Developing Applications in Python on AWS

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/developing-applications-in-python-on-aws

Introduction

# Course Review: Developing Applications in Python on AWS ## Overview The "Developing Applications in Python on AWS" course on Coursera is an excellent choice for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Python programming and harness the power of AWS for application development. This course is tailored not only for novice programmers but also for seasoned developers who want to explore the serverless architecture and the integration of Python with AWS services. The course begins with a comprehensive introduction to Python, delving into its history, semantics, and operational mechanics. You'll gradually build your skills by crafting a simple Python script by the end of the first week. As you progress, the course integrates the practical application of Python with AWS's powerful features, including serverless architecture and database management, creating a robust learning experience. ## Course Structure The syllabus is structured in a clear, logical manner, divided into four modules, each focusing on critical aspects of application development in Python on AWS: ### Module 1: Welcome to the Course This opening module sets the stage for collaborative application development. It highlights the importance of teamwork among different roles, such as architects and DevOps teams, in building applications. You'll also grasp the fundamentals of Python programming, allowing you to read and comprehend basic Python code effectively. For those already accustomed to programming in other languages, transitioning to Python will feel familiar and intuitive. ### Module 2: Architecture Comparison This module pivots towards software architecture, introducing you to AWS Lambda. You will learn the distinctions among microservices architecture, monolithic architecture, and service-oriented architecture. Through a hands-on approach, the course guides you through deploying a Lambda function and an Amazon API Gateway API using the AWS Serverless Application Model. This real-world application provides invaluable experience in building scalable applications. ### Module 3: Database In the third module, you'll explore the significance of databases in application data management. The course covers both relational databases (using Amazon RDS) and NoSQL databases (using Amazon DynamoDB). You’ll understand when to use each type of database and engage in practical exercises to access data from Python applications—an essential skill for any developer working with data-driven applications. ### Module 4: Messaging Services The final module introduces messaging services, shedding light on application integration using Amazon SNS and SQS. You'll learn to design event-driven applications that respond dynamically to events, an increasingly popular approach in contemporary application architecture. The knowledge of how to leverage Amazon EventBridge to deliver and manage events will equip you with the tools needed for modern application development. ## Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the "Developing Applications in Python on AWS" course for developers eager to elevate their skills in both Python programming and AWS application development. The course is well-structured, providing a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The hands-on labs ensure that learners can apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios, solidifying their understanding of both Python and AWS services. By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to develop scalable, serverless applications that leverage the full potential of Python on AWS. Whether you are starting your programming journey or looking to expand your skills in cloud computing, this course stands out as a valuable investment in your professional development.

Syllabus

Module 1: Welcome to the Course

This module starts with how to develop applications in a team. An application engineer doesn’t work alone, and you learn how an engineer interacts with roles such as architects, product managers, quality assurance (QA), support, and DevOps teams. Next, you learn the basics of Python programming. The goal is to get you to the level where you can read and understand some basic Python code. If you already know a programming language, many of the features of Python will look similar to the programming languages you already know.

This module focuses on software architecture. You learn about AWS Lambda as a home for your application code. You also investigate three different types of application architecture: microservices architecture, monolithic architecture, and service-oriented architecture. You walk through a conceptual ecommerce application, and compare how to build an application based on each architecture type. Next, you learn how to expose your application logic as an application programming interface (API). In a lab environment, you deploy a Lambda function and an Amazon API Gateway API by using the AWS Serverless Application Model (AWS SAM).

In this module, you learn about using a database for your application data. You explore both relational databases with Amazon Relational Database service (Amazon RDS), and NoSQL databases with Amazon DynamoDB. You learn about the differences between relational databases and NoSQL databases, and when you would choose one type of database instead of the other. You also explore different examples of how to access relational databases and DynamoDB from a Python application.

This module introduces you to another way that you can integrate your applications: by using messaging and event buses. You learn how to integrate applications by creating a topic in Amazon Simple Notification Service (Amazon SNS) and adding multiple subscribing applications. You then explore how an application sends messages to an Amazon Simple Queue Service (Amazon SQS) queue, and how consumer applications retrieve messages from that queue. Next, you investigate event-driven applications, which are another type of application architecture. You learn how an application can be designed as a series of both events, and applications that create and respond to these events. Finally, you learn how an application can receive, filter, transform, route, and deliver events by using Amazon EventBridge.