Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/software-architecture-for-big-data-fundamentals

Introduction

## Course Review: Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data In today's data-driven world, understanding software architecture tailored for big data is crucial for aspiring software engineers and architects. The "Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data" course on Coursera aims to provide a deep dive into the essential concepts and practices surrounding the construction of large-scale, data-intensive distributed systems. If you're someone who wishes to bridge the gap between traditional software engineering and the complex requirements of big data systems, this course is an excellent pick. ### Course Overview This course is specifically designed for individuals who want to grasp the foundations of software engineering in the context of big data. Throughout the course, learners will journey through essential engineering concepts, best practices, and the foundational elements necessary for building and scaling large systems. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Software Engineering Overview** - The course kicks off with an enlightening introduction to modern software engineering. Here, you will explore how the industry has evolved over time, get hands-on experience with test-driven development, and implement various widely used data structures. This foundational week sets the stage for the more specialized topics to follow. 2. **Fundamentals of Software Architecture** - In the second week, the focus shifts to the core principles of software architecture. You'll learn how to architect systems that can evolve over time, how to navigate large codebases effectively, and even cover an introduction to blockchain technology as a modern architectural approach. This week is crucial as it lays the groundwork for understanding architecture concepts central to big data. 3. **Fundamentals of Production Software** - The third week delves into the practicalities of managing software in a production environment. You will learn critical techniques for creating reliable background jobs, measuring service availability, and implementing metrics for monitoring. This part of the course ensures that you're prepared not just to build systems but also to maintain them in a real-world setting. 4. **Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data** - The final week culminates in a comprehensive study of production-quality databases and messaging systems. Here, you will grasp the vital trade-offs between consistency and availability, learn how to enhance consistency through transactions, and explore messaging systems that bolster service reliability. This week integrates all prior knowledge and emphasizes the specialized requirements when handling big data. ### Course Format and Learning Experience The course utilizes a combination of video lectures, reading materials, practical assignments, and quizzes to reinforce learning. Each week builds on the previous one, ensuring a smooth progression of knowledge. The hands-on nature of the assignments allows learners to apply theoretical concepts directly, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. ### Why You Should Take This Course - **Foundational Knowledge**: Whether you're new to software engineering or looking to expand your existing knowledge, this course provides a strong base in both software principles and big data architecture. - **Comprehensive Coverage**: It covers a wide range of topics, from software engineering practices to specific architectural considerations for big data systems, offering a holistic view of the landscape. - **Real-World Application**: The skills learned will not only improve your theoretical background but also equip you with practical tools for real-world software development and maintenance. - **Industry Relevance**: As businesses continue to accumulate vast amounts of data, the demand for professionals who understand how to architect scalable and resilient systems will only grow. ### Final Recommendation If you are searching for a course that effectively combines theory with practical application in the context of big data, the "Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data" on Coursera comes highly recommended. It provides a robust framework for understanding software architecture while equipping you with essential skills necessary for success in today's data-heavy environments. Enroll today and take the next step towards mastering the architecture of large, distributed systems!

Syllabus

Software Engineering Overview

Welcome to Fundamentals of Software Architecture for Big Data. In the first week of this course, you will learn the basics of modern software engineering. You will learn how our industry progresses over time, practice test driven development, and implement widely used data structures.

In this week you will learn the fundamentals of software architecture. You will learn how to evolve an architecture over time, how to work within a large codebase, and a bit about blockchain.

This week you will learn the fundamentals of monitoring software in production. You will learn how to create reliable background jobs, how to calculate and communicate service availability, and how to implement production metrics and monitoring.

In this last week of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of production quality databases and messaging systems. You will understand the tradeoffs between consistency and availability, how to implement database transactions to improve consistency, and how to implement messaging systems to improve availability.