Assessing and Enhancing Applications Using Cisco DevNet Techniques from Pluralsight

So, you've written a few small apps and Python scripts. What comes next? You'll need to evaluate your app's behavior first, which this course covers. Then, we explore adding database support, security features, and continuous integration/deployment.

Writing apps is easy. Writing good apps is hard. Writing apps that meet business requirements and follow the right architectural patterns is really hard. In this course, Assessing and Enhancing Applications Using Cisco DevNet Techniques, you will gain the ability to evaluate applications based on a variety of common factors and make design recommendations as a result. First, you will learn how to integrate remote databases into your existing apps. This course specifically demonstrates using MySQL and sqlite on a pre-existing CRM app from another course. Next, you will discover how to add a variety of security enhancements, such as SSL certificates and CSRF protection. Finally, you will explore how to deploy continuous integration (CI) using Travis and continuous deployment (CD) using Kubernetes. When you’re finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to build better apps needed to meet your real-life business requirements.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Evaluating the Globomantics CRM Application

Adding Remote Database and SSL Support

Updating CI Tests and Integrating Static Code Analysis

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to industry

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics

Covers unique perspectives are ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects

Taught by Nick Russo, who is recognized for their work in Cisco DevNet Techniques

Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject

Offers hands-on labs and interacive materials

Reviews summary

Practical app enhancement with devnet

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience for enhancing applications using Cisco DevNet techniques. Students particularly praise the hands-on labs and practical examples, which provide actionable insights into real-world scenarios. The curriculum is considered highly relevant, covering essential modern technologies like CI/CD with Travis and Kubernetes, security enhancements (SSL, CSRF), and remote database integration. Many highlight the instructor's clear explanations and top-notch knowledge. However, some reviewers note that the pacing can be inconsistent, feeling either rushed in advanced topics or too basic for experienced learners. It also assumes a certain level of prior knowledge in Python and application development, which beginners might find challenging.

Instructor provides clear explanations and demonstrates deep knowledge.

"The instructor explained complex topics clearly."

"Instructor knowledge is top-notch."

"The instructor was engaging, and the topics flowed logically. I particularly appreciated the focus on meeting business requirements."

Covers highly relevant topics like CI/CD, security, and databases.

"The section on continuous integration with Travis CI and deployment using Kubernetes was particularly strong and relevant."

"The CI/CD modules were cutting-edge and very relevant to my current work."

"It covers a wide range of important topics from databases to security and CI/CD. I liked the practical focus."

Offers valuable hands-on experience for real-world application.

"The hands-on labs were invaluable. I now feel much more confident in applying DevNet techniques to my projects."

"The practical examples made it easy to follow along. Truly enhanced my understanding of building robust applications."

"The hands-on exercises truly reinforced the concepts. This is a must for anyone involved in modern software delivery."

Course expects foundational understanding of app development.

"The course assumes a certain level of familiarity with Python and general application development, which is fair, but beginners might struggle without prior knowledge."

"I noticed a slight dependency on content from a previous course for the CRM app, which wasn't always explicitly clear."

Pacing and depth may vary, potentially impacting different learner levels.

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, particularly when moving between different tools. More detailed explanations on initial setup for some labs would be beneficial."

"I found some of the explanations to be a bit basic for someone with my experience... felt like an overview rather than a deep dive."

"I found some parts quite challenging, particularly the Kubernetes section. I think more foundational explanation for these advanced topics would be beneficial."

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 Assessing and Enhancing Applications Using Cisco DevNet Techniques with these activities:

Review Python Basics

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Strengthen your foundation in Python syntax and concepts.

Browse courses on Python

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Review online tutorials or documentation
Complete practice exercises

Read 'Clean Code'

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Gain insights into best practices for writing maintainable and readable code.

View CLEAN CODE on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read through the book

Review MongoDB Atlas and Serverless Functions

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Improve your understanding of cloud-based NoSQL database platforms and serverless functions.

