Microservices and Serverless from edX

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The emergence of cloud computing has brought about a lot of changes to modern software development. Rather than large annual releases on physical mediums like CDs, modern software is increasingly released on the cloud, provided cost reduction, decreased time to market, and increased agility. These changes allow organizations to keep pace with their competitors and bring new innovations to market in ways that previously would have been unthinkable.

Rather than building large applications, known as monoliths, that perform all the functionality, microservices break down larger applications into smaller pieces that are independently maintainable and scalable, providing a host of benefits. This architecture is used at the largest software organizations in the world, because it provides cost benefits, team autonomy, and so many other advantages.

By the end of this course, you will

Have a solid foundation for microservices and serverless
Deploy microservices on the cloud
Integrate microservices with serverless compute

This course will introduce you to 12-factor apps and microservices, concepts that emerged to help organizations work better and faster in a cloud-native manner. You’ll then learn about serverless computing—how it works, what value it brings, and what are specific serverless technologies. You’ll get hands-on with IBM Cloud Functions, a serverless platform on IBM Cloud that lets you develop serverless apps with ease. Finally, you will learn to build and deploy applications using container images on the code engine.

The course contains several hands-on labs which allow you to apply the content you learn.

The prerequisites for this course include basic computer and cloud literacy as well as an understanding of core cloud concepts. In addition, understanding of the command line and how to use shell commands will greatly benefit you during this course.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the twelve factors and describe how they map to the software delivery lifecycle
Create and test swagger documentation for rest api endpoints

Create and test a serverless function
Build and deploy applications using container images on the code engine

Identify the twelve factors and describe how they map to the software delivery lifecycle
Create and test swagger documentation for rest api endpoints
Create and test a serverless function
Build and deploy applications using container images on the code engine

Syllabus

Welcome

Reading: Welcome to Microservices and Serverless

Reading: General Information

Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops concepts and practices that are industry standard

Examines microservices, which is highly relevant to software delivery

Teaches serverless computing, which is an in-demand skill in industry

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in software delivery

Optional module explores OpenShift and Istio

Reviews summary

Practical microservices and serverless on ibm cloud

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in microservices and serverless architecture. Many commend the practical hands-on labs, especially those focusing on IBM Cloud Code Engine and deploying applications using container images, finding them highly effective for skill development. Reviewers particularly appreciate the clear explanations of core concepts like 12-factor apps and REST APIs. However, some indicate that the course benefits significantly from prior command line and cloud literacy, and a few optional sections, such as the OpenShift labs, have been noted as outdated or requiring updates. The strong emphasis on IBM Cloud, while a positive for some, is a neutral point for others.

Course heavily utilizes IBM Cloud, which aligns with specific professional needs.

"Great for anyone working with or interested in IBM Cloud, as it uses Code Engine extensively for deployment."

"While the concepts are universal, the labs are tied directly to IBM Cloud services and ecosystem."

"I appreciated learning directly on IBM Cloud, as it aligns with my company's existing infrastructure."

Provides a strong introduction to core microservices and serverless concepts.

"It builds a solid understanding of 12-factor apps and microservices architecture principles."

"I gained a clear grasp of what serverless computing entails and its benefits, which was my primary goal."

"The course clearly explains fundamental concepts like REST APIs and API Gateways, providing a good starting point."

Hands-on activities are highly praised for real-world application.

"The hands-on labs, especially with Code Engine, are incredibly practical and reinforce learning."

"I found the practical implementation of microservices and serverless functions very useful for my work."

"The course offers helpful demonstrations and hands-on activities that truly helped me apply the concepts."

Some older or optional sections may need updates to remain current.

"The optional OpenShift lab had outdated instructions and broken links, which caused significant frustration."

"I encountered some minor issues with lab environments not matching the video exactly, requiring workarounds."

"While the core content is relevant, certain peripheral tools or setup processes might have evolved since publication."

Requires a solid technical background, and some topics might feel rushed.

"Requires prior comfort with the command line and basic cloud concepts; it's not for absolute beginners."

"I found the GraphQL section a bit too brief; I would have liked more in-depth coverage."

"Some sections move quickly, so I recommend having a basic understanding of software development before starting."

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 Microservices and Serverless with these activities:

Review API gateway architectures

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Review how API Gateway is used to manage and secure REST APIs and GraphQL queries

Browse courses on API Gateway

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Read about API Gateway architecture
Review REST API design patterns and best practices
Experiment with a simple REST API using API Gateway

Design a simple Microservices Architecture

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Design a simple microservices architecture for a given scenario, considering factors such as domain decomposition and service boundaries

Browse courses on Microservices Design Patterns

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Identify the different components of the system
Decompose the system into microservices
Design the communication protocols between the microservices
Create a deployment plan for the microservices

Practice deploying microservices on the IBM Cloud

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Practice deploying microservices on the IBM Cloud using Code Engine or Kubernetes Service

Browse courses on IBM Cloud

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Create an IBM Cloud account
Create a Code Engine or Kubernetes Service cluster
Deploy a microservice to the cluster
Test the deployed microservice

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Microservices and Serverless will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers build and maintain software applications. They are responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from design and development to testing and deployment. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern software development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any software development team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud-based solutions. They are responsible for ensuring that cloud-based applications are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for cloud-based applications. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any cloud architecture team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They are responsible for automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle, from design and development to testing and deployment. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern software development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any DevOps team.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for designing and building data pipelines. They are responsible for ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and accessible. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern data engineering. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based data pipelines, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any data engineering team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

AI Engineer

AI Engineers are responsible for designing and building AI-powered applications. They are responsible for ensuring that AI applications are accurate, reliable, and ethical. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern AI development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based AI applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any AI engineering team.

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Backend Developer

Backend Developers are responsible for designing and building the backend of web applications. They are responsible for ensuring that the backend is scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern backend development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based backend applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any backend development team.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. They are responsible for ensuring that systems are up and running, and that they are secure. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern systems administration. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based systems, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any systems administration team.

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Site Reliability Engineer

Site Reliability Engineers are responsible for ensuring that websites and applications are reliable and scalable. They are responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving issues with websites and applications. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern site reliability engineering. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based websites and applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any site reliability engineering team.

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Full-Stack Developer

Full-Stack Developers are responsible for designing and building both the frontend and backend of web applications. They are responsible for ensuring that the web application is scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help you build a solid foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern full-stack development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based full-stack web applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge will make you a more valuable asset to any full-stack development team.

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Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers are responsible for designing and building the user interface of web applications. They are responsible for ensuring that the user interface is user-friendly, responsive, and accessible. This course may help you build a foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern front-end development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based front-end applications, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge may make you a more valuable asset to any front-end development team.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the product development lifecycle. They are responsible for ensuring that products meet the needs of customers and that they are profitable. This course may help you build a foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern product development. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based products, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge may make you a more valuable asset to any product management team.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for understanding the business needs of an organization and translating those needs into technical requirements. This course may help you build a foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern business analysis. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based business solutions, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge may make you a more valuable asset to any business analysis team.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating technical documentation. They are responsible for ensuring that technical documentation is accurate, clear, and concise. This course may help you build a foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern technical writing. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based technical documentation, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge may make you a more valuable asset to any technical writing team.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course may help you build a foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern project management. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based projects, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge may make you a more valuable asset to any project management team.

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Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for testing software applications to ensure that they are free of defects. They are responsible for identifying and fixing bugs in software applications. This course may help you build a foundation in microservices and serverless, which are essential technologies for modern quality assurance. You will learn how to design and implement microservices-based quality assurance tests, and how to integrate them with serverless functions. This knowledge may make you a more valuable asset to any quality assurance team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer