Back-End Engineer

Welcome to the Back-End Engineer Path! You'll get acquainted with the core resources that will guide you through this path before getting learning about software engineering.

A developer should be able to work on their projects in their own local environment. Learn about the field of web development and the tools developers use to create websites.

Be introduced to the field of web development and create your first web page on the internet using HTML and CSS. You'll even work in your own local environment!

JavaScript empowers you to add logic to your website and create a truly interactive site. Start with the basics of variables, data types, conditionals, functions, and scope.

The Document Object Model (DOM) represents the different parts of a website. Use JavaScript to manipulate the DOM and create a interctive site.

Further your knowledge of JavaScript and implement classes, modules, and error handling. Once you're done, test yourself with the provided code challenges.

Git is a quintessential tool for version control. Use it along with GitHub to share your code and enable a collaborative workflow with other developers.

Start your portfolio by building a Node.js console app that generates random messages each time a user runs the program and version your project with Git/GitHub.

Dive into the world of back-end development using your knowledge of Javascript to work in Node.js. You'll implement modules and utilize the Node Package Manager (npm).

Learn what asynchronous code is and how it allows you to use JavaScript to smoothly handle actions that might otherwise block your app and make your users wait.

Express.js is a popular Node application framework that enables you to quickly build out core back-end functionality straight out of the box.

Further your knowledge of Git and GitHub to streamline your processes for working collaboratively with others through forking, branching, merging conflicts, and making pull requests.

Show off your skills and add to your portfolio by incorporating both Node and Express.js to build an API that allows users to create and manage a personal budget.

Databases store the information that your app uses to function. Learn about different types of databases, how to work with a relational database, and how to locally set up PostgreSQL.

In this unit, you'll learn how to work more in-depth with databases, creating more sophisticated SQL queries and calculations to build data-intensive applications.

The design of a well-organized database can better facilitate the interactions of your application. Learn best practices to set up your PostgreSQL database.

Optimizing a database can make storage and retrieval of information faster — learn how to implement techniques that will let your database work efficiently.

Learn how to pair your database with your Node and Express back-end. This functionality will enable your app to serve up custom experiences for your users.

Deploying a server means you will have an API live on the web for anyone you allow to use it. Learn how to build an API with Node, Express, PostgreSQL and deploy it to Render.

Testing ensures that your app performs as intended. Learn how to create Mocha tests and the Test Driven Development (TDD) methodology that demonstrates how testing can be applied.

Shore up your programming foundations by learning software design principles. Start designing more complex systems with techniques such as design patterns, SOLID principles, and UML.

Your API is only as good as its documentation — learn how to document your API using OpenAPI and Swagger so that others can benefit from your work.

Polish up your existing portfolio project — take your budgeting app one step further and add a new layer to the project by setting up a database to persist your data.

Web security is becoming increasingly important. Learn the fundamentals of what web security is and prevention techniques for common threats.

Authentication means verifying that your users are who they say they are and authorization determines what permissions they have. Learn how to Implement these key features.

Data should only be shared with its intended recipients. Learn to secure your data using Transport Layer Security (TLS), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and more!

There are common patterns that are used to attack web apps. Learn how to prevent the most common attacks like cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injections, and more.

Operating systems play a key role in how browsers, apps, and user interactions play out. Learn about core operating system functionality to get an under-the-hood look at the OS.

Caching and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) can help the speed of sending data. Learn about how content is stored on different servers with caching and CDNs.

As your application grows, the resourcing needed to scale also grows. This unit will teach you different effective strategies for scaling a software system.

Development Operations (DevOps) is a culture supported by practices and tools. Get acquainted with the basics of how to support and maintain the development of apps.

Showcase all your back-end capabilities — build an API with Node, Express, and Postgres that uses authentication and authorization best practices to manage an online contest.

Begin interview preparation by learning the fundamentals of linear data structures such as singly-linked lists, doubly-linked lists, queues, and stacks.

Continue your interview preparation by learning advanced applications that include data structures such as hash maps, trees, heaps, and graphs.

Another part of what's tested during the technical interview is algorithms. Learn what algorithms are, asymptotic notation, and different types of sorting algorithms.

Continue to build off your understanding of algorithms by diving into search algorithms that involve: binary search, search trees, and graph traversals.

Review some key technical interview topics such as whiteboarding and code challenges as well as soft skills which employers are looking for in potential candidates.

Technical interviews are a staple used to gauge your programming skills. Learn what these interviews entail and how to best represent yourself.

Highlight your skills and showcase your creativity by creating a full-stack PERN app of your choosing. Feature this project in your portfolio project and don't be shy about collaboration.