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In this course you will learn why SOLID principles are important and how to apply them to write maintainable, scalable, and robust code.

SOLID is an acronym for 5 software design principles that were refined over a long period of time by multiple software engineers to address the core recurring problems in software development.

Take your code quality to the next level

Read more

In this course you will learn why SOLID principles are important and how to apply them to write maintainable, scalable, and robust code.

SOLID is an acronym for 5 software design principles that were refined over a long period of time by multiple software engineers to address the core recurring problems in software development.

Take your code quality to the next level

Code quality is important to have, and improving code quality is something that all software engineers should strive for. Luckily, writing quality code is a learnable skill, but it's sometimes hard to know where to start or what to learn next.

Do you know any programming language, but don't know what to do next? Maybe you are more experienced and are looking to add more to your arsenal or refresh your knowledge? If so, then learning the SOLID principles is a very good next step for you.

It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or have a background in software, the SOLID principles will make you a better software developer and will make you stand out from the crowd.

Build a SOLID foundation for software design and architecture

The goal of this course is to help you understand the core ideas behind software design and architecture that are used by experienced software engineers and architects. All without requiring you to memorize a bunch of object-oriented programming (OOP) design patterns.

Patterns only help you in specific situations, but when you encounter a new situation, memorized patterns cannot help you if you don't understand how they work. That's why in this course we'll be focusing on ideas behind the principles, what and why they are trying to achieve, and, most importantly, how they are trying to achieve it.

After taking this course you'll level up your programming skills and will be able to deal with code design problems that are new to you.

Acquire long-lasting skills

In this course I'll present you code examples in Java programming language. However, my goal is not to teach you Java or any other technology, my goal is to teach you the thought process behind writing better code and applying the SOLID principles.

At the end of this course you'll have skills that won't go out of fashion with the next popular technology change. SOLID principles have passed the test of time and are here to stay.

Course overview

Together, in this course we will explore real-world problems that software developers run into on a daily basis instead of studying textbook examples that barely represent reality.

You'll find a mix of relevant theory, practical coding exercises that will be done on-screen, and quizzes for you to take on your own. The quizzes are designed to convey the most important things, and you'll even be able to use them as a cheat sheet later.

On top of all this, the course has as little technical jargon as possible and I try to explain things in everyday language.

The course is divided into 5 sections, one for each of the principles:

  • Single Responsibility Principle

  • Open-Closed Principle

  • Liskov Substitution Principle

  • Interface Segregation Principle

  • Dependency Inversion Principle

In each section we cover the required theory, and after that you are presented with a quiz that helps you better remember the theory before proceeding to a practical code example. After practical code examples we have a few more lectures to fill in any remaining gaps or explore things by looking at the bigger picture, we also explore when it would make sense to intentionally go against the SOLID principles for a better overall code design. The last part of each section is another quiz to further solidify your newly acquired knowledge.

By the end of this course you will be able to identify common problems in code, and you'll know how to correct them.

So, with all being said, if you're looking to improve your skills and write better code, look no further, because this course is for you.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You'll learn why, when, and how you should apply the solid principles to write higher quality code
  • In addition to knowing when to apply the solid principles, you'll also learn when and how to violate them, so you could create better overall code design
  • Understand the basic foundation of software architecture
  • Write better code without having to memorize design patterns
  • Learn how to identify poorly written code and robust quality code
  • Learn core ideas that describe code quality, like coupling and cohesion
  • Take your code quality to the next level and become a better software engineer
  • Learn why the solid principles matter and how to apply them to real-world problems
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

This quiz covers lectures 13-15.

Introduction
Why you should learn the SOLID principles
Single Responsibility Principle
Read more

This quiz is about the basic ideas of the Single Responsibility Principle that we've covered in the previous 4 lectures and is intended to serve as a refreshment before we jump into the code example.

This quiz covers lectures 5-8.

This quiz covers lectures 9-12 and is intended to serve as a refreshment before we jump into the code example in the next lecture.

This quiz covers lectures 16-18 and is intended to serve as a refreshment before we jump into the code examples in the next lecture.

