How Duolingo Plans to Reach 100M Users

Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Coursera

Full-Stack JavaScript: Build a Real-Time Chat App

JetBrains via Coursera

Go to class Write review

Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates — All 10,000+ Courses at 40% Off
One annual plan covers every course and certificate on Coursera. 40% off for a limited time.
Get Full Access
In this course, you will learn how to design and build a real-time, full-stack JavaScript application from scratch. By the end of the course, you will understand how modern web applications function across the frontend, backend, and deployment environments. You will start by developing a backend using Node.js and Express, where you will implement REST APIs, authentication, and data handling. Then, you will build an interactive frontend using React, creating a multi-page application with routing, state management, and API integration. To enable real-time communication, you will implement WebSockets to connect the frontend and backend for live chat functionality. Throughout the course, you will apply your knowledge by building a real-time chat application, gaining practical experience with modern development tools and architectural patterns. You will also learn how to structure applications with a clear data layer, test and debug server code, and prepare your project for deployment using Docker and containerized services. By completing this course, you will gain hands-on experience with the essential technologies of modern full-stack development and build a complete project that you can expand and improve long after the course ends.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
    • In this module, you'll get an overview of how modern full-stack web applications work. You’ll learn about the architecture of the chat application you’ll build during the course and explore the key technologies used in the project, including Node.js, React, and WebSockets. You’ll also review how the backend and frontend interact and how real-time communication fits into the system. By the end of this module, you’ll understand the overall structure of the project and the tools you'll use throughout the course.
  • Backend development
    • In this module, you'll build the backend of a real-time chat application using Node.js and Express. You’ll implement REST APIs, authentication, and data handling, while learning how to structure a backend application with middleware, routing, and a data layer. You’ll also add real-time communication using WebSockets and persist application data using a database. By the end of this module, you’ll have a fully functional backend that supports authentication, messaging, and real-time updates.
  • Frontend development
    • In this module, you'll build the frontend for your chat application using React. You’ll learn how React components work, how to manage state, and how to structure a frontend project. You’ll implement routing between pages, connect the interface to backend APIs, handle authentication tokens, and add real-time messaging with WebSockets. By the end of this module, you'll have a fully interactive chat interface that communicates with your backend.
  • Deploy
    • In this module, you'll learn how to prepare your application for deployment. You’ll containerize both the backend and frontend using Docker, configure production environments, and run the application using Docker Compose. You’ll also learn how services communicate inside container networks and how to manage environment variables securely. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to run and deploy your full-stack application using containerized infrastructure.
  • Conclusion
    • In this module, you’ll reflect on everything you’ve built during the course and review the complete architecture of your full-stack chat application. You’ll also explore ideas for extending your project with new features and improvements. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to continue developing and expanding your full-stack JavaScript applications.

Taught by

JetBrains Academy team

Tags

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

5 rating at Coursera based on 14 ratings

Start your review of Full-Stack JavaScript: Build a Real-Time Chat App

  • Anonymous
    This is a well-structured full-stack JavaScript course that’s especially helpful for beginners. I liked the balance between theory and hands-on practice, as well as the clear explanations of core concepts. The course gradually builds up to real-world applications, which makes it easier to stay engaged and actually apply what you learn.
Go to class

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Sign up for free
Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.