In this module, learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of back-end web development, which is the part of web development responsible for the server-side logic of web applications. They will learn about the different components involved in back-end development, including databases, servers, and APIs. Additionally, they will be introduced to Node.js, which is a JavaScript runtime that allows developers to build server-side applications using JavaScript. Node.js has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. Throughout the module, students will gain a basic understanding of how to set up a Node.js environment, create and run basic server-side applications, and interact with databases using Node.js. By the end of the module, students will have a solid foundation in back-end development and be able to start building more complex server-side applications.
The Introduction to NodeJS & NPM module is an essential part of the front-end web development course that introduces students to the concepts of Node.js and NPM. The module starts by introducing the basics of Node.js, including its asynchronous nature, modules, and file system, before moving on to creating a simple web server, routing, building an API, and HTML templating. Additionally, students will be introduced to NPM and the package.json file, including third-party modules, package versioning, and updating. They will also learn how to set up Prettier in VS Code, which is a code formatter that can help keep code consistent and easy to read.
The How NodeJS Works module is an advanced module that delves into the core concepts and architecture of Node.js. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the event-driven model of Node.js and its use of streams to efficiently process large amounts of data. They will also learn about the underlying mechanisms of Node.js that enable it to handle high levels of traffic, such as the use of processes and threads to maximize performance and the thread pool to manage requests. Additionally, students will explore the basics of HTTP and the differences between static, dynamic, and API-driven websites.
The Asynchronous JavaScript: Promises & Async Await module teaches students the basics of asynchronous programming in JavaScript using Promises and Async/Await. It starts by addressing the issues with using callback functions, which can lead to callback hell. The module then introduces Promises as a solution to this problem and covers how they are constructed and consumed in JavaScript. Finally, students are introduced to the newer and more concise way of working with Promises using Async/Await. By the end of the module, students will have a solid understanding of asynchronous programming in JavaScript and be able to apply these concepts in their own projects.
In the Building APIs with Node.js and Express module, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of building APIs using the popular Node.js framework, Express. The module begins with an overview of Express, explaining its basic structure and features. Students will then learn how to set up routes for their application, handle different types of HTTP requests, and utilize middleware to enhance their API’s functionality. The module also covers important concepts in RESTful API design, such as resource identification, HTTP methods, and response formatting. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of how to serve static files and utilize environment variables in their application.
In this module, you will be introduced to MongoDB, a widely used NoSQL database in back-end web development. The module will cover how to install MongoDB on your computer and how to create a local database. You will also learn about performing basic CRUD operations such as create, read, update, and delete on the database. The module will also teach you how to use the Compass app for managing the database and how to create a hosted database using MongoDB Atlas, a cloud-based database service.
In this module, you will delve into using MongoDB with Mongoose, an Object Data Modeling (ODM) library for Node.js that makes working with MongoDB databases much easier. The module will cover how to connect your Express app to MongoDB and use Mongoose to perform CRUD operations on documents in the database. You will also learn about modeling data with Mongoose schemas and how to apply built-in and custom validators to validate data in the database. Additionally, you will learn about the usefulness of middleware in handling pre- and post-save hooks, and how it can be used to provide a robust and scalable solution for data modeling and persistence. This module will provide a comprehensive understanding of how to use Mongoose with MongoDB to build and manage a back-end web application effectively.
The Error Handling module focuses on teaching students how to handle errors in Node.js and Express applications effectively. The module covers various topics such as debugging techniques using ndb, global error handling middleware implementation, handling unhandled routes, custom error message addition, database error handling, and catching uncaught exceptions. The module aims to equip students with a strong understanding of error handling best practices, enabling them to implement these practices in their projects effectively.
This module focuses on implementing secure authentication and authorization mechanisms for web applications, using industry-standard techniques and best practices. The module covers a wide range of important topics, starting with modelling users and managing passwords, including password hashing and salting. It then moves on to the use of JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for authentication, a popular and secure method of implementing user authentication in modern web applications. The module also covers implementing user roles and permissions to control access to different parts of the application, setting up password reset functionality, and applying security best practices to web applications.
The Data Modelling & Advanced Mongoose module delves deeper into the world of MongoDB and Mongoose, focusing on designing and modelling data effectively. The module covers the process of designing data models that fit the requirements of specific use cases, and explores advanced features of Mongoose such as virtual populate, which allows users to create relationships between models that don’t have an explicit foreign key reference. Additionally, learners will explore the integration of geospatial data in their applications using the GeoJSON format, and how to improve query performance by creating indexes on frequently accessed fields. The module also covers advanced techniques for handling nested routes, and implementing factory functions to simplify repetitive code.
The Server-Side Rendering module in the Certificate in Back End Web Development course covers the basics of server-side rendering with Pug and Express. Students will learn how to create a tour overview and tour page with a map using Mapbox, implement user authentication with login and logout functionality, render error pages, and build a user account page. The module also covers updating user data and password using the API. By the end of this module, students will have a strong understanding of server-side rendering techniques and will be able to implement them in their own projects.
The Advanced Features module is an essential part of the Certificate in Back End Web Development course, providing students with advanced skills and knowledge to build sophisticated web applications. This module covers various topics, including handling file uploads, sending emails, and integrating payment processing using popular payment gateways like Stripe. The module also explores integrating third-party services like SendGrid for email marketing campaigns, modeling bookings for hotels, and managing reservations. By the end of the module, students will be able to implement these advanced features in their web applications, improving user experience and functionality.
The GitHub & Deployment module covers the essential concepts required for version control using Git and deploying web applications on a remote server. The module starts with the basics of Git and covers important topics such as setting up a GitHub account, creating and merging branches, resolving conflicts, and collaborating with other developers using Git. Students will also learn about deploying web applications using a platform like Heroku, which involves configuring buildpacks, setting up environment variables, and managing database connections. The module also includes additional topics like configuring secure HTTPS connections using SSL/TLS, implementing Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) to handle requests from multiple domains, and handling Stripe Webhooks to receive notifications for payment events. By the end of this module, students will have a solid understanding of version control with Git and will be able to deploy their web applications on a remote server with confidence.
This module brings together all of the concepts and skills covered in the course. Students will have the opportunity to review and consolidate their understanding of topics such as Node.js, Express, MongoDB, Mongoose, authentication and authorization, server-side rendering, error handling, and advanced features like file uploads, email sending, and payment processing. The module will also provide guidance on best practices for structuring and organizing code, as well as tips for debugging and troubleshooting common issues. By the end of the module, students will have a solid understanding of back-end web development and the skills needed to develop and deploy robust, secure, and scalable web applications.