Browse courses on MongoDB Atlas

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Enroll in a MongoDB Atlas tutorial
Follow a serverless functions tutorial
Connect your MongoDB Atlas database to your serverless function

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Create a Python Script for Data Analysis

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Apply your Python skills to a practical data analysis project.

Browse courses on Python

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Identify a dataset for analysis
Clean and prepare the data
Perform data analysis using Python libraries
Visualize your results

Complete Coding Challenges

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Reinforce your Python skills by solving coding challenges.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a coding challenge website or platform
Select a challenge that aligns with your skill level
Attempt to solve the challenge on your own
Review solutions and explanations

Join a Python Study Group

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Connect with other students to discuss course concepts and support each other's learning.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss course material
Work together on projects or assignments

Explore Kubernetes and Docker

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Gain hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration.

Browse courses on Kubernetes

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Set up a Docker environment
Create and deploy a Docker container
Set up a Kubernetes cluster
Deploy a containerized application to Kubernetes

Build a Personal Project

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Demonstrate your ability to apply course concepts by building a personal project.

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Identify a project idea
Design and plan your project
Implement your project
Test and debug your project
Deploy your project

Career center

Learners who complete Assessing and Enhancing Applications Using Cisco DevNet Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers work with all levels of software, both system and application. As such, they typically need to understand what is going on at every level of an application, which this course may help build a foundation for. This course dives into the nitty gritty of software security and database integration, which are essential components of any modern application. These components can lead to security breaches and performance issues if they are not implemented and managed properly. By taking this course, Software Developers can get ahead by ensuring they are developing software that is not only efficient and user friendly, but also secure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Applications Architect

Applications Architects are responsible for overseeing the development of web applications and services. This role requires full stack knowledge, which can be cultivated by taking this course. This course offers straightforward instruction on database integration, security features, and continuous integration and deployment. By taking this course, Applications Architects can learn the tricks of the trade and avoid headaches down the road.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators ensure that all company databases are up and running, as well as secure. This course builds a solid foundation in assessing application behavior, working with remote databases, and database security. These are all key areas for Database Administrators, and building the foundation for these competencies is key in succeeding in this role. This course will help build a foundation for these essential job duties.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bring together software developers and IT professionals in an effort to automate and improve the quality and speed of software development processes. This course builds a strong foundation on continuous integration and deployment, which are essential components of DevOps. By understanding these components, DevOps Engineers can be more efficient and effective in their roles.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts work to identify and mitigate computer security risks. This course delves into application security, making it a great resource for building a foundation for this important job duty. By understanding the security risks associated with web applications, Information Security Analysts can better protect their organizations and clients from malicious attacks.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the development of software systems. This course can help build a foundation in software development, specifically in the areas of application security, database integration, and continuous integration and deployment.

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Web Developer

Web Developers build and maintain websites. This course can help build a foundation in web development, specifically in the areas of application security, database integration, and continuous integration and deployment.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists work with data to extract meaningful insights. This course can help build a foundation in data science, specifically in the areas of database integration and security.

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Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and manage cloud computing systems. This course can help build a foundation in cloud computing, specifically in the areas of continuous integration and deployment.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course can help build a foundation in systems analysis, specifically in the areas of application security and continuous integration and deployment.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design and manage computer networks. This course can help build a foundation in network engineering, specifically in the areas of application security and continuous integration and deployment.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course can help build a foundation in computer systems analysis, specifically in the areas of application security and continuous integration and deployment.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. This course can help build a foundation in computer programming, specifically in the areas of application security and continuous integration and deployment.

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Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure it meets quality standards. This course may be useful in building a foundation for this role, especially in the areas of application security, database integration, and continuous integration and deployment.

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Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, implement, and manage information technology systems. This course may be useful in building a foundation for this role, especially in the areas of application security, database integration, and continuous integration and deployment.

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