Cloud Computing Foundations from Coursera

Welcome to the first course in the Building Cloud Computing Solutions at Scale Specialization! In this course, you will learn how to build foundational Cloud computing infrastructure, including websites involving serverless technology and virtual machines. You will also learn how to apply Agile software development techniques to projects which will be useful in building portfolio projects and global-scale Cloud infrastructures.

This course is ideal for beginners as well as intermediate students interested in applying Cloud computing to data science, machine learning and data engineering. Students should have beginner level Linux and intermediate level Python skills. For your project in this course, you will build a statically hosted website using the Hugo framework, AWS Code Pipelines, AWS S3 and GitHub.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started with Cloud Computing Foundations

This week, you will learn how to access the free tiers of three Cloud environments. You will then have an opportunity to review the details of the final project in this course: Building a Hugo Static Website that is Continuously Deployed using AWS Code Build and AWS S3 Static Hosting. Each week, you will learn and build upon key Cloud development skills to prepare you for this final course project.

Developing Effective Technical Communication

Getting started with a good plan is the most challenging part of building software. Before we dive into the technical aspects of Cloud development, let's spend some time discussing strategies for effective technical communication. This week, you will learn strategies for expressing thoughts effectively in a technical forum in a digitally native way, constructing effective technical discussions that enhance discussions and provide reusable documentation and explaining successful techniques for teamwork in technical projects. You will apply this by creating a project plan for the Final Course Project. This project plan includes a spreadsheet, a GitHub project and a Trello board.

Exploring Cloud Onboarding

This week, you will learn how to build continuous delivery pipelines and apply the essential practices of continuous integration in Cloud onboarding. These pipelines use both Cloud-native build servers as well as the popular 3rd party SaaS build server: GitHub Actions. Additionally you build Continuous Delivery Pipelines in multiple Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, and GCP).

Evaluating the Cloud Service Model

This week, you will learn about the different types of Cloud service models. These models include: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Serverless. You will apply this knowledge by building multiple types of websites: Static, serverless, virtualized and PaaS.

Applying DevOps Principles

This week, you will learn DevOps and how to apply the principles of DevOps to projects you work on. Then, you will examine the shared practices of software development and IT operations using DevOps. Finally, you will utilize Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to manage Cloud Infrastructure and develop continuous delivery pipelines.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches industry-leading Cloud computing practices and tools

Has an ideal difficulty level for both beginners and intermedate learners

Taught by leading experts in Cloud development, Noah Gift

Follows an Agile software development workflow

Builds a foundation in Cloud computing fundamentals

Covers the entire process of developing, deploying, and managing Cloud applications

Reviews summary

Well-received cloud computing foundations

Learners say that this Cloud Computing Foundations course offers an engaging way to learn about cloud computing in general. Many learners found the content insightful and useful. Several learners reported that the instructors are friendly and knowledgeable and the examples are helpful. Key concepts are taught in an easy-to-understand way, but the course can also be challenging at times. Overall, the course is well received for beginners seeking to explore cloud computing concepts.

Examples are practical and useful

"The examples are helpful."

"Amazing course and the whole specialization. Noah is a great teacher, it was easy to keep concentration."

"Very detailed description of necessary topics in cloud."

Content is engaging and accessible

"Learners say this course offers an engaging way to learn about cloud computing in general."

"Key concepts are taught in an easy-to-understand way."

"Great for building a foundation..."

Learners report positive experiences

"Amazing course ! Learnt techniques for building websites using serverless technology on cloud platforms , best practices on CI/CD and many more."

"It's the solid base for cloud practitioner beginners"

"Excellent course with excellent material for learning. Helps me in my DevOps and Cloud Career path."

Some videos skip critical steps

"Overall this course has been extremely beneficial to me. It's helped to bring clarity to the modern software development process."

"There were some portions of the videos that skipped critical steps and it would be helpful if you'd go back and add a few points."

Some content and examples are outdated

"A lot of the examples do not work because the setup is outdated."

"This course is as good as its leader. On a meme scale, I would say Noah is chaotic good."

"Coming across content that has not been updated based on changes in the AWS environment even when others are indicating the gap and it is several months later."

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 Cloud Computing Foundations with these activities:

Review Cloud Computing Foundations

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Familiarize yourself with the core concepts of cloud computing, such as infrastructure, platforms, and services.

View Cisco A Beginner's Guide, Fifth Edition on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1 of the book.
Create a diagram outlining the different layers of a cloud computing architecture.
Summarize the main benefits and challenges of cloud computing.

Practice Python Scripting

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Sharpen your Python skills and prepare for more advanced cloud development tasks.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Solve Python coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode.
Write a Python script to automate a simple task, such as file manipulation or data analysis.

Explore AWS Cloud Services

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Get familiar with the wide range of cloud services offered by AWS, such as EC2, S3, and Lambda.

Browse courses on AWS Services

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Watch video tutorials on key AWS services.
Complete hands-on labs provided by AWS.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Build a Static Hugo Website

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Gain hands-on experience building a real-world website using the Hugo framework, AWS S3, and GitHub.

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Install Hugo and set up a new project.
Create a simple website layout and content.
Deploy the website to AWS S3 using GitHub Actions.

Join a Study Group

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Connect with other students, discuss course materials, and solve problems together in a collaborative setting.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Find a study group on platforms like Discord or Slack.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course topics.

Build a Cloud-Based Data Processing Pipeline

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Apply your cloud computing knowledge to a practical project by building a data processing pipeline that can handle large datasets.

Browse courses on Data Processing Pipelines

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Design the architecture of the pipeline, including data sources, transformation steps, and output.
Implement the pipeline using cloud services such as AWS Glue or Azure Data Factory.
Test and evaluate the performance of the pipeline.

Career center

Learners who complete Cloud Computing Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud-based applications and infrastructure. This course may be useful for aspiring Cloud Engineers as it provides a solid foundation in cloud computing concepts and technologies. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, DevOps principles, and continuous delivery pipelines, which are all essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Cloud Security Analyst

Cloud Security Analysts protect cloud-based systems and data from threats and vulnerabilities. This course may be helpful for Cloud Security Analysts who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their security analysis projects. The course covers topics such as cloud security architecture, cloud security monitoring, and cloud security incident response, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. This course may be helpful for Web Developers who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their web development projects. The course covers topics such as cloud-based development tools, cloud APIs, and cloud security, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers combine software development and IT operations to improve the efficiency and quality of software delivery. This course may be helpful for those interested in becoming DevOps Engineers as it covers essential DevOps principles and practices such as continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, build, and test software applications. This course may be helpful for Software Developers who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their software development projects. The course covers topics such as cloud-based development tools, cloud APIs, and cloud security, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects implement, automate, and manage cloud computing resources. This course may be useful for those looking to get into Cloud Architecture as it provides a foundation in cloud computing infrastructure, including websites involving serverless technology and virtual machines. The course also covers Agile software development techniques, which are essential for building cloud-based applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and manage IT systems and infrastructure. This course may be helpful for aspiring IT Managers as it provides a foundation in cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important for IT professionals. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, cloud security, and cloud cost management, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, implement, and manage complex systems, including hardware, software, and networks. This course may be helpful for Systems Engineers who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their systems designs. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, cloud security, and cloud cost management, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems. This course may be helpful for Software Architects who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their software designs. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, cloud security, and cloud cost management, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. This course may be helpful for Business Analysts who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their business analysis projects. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, cloud security, and cloud cost management, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their data analysis projects. The course covers topics such as cloud-based data storage, processing, and visualization, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may be helpful for Technical Writers who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their documentation. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, cloud security, and cloud cost management, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models for various applications. This course may be helpful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to use cloud computing for their projects. The course covers topics such as cloud-based machine learning platforms, data storage, and model deployment, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers plan and manage the development and launch of new products. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who want to learn about cloud computing and how to use it in their product development process. The course covers topics such as cloud service models, cloud security, and cloud cost management, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems and improve decision-making. This course may be useful for Data Scientists looking to leverage cloud computing for data science applications. The course covers topics such as cloud-based data storage, processing, and machine learning, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist