Programming Foundations: Application Architecture

Course details

In this course, software developer Kathryn Hodge highlights the foundational principles of application architecture, including key concepts such as performance optimization, technical debt reduction, and efficient data handling. Learn about the different layers of software applications. Discover best practices for front-end and back-end integration, particularly focusing on the use of APIs for seamless communication. Delve into real-world examples, from simple Python scripts to full stack and cloud-based applications, and compare the benefits and limitations of each. Whether you're a software developer, project manager, or tech enthusiast, this course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of application architecture. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge to build robust, scalable, and efficient applications.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Why learn about software architecture
02 - What you need to know

1. Basics of Software Application Architecture

03 - What is software application architecture
04 - Different building blocks in an application
05 - What is front-end vs. back-end development

2. Build a Simple Script Application

06 - Components in a simple script application
07 - Play the guess the number game
08 - Code walkthrough - Python guess the number game script
09 - Limitations of a simple script application

3. Build a Full-Stack Application

10 - Components in a full-stack application
11 - Run the to-do list application
12 - Code walkthrough - To-do list application
13 - Incorporate a database for data persistence
14 - Limitations of a local full-stack application

4. Build an Application on the Cloud

15 - Components in a cloud application
16 - Use recipe cloud-based application
17 - Code walkthrough - Recipe cloud-based application
18 - Add analytics and monitoring for application visibility
19 - Limitations of a cloud application

5. Incorporate an API

20 - Definition of an API
21 - Understand authentication and authorization
22 - Code walkthrough - App integration with a weather API
23 - Enhance your app with AI functionality using APIs

6. Testing and Updates in Software Applications

24 - Definition of quality assurance
25 - Version control your code
26 - Deploy new code to the customer

7. Explore Tech Stacks

27 - What is a tech stack
28 - Considerations for building for the iPhone vs. web
29 - Building for IoT - What makes something smart

Conclusion

30 - How to deal with tradeoffs in software design