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Programming Essentials with Python: Cloud Technology and SaaS

Launch your career in programming with this course on the fundamentals of Python and other programming languages.

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  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

What’s powering the architecture of cloud computing, and how does it rely on Python programming?

The second course in this Python ExpertTrack takes a deep dive into the cloud.

You’ll look at different types of cloud architecture and learn to articulate the benefits, challenges, and opportunities they offer.

You’ll also gain further insights into the most commonly used programming language – Python. You’ll master its primary functions, and examine its data structures and how to use them.

Discover how cloud computing works

Cloud computing has transformed how computer power – from networks to intelligence – is delivered, offering the opportunity for innovation, flexibility and economies of scale.

This course will teach you the fundamentals of the cloud and how it came to be. You’ll identify the major players within cloud computing, and gain a greater knowledge of its importance and impact upon business and the wider world.

Examine IaaS, Saas and other types of cloud architecture

Going further into cloud computing services, you’ll look at various deployment models and learn how to weigh them up against the risks and challenges they will face.

You’ll go in-depth on IaaS (Infrastructure as a service), Saas (software as a service) and FaaS (function as a service) infrastructure services, and analyse the benefits, issues and opportunities that cloud computing presents.

Master the basics of data structures and algorithms in Python

The final week of the course will shift focus to one of the most straightforward and most commonly used programming languages, Python.

As well as learning how to use its primary functions, you’ll also find out how to define and compare its four built-in data structures – list, tuple, dictionary and set.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to cloud computing

    • Welcome to the course

      We will go through an introduction to the course, information about the optional project tasks, and an overview of Week 1.

    • Introduction to cloud computing

      In this activity, we will discuss what cloud computing is, how it works, and how we got to this type of technology, including a brief historical look at the technology.

    • The cloud computing sector

      In this activity, we will discuss the most prominent organisations in the cloud computing industry, critical trends that cloud computing has taken, along with its impact in our lives.

    • Wrap-up

      Now it's time to reflect on your learning throughout the week and look to what's next!

  • Week 2

    Cloud deployment models, risks, and benefits

    • Welcome to Week 2

      Welcome to Week 2: Cloud deployment models, risks, and benefits.

    • Cloud Operations

      In this activity, we will talk about the various cloud deployment models, including IaaS, PaaS, SaaS and FaaS.

    • Benefits and opportunities, challenges and risks of cloud computing

      In this section, we will discuss some of the key benefits, opportunities, challenges and risks of cloud computing. You should be able to obtain a high level understanding of the key aspects of cloud computing through this.

    • Wrap-up

      Wrap up of Week 2's learning.

  • Week 3

    Python data structures

    • Welcome to Week 3

      Welcome to Week 3: Python data structures.

    • Python data structures

      Python data structures represent the way that objects are stored within Python. This activity aims to discuss some of the common Python data structures and how you can manipulate them.

    • Wrap-up

      Wrap-up of Week 3's learning.

  • Week 4

    Python functions

    • Welcome to Week 4

      Welcome to Week 4: Python functions.

    • Functions

      In this activity, we discuss what functions are in Python, and how you can use them to improve the readability of your code, and your workflow.

    • Wrap-up

      We will summarise the content that we learned over Weeks 3 and 4, along with a few exercises for you to practice your Python skills with.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Define and differentiate between the various types of cloud architecture (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and FaaS)
  • Articulate the benefits, challenges and opportunities of cloud computing
  • Identify the basics of Python for programming

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for professionals looking to build confidence in Python and other programming languages.

It’s ideally suited to career-changers seeking a programming role, established technology professionals, and tech team leaders.

What software or tools do you need?

On this course we’ll be using Python. We recommend you use a computer to access these elements.

Who will you learn with?

Hi everyone. I'm Jey, a professional accredited engineer that is looking to create innovations inside the engineering industry. My interests include deep learning, cryptography and quantum computing.

Who developed the course?

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

In collaboration with

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Endorsers and supporters

endorsed by

Coventry University logo

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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