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Greg Heileman
and
Manel Martínez-Ramón
This is the first course in a Coursera Specialization track involving Web Application Architectures. This course will give you the basic background, terminology and fundamental concepts that you need to understand in order to build modern full stack web applications. A full stack web developer is familiar with each "layer" of the software technologies involved in a web application, including data modeling and database technologies, the web server environment and middleware components, network protocols, the user interface and basic visual design and user interaction concepts.
Read more
This is the first course in a Coursera Specialization track involving Web Application Architectures. This course will give you the basic background, terminology and fundamental concepts that you need to understand in order to build modern full stack web applications. A full stack web developer is familiar with each "layer" of the software technologies involved in a web application, including data modeling and database technologies, the web server environment and middleware components, network protocols, the user interface and basic visual design and user interaction concepts.
Read more
This is the first course in a Coursera Specialization track involving Web Application Architectures. This course will give you the basic background, terminology and fundamental concepts that you need to understand in order to build modern full stack web applications. A full stack web developer is familiar with each "layer" of the software technologies involved in a web application, including data modeling and database technologies, the web server environment and middleware components, network protocols, the user interface and basic visual design and user interaction concepts.
In this course we will learn by doing. We will start by learning the major components of web application architectures, along with the fundamental design patterns and philosophies that are used to organize them. You will build and continually refine a fully functional full-stack web application as we progress through the modules in this course. Along the way you will be exposed to agile software development practices, numerous tools that software engineers are expected to know how to use, and a modern web application development framework.
This course is also available in Spanish. To join the Spanish version, visit this page: https://www.coursera.org/learn/apliweb.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/13wsnx/web
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What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome
Module #1 - Web Applications in Context
This module sets the context for what we will study in this specialization by first providing a historical perspective on computing and web applications. Next we provide an overview of how the Internet works, and then we discuss how web applications have evolved over the past few decades. After that we’ll discuss some of the elements of modern software practice, including the typical tools that software engineers now use and the agile development practices they follow. The notion of software design patterns will introduced, and the n-tier architecture design pattern, fundamental to modern web application design, is then presented. Will also discuss a few current topics related to web application development. Finally, we will show you how to set up the software development environment you will use throughout the remainder of the courses in this.
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome
Module #1 - Web Applications in Context
This module sets the context for what we will study in this specialization by first providing a historical perspective on computing and web applications. Next we provide an overview of how the Internet works, and then we discuss how web applications have evolved over the past few decades. After that we’ll discuss some of the elements of modern software practice, including the typical tools that software engineers now use and the agile development practices they follow. The notion of software design patterns will introduced, and the n-tier architecture design pattern, fundamental to modern web application design, is then presented. Will also discuss a few current topics related to web application development. Finally, we will show you how to set up the software development environment you will use throughout the remainder of the courses in this.
Read more
Module #2 - Web Applications Frameworks
In this module you will learn about web application frameworks. We will start by talking about the evolution of software and programming languages, and then talk about software application frameworks. The fundamental trade-off we will consider is programmer productivity versus program efficiency. Next you will learn about web application frameworks, as well as the model-view-controller design pattern that is the backbone for many of these frameworks. We will also consider how these frameworks support the agile programming principles associated with modern software practice. This will include a discussion of distributed version control systems and you will learn how to use the popular Git system. We will also demonstrate how to use Git with a Ruby on Rails application. We will use Git to submit all of the programming applications in this specialization.
Module #3 - Managing Data
A successful web application provides information t
o users that is (1) useful, and also (2)
easy to access and understand. This information is
often collected from users, as well as
from other information sources, and must be stored
in a manner that allows it to be
manipulated by the web application. The typical app
roach is to store this data in a
relational database. In this module you will learn
some basic concepts associated with
modeling the data in a web application, including h
ow to specify the relationships between
various data entities. We will also investigate ho
w to hook a web application up to a back-
end data store, along with good design techniques t
hat will make it easier to use the data in
your web applications by maintaining consistency th
roughout the entire web stack.
Module #4 - Middleware
Middleware is an abstraction layer that hides details about hardware devices and other lower-level software services from an application. Middleware services implement common low-level functions, such as communication with the operating system, application servers, database servers, etc., so that application developers do not need to concern themselves with these details, and can instead focus on the application functionality they are trying to provide. In a web application, these services generally make use of the HTTP protocol, and in a web application framework, the MVC design pattern can be thought of as being implemented over the middleware.
Module #5 - The User Interface
In our final module we will discuss the User Interface. We will touch on CSS and JavaScript, and how these are used to add style to layout and design of HTML documents. We will also learn about Ajax and how it improves user requests.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines fundamental concepts for full stack web applications, making it a good foundational course
Provides a thorough understanding of modern web application frameworks and the model-view-controller design pattern
Covers data modeling, storage, and manipulation techniques, fostering data management skills
Introduces middleware services and their role in web application development
Discusses user interface design, including CSS, JavaScript, Ajax, and layout
Requires Git knowledge, which may not be suitable for complete beginners
Save this course
Save Web Application Development: Basic Concepts to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Web development for beginners
According to students, Web Application Development: Basic Concepts is a great introductory course to Web Development. UX wisdom is also forever relevant in this course.
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Web Application Development: Basic Concepts with these
activities:
Review Fundamentals of Web Development
Show steps
Reviewing core ideas and concepts from web development will strengthen your background and better prepare you for the course.
Browse courses on
Web Development Fundamentals
Show steps
-
Review the HTTP Protocol
-
Re-familiarize yourself with common web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Show steps
Engaging in online discussions will facilitate deeper understanding of course topics and foster collaboration with peers.
Show steps
-
Actively participate in discussion forums related to the course
-
Share your perspectives and ask thoughtful questions
-
Provide constructive feedback to others' posts
Building a Full-Stack Web App with Ruby on Rails
Show steps
Reinforces concepts learned in Module #2 by applying them to a simple web app.
Show steps
-
Follow the tutorial linked in this activity
-
Deploy your app to Heroku
-
Modify the CSS styling of your app
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Web Application Framework Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of modern web application frameworks by working through guided tutorials.
Show steps
-
Choose a popular web application framework like Ruby on Rails or Node.js
-
Follow a step-by-step tutorial to build a simple web application using the chosen framework
-
Experiment with different features and APIs of the framework
Design a Database for a Web Application
Show steps
Applies concepts from Module #3 by designing a database for a practical scenario.
Show steps
-
Identify the entities and relationships in the web application
-
Create an ER diagram for the database
-
Implement the database using a tool like MySQL or PostgreSQL
Develop a Simple Web Application Prototype
Show steps
Building a simple web application prototype will reinforce the concepts of web application design and development.
Browse courses on
Web Application Development
Show steps
-
Design a simple web application with a clear purpose and user interface
-
Choose a suitable web application framework and implement the MVC design pattern
-
Implement basic CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) in your application
-
Test your web application and refine it based on feedback
Contribute to Open Source Web Development Projects
Show steps
Contributing to open source projects will enhance your understanding of real-world web application development and best practices.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open source web development projects aligned with your interests
-
Review the project's documentation and choose a suitable contribution
-
Collaborate with project maintainers and contribute code or documentation
-
Receive feedback and iterate on your contributions
Review Fundamentals of Web Development
Show steps
Reviewing core ideas and concepts from web development will strengthen your background and better prepare you for the course.
Browse courses on
Web Development Fundamentals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the HTTP Protocol
- Re-familiarize yourself with common web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Show steps
Engaging in online discussions will facilitate deeper understanding of course topics and foster collaboration with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Actively participate in discussion forums related to the course
- Share your perspectives and ask thoughtful questions
- Provide constructive feedback to others' posts
Building a Full-Stack Web App with Ruby on Rails
Show steps
Reinforces concepts learned in Module #2 by applying them to a simple web app.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow the tutorial linked in this activity
- Deploy your app to Heroku
- Modify the CSS styling of your app
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Web Application Framework Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of modern web application frameworks by working through guided tutorials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a popular web application framework like Ruby on Rails or Node.js
- Follow a step-by-step tutorial to build a simple web application using the chosen framework
- Experiment with different features and APIs of the framework
Design a Database for a Web Application
Show steps
Applies concepts from Module #3 by designing a database for a practical scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the entities and relationships in the web application
- Create an ER diagram for the database
- Implement the database using a tool like MySQL or PostgreSQL
Develop a Simple Web Application Prototype
Show steps
Building a simple web application prototype will reinforce the concepts of web application design and development.
Browse courses on
Web Application Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design a simple web application with a clear purpose and user interface
- Choose a suitable web application framework and implement the MVC design pattern
- Implement basic CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) in your application
- Test your web application and refine it based on feedback
Contribute to Open Source Web Development Projects
Show steps
Contributing to open source projects will enhance your understanding of real-world web application development and best practices.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open source web development projects aligned with your interests
- Review the project's documentation and choose a suitable contribution
- Collaborate with project maintainers and contribute code or documentation
- Receive feedback and iterate on your contributions
Career center
Learners who complete Web Application Development: Basic Concepts will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers specialize in the design and development of websites and web applications. This course will help build a foundation in web development by teaching the fundamental concepts and technologies used to create modern full-stack applications, including data modeling, database technologies, web servers, middleware components, network protocols, user interfaces, and user interaction concepts. Students will also learn about agile software development practices, the tools software engineers use, and modern web application development frameworks.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. This course will help build a foundation in software engineering by teaching the fundamental concepts and technologies used to create modern full-stack web applications, including data modeling, database technologies, web servers, middleware components, network protocols, user interfaces, and user interaction concepts. Students will also learn about agile software development practices, the tools software engineers use, and modern web application development frameworks.
Full Stack Engineer
Full Stack Engineer
Full Stack Engineers are responsible for the entire software development process, from design and development to deployment and maintenance. This course will help build a foundation in full stack development by teaching the fundamental concepts and technologies used to create modern full-stack web applications, including data modeling, database technologies, web servers, middleware components, network protocols, user interfaces, and user interaction concepts. Students will also learn about agile software development practices, the tools software engineers use, and modern web application development frameworks.
Web Designer
Web Designer
Web Designers are responsible for the visual design and user interface of websites and web applications. This course will help build a foundation in web design by teaching the fundamental concepts and technologies used to create modern full-stack web applications, including data modeling, database technologies, web servers, middleware components, network protocols, user interfaces, and user interaction concepts. Students will also learn about agile software development practices, the tools software engineers use, and modern web application development frameworks.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and data analysis techniques.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of databases. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and data management techniques.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including network protocols, web servers, and middleware components.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of computer networks. This course may be useful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including network protocols, web servers, and middleware components.
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers are responsible for the design and evaluation of user interfaces. This course may be useful for UX Designers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including user interfaces, user interaction concepts, and web application development frameworks.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and understanding business needs and translating them into technical requirements. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and web application development frameworks.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including agile software development practices and web application development frameworks.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers are responsible for writing and maintaining technical documentation. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and web application development frameworks.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers are responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and web application development frameworks.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems. This course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and web application development frameworks.
Software Tester
Software Tester
Software Testers are responsible for testing and evaluating software systems. This course may be useful for Software Testers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, including data modeling, database technologies, and web application development frameworks.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/13wsnx/web
Reading list
We've selected 32 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Web Application Development: Basic Concepts.
A classic series of books on computer science. This series would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning the theoretical foundations of computer science.
A classic book on software development practices. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning about best practices for software development.
A classic book on software project management. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning about the challenges of software development and how to manage them.
Provides a comprehensive overview of web application architectures, focusing on the most important design patterns and best practices used by experienced developers. It covers everything from basic concepts like the MVC pattern to more advanced topics like microservices and cloud computing, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced developers alike.
A classic book on data structures and algorithms. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning about the fundamental data structures and algorithms used in computer science.
A classic book on computer networks. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning about the fundamental concepts of computer networking.
A classic book on the open source software movement. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning about the benefits and challenges of open source software development.
A practical guide to building web applications using the Ruby on Rails framework. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning how to build full-stack web applications using a popular framework.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ASP.NET Core, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like cloud computing and security. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced ASP.NET Core developers alike.
Save
A comprehensive guide to the Ruby on Rails framework. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning the latest features and best practices of Rails 5.
Save
Provides a practical guide to building web applications using Node.js and Express. It covers everything from setting up your development environment to deploying your application to a live server, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced developers alike.
A practical guide to building interactive web applications using the Backbone.js framework. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning how to build single-page applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of HTML and CSS, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like responsive design and accessibility. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced web developers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Accelerate model for software development, which is based on the research of the DevOps Research and Assessment (DORA) team. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced software development professionals alike.
A concise guide to the essential parts of the JavaScript language. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of JavaScript.
Provides a gentle introduction to JavaScript, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like object-oriented programming and functional programming. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced JavaScript developers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of web application security, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like threat modeling and penetration testing. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced web developers alike.
Provides a practical guide to building web applications using the agile development methodology. It covers everything from planning your project to deploying your application to a live server, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced Rails developers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the agile development methodology, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like continuous integration and automated testing. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced agile developers alike.
Provides a practical guide to building microservices using the Docker containerization platform. It covers everything from setting up your Docker environment to deploying your microservices to a live server, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced Docker users alike.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the DevOps methodology, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like continuous integration and automated testing. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced DevOps practitioners alike.
Save
Provides a fictionalized account of a DevOps transformation at a struggling IT company. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced DevOps practitioners alike.
Comprehensive guide to CSS, covering topics such as the latest features of the language, as well as best practices for writing CSS code. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about CSS.
A practical guide to building responsive web applications. would be particularly useful for learners who are interested in learning how to build websites that work well on all devices.
Save
Comprehensive guide to JavaScript, covering topics such as the latest features of the language, as well as best practices for writing JavaScript code. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about JavaScript.
Comprehensive guide to PHP and MySQL, covering topics such as the latest features of the languages, as well as best practices for writing PHP and MySQL code. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about PHP and MySQL.
Comprehensive guide to Python Django, covering topics such as the latest features of the language, as well as best practices for writing Python Django code. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about Python Django.
Save
Comprehensive guide to jQuery, covering topics such as the latest features of the language, as well as best practices for writing jQuery code. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about jQuery.
Provides a comprehensive overview of web application security, covering topics such as the latest threats and vulnerabilities, as well as best practices for securing web applications. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about web application security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of software development best practices, covering topics such as design, testing, and debugging. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about software development best practices.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of software design and coding best practices, covering topics such as naming conventions, refactoring, and testing. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about software design and coding best practices.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of design patterns, covering topics such as creational, structural, and behavioral patterns. It valuable resource for those who want to learn more about design patterns.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/13wsnx/web
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of New Mexico
Instructors
Greg Heileman
Manel Martínez-Ramón
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
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українська мова
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فارسی
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tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Examines fundamental concepts for full stack web applications, making it a good foundational course
Provides a thorough understanding of modern web application frameworks and the model-view-controller design pattern
Covers data modeling, storage, and manipulation techniques, fostering data management skills
Introduces middleware services and their role in web application development
Discusses user interface design, including CSS, JavaScript, Ajax, and layout
Requires Git knowledge, which may not be suitable for complete beginners
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