Overview

Master the essential concepts and hands-on skills needed to understand cloud computing from multiple perspectives. This comprehensive course takes you from cloud computing history and definitions through advanced database technologies, providing both theoretical foundations and practical implementation experience. You'll explore how cloud platforms have transformed modern technology, learning to evaluate IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS service models while gaining hands-on experience with virtualization using VirtualBox. The course progresses through cloud data infrastructure, where you'll differentiate between databases, data warehouses, and data lakes, and learn to apply de-normalized schemas like Star and Snowflake for optimal performance. By course completion, you'll confidently compare and select appropriate database technologies—MySQL, MongoDB, and Neo4j—understanding ACID versus BASE properties and horizontal versus vertical scaling strategies. What sets this course apart is its balanced approach: combining historical context, architectural understanding, and practical coding exercises using Python, GitHub, and Flask. Whether you're transitioning into cloud roles or expanding your technical expertise, this course equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for modern cloud computing careers.

Syllabus

Definitions and History of Cloud Computing

In this introductory module, you'll get to know your instructor and the course structure before diving into the foundations of cloud computing. You'll explore its history, key definitions, and broad impact across industries. You'll also set up a Python virtual environment and begin working with GitHub to prepare for hands-on cloud-based development throughout the course.

Cloud Computing Platforms and Service Models

In this module, you'll explore the core technologies that make cloud computing possible, including virtualization, networking, and storage. You'll also dive into the three main cloud service models—Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)—and assess their benefits and risks. Through hands-on activities, quizzes, and a real-world case study, you’ll strengthen your understanding of how these models are applied in practice.

Cloud Data Infrastructure

In this module, you'll build on your understanding of relational databases and explore how cloud-based data infrastructure supports modern data management. You'll learn to differentiate between databases, data warehouses, and data lakes, and discover when to apply de-normalized schemas like Star and Snowflake. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, you'll gain the skills to design scalable, cloud-ready data systems tailored to specific business needs.

Databases in Cloud Computing

In this module, you'll explore the fundamentals of cloud databases and how they support scalable, high-performance applications. You'll learn to distinguish between ACID and BASE properties, understand horizontal vs. vertical scaling, and compare the strengths and trade-offs of MySQL, MongoDB, and Neo4j. Through real-world scenarios and hands-on demos, you’ll gain the skills to evaluate and select the most appropriate database technologies for various cloud-based use cases.