This quiz covers lectures 19-21.

This quiz covers lectures 22-25 and is meant to serve as a refreshment before we jump into the code example in the next lecture.

This quiz covers lectures 26-27.

This quiz covers lectures 28-30 and is meant to serve as a refreshment before we jump into the code example in upcoming lectures.

This quiz covers lectures 31-36.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the SOLID principles, which are foundational concepts for designing maintainable and scalable software systems, making it highly relevant for professional software development
Uses Java for code examples, which is a widely-used language in enterprise environments, making the course practical for developers working with Java-based systems
Explores real-world problems that software developers encounter daily, providing practical insights and solutions applicable to common coding challenges
Includes quizzes designed to reinforce learning and serve as cheat sheets, which can be a valuable resource for quick reference and knowledge retention
Teaches when and how to violate SOLID principles, which is important because blindly following principles can lead to over-engineering and unnecessary complexity
Requires familiarity with a programming language, which may pose a challenge for individuals with limited coding experience, as it assumes a basic understanding of programming concepts

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Reviews summary

Solid principles for software design

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation in SOLID principles, crucial for writing maintainable and scalable code. Many found the explanations clear and practical, appreciating the focus on real-world problems over abstract patterns. The code examples, primarily in Java, are considered very helpful for understanding application. Students report gaining actionable insights that they could immediately apply to improve their code quality. Some reviewers noted that prior programming knowledge is necessary, and while the concepts are universal, the Java-specific examples might be a consideration for non-Java developers.
Examples are primarily in Java.
"While the principles are universal, the examples are heavily Java-based, which is a consideration if you use another language."
"As a C# developer, I had to translate the code examples, but the concepts were still clear."
"Wished there were examples in other languages, but the Java code was clear enough to follow the logic."
"The instructor does mention it's language-agnostic, but be prepared for Java code throughout the demos."
Teaches core ideas, not just patterns.
"Appreciated the focus on the underlying principles rather than just memorizing design patterns."
"Understanding the 'why' behind SOLID is much more valuable than just knowing how to apply a pattern."
"This approach really helps you think about design issues in any situation, not just specific pattern cases."
Learned skills applicable to daily work.
"I can already see how I can apply these principles to the code I write at work every day."
"This course gave me concrete ways to improve the design of my existing projects."
"Immediately started refactoring some modules using the SOLID ideas learned here."
Helps apply theory with practical code.
"The coding examples are crucial and help solidify the theoretical concepts learned."
"Liked that the examples focused on realistic scenarios, not just textbook cases. Very useful."
"The practical application sections in Java were great for seeing how to implement the principles."
"Seeing the code refactoring step-by-step made the principles really click for me."
Instructor explains complex ideas clearly.
"The instructor does an excellent job of explaining potentially complex topics in a very clear and concise manner."
"I really appreciate how he explained the why behind each principle, not just the how. It was easy to follow along."
"The concepts are broken down well, making them very digestible even if you're new to these principles."
"Found the explanations of the SOLID principles very lucid and easy to grasp. Great course!"

