Intermediate Web Development and Backend Basics

Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Master the intersection of frontend and backend web development through this hands-on, project-rich course. You'll explore how WordPress, PHP, MySQL, and APIs work together to create dynamic and responsive websites. By diving into the core components of server-side development, you'll learn how to build interactive experiences, manage data, and structure robust backend logic for scalable web applications. Your journey begins with mastering WordPress—understanding themes, plugins, posts, and more—to build beautiful websites efficiently. Then, you'll transition to PHP, learning the foundational elements such as variables, loops, and forms, all culminating in mini-projects like a contact form and a weather scraper. Next, you'll harness the power of MySQL to store and manage user data, including secure authentication and password storage. You'll also explore APIs by building real-world apps like a Twitter client and a Cat API dashboard. The final stretch introduces you to the Linux command line—covering file manipulation, VIM, and essential shell commands—arming you with key DevOps and server-side skills. This course is ideal for learners who have some HTML/CSS/JS knowledge and are ready to move deeper into backend development. It is best suited for aspiring full-stack developers, freelancers, or anyone looking to build interactive web applications from scratch. By the end of the course, you will be able to build full-featured web applications using WordPress, PHP, MySQL, and APIs, while confidently working with the Linux command line to manage and deploy server-side code.

Syllabus

WordPress

In this module, we will explore the WordPress ecosystem—from installation to building fully functional websites. You'll work with themes, plugins, content types, and site navigation to create a professional-looking website. By the end, you'll be able to manage and customize WordPress sites confidently.

In this module, we will dive into PHP fundamentals—from printing "Hello World" to building functional web apps. You'll learn variables, arrays, control structures, form handling, and even create a mini contact form. This section sets the stage for building dynamic, data-driven websites.

MySQL

In this module, we will cover MySQL, a robust database system used for storing and managing web data. You'll learn to connect PHP to databases, retrieve and update data, manage sessions, and securely store passwords. The module concludes with a hands-on project that brings it all together.

APIs

In this module, we will explore the world of APIs—tools that let your web apps interact with other services. You'll practice calling APIs using PHP and JavaScript, work with authentication keys, and build real-world projects. By the end, you'll know how to leverage APIs for richer, smarter web applications.

Linux Command Line

In this module, we will uncover the power of the Linux command line—an essential skill for backend and server-side development. You'll learn to navigate directories, manage files, edit with VIM, and use powerful tools like GREP and Regex. This foundation is key for working with servers, deployments, and advanced development workflows.