Service-Oriented Architecture

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/service-oriented-architecture

Introduction

### Course Review: Service-Oriented Architecture on Coursera If you're looking to deepen your understanding of modern software architectures, especially the principles of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the *Service-Oriented Architecture* course on Coursera is an excellent choice. This course offers a structured curriculum that covers the foundational concepts of SOA, along with a hands-on approach to implementing those concepts through practical application. #### Overview The course is thoughtfully designed to introduce learners to the vital architectural styles that underpin web applications. It focuses on two main approaches to SOA: Web Services (WS*) and Representational State Transfer (REST) architecture. Through engaging video lectures, reading materials, and interactive quizzes, you’ll navigate the complexities of SOA and understand how to leverage it in today’s tech landscape. One of the standout features of the course is the Capstone Project, which serves as a culmination of your learning experience. You will connect a Java-based Android application with Elasticsearch through a REST API, a project that not only showcases the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained but also provides you with practical skills that are highly relevant in the industry. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Web Technologies** - This module starts with the foundational principles of service-oriented architecture. You’ll learn about the core technologies that support the web, setting the stage for understanding web services. This section is essential as it covers the historical context and the evolution of SOA. 2. **Web Services** - The second module dives into WS*-style web services, which mark the first generation of web service specifications. Here, you'll familiarize yourself with key specifications such as SOAP, WSDL, UDDI, and BPEL. Through clear explanations and examples, you’ll grasp how these specifications work together to facilitate web services. 3. **REST Architecture for SOA** - The focus shifts to RESTful architecture, which has gained significant traction due to its simplicity and efficiency. In this module, you will learn to design RESTful services and delve into the concept of microservices, which aligns with current trends in software development. This part of the course emphasizes practical design principles that will prepare you for real-world applications. 4. **Capstone Challenge** - The final module involves a hands-on project where you connect an Android app to a remote Elasticsearch server. This experience is invaluable, allowing you to apply your theoretical understanding in a practical scenario while also getting a feel for real-world challenges involving data management and connectivity. #### Learning Outcomes After completing this course, you will be equipped with the ability to: - Describe the core principles and components of Service-Oriented Architecture. - Compare and contrast WS*-style web services with RESTful services. - Design and implement RESTful web services effectively. - Complete a practical project that demonstrates your skills in connecting applications to web services. #### Recommendations The *Service-Oriented Architecture* course on Coursera is recommended for software developers, system architects, and anyone interested in understanding how modern web services operate. Whether you are a beginner looking to venture into the world of service-oriented architectures or an experienced professional wanting to refresh your knowledge, this course offers valuable insights. The instructors are knowledgeable, and the course structure is intuitive, making it easy to follow along. With a combination of theoretical lessons and practical applications, you’ll find yourself well-prepared to utilize SOA principles in your projects. By investing your time in this course, you will not only enhance your resume but also gain practical skills that are highly sought after in the tech industry, making this course a worthy addition to your learning portfolio. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to understand and apply Service-Oriented Architecture in real-world scenarios!

Syllabus

Web Technologies

In this module, we will introduce you to service-oriented architectures and their basic principles. Then, you will get a crash course on the technologies that underpin the Web, so that you are ready to learn about web services in the next module. This module also covers some earlier precursors of service-oriented architecture.

WS*-style web services are a "first generation" group of specifications that work together to allow developers to develop and use web services. They are all based on XML. In this module you will learn some of the most important specifications of WS*-style web services: SOAP, WSDL, UDDI, and BPEL.

RESTful web services are another style of web services based on lightweight HTTP methods. They have largely superseded WS*-style services because of their relative simplicity. In this module, you will learn about RESTful services and how to design them. You will also learn a bit about microservices, a software architecture for applications that is based on services.

In the previous modules, you determined an Android application’s information needs when storing data remotely. Now, in the final module of the course, you will fully connect the application to a remote Elasticsearch server to allow users to share information across their devices. After completing this task, you will be ready to complete the final exam.