Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1 from Coursera

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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.

Week 2: Gossip, Membership, and Grids

Lesson 1: This module teaches how the multicast problem is solved by using epidemic/gossip protocols. It also teaches analysis of such protocols. Lesson 2: This module covers the design of failure detectors, a key component in any distributed system. Membership protocols, which use failure detectors as components, are also covered. Lesson 3: This module covers Grid computing, an important precursor to cloud computing.

Week 3: P2P Systems

P2P systems: This module teaches the detailed design of two classes of peer to peer systems: (a) popular ones including Napster, Gnutella, FastTrack, and BitTorrent; and (b) efficient ones including distributed hash tables (Chord, Pastry, and Kelips). Besides focusing on design, the module also analyzes these systems in detail.

Week 4: Key-Value Stores, Time, and Ordering

Lesson 1: This module motivates and teaches the design of key-value/NoSQL storage/database systems. We cover the design of two major industry systems: Apache Cassandra and HBase. We also cover the famous CAP theorem. Lesson 2: Distributed systems are asynchronous, which makes clocks at different machines hard to synchronize. This module first covers various clock synchronization algorithms, and then covers ways of tagging events with causal timestamps that avoid synchronizing clocks. These classical algorithms were invented decades ago, yet are used widely in today’s cloud systems.

Week 5: Classical Distributed Algorithms

Lesson 1: This module covers how to calculate a distributed snapshot, leveraging causality again to circumvent the synchronization problem. Lesson 2: This lecture teaches how to order multicasts in any distributed system. Algorithms for assigning timestamp tags to multicasts using various flavors of ordering – FIFO, Causal, and Total – are covered. The module also covers virtual synchrony, a paradigm that combines reliable multicasts with membership views. Lesson 3: Consensus is one of the most important problems in a distributed system, enabling multiple machines to agree. This module uses Paxos, one of the most popular consensus solutions used in the industry today. Paxos is not perfect because consensus cannot be solved completely – an optional lecture presents the famous FLP proof of impossibility of consensus.

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Know what's good

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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

Reviews summary

Mixed reviews: basic cloud concepts

Learners say that Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1 is a stimulating course that covers a lot of ground in a short time. While some students appreciate the difficult programming assignments, others find them complex and difficult to understand. The course is not recommended for students who are looking for a simple introduction to cloud computing. According to learners, the course materials are coherent and the lectures are clear and informative. However, some students find the tone of the narrated lectures to be plain and the resources to be outdated.

Lectures are clear and informative.

"The lectures are clear and informative."

"The quizes pose the right amount of challenge."

"The template code provided for the programming assignment is terrible, but the assignment itself is not that complex and quite doable for most people with object oriented programming experience."

Good course overall, especially for beginners.

"This course is worthwhile to take as it's one of the only distributed computing courses I found that gives overview of cloud technology."

"Though plain narrated tone and a little out-dated resource, this course is by far the most accessible online course."

"Programming assignment is very fun as well, which require enough effort to finish."

Resources provided are slightly outdated.

"Though plain narrated tone and a little out-dated resource, this course is by far the most accessible online course."

MP and HW assignments are very complex and difficult.

"Worst course I have ever took. Assignment are very complex and no clear instruction."

"You need to know C++ very well for MP and HW assignment is too difficult."

"Instructor is just giving very simple examples in video, you have to spend lot hours outside to understand and do the homework."

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

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Ensure you have a strong foundation by reviewing basic data structures and algorithms, which are essential for distributed systems.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Revisit concepts like arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues
Practice implementing basic sorting and searching algorithms

Review Lecture Notes and Quizzes

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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

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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

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Enhance your learning by discussing concepts, solving problems, and sharing insights with peers in a study group.

Browse courses on Distributed Systems

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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

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Explore Cloud Computing Platforms

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Expand your knowledge of cloud computing by exploring popular platforms like AWS or GCP through tutorials.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

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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++

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Solidify your understanding of key-value stores and gain practical experience by implementing one in C++.

Browse courses on Key-Value Stores

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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

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Gain practical insights and hands-on experience by attending a cloud computing workshop led by industry experts.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

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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'

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Deepen your understanding of designing and building scalable, distributed systems by reading this highly acclaimed book.

View Secret Colors on Amazon

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Sales Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Analyst

Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1

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Reviews summary

Mixed reviews: basic cloud concepts

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