Comprehensive Guide to Server-Side Logic and Development from Coursera

Course Description:

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of server-side development, focusing on the creation of robust back-end logic, efficient database management, and seamless API integration. It covers key server-side technologies, including Node.js and Express.js, providing learners with practical knowledge to set up development environments and build scalable server applications. The course also delves into database fundamentals, comparing SQL and NoSQL databases, and demonstrates how to use MongoDB with Node.js for advanced data handling. Additionally, it explores RESTful API design, authentication, and authorization methods, equipping participants with the skills to build secure and efficient server-side applications. Through hands-on video lessons and practical examples, learners will gain the expertise needed to develop, manage, and secure server-side logic in modern web applications.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand and apply core server-side technologies and programming languages.

2. Set up and manage databases, perform CRUD operations, and handle advanced database concepts.

3. Design, build, and implement RESTful APIs using modern web development frameworks.

4. Apply authentication and authorization techniques to secure web applications.

5. Integrate and consume APIs effectively in front-end and back-end applications.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for aspiring full-stack developers, back-end developers, software engineers, and anyone interested in building robust server-side applications. It is suitable for beginners who want to learn server-side programming and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of back-end development and API integration.

Prerequisites:

Basics of html, css, javascript and familiarity with front end frameworks.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Server-Side Development

This module introduces the core concepts and technologies essential for server-side development. Learners will explore client-server architecture, the basics of Node.js, and the Express.js framework. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics in server-side logic and application development.

Working with Databases

In this module, learners will delve into database management, exploring both SQL and NoSQL databases. Participants will learn how to set up database servers, perform basic CRUD operations, and use MongoDB with Node.js. Advanced topics include database indexing, optimization, and handling relationships and transactions in MongoDB.

Building and Consuming APIs

This module focuses on the principles and practices of designing and consuming RESTful APIs. Learners will understand the principles of REST, develop endpoints using Express.js, and implement authentication and authorization mechanisms. Additionally, the module covers techniques for fetching data from APIs and integrating them into front-end applications.

Good to know

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Covers Node.js and Express.js, which are widely used technologies for building scalable and efficient server-side applications, making it highly relevant for modern web development

Explores both SQL and NoSQL databases, providing a comprehensive understanding of data management strategies and enabling learners to choose the right database for their specific needs

Teaches RESTful API design, authentication, and authorization methods, equipping learners with essential skills for building secure and efficient server-side applications

Requires familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as front-end frameworks, which may necessitate additional learning for individuals without prior web development experience

Includes hands-on video lessons and practical examples, which facilitates active learning and helps learners apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios

Focuses on setting up development environments, which is a practical skill that enables learners to start building server-side applications from scratch

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 Comprehensive Guide to Server-Side Logic and Development with these activities:

Review JavaScript Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of JavaScript fundamentals to ensure a smooth transition into server-side JavaScript with Node.js.

Browse courses on JavaScript Fundamentals

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Review data types, variables, and operators.
Practice control flow statements (if/else, loops).
Revisit functions, objects, and arrays.

Review 'Node.js Design Patterns'

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Explore common design patterns in Node.js to write more maintainable and scalable server-side applications.

View Node.js Design Patterns - Third edition: Design... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on asynchronous control flow.
Study the sections on creational and structural patterns.
Implement one of the patterns in a sample project.

Build a Simple REST API

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Practice building a REST API to solidify your understanding of server-side logic and API design principles.

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Set up a Node.js and Express.js project.
Define API endpoints for basic CRUD operations.
Implement data persistence using MongoDB.
Test the API endpoints using Postman or similar tool.

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Practice CRUD Operations with MongoDB

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Reinforce your understanding of database interactions by practicing CRUD operations with MongoDB.

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Create sample data in a MongoDB collection.
Perform create, read, update, and delete operations.
Experiment with different query operators.

Document Your API Project

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Create documentation for your API project to reinforce your understanding of API design and communication.

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Describe each API endpoint with its purpose and parameters.
Explain the authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Provide examples of request and response formats.

Review 'RESTful Web APIs'

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Deepen your understanding of RESTful API design principles and best practices.

View RESTful Web APIs: Services for a Changing World on Amazon

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Read the chapters on hypermedia and API versioning.
Study the sections on security and authentication.
Apply the principles to your API project.

Contribute to an Open Source Node.js Project

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Contribute to an open-source Node.js project to gain real-world experience and collaborate with other developers.

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Find a Node.js project on GitHub.
Identify an issue to work on.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Comprehensive Guide to Server-Side Logic and Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Back-End Developer

A Back End Developer builds and maintains the server-side of web applications, focusing on databases, server logic, and APIs. This course helps hone your skills in server-side technologies, database management for both SQL and NoSQL, particularly with MongoDB, and building RESTful APIs. The course also teaches authentication and authorization techniques, which are essential for creating secure applications. With practical knowledge in setting up environments and building scalable applications using Node.js and Express.js, you will be prepared for the responsibilities of a Back End Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Back-End Developer

API Developer

An API Developer designs, builds, and maintains Application Programming Interfaces that enable different software systems to communicate with each other. This course will help you understand RESTful API design principles, develop endpoints using Express.js, and implement authentication and authorization mechanisms. Additionally, the course covers techniques for fetching data from APIs, which is crucial for an API Developer. By learning to build and consume APIs effectively, you will be prepared to step into the role of an API Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for API Developer

Full-Stack Developer

A Full Stack Developer works on both the front end and back end of web applications. This course helps build a strong foundation in server-side logic, database management, and API integration, which are vital skills for a Full Stack Developer. You will gain expertise in working with Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, and designing RESTful APIs, and also learn authentication and authorization methods. You will gain the necessary skills to develop, manage, and secure server-side logic, making you a more versatile full stack developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Web Application Developer

A Web Application Developer creates and maintains interactive web applications. This course will prepare you to work with server-side technologies such as Node.js and Express.js, and you will learn how to manage databases, including both SQL and NoSQL databases with a focus on MongoDB, which are essential skills. The course also guides you through building and consuming RESTful APIs, as well as implementing authentication and authorization. This knowledge will provide the skills needed to be a successful Web Application Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Application Developer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course may be useful as it helps you build a foundation in server-side development, which is an essential part of full-stack development. The course will equip you with the practical knowledge to build scalable applications using Node.js and Express.js. You will also learn about database management, API design, and security best practices. This course may be particularly valuable for Software Engineers who are looking to understand the back end components of an application.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. This course helps build a foundation in database management, exploring both SQL and NoSQL databases, particularly MongoDB. You will learn how to set up servers, perform basic CRUD operations, and use MongoDB with Node.js, this course will also cover advanced database topics like indexing and optimization. This course may be valuable for aspiring Database Administrators who want to learn the specifics of database management alongside server side technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect designs and oversees the implementation of solutions to business problems using information technology. This course helps you understand the important aspects of server-side development, database management, and API integrations, which are very helpful for Solutions Architects to create efficient solutions. The course focuses on building robust and scalable applications using technologies like Node.js and Express.js. Knowledge of security by using authentication and authorization methods may help a Solutions Architect make more informed decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer focuses on automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle. This course will help you learn server-side technologies, including Node.js and Express.js, and how to handle database management. You will also learn how to build and consume RESTful APIs. As a DevOps Engineer, understanding the underlying server-side logic and how databases and APIs work may be useful when deploying and maintaining applications. This course may be useful for a DevOps Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Application Security Engineer

An Application Security Engineer focuses on the security of software applications. This course will help provide a foundation in building secure server-side applications. It covers authentication and authorization, while also teaching practical skills in creating scalable applications using Node.js and Express.js. By understanding how back-end systems are built, an application security engineer may strengthen their ability to identify and resolve security vulnerabilities. This course is may be helpful for Application Security Engineers.

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Technical Lead

A Technical Lead manages a team, provides technical guidance, and oversees the development process. This course may be useful as it provides deep knowledge of server-side technologies, database management, and API integration, all of which are typical responsibilities for a Technical Lead. You will learn about Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB, and understand RESTful API design and security practices. This may help a Technical Lead make informed decisions regarding these aspects of their projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Lead

Mobile Application Developer

A Mobile Application Developer creates applications for mobile devices. This course may help you learn to build the server-side components needed for mobile applications. Understanding how to use Node.js and Express.js to build robust restful APIs will serve you well. You will also gain knowledge of database management using both SQL and NoSQL databases, with a focus on MongoDB, and implementing authentication and authorization for secure data access. This may be useful for mobile developers who want to work on the back end of their applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Application Developer

System Architect

A System Architect designs the structure, interactions, and technologies of software systems. This course may help you understand the server-side and back-end components of software systems. It will help you gain a deep understanding of server-side technologies like Node.js and Express.js, databases, and RESTful API design. This course also covers security aspects through authentication and authorization methods. This may help provide System Architects with a deeper knowledge of how back-end components function and interact.

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Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer oversees the planning, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing infrastructures. This course helps you learn how to implement server-side logic using Node.js and Express.js, while also teaching you how to work with databases and design and use RESTful APIs. For a Cloud Engineer, understanding these server-side components will help them deploy and manage applications effectively. This course may be useful for anyone interested in the cloud engineering field.

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Data Engineer

A Data Engineer builds and maintains data infrastructure, which includes databases and data pipelines. This course helps you build a foundation in setting up and managing databases, particularly with MongoDB. You will learn how to perform CRUD operations and understand advanced concepts like indexing and optimization. You will also learn about API design and implementation. This course may be useful for a Data Engineer who also wants to work with the application database.

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Technical Consultant

A Technical Consultant advises clients on how to use technology to meet their business goals. This course may be useful in helping a Technical Consultant gain a deeper understanding of server-side technologies and how to build robust applications using Node.js and Express.js. This may provide a better foundation when consulting with clients on the technology they use. You will also learn about database management, API design, and security, which can help a Technical Consultant make informed recommendations.

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Comprehensive Guide to Server-Side Logic and Development

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