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Indranil Gupta
Cloud computing systems today, whether open-source or used inside companies, are built using a common set of core techniques, algorithms, and design philosophies – all centered around distributed systems. Learn about such fundamental distributed computing "concepts" for cloud computing.
Some of these concepts include: clouds, MapReduce, key-value/NoSQL stores, classical distributed algorithms, widely-used distributed algorithms, scalability, trending areas, and much, much more!
Read more
Cloud computing systems today, whether open-source or used inside companies, are built using a common set of core techniques, algorithms, and design philosophies – all centered around distributed systems. Learn about such fundamental distributed computing "concepts" for cloud computing.
Some of these concepts include: clouds, MapReduce, key-value/NoSQL stores, classical distributed algorithms, widely-used distributed algorithms, scalability, trending areas, and much, much more!
Read more
Cloud computing systems today, whether open-source or used inside companies, are built using a common set of core techniques, algorithms, and design philosophies – all centered around distributed systems. Learn about such fundamental distributed computing "concepts" for cloud computing.
Some of these concepts include: clouds, MapReduce, key-value/NoSQL stores, classical distributed algorithms, widely-used distributed algorithms, scalability, trending areas, and much, much more!
Know how these systems work from the inside out. Get your hands dirty using these concepts with provided homework exercises. In the programming assignments, implement some of these concepts in template code (programs) provided in the C++ programming language. Prior experience with C++ is required.
The course also features interviews with leading researchers and managers, from both industry and academia.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cmrdwt/cloud
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: Orientation, Introduction to Clouds, MapReduce
This course is oriented towards learners with similar backgrounds as juniors and seniors in a CS undergraduate curriculum. Since learners come from various backgrounds, it is critical you view this lecture AND pass the prerequisite test. This will ensure you have many of the assumed prerequisite pieces of knowledge required to enjoy this course.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Orientation, Introduction to Clouds, MapReduce
This course is oriented towards learners with similar backgrounds as juniors and seniors in a CS undergraduate curriculum. Since learners come from various backgrounds, it is critical you view this lecture AND pass the prerequisite test. This will ensure you have many of the assumed prerequisite pieces of knowledge required to enjoy this course.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores distributed systems' key concepts, which are foundational for cloud computing
Features interviews with renowned researchers and executives from academia and industry
Structured for learners at a junior or senior undergraduate level in computer science
Utilizes C++ programming language in assignments, requiring prior experience
Advises learners to have foundational knowledge in prerequisite topics
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Reviews summary
Fundamental cloud concepts and distributed systems
According to learners, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation in the distributed systems concepts that underpin cloud computing. Students find the lectures to be dense but high-quality, offering deep insights into topics like MapReduce, Paxos, and Gossip protocols. A frequently highlighted aspect is the C++ programming assignments, which are described as extremely challenging but highly valuable for cementing understanding through practical implementation. Learners consistently note that the course requires a strong C++ background and is not suitable for beginners, with the prerequisite test sometimes insufficient. While praised for its foundational depth, some found it more theoretical than expected, desiring clearer connections to modern cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
Focuses on underlying distributed concepts.
"Excellent overview of fundamental cloud concepts from a distributed systems perspective."
"A deep dive into the 'why' behind cloud systems. Less about using specific cloud platforms..."
"This course provided a very solid foundation in distributed systems concepts crucial for cloud computing."
"It's very theoretical, which is great if you want to understand the core ideas, but less practical for immediate cloud platform use."
Lectures are dense but generally clear.
"The lectures are dense but clear."
"Lectures are high quality and cover the topics in depth."
"Professor Indranil Gupta is fantastic."
"The theoretical content is strong, delivered well in the video lectures."
Programming tasks solidify concepts effectively.
"The C++ assignments are challenging but extremely rewarding and cement the concepts well."
"The assignments, while hard, are incredibly valuable hands-on practice."
"Assignments were tough but worthwhile."
"The assignments were the most useful part for me, forcing me to implement things in code."
Requires significant prior C++ experience.
"Requires strong C++ skills coming in."
"The prerequisite test wasn't sufficient preparation, especially for the programming."
"If your C++ isn't top-notch, you will struggle significantly."
"Prior experience with C++ is absolutely required for the assignments."
Very challenging, especially assignments.
"This course is incredibly difficult, the assignments are very challenging."
"I struggled significantly with this course."
"The C++ assignments were overwhelming and assumed a lot of prior knowledge."
"Not for beginners. Assumes a lot of prior knowledge and requires significant effort."
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 Concepts, Part 1 with these
activities:
Review Basic Data Structures and Algorithms
Show steps
Ensure you have a strong foundation by reviewing basic data structures and algorithms, which are essential for distributed systems.
Browse courses on
Data Structures
Show steps
-
Revisit concepts like arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues
-
Practice implementing basic sorting and searching algorithms
Review Lecture Notes and Quizzes
Show steps
Ensure that you have a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course by reviewing lecture notes and quizzes.
Browse courses on
Distributed Systems
Show steps
-
Gather all lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
-
Review and summarize key concepts from each lecture
-
Complete practice quizzes and review your answers
Participate in a Study Group
Show steps
Enhance your learning by discussing concepts, solving problems, and sharing insights with peers in a study group.
Browse courses on
Distributed Systems
Show steps
-
Find or form a study group with fellow students
-
Set regular meeting times and discuss course topics
-
Work on assignments or projects together
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore Cloud Computing Platforms
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of cloud computing by exploring popular platforms like AWS or GCP through tutorials.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
-
Choose a cloud computing platform to explore
-
Find tutorials or documentation on the platform's website
-
Follow the tutorials to create a simple project or application
-
Experiment with different services and features offered by the platform
Implement Key-Value Store in C++
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of key-value stores and gain practical experience by implementing one in C++.
Browse courses on
Key-Value Stores
Show steps
-
Review the design of key-value stores
-
Set up a development environment with C++
-
Implement a simple key-value store using a hash table
-
Test and debug your implementation
Attend a Cloud Computing Workshop
Show steps
Gain practical insights and hands-on experience by attending a cloud computing workshop led by industry experts.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
-
Research and find a relevant cloud computing workshop
-
Register and attend the workshop
-
Actively participate in discussions and hands-on activities
Read 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of designing and building scalable, distributed systems by reading this highly acclaimed book.
View
Secret Colors
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book
-
Read and summarize key chapters related to distributed systems design
-
Complete exercises or projects from the book to apply concepts
Develop a Cloud-Based Application Prototype
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by creating a working prototype of a cloud-based application, showcasing your understanding of distributed systems and cloud technologies.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed with a cloud-based application
-
Design and plan the architecture of your application
-
Implement the application using cloud services and technologies
-
Test and refine your prototype
Contribute to an Open-Source Cloud Computing Project
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by contributing to an open-source cloud computing project, gaining practical experience and insights from the community.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source cloud computing project that aligns with your interests
-
Review the project's documentation and codebase
-
Make contributions such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements
Review Basic Data Structures and Algorithms
Show steps
Ensure you have a strong foundation by reviewing basic data structures and algorithms, which are essential for distributed systems.
Browse courses on
Data Structures
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit concepts like arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues
- Practice implementing basic sorting and searching algorithms
Review Lecture Notes and Quizzes
Show steps
Ensure that you have a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course by reviewing lecture notes and quizzes.
Browse courses on
Distributed Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
- Review and summarize key concepts from each lecture
- Complete practice quizzes and review your answers
Participate in a Study Group
Show steps
Enhance your learning by discussing concepts, solving problems, and sharing insights with peers in a study group.
Browse courses on
Distributed Systems
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or form a study group with fellow students
- Set regular meeting times and discuss course topics
- Work on assignments or projects together
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore Cloud Computing Platforms
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of cloud computing by exploring popular platforms like AWS or GCP through tutorials.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a cloud computing platform to explore
- Find tutorials or documentation on the platform's website
- Follow the tutorials to create a simple project or application
- Experiment with different services and features offered by the platform
Implement Key-Value Store in C++
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of key-value stores and gain practical experience by implementing one in C++.
Browse courses on
Key-Value Stores
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the design of key-value stores
- Set up a development environment with C++
- Implement a simple key-value store using a hash table
- Test and debug your implementation
Attend a Cloud Computing Workshop
Show steps
Gain practical insights and hands-on experience by attending a cloud computing workshop led by industry experts.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and find a relevant cloud computing workshop
- Register and attend the workshop
- Actively participate in discussions and hands-on activities
Read 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of designing and building scalable, distributed systems by reading this highly acclaimed book.