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 Master SOLID Principles For Software Design & Architecture with these activities:
Review Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of OOP concepts, which are foundational to grasping the SOLID principles discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the core concepts of OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
  • Practice writing simple classes and objects in your preferred language.
  • Work through online tutorials or exercises on OOP principles.
Review "Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship"
Learn practical techniques for writing clean and maintainable code, which aligns with the goals of SOLID principles.
View CLEAN CODE on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to code structure and design.
  • Identify examples in the book that demonstrate SOLID principles in action.
  • Reflect on how the book's recommendations can be applied to your own code.
Code Katas for SOLID Principles
Practice applying SOLID principles through coding katas, reinforcing your ability to identify and address design flaws.
Show steps
  • Find or create coding katas that focus on object-oriented design.
  • Attempt each kata, focusing on applying SOLID principles to the design.
  • Review your solution and identify areas for improvement based on SOLID principles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a SOLID Principles Cheat Sheet
Summarize the SOLID principles in a concise cheat sheet format for quick reference and improved retention.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on each of the SOLID principles.
  • Summarize each principle in a few concise sentences.
  • Include examples of code that adheres to and violates each principle.
  • Organize the information in a visually appealing and easy-to-read format.
Refactor Existing Codebase Using SOLID Principles
Apply the SOLID principles to refactor an existing codebase, solidifying your understanding through practical application.
Show steps
  • Choose a small to medium-sized codebase that you are familiar with.
  • Identify areas in the code that violate SOLID principles.
  • Refactor the code to adhere to SOLID principles, documenting your changes.
  • Test the refactored code to ensure that it functions correctly.
Review "Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software"
Explore common design patterns to see how SOLID principles are applied in real-world software development.
View Design Patterns on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on patterns that relate to the SOLID principles.
  • Understand the problem that each pattern solves and how it relates to SOLID principles.
  • Consider how you can apply these patterns in your own code.
Contribute to an Open Source Project
Contribute to an open-source project to gain experience applying SOLID principles in a collaborative environment.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Identify areas in the project where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or new features.
  • Apply SOLID principles when writing code for the project.
  • Submit your code for review and incorporate feedback from other developers.

