Intermediate Web and Front-End Development from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

After creating a website, web developers should use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to help their website rank higher in search results, making it more visible to people online. SEO tools provide business owners with information about the overall health and success of their websites. They can optimize their website with an SEO strategy that combines layered on-page, off-page, and technical SEO tactics. You can improve a website's ranking and visibility by optimizing various front-end and back-end components such as page speed, keyword density, and external backlinks; this is known as page optimization for SEO, also known as on-page SEO. You can also use an SEO campaign as a well-planned effort to improve the ranking of a website in search results. This includes optimizing pages for specific keywords, creating high-quality content, constructing backlinks, and promoting the site on social media.

Introduction to Automated Build Tools (Webpack)

Automated build tools and bundlers are a complete game changer in web development. For example, Webpack 5 is a module bundler that assists in handling the bundling of assets, modules, and dependencies into a single bundle while allowing developers to concentrate on the development. The automation process helps to standardize builds, speed them up, and minimize mistakes done manually. Instead of being dependent on online solutions, you can use Webpack 5 to build custom solutions or boilerplates. It allows you to create codes in modules. The initial configuration starts from a single module. It then processes all its dependencies, which can be either direct or indirect. The Webpack configuration further helps to determine whether code should be compressed for quicker execution or packed with source maps for better error tracking. In the production mode, Webpack tries its best to optimize the build by automatically minifying the code. The best production practices can be implemented to improve a website’s performance. Furthermore, you can use different Webpack tools to reduce the bundle size and use it with frontend frameworks for building and deploying web applications. Finally, by implementing the best practices for optimizing Webpack, you can ensure that your applications are optimized and function efficiently.

Cross-Browser JavaScript Optimization and Testing Frameworks

In today's fast-paced world, keeping load and response times to a minimum is critical because the longer it takes a website to respond, the more users will leave. This course teaches how web optimization measures and perceives the user experience of load time and runtime. You can identify tools, APIs, and best practices for measuring and improving web performance. You will discover how JavaScript can create highly interactive websites that engage users. On the other hand, increased engagement comes at a performance cost that can negatively impact website usability. To resolve this, you will learn how to use a testing framework for automated testing to increase testing speed and efficiency, improve test accuracy, and reduce test maintenance costs and risks. Mocha and Jasmine are two open-source testing frameworks you will learn about in this module. You will also learn how front-end testing involves creating a website's graphical user interface (GUI) so that users can view and interact with the website or web app.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Debugging is an essential part of the software development process. Bugs in software applications are typically caused by an unintentional or unexpected event and must be removed. As software may contain bugs even after meticulous planning and defensive programming, in this course, you will learn the various strategies that can be used to localize the error. You will discover how browsers now include a variety of add-ons or extensions that can be used for debugging and other web development tasks. You will learn how to use a debugging tool to debug a program without recompiling or changing its source code. You'll also know how Google Chrome DevTools allows developers to edit code directly in the browser, set breakpoints to detect problems, and debug code quickly. Finally, you will understand how website monitoring evaluates a website's functionality, performance, or availability and how monitoring tools perform routine tests and send notifications when a website is unavailable, making it easier to identify and resolve problems.

Final Project

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores SEO techniques, which are standard in the digital marketing industry

Examines web optimization practices, which are highly relevant to website usability

Teaches how to use JavaScript testing frameworks like Mocha and Jasmine, which help improve testing speed and efficiency

Emphasizes the importance of debugging as part of the software development process

Taught by industry experts from IBM Skills Network Team, who are recognized for their work in the field

Involves hands-on projects, which allows learners to apply concepts

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 Intermediate Web and Front-End Development with these activities:

JavaScript Fundamentals Review

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Reviewing JavaScript fundamentals helps prepare for advanced topics by revisiting core concepts, solidifying understanding, and identifying areas for further development.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Review your notes or textbooks on JavaScript fundamentals
Complete practice exercises or coding challenges
Identify areas where you need further clarification

Course Materials Review

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Reviewing course materials helps reinforce course content, prepare for upcoming lectures and assignments, and identify areas where further clarification may be needed.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Review the materials and make notes of any important concepts or ideas
Identify any areas where you need further clarification

Review SEO Fundamentals

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Grasping the fundamental strategies and techniques of Search Engine Optimization will help you set a strong foundation for learning about the tools provided for it.

View The Art of SEO on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 of the book
Take notes on the main concepts and strategies
Identify areas where you need further clarification

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Frontend Optimization Resources

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By compiling a collection of resources on frontend optimization, you can build upon the conceptual knowledge of how web optimization assesses and perceives the user experience of load time and runtime.

Browse courses on Runtime

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Gather resources on frontend optimization techniques
Organize the resources into a coherent collection
Include a brief description or summary for each resource
Share the collection with other students or interested individuals

Webpack Tutorial

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Working through tutorials on Webpack will give you hands-on experience using it to bundle assets, modules, and dependencies into a single bundle, allowing you to focus on development.

Browse courses on Webpack

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Find a reputable tutorial on Webpack
Follow the tutorial step-by-step
Experiment with different features and options
Build a small project using Webpack

Testing Frameworks in Practice

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Completing practice drills on testing frameworks will improve your ability to automate testing, increase testing speed and efficiency, improve test accuracy, and reduce test maintenance costs and risks.

Browse courses on Testing Frameworks

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Find a set of practice drills or exercises on Mocha and Jasmine
Complete the drills or exercises
Debug and fix any errors encountered
Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement

Debugging Project

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By creating a debugging project, you will gain practical experience in debugging a program without recompiling or changing its source code, and utilizing Google Chrome DevTools to do so.

Browse courses on Debugging

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Choose a project that you want to debug
Set up a debugging environment using Google Chrome DevTools
Step through the code line-by-line
Identify and fix any errors or issues
Test the project to ensure that it is working correctly

Career center

Learners who complete Intermediate Web and Front-End Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Front-End Engineer

Front-End Engineers are responsible for designing and developing the user interface of a website or application. With this course, you can build a strong foundation in web optimization, testing frameworks, and debugging, which are essential skills for this role. This course covers Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques that can help improve the visibility of your website, making it more accessible to potential customers. Furthermore, you will get hands-on experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools to identify and resolve issues in your code. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Front-End Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design and development of websites and web applications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role. You will learn about SEO techniques to improve your website's ranking in search results. Additionally, you will gain experience with automated build tools like Webpack, which can help you streamline your development process. This course will help you build a strong foundation in web development and prepare you for a successful career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course provides a solid foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the user experience of your software applications. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Designer

Web Designers are responsible for the visual appearance and user experience of websites. This course provides an introduction to SEO techniques that can help you create websites that are more visible to potential customers. Additionally, you will learn about web optimization and testing frameworks, which can help you ensure that your websites are fast and responsive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of websites and applications. This course provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the user experience of your designs. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and ensuring the quality of software applications. This course provides a solid foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about testing frameworks like Mocha and Jasmine, which can help you automate your testing process. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating and maintaining documentation for software applications. This course provides a strong foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you create documentation that is more visible to potential readers. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the planning, development, and marketing of software products. This course provides a solid foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the visibility of your products in search results. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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SEO Specialist

SEO Specialists are responsible for improving the visibility of websites in search results. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SEO techniques and strategies. You will learn how to optimize your website for search engines, create high-quality content, and build backlinks. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

See salaries and explore the career path for SEO Specialist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you collect data from websites and web applications. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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Technical Support Engineer

Technical Support Engineers are responsible for providing technical support to customers. This course provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you find solutions to customer problems. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the visibility of your business website. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the visibility of your project deliverables. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers are responsible for selling technical products and services. This course provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies that are essential for this role. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the visibility of your products and services. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in web development concepts and technologies. You will learn about SEO techniques that can help you improve the visibility of your marketing campaigns. Additionally, you will gain experience with debugging tools like Google Chrome DevTools, which can help you identify and resolve issues in your code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager