' wish list. So 'indoor/outdoor living' was on my mind as I read the question. But I'm still not sure what's on the original author's mind? If people only put sliding doors where "it faces north or there is a pretty view" there would be a lot less sliding doors.

Yes , I'm from NZ . Here , a sliding door is generally a solid door , and more likely to be on a barn or factory , whereas a ranchslider is clear glass , which to me makes them a bit more descriptive .

Funny, for me I would have thought ranchslider was a barn door as in American ranch. I’m in melb and for me a sliding door on an external wall is glass and internally slides back into wall (pocket door).
The other term is barn door which is for internal use and is hung externally on the wall

You can use a normal door and some blinds on it and it'll look pretty good use this to design them youself http://qualityblinds.com.au/product/roller-shutters/

Maybe Ranchslider was originally a brand name , but basically everyone in NZ calls a glass sliding door a ranchslider . Its a door that slides , and it slides on your 1/4 acre or 300 sq mtr ranch haha .

Reading this article. Ranches are mentioned but no 'ranchslider'.
Must be a brand name, like English people tend to say hoovering, when they are vacuuming. Anyway, have a good day.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_glass_door

Yes, my mum always 'hoovered'.