Career center

Learners who complete Master SOLID Principles For Software Design & Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Architect
A Software Architect is responsible for making high-level design choices and setting technical standards, including coding practices, tools, and platforms. This course will be invaluable for a Software Architect as it directly addresses core principles of software design and architecture. A deep understanding of SOLID principles, as taught in this course, will allow the architect to build a foundation for scalable and maintainable projects. Learning how to identify and address problems in code early on sets up a project for long-term success. This course will improve your ability to make informed architectural decisions.
Software Developer
Software Developers create applications, and an understanding of design principles is critical for writing clean, maintainable code. This course directly aims to enhance the skills of a Software Developer. By learning SOLID principles and how to apply them in real-world scenarios, developers can write code that is easier to understand, test, and modify. The course's focus on identifying and correcting common code problems will directly translate into improved code quality and efficiency. This course enables software developers to advance their career.
Application Developer
Application Developers design and build applications, often working with complex systems. This course is beneficial because it focuses on the fundamentals of good software design, the SOLID principles. These principles promote creating applications that are robust, scalable, and easy to maintain. As an Application Developer, you'll learn how to write code that adheres to these principles, improving the overall quality of your applications. Furthermore, understanding when and how to deviate from these principles helps in making informed design decisions. Learning SOLID principles is a very good next step for you.
Systems Architect
Systems Architects are responsible for the overall design and implementation of complex systems. This course's focus on the SOLID principles provides a strong foundation for building robust and scalable systems. Becoming a Systems Architect involves understanding how different components interact and ensuring the system as a whole is maintainable and adaptable. This course emphasizes these very aspects, providing the future Systems Architect with the tools and knowledge to make effective design choices. The course helps to understand the core ideas behind software design and architecture that are used by experienced software engineers and architects.
Principal Engineer
Principal Engineers are experienced developers who provide technical leadership and guidance to other engineers. This course may be great for Principal Engineers. Improving code quality is something that all software engineers should strive for, and this course may help. The systematic approach to understanding and applying the SOLID principles will help ensure that a Principal Engineer can effectively guide teams in writing maintainable and scalable code. This course will hone one's ability to identify and address code design problems, which is critical for those in leadership positions. If you're looking to improve your skills and write better code, look no further.
Technical Lead
Technical Leads guide development teams and ensure code quality. This course enables a Technical Lead to ensure that coding practices align with the best industry standards. Technical Leads can learn how to apply the SOLID principles to write higher quality code. The course's focus on identifying and correcting common code problems directly relates to the responsibilities of a technical lead, who often reviews code and provides feedback. In addition to knowing when to apply the SOLID principles, learning when and how to violate them, helps create better overall code design.
Backend Engineer
Backend Engineers focus on server-side logic and databases. This course emphasizing the SOLID principles helps a backend engineer write efficient, maintainable, and scalable code. Backend systems often handle complex business logic and large amounts of data, making code quality paramount. This course will improve a Backend Engineer's ability to design and implement robust and flexible backend systems. The course will present code examples in Java programming language. However, the goal is to teach you the thought process behind writing better code and applying the SOLID principles.
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers work on both the front-end and back-end of applications. This course in SOLID principles provides them with a holistic approach to software design. As a Full Stack Developer, one needs to be proficient in various technologies and design patterns. This course provides the knowledge to write modular, testable, and scalable code, regardless of the specific technology being used. At the end of this course you'll have skills that won't go out of fashion with the next popular technology change. SOLID principles have passed the test of time and are here to stay.
Software Consultant
Software Consultants advise organizations on software development best practices. This course may be beneficial as it provides a deep understanding of the SOLID principles. These principles are fundamental to creating robust and maintainable software. With the knowledge gained from this course, a Software Consultant can better assess existing codebases and recommend improvements based on industry standards. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on real-world problems and practical coding exercises makes the learning directly applicable to consulting engagements. The goal of this course is to help you understand the core ideas behind software design and architecture that are used by experienced software engineers and architects.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure. This course may be useful to Data Engineers because the SOLID principles are applicable to data processing and storage systems. This course can help Data Engineers design systems that are scalable, maintainable, and adaptable to changing data requirements. This course will also improve your ability to write clean, modular code, making it easier to manage complex data workflows. The course presents practical coding exercises that will be done on-screen, and quizzes for you to take on your own.
Test Automation Engineer
Test Automation Engineers develop automated tests to ensure software quality. This course may be particularly helpful because automated tests should also adhere to good design principles. Writing tests which are easier to maintain will save you time. Therefore as a Test Automation Engineer, one may find the knowledge gained from this course helps in writing more robust and reliable tests. The course will also improve your understanding of code structure, making it easier to write effective tests that cover all relevant scenarios.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers automate and streamline the software development lifecycle. This course may be useful to a DevOps Engineer because the SOLID principles can be applied to infrastructure as code. By applying these principles, DevOps Engineers can create infrastructure configurations that are easier to manage, scale, and maintain. The course's emphasis on modularity and separation of concerns can also help DevOps Engineers design more resilient and reliable systems. This aligns with the goals to write higher quality code. In addition to knowing when to apply the SOLID principles, you'll also learn when and how to violate them, so you could create better overall code design.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers develop and deploy machine learning models. This course may be applicable to Machine Learning Engineers as the SOLID principles can improve the design and maintainability of machine learning codebases. This course may help Machine Learning Engineers to build machine learning systems that are easier to understand, test, and deploy. Taking this course can help improve your code quality. Improving code quality is something that all software engineers should strive for.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators (DBAs) manage and maintain database systems. This course may be helpful as it provides a foundation in software design principles. While DBAs primarily focus on data storage and retrieval, understanding these principles can help them design more efficient and maintainable database schemas and related applications. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on modularity and separation of concerns can be applied to database design, resulting in more organized and manageable databases. This course will help you understand the core ideas behind software design and architecture that are used by experienced software engineers and architects.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware. Although not directly related to coding, this course may benefit a Technical Writer by providing a deeper understanding of software design principles. The SOLID principles are fundamental to creating robust and maintainable software. With the knowledge gained from this course, a Technical Writer can better understand and document the design and architecture of software systems. At the end of this course you'll have skills that won't go out of fashion with the next popular technology change. SOLID principles have passed the test of time and are here to stay.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Master SOLID Principles For Software Design & Architecture.
Must-read for any software developer aiming to write maintainable and readable code. It provides practical advice and examples on how to apply coding principles, including those related to SOLID. It reinforces the course's emphasis on code quality and provides a deeper understanding of crafting clean, efficient code. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.
While the course focuses on SOLID principles rather than design patterns, this book provides a comprehensive overview of common design patterns. Understanding these patterns can help developers recognize situations where SOLID principles can be applied effectively. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding how to structure code in reusable and maintainable ways. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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