Introduction

Welcome to Web Backend Development! In this course, you will gain the skills to create efficient and scalable server-side rendered web applications. Building on your frontend knowledge, you will learn to design and integrate relational databases, implement robust validation strategies, and follow modern frameworks and design patterns. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to develop dynamic, data-driven applications that adhere to industry best practices in backend development.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Throughout this course, you will build the skills necessary to develop a server-side rendered web application that is both efficient and scalable, while continuing to apply the knowledge you gained in frontend development. By the end of the semester, you will have learned to:

Develop web applications that follow frontend standards learned previously
Create server-side-rendered applications using modern frameworks and design patterns
Design and integrate relational databases for CRUD operations
Implement appropriate client-side and server-side validation strategies
Articulate the terminology, principles, and best practices of web backend development

AI Usage

In line with the Computer Science Department's AI policy, AI should be used responsibly as a tool to support your learning, like a tutor or mentor, rather than completing assignments or projects for you. If you use AI extensively or are unsure about its use, please disclose and credit it in your work.

Occasionally, you will encounter a callout like this, highlighting opportunities to leverage AI to enhance your learning experience. Most callouts are optional, but some may require you to use AI for a specific task and report your findings. If you are asked to share an AI chat, use a tool such as ChatGPT that allows you to share the chat history, and ensure you retain the chat until your instructor has reviewed it.

No Cloud Storage

It is crucial that you store your work in your GitHub repository and avoid using cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for your course work. This ensures that your work is backed up, versioned, and accessible to your instructor and peers. It also helps you avoid issues with file permissions, locking, and syncing that can corrupt your work.

Do not place your local Git repository inside a folder that is synced with a cloud storage service. These services often modify files in ways that are incompatible with Git, such as altering file permissions, locking files, or creating temporary files. These changes can corrupt your repository, cause merge conflicts, or lead to other issues that are difficult to diagnose and resolve. Always keep your Git repository in a standard local folder and use GitHub for backup and collaboration.