View
Secret Colors
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book
- Read and summarize key chapters related to distributed systems design
- Complete exercises or projects from the book to apply concepts
Develop a Cloud-Based Application Prototype
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by creating a working prototype of a cloud-based application, showcasing your understanding of distributed systems and cloud technologies.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed with a cloud-based application
- Design and plan the architecture of your application
- Implement the application using cloud services and technologies
- Test and refine your prototype
Contribute to an Open-Source Cloud Computing Project
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by contributing to an open-source cloud computing project, gaining practical experience and insights from the community.
Browse courses on
Cloud Computing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source cloud computing project that aligns with your interests
- Review the project's documentation and codebase
- Make contributions such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements
Career center
Learners who complete Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architect
As a Cloud Architect, you will design, build, and maintain cloud computing systems. You will need to understand the core concepts of cloud computing, including distributed systems, scalability, and reliability. This course will give you a strong foundation in these concepts, and will help you to develop the skills you need to be successful in this role.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you will develop, test, and maintain software applications. You will need to have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of developing software for cloud computing systems.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you will use data to solve business problems. You will need to have a strong understanding of statistics, machine learning, and data mining. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with data in cloud computing systems.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineer
As a DevOps Engineer, you will work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. You will need to have a strong understanding of both software development and system administration. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with cloud computing systems.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrator
As a Systems Administrator, you will manage and maintain computer systems. You will need to have a strong understanding of operating systems, networking, and security. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with cloud computing systems.
Network Engineer
Network Engineer
As a Network Engineer, you will design, build, and maintain computer networks. You will need to have a strong understanding of networking protocols, network security, and network management. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with cloud computing systems.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
As a Security Engineer, you will protect computer systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. You will need to have a strong understanding of security principles, security technologies, and security best practices. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with cloud computing systems.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, you will collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. You will need to have a strong understanding of data analysis techniques, data visualization, and data management. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with data in cloud computing systems.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
As a Database Administrator, you will manage and maintain databases. You will need to have a strong understanding of database design, database management systems, and database security. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with databases in cloud computing systems.
Web Developer
Web Developer
As a Web Developer, you will design, build, and maintain websites. You will need to have a strong understanding of web development technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web servers. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with web applications in cloud computing systems.
Mobile Developer
Mobile Developer
As a Mobile Developer, you will design, build, and maintain mobile applications. You will need to have a strong understanding of mobile development technologies, including Android, iOS, and mobile web development. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of working with mobile applications in cloud computing systems.
Cloud Sales Engineer
Cloud Sales Engineer
As a Cloud Sales Engineer, you will sell cloud computing solutions to businesses. You will need to have a strong understanding of cloud computing technology, as well as sales and marketing skills. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of selling cloud computing solutions.
Cloud Consultant
Cloud Consultant
As a Cloud Consultant, you will help businesses to adopt cloud computing technology. You will need to have a strong understanding of cloud computing technology, as well as consulting skills. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of consulting on cloud computing solutions.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you will create documentation for cloud computing technology. You will need to have a strong understanding of cloud computing technology, as well as writing and editing skills. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of writing documentation for cloud computing solutions.
Cloud Security Analyst
Cloud Security Analyst
As a Cloud Security Analyst, you will assess and mitigate security risks in cloud computing systems. You will need to have a strong understanding of cloud computing technology, as well as security analysis skills. This course will help you to develop these skills, and will also introduce you to the specific challenges of security analysis in cloud computing systems.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cmrdwt/cloud
Reading list
We've selected six 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
Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1.
Save
This comprehensive textbook provides a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts and challenges of distributed systems. It covers topics such as concurrency, fault tolerance, and distributed algorithms, which are essential for understanding cloud computing systems.
Focuses on the architectural design of data-intensive applications, which are common in cloud computing environments. It covers topics such as data modeling, storage, processing, and analytics, providing valuable insights into modern data management practices.
Save
Provides a visual and intuitive introduction to algorithms, which are essential building blocks for cloud computing systems. It uses simple language and clear illustrations to explain complex concepts, making it accessible to beginners.
Provides a practical guide to using Java technologies for big data analytics in cloud computing environments. It covers topics such as data ingestion, processing, and visualization, providing hands-on experience with popular frameworks.
Save
Focuses on building cloud-native applications using the Spring Boot framework. It provides a comprehensive guide to developing, deploying, and managing cloud-native applications, including best practices and design patterns.
Provides a practical guide to cloud computing, covering its benefits, challenges, and best practices. It offers insights into cloud adoption, service models, and implementation strategies, providing valuable guidance for organizations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cmrdwt/cloud
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Effort
Approx. 23 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructor
Indranil Gupta
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Cloud Computing. It's comprised of seven courses:
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