Your Lecturer /

Tomas Trescak

Passionate Developer
- 20+ languages
- Open Source Enthusiast
12 years in industry
- Software Architect
- Large ERP systems
17 years in academia
- AI and ML
- Software Systems

Let's quickly meet the person who developed this course, Associate Professor Tomas Trescak.

Tomas is a passionate developer who programs in over 20 different languages and contributes to the open source scene, mainly in Python and Javascript world.

He worked for 12 years in the industry in various roles in software development, most recently working as software architect for large ERP systems and their integration to B2B and B2C portals.

Later, Tomas joined academia, focusing on applying artificial intelligence research while maintaining his passion for developing groundbreaking systems. While in academia, Tomas developed learning systems such as ClaraWorld.net, Jobiq.com.au or the system you are working on right now ... skillpies.com. I believe that you are in good hands to start your full-stack development journey!

What is Full-Stack Development?

What is a Stack?

DevOps

CD / Deployment

CI / Quality Assurance

Front-End

Back-End

DB

Software System
Web / Mobile App

So, what is a stack, and what role does it play in full-stack development?

The stack represents the selection of technologies to build, deploy, and maintain all the parts of a software system.

As a full-stack developer, your primary responsibility is to deliver your application's front-end and back-end. The front end is the application user interface, while the back end implements the business logic and data persistence.

Very often, you are also responsible for maintaining the quality of the software product, assuring that nothing breaks when new features are developed and integrated.

Once you finish a new feature, you will deploy your solution to the infrastructure, ensuring availability and scalability. Often, your application is spread across multiple servers, cloud providers and architectures.

Last but not least, you should be knowledgeable of project management methodologies and tools to support system development and have the capability to automate repetitive processes in the lower layers of this stack. Are you ready for the challenge? Let's now dissect individual parts of the stack.

What is Full-Stack Development?

Front-End

Courtesy of: https://eluminoustechnologies.com

What is Full-Stack Development?

Back-End

Behind the scenes, the back end is where all the power lies. It's where your business logic, financial transactions, confidential computations, and the magic that drives your application all come together.

Due to the limitations of programming language support in browsers, the front end is usually built with HTML, CSS, and Javascript. But, in the backend, you have more freedom to choose your programming language and architecture.

Python language is a popular choice, supported by fully-featured Django framework and FastAPI.

Beginners love PHP, and Laravel delivers probably the most complete tool-belt out of all existing frameworks. PHP still powers over 80% of websites around the world!

If you are looking for a corporate solution based on Windows OS servers, Microsoft's .NET has been a stronghold for full-stack applications. But, in recent years its popularity for new developments is slowly declining.

While there are other languages and frameworks, such as Ruby and Rails or Java's Spring Boot, this course will use NodeJS. We have very good reasons for choosing NodeJS, which we will discuss later. For now, all you need to know that it will make your life easier while learning one of the most popular back-end frameworks.

Why React?

#1 Fast Learning Curve

React is straightforward to learn and start using, especially if you're already familiar with JavaScript.

"Build dynamic and interactive UIs without steep learning hurdles."

Why React?

#2 High Demand in the Job Market

React is one of the most in-demand skills in web development today.

" Join the ranks of top developers sought after by leading tech companies. "

Why React?

#3 Reusable Components

Write code once and use it anywhere.

" Save time by reusing components across your project. "

Why React?

#4 Strong Community Support

React has a massive community, offering tons of libraries, tools, and resources.

" Get help and inspiration from a global network of developers. "

Why React?

#5 Backed by Industry Leaders

React is maintained by Facebook and a community of individual developers.

" Learn a technology trusted and used by top companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Netflix. "

Node.js for Full-Stack Development?

#1 Efficient and Scalable

Fast V8 Engine
Scalable Architecture and Services
Ideal for Real-Time Applications

Node.js for Full-Stack Development?

#2 Unified Development with JavaScript / Typescript

Single Language for Client / Server
Fast Prototyping / Fast Development
Productivity

What's Next?

Part 1: Get Things Done App

DevOps

CD / Deployment

CI / Quality Assurance

Back-End

Front-End

DB

Two Weeks
Focus on Front End
Simulated Back-End
ReactJS
Build first application

What's Next?

Part 2: CMS - Content Management System

DevOps

CD / Deployment

CI / Quality Assurance

Front-End

Back-End

DB

Ten Weeks
Rest of the Stack
Front-End
Back-End (Next.JS)
DB
CI/CD
NO DEVOPS

React Fundamentals

Assignments

Tutorials (30%)
- Extension of Lectured Projects
- Four demonstrations (1 in Part I. and 3 in Part II.)
Applied Project (50%), Threshold (50%)
- Individual implementation of e-commerce portal
- Given a set of user requirements and E2E tests
- Group work, code reviews and PRs
Final Exam (20%)
- Lecture content
- MCs, Simple Answers and Case Studies

Let's discuss how you will be assessed in this course.

First, in Tutorials, you will extend the functionality of projects discussed during the lectures, such as the GTD and CMS apps. Four times during the semester, you must attend the tutorial and present your work to your tutor. The tutor will ask questions to ensure you reach that part's learning outcomes. The questions will relate to the functionality you just implemented.

The most important part of this course is the applied project that forms 50% of your grade. Also, this assessment has a 50% threshold; thus, failing this assessment means you fail the whole course.

The goal for the major assignment is to implement an e-commerce portal selling used vehicles. You are the sole full-stack developer in this project.

We will provide you with a list of user requirements and a suite of end-to-end tests, verifying the system functionality. Your grade will depend on the completeness, quality, stability and security of your final solution.

While you are the sole developer in the major assignment, your team will join two of your classmates representing product owners and project managers, who will review your code and keep track of the milestones.

The final exam will comprise the topics covered in the lectures, combining multiple choice questions, simple answer questions and case studies.

Full Stack Development

Introduction

Your Lecturer /

Tomas Trescak

What is Full-Stack Development?

What is a Stack?

What is Full-Stack Development?

Front-End

What is Full-Stack Development?

Back-End

Why React?

#1 Fast Learning Curve

Why React?

#2 High Demand in the Job Market

Why React?

#3 Reusable Components

Why React?

#4 Strong Community Support

Why React?

#5 Backed by Industry Leaders

Node.js for Full-Stack Development?

#1 Efficient and Scalable

Node.js for Full-Stack Development?

#2 Unified Development with JavaScript / Typescript

What's Next?

Part 1: Get Things Done App

What's Next?

Part 2: CMS - Content Management System

React Fundamentals

Assignments