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Distributed Systems

The Big Picture

This course will teach you the core concepts, terminologies, and technologies that make up a Distributed System.

While it’s important to understand how a specific technology, language, or tool works, any real distributed application like Twitter or Facebook consists of several components with specific responsibilities which also work together. In this course, Distributed Systems: The Big Picture, you’ll learn a high level overview of Distributed systems. First, you’ll explore how Distributed systems differs from a traditional system and what problems they solve. Next, you’ll discover each of the fundamental parts of a Distributed system and why we need them in the first place. Finally, you’ll learn how to pull everything you have learned together to understand how a Distributed system operates as well as the challenges involved. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate if and when a Distributed System is the right fit for you.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

What Is a Distributed System?

Components of a Distributed System

Distributed Systems in the Real World

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches foundational knowledge and principles of distributed systems

Provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts and technologies of Distributed Systems

Taught by recognized instructor, Prateek Parekh

Covers real-world applications of Distributed Systems

Suitable for beginners with no prior knowledge of Distributed Systems

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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 Distributed Systems: The Big Picture with these activities:

Read Distributed Systems Concepts and Design

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Gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of distributed systems by reading this classic text.

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Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basics of distributed systems.
Read Chapters 4-6 to learn about different types of distributed systems architectures.
Read Chapters 7-9 to explore the challenges and solutions for distributed systems.

Review Basic Data Structures and Algorithms

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Strengthen your foundation by revisiting fundamental data structures and algorithms, which are essential for understanding distributed systems.

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Review your notes or textbooks on data structures and algorithms.
Practice solving simple problems using these concepts.

Data Structures Concepts

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Review basic data structures concepts to enhance your ability to learn the concepts in this course.

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Go through notes and study materials on data structures
Take practice tests to assess your understanding of the concepts
Complete simple coding exercises involving data structures

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Join a Distributed Systems Study Group

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Enhance your learning through collaborative discussions and problem-solving with peers who share your interest in distributed systems.

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Find a study group or create one with fellow students.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and work on projects.

Follow Tutorials on Distributed Systems

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Enhance your understanding of distributed systems by following online tutorials from reputable sources.

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Search for tutorials on Coursera, edX, or Pluralsight.
Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course.
Complete the tutorials at your own pace.

Attend a Distributed Systems Workshop

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Expand your knowledge and network with experts by attending a workshop specifically focused on distributed systems.

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Find a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate.

Solve Distributed Systems Practice Problems

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Sharpen your problem-solving skills by practicing with distributed systems exercises.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the problems on your own or with a study group.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Create a Blog Post on a Distributed Systems Topic

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Deepen your understanding by explaining a distributed systems concept in a blog post.

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Choose a topic that you are familiar with.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write a clear and concise blog post.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Distributed Systems: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) lead the technology strategy and vision for their organizations. As organizations increasingly rely on distributed systems, it is essential for CTOs to understand the principles and challenges of these systems. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Distributed Systems, which will be invaluable as you lead your organization's technology strategy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, build, and manage cloud computing systems. These systems are often composed of multiple components that must work together seamlessly. As a Cloud Architect, you'll need to understand the different parts of a Distributed System and how they interact with one another. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Cloud Architect.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design and build software systems. As systems become more complex, it is increasingly important for Software Architects to understand the principles of Distributed Systems. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the concepts and technologies of Distributed Systems, which will be essential for success as a Software Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Technical Product Manager

Technical Product Managers lead the development and launch of software products. As software products become more complex, it is increasingly important for Technical Product Managers to understand the principles of Distributed Systems. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the concepts and technologies of Distributed Systems, which will be essential for success as a Technical Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Product Manager

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, build, and maintain computer networks. These networks are often composed of distributed components that must work together seamlessly. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Computer Network Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Infrastructure Engineer

Infrastructure Engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that supports software systems. This infrastructure often includes distributed systems, which can be complex to manage. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an Infrastructure Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Infrastructure Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, build, and maintain software systems. Working as a Software Engineer who specializes in Distributed Systems requires an understanding of how different components of a system interact with one another in order to develop and maintain a system that operates smoothly. By learning about the core concepts, terminologies, and technologies that make up a Distributed System, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a Software Engineer.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and operations. They work to ensure that software is developed and deployed efficiently and reliably using tools like distributed systems. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the concepts and technologies of Distributed Systems, which will be essential for success as a DevOps Engineer.

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Software Development Manager

Software Development Managers lead teams of software engineers. As software systems become more complex and distributed, it is increasingly important for Software Development Managers to understand the principles of Distributed Systems. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the concepts and technologies of Distributed Systems, which will be essential for success as a Software Development Manager.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. Often, this data is stored in distributed systems, which can make it challenging to access and analyze. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Data Scientist.

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System Administrator

System Administrators keep computer systems running smoothly. Increasingly, these systems are comprised of distributed components that must work together seamlessly. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a System Administrator.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Increasingly, these systems are composed of distributed components that must be secured. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. Increasingly, these databases are distributed across multiple servers, which can make them more complex to manage. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Database Administrator.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical models to solve problems in business and industry. Increasingly, these models are being used to analyze and optimize distributed systems. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an Operations Research Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze data. This data is often stored in distributed systems, which can make it challenging to access and analyze. This course will teach you the fundamentals of Distributed Systems, providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Quantitative Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Distributed Systems: The Big Picture.

Secret Colors

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This canonical text on Distributed Systems. This is also a very challenging book, with topics that include writing distributed systems for big data and also discusses database internals. It good reference for understanding more difficult topics in distributed systems.

Distributed Systems

The Big Picture

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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