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Performance Optimization and Scalability

Microsoft

This course focuses on performance optimization and scalability in application development. You'll learn key techniques like caching, query optimization, and load balancing while using Microsoft Copilot to improve application code and database query performance.

By the end of the course, you will be able to…

Define the concepts and importance of caching, query optimization, and principles of scalability in application performance

Explain how to implement in-memory and distributed caching, indexing strategies, and architectural patterns for scalability

Read more

This course focuses on performance optimization and scalability in application development. You'll learn key techniques like caching, query optimization, and load balancing while using Microsoft Copilot to improve application code and database query performance.

By the end of the course, you will be able to…

Define the concepts and importance of caching, query optimization, and principles of scalability in application performance

Explain how to implement in-memory and distributed caching, indexing strategies, and architectural patterns for scalability

Describe techniques for analyzing query performance, load balancing, traffic management, and best practices for caching, query optimization, and scalable applications

Optimize performance using Microsoft Copilot, focusing on application code and database queries

Enroll now

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores caching, query optimization, and load balancing, which are essential for building efficient and responsive applications
Uses Microsoft Copilot to improve application code and database query performance, which is a practical skill for modern development workflows
Covers in-memory and distributed caching, indexing strategies, and architectural patterns, which are important for designing scalable systems
Presented by Microsoft, which is known for its software and cloud-based products used by developers worldwide

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Reviews summary

Course on performance optimization and scalability

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in key techniques for performance optimization and scalability. Students found the coverage of concepts like caching, query optimization, and load balancing to be particularly relevant for their professional work. The integration of Microsoft Copilot for code tuning was highlighted as a modern and useful addition. While many appreciated the practical focus, some learners noted that the course assumes a certain level of prior technical knowledge and might benefit from more depth or recent updates in certain areas. Overall, the course is seen as a valuable resource for developers looking to improve application efficiency.
Demonstrates using AI tools for optimization tasks.
"Seeing how to use Microsoft Copilot to suggest query optimizations was a surprising and helpful addition."
"The demos showing Copilot refactoring code for better performance were quite insightful."
"It's useful to understand how AI tools like Copilot can assist in finding performance bottlenecks."
Explains fundamental principles of performance and scalability.
"The explanations of caching strategies, both in-memory and distributed, were clear and easy to follow."
"Really solidified my understanding of indexing and why query optimization is so critical."
"The module on scalability patterns provided a great overview of how to build systems that can grow."
Techniques taught are directly applicable to real-world development.
"The concepts on caching and query tuning are directly applicable to my daily work improving application performance."
"I've started applying the load balancing principles discussed here to our system architecture planning. Very practical."
"Learned some really useful tips for optimizing database interactions and reducing latency."
Could benefit from more advanced topics or recent updates.
"While good as an introduction, I felt it could go deeper into more complex optimization scenarios."
"Some topics felt slightly dated given how quickly cloud technologies evolve."
"Would appreciate seeing more advanced query tuning examples beyond the basics."
Requires prior coding or database knowledge.
"This course definitely assumes you have a solid background in programming and databases. Beginners might struggle."
"The pace felt quite fast if you weren't already familiar with the underlying technologies."
"Wish they had mentioned the required skill level upfront. It was challenging at times without deep prior knowledge."

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 Performance Optimization and Scalability with these activities:
Review Database Indexing Fundamentals
Solidify your understanding of database indexing to better grasp query optimization techniques covered in the course.
Browse courses on Database Indexing
Show steps
  • Read articles on indexing types.
  • Watch videos explaining B-tree indexes.
  • Practice creating indexes on sample databases.
Read 'High Performance MySQL'
Gain a deeper understanding of database performance optimization techniques beyond the scope of the course.
View High Performance MySQL: Optimization, Backups,... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on query optimization.
  • Experiment with different indexing strategies.
  • Analyze query execution plans.
Optimize Slow Queries on a Sample Database
Sharpen your query optimization skills by identifying and improving slow-performing queries.
Show steps
  • Identify slow queries using profiling tools.
  • Analyze query execution plans.
  • Apply indexing and rewrite queries.
  • Measure performance improvements.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Advanced Caching Strategies
Deepen your understanding of caching by exploring advanced techniques like cache stampede prevention and content delivery networks (CDNs).
Show steps
  • Research cache stampede prevention techniques.
  • Learn about content delivery networks (CDNs).
  • Implement advanced caching strategies in a project.
Performance Optimization Report
Document your performance optimization efforts and share your findings with others.
Show steps
  • Select an application or database to analyze.
  • Identify performance bottlenecks.
  • Implement optimization techniques.
  • Document the results and lessons learned.
Implement a Caching Layer for a Web Application
Apply caching techniques learned in the course to improve the performance of a real-world web application.
Show steps
  • Choose a caching technology (e.g., Redis, Memcached).
  • Integrate the caching layer into the application.
  • Implement cache invalidation strategies.
  • Measure performance improvements.
Read 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications'
Expand your knowledge of distributed systems and scalability principles to design more performant applications.
View Secret Colors on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on distributed systems.
  • Study different consistency models.
  • Consider trade-offs in system design.

Career center

Learners who complete Performance Optimization and Scalability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Engineer
A software engineer works to develop, test, and deploy software systems. This course directly aligns with a software engineer role because it focuses on performance optimization and scalability, critical aspects of robust software development. The skills this course provides in caching, query optimization, and load balancing are essential for any developer looking to build high-performing applications. The opportunity to use Microsoft Copilot to optimize application code and database queries will be highly useful in the actual work that a software engineer performs. The course is valuable for any software engineer looking to build high performing applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Performance Engineer
A performance engineer focuses specifically on identifying and resolving performance issues in software. This course is exceptionally relevant to a performance engineer given its focus on performance optimization and scalability. Learning about caching, query optimization, and load balancing provides the core knowledge necessary to succeed in this role. The hands-on experience with Microsoft Copilot to improve code and database query performance will greatly benefit a performance engineer's daily responsibilities. Any performance engineer who wishes to improve their skills should take this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Performance Engineer
Database Administrator
A database administrator is responsible for the performance, integrity and security of databases. This course will help a database administrator with the tasks of query optimization, indexing strategies, and understanding load balancing. The material includes critical insights into in-memory and distributed caching, which are common tools that a database administrator uses. The use of Microsoft Copilot for database query optimization will also be helpful in the everyday tasks of a database administrator. This course is ideal for any aspiring database administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Backend Developer
A backend developer works on the server-side logic of applications. This course is highly relevant for a backend developer because it teaches concepts that are essential to backend development. Skills such as caching, query optimization, and load balancing are critical for building efficient and responsive server-side applications. The course's focus on using Microsoft Copilot to optimize code and database queries is a useful skill for a backend developer. A backend developer can use this course to improve the performance and efficiency of their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Backend Developer
Application Developer
An application developer creates and maintains software applications. This course, with its emphasis on performance optimization and scalability, is valuable for professionals working as an application developer. The techniques covered, such as caching, query optimization, and load balancing, are essential for developing high-performing applications. The chance to improve application code and database queries using Microsoft Copilot is also highly relevant to the work of an application developer. This course is a valuable learning opportunity for anyone working as an application developer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer
Cloud Solutions Architect
A cloud solutions architect designs and implements cloud computing systems. A professional working as a cloud solutions architect needs a deep understanding of scalability and performance optimization. The material in this course on caching, query optimization, and load balancing directly relates to designing scalable and efficient cloud solutions. The course's emphasis on architectural patterns for scalability will help improve a cloud solution architect's ability to conceptualize and implement resilient cloud infrastructure. The practical experience of optimizing performance with Microsoft Copilot is also very useful for a cloud solutions architect.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Solutions Architect
Systems Architect
A systems architect is responsible for designing the structure of computer systems. The concepts of scalability and performance optimization are fundamental to this role, and this course provides a solid foundation in these areas. The course's focus on caching, query optimization, and load balancing is essential knowledge for any systems architect. The discussion of architectural patterns will assist a systems architect in designing robust systems. Additionally, learning to use Microsoft Copilot for performance improvements will benefit a systems architect in identifying and fixing performance bottlenecks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Architect
Software Architect
A software architect is responsible for creating the high-level design of a software system. This course is relevant for a software architect, as understanding the principles of scalability is critical for design decisions. The concepts taught in the course, such as caching, query optimization, and load balancing, contribute to the creation of efficient systems. The emphasis on architectural patterns for scalability is very useful to a software architect. The ability to improve code and database queries with Microsoft Copilot is also helpful in a software architect role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect
Site Reliability Engineer
A site reliability engineer ensures the reliability and performance of software systems. This course may be useful for a site reliability engineer because of its concentration on scalability and performance optimization. The concepts taught, including caching strategies, query optimization, and load balancing, are crucial for maintaining high availability and reliability. The course also discusses techniques for analyzing query performance, which will be of value to a site reliability engineer. Optimization using Microsoft Copilot may also aid a site reliability engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Site Reliability Engineer
Solutions Engineer
A solutions engineer provides technical expertise and support to clients. This course may be useful for a solutions engineer, allowing them to understand the performance and scalability aspects of software systems. The study of caching, query optimization, and load balancing can help them propose optimal solutions to clients. Improving application code and database queries using Microsoft Copilot is also helpful. A solutions engineer can use this course to better advise clients on technical issues.
See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Engineer
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between software development and IT operations. This course may be useful for a DevOps engineer, as understanding performance optimization is key to ensuring applications run smoothly in production. Concepts such as load balancing and traffic management are especially important. The ability to improve application code and database performance using Microsoft Copilot may also benefit a DevOps engineer. A DevOps engineer can use this course to enhance their understanding of performance considerations.
See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer
Data Engineer
A data engineer designs, builds, and maintains data infrastructure. This course may be useful for a data engineer, as performance optimization and scalability are important when dealing with large datasets. The material on caching, query optimization, and indexing strategies can help a data engineer improve data access performance. The course's techniques may also help a data engineer to ensure that data pipelines are efficient. Using Microsoft Copilot will be pertinent to any data engineer who wishes to optimize database query performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Technical Lead
A technical lead guides a team of developers and ensures projects are successful. This course may be useful for a technical lead, as they often need to understand performance optimization and scalability to guide their team. The content on caching, query optimization, and load balancing will improve their ability to make informed technical decisions. The course's focus on improving performance using Microsoft Copilot is beneficial. A technical lead can use this course to enhance their ability to manage a high performing team.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Lead
Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer ensures software meets quality standards. This course may be useful for a quality assurance engineer, who needs to test software performance and scalability. The knowledge of optimization techniques, caching, and query optimization can aid in the creation of performance related test plans. The techniques of this course may especially help a quality assurance engineer who wishes to automate performance testing. A quality assurance engineer may benefit from this course if they are directly involved in performance testing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer
Frontend Developer
A frontend developer builds the user interface of applications. This course may be useful for a frontend developer, especially in understanding how backend performance affects the user's experience. While not directly involved in backend coding, the concepts of caching, query optimization, and load balancing can be useful for improving application performance. The use of Microsoft Copilot to optimize code will help a frontend developer write more efficient code. A frontend developer may find this course useful to understand the end to end development process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Frontend Developer

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Performance Optimization and Scalability.
Cover image
High Performance MySQL
Save
Provides an in-depth look at MySQL performance optimization. It covers indexing, query optimization, schema design, and server settings. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying principles of database performance and applying them to real-world scenarios. This book is commonly used by database administrators and developers.
High Performance MySQL: Optimization, Backups, and...
Paperback
$$
High Performance MySQL: Optimization, Backups,...
Paperback
$$
(中文) High Performance MySQL ( 3rd Edition ) (MySQL...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Secret Colors
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and solutions involved in building scalable and reliable data-intensive applications. It covers topics such as data models, storage engines, distributed systems, and consistency models. While not directly focused on performance optimization, it provides valuable context for understanding the trade-offs involved in building scalable systems. This book is often used as a reference by software architects and engineers.
Secret Colors
Paperback
Check
Secret Colors
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
4 weeks of study, 10 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Microsoft
Instructor
Microsoft
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores caching, query optimization, and load balancing, which are essential for building efficient and responsive applications
Uses Microsoft Copilot to improve application code and database query performance, which is a practical skill for modern development workflows
Covers in-memory and distributed caching, indexing strategies, and architectural patterns, which are important for designing scalable systems
Presented by Microsoft, which is known for its software and cloud-based products used by developers worldwide
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