Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/applications-development-microservices-serverless-openshift
In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, staying ahead means embracing new architectures and technologies. Coursera’s ‘Application Development using Microservices and Serverless’ course offers a comprehensive introduction to two of the most crucial pillars of modern cloud-native development. Whether you’re looking to modernize existing applications or build new, scalable solutions from the ground up, this course is an invaluable resource.
The course kicks off with a solid foundation in microservices. It demystifies the concept of breaking down monolithic applications into smaller, independently deployable services. You’ll learn best practices for development, deployment, and operation, focusing on how microservices enable independent scaling and eliminate single points of failure. The syllabus also wisely touches upon common anti-patterns to avoid, a crucial aspect often overlooked in introductory materials.
Moving on, the ‘Web API Essentials’ module dives into the world of APIs, specifically REST and GraphQL. You’ll get hands-on experience building a RESTful API with Python and Flask, documenting it with Swagger, and testing it using tools like cURL and Postman. The importance of API Gateways is also highlighted, explaining their role in abstracting backend services and facilitating the integration of new ones. This practical approach ensures you grasp the core concepts of API communication.
The ‘Serverless Overview’ section provides a clear comparison between serverless, containers, and traditional computing models, detailing the pros and cons of each. You’ll gain an understanding of the Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) model, its constraints, and get acquainted with the Serverless Framework and common serverless platforms. This module is essential for understanding the cost and efficiency benefits of serverless architectures.
The practical application of these concepts comes alive in the ‘Create and Deploy Microservices using Serverless’ module. Here, you’ll explore IBM Cloud Code Engine for building and deploying applications rapidly. The course guides you through deploying container-based applications using Dockerfiles and the IBM Cloud Console or CLI, providing a tangible experience of deploying to a cloud platform.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding, the optional modules on ‘OpenShift Essentials’ and ‘Working with OpenShift and Istio’ are highly recommended. These modules introduce Red Hat OpenShift, a powerful Kubernetes platform, and the concept of service meshes like Istio, explaining how they enhance the management and scaling of microservices in a cloud environment.
Overall, ‘Application Development using Microservices and Serverless’ is a well-structured and practical course. It strikes a good balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, making complex topics accessible. The final project allows you to consolidate your learning. I highly recommend this course to any developer looking to build modern, scalable, and cost-effective applications in the cloud.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/applications-development-microservices-serverless-openshift