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Programming Reactive Systems

Roland Kuhn, Konrad Malawski, Martin Odersky, and Julien Richard-Foy

Reactive programming is a set of techniques for implementing scalable, resilient and responsive systems as per the Reactive Manifesto. Such systems are based on asynchronous message-passing, and their basic building-blocks are event handlers. This course teaches how to implement reactive systems in Scala and Akka by using high-level abstractions, such as actors, asynchronous computations, and reactive streams.

You will learn how to:

- use, transform and sequence asynchronous computations using Future values

- write concurrent reactive systems based on Actors and message passing, using untyped Akka and Akka Typed

- design systems resilient to failures

- implement systems that can scale out according to a varying workload

- transform and consume infinite and intermittent streams of data with Akka Stream in a non-blocking way

- understand how back-pressure controls flows of data

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction, Recap and Asynchronous Programming

This module shows you how to get started with the course. After setting up your machine to work on and to submit assignments, it will provide you with a recap of the basics of the Scala language. Finally, you will encounter the first topic of the course, asynchronous programming with Futures.

The Actor Model

This module presents the Actor model: after analyzing its advantages and strengths, you will learn the semantics and design principles of actor systems before learn how to concretely test actor-based programs

Handling Failure and State

This module further explores the Actor model by showing useful patterns used to create complex and resilient programs

Distributed Computing

Actors allow you to decouple a program in units that can be distributed on a single or on multiple machines. This module elaborates on the power and the consequences of distributed computation

Typed Actors

Now that you are familiar with the Actor model, this module shows how to leverage Scala's powerful type system to write programs with more confidence by using typed actor descriptions

Stream Processing

This module introduces the concept of data streams and the basic semantics of stream processing before showing how the Akka framework can be used to tackle common challenges in this domain

Advanced Stream Processing

This final module elaborates on more complex and powerful patterns in stream processing as well as how to the integrate the actor model to create custom nodes of data processing

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Martin Odersky, Roland Kuhn, Konrad Malawski, and Julien Richard-Foy, who are recognized for their work in Scala and Akka

Examines reactive programming, which is standard in industry

Builds a strong foundation for beginners and strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in reactive programming with Scala and Akka

Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are highly relevant to industry

This course is explicitly requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first

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Reviews summary

Akka library course

Learners say that programming Akka is the main focus of this reactive systems course. While lectures are great at teaching theory, students mention that assignments are difficult, unorganized, and unforgiving. Further, students complain that instructors and the community provide little support. Despite all of this, learners appreciate the great topics covered and enjoy the slides and videos presented.

Great at teaching theory.

"Great at teaching theory."

This course focuses on Akka Libraries.

"This course would more appropriately be titled "Use of Akka Libraries""

Instructors rarely respond to questions.

"Course questions/comments are not responded to by the instructor(s)."

Assignments are messy, unforgiving, and time-consuming.

"Interesting course but the assignments are a mess."

"What's more, there's little to no community activity or support from the instructors."

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 Programming Reactive Systems with these activities:

Step through Akka tutorials

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Akka tutorials will allow you to explore the Akka framework's features and capabilities in a guided way, helping you build a strong foundation for your learning in this course.

Browse courses on Akka

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Find a suitable Akka tutorial online.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step, experimenting with the code and concepts as you go.

Engage in discussions with peers

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Participating in discussions with peers will allow you to exchange knowledge, clarify doubts, and learn from others' experiences, enhancing your overall understanding of the course material.

Show steps

Join or create a study group or online discussion forum related to the course.
Actively participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing insights, and providing support to others.

Solve coding challenges related to reactive programming

Show steps

Solving coding challenges will test your understanding of reactive programming principles and help you develop your problem-solving skills in this domain.

Browse courses on Reactive Programming

Show steps

Identify coding challenges platforms or websites that offer reactive programming-related problems.
Select a challenge and read the problem statement carefully.
Design and implement a solution using reactive programming techniques.
Test and debug your solution to ensure correctness.

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Build a simple reactive application

Show steps

Building a reactive application will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course to a practical project, solidifying your understanding and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Browse courses on Reactive Programming

Show steps

Plan and design the application, including the functionality and architecture.
Implement the application using reactive programming techniques, such as actors, streams, and asynchronous messaging.
Test and debug the application to ensure correctness.
Deploy the application and monitor its performance.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming Reactive Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and operations. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of distributed computing and how to design systems that are resilient to failures. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a DevOps Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers manage the development and launch of new products. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of how software is developed and how to design systems that meet the needs of users. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of asynchronous programming and software development using the Scala language. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of distributed computing and how to design systems that are resilient to failures. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a Software Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of asynchronous programming and software development using the Scala language. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a Mobile Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer code. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of asynchronous programming and software development using the Scala language. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a Computer Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software systems. To be successful in this role, it can be helpful to have a strong understanding of asynchronous programming and software development using the Scala language. This course covers these topics in detail, helping you build the skills needed to succeed as a Quality Assurance Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers lead the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. To succeed in this role, it can be helpful to build a foundation in asynchronous programming and software development using the Scala language. This course does just that, teaching you to write concurrent reactive systems based on Actors and message passing using untyped Akka and Akka Typed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to transform and consume infinite and intermittent streams of data with Akka Stream in a non-blocking way. This knowledge can help you build and maintain efficient and reliable game engines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain database systems. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to design systems that can scale out according to a varying workload. This knowledge can help you build and maintain database systems that are both efficient and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to transform and consume infinite and intermittent streams of data with Akka Stream in a non-blocking way. This knowledge can help you build and maintain efficient and reliable web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build data management systems. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to transform and consume infinite and intermittent streams of data with Akka Stream in a non-blocking way. This knowledge can help you build and maintain efficient and reliable data pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and manage cloud computing systems. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to design systems that can scale out according to a varying workload. This knowledge can help you build cloud systems that are both efficient and cost-effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to transform and consume infinite and intermittent streams of data with Akka Stream in a non-blocking way. This knowledge can help you build and maintain efficient and reliable data pipelines, which are essential for data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. This course may be useful for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches how to write clear and concise documentation for complex technical concepts. This knowledge can help you succeed as a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Programming Reactive Systems.

Scala Cookbook

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Provides a lot of depth on Scala, which is highly relevant as this course uses Scala.

Programming Reactive Systems

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Akka library course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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