Courses

Backend Development

APIs, databases, authentication, and server-side architecture

  • 8 lessons
  • 5 hours
  • Intermediate
  • Graded labs: 2
Start course Course map & resources

What you will learn

  • Write functions with control flow and data structures to solve problems and cover edge cases.
  • Model data relationally and write SQL for create, read, update, delete and joins.
  • Design REST endpoints with correct verbs, status codes and input validation.
  • Hash passwords properly and implement token-based authentication safely.
  • Build a Node.js HTTP service with routing and middleware.
  • Use a cache and a queue to cut latency and absorb traffic spikes.
  • Containerize and deploy a service with configuration from the environment.
  • Sketch a system design with back-of-envelope capacity numbers (requests per second, storage).

How you are assessed

Backend work must be correct before it is fast: quizzes test API and security reasoning, labs grade your SQL and logic against edge cases, and a challenge adds hidden-test pressure.

To pass this track
  • Complete every Foundations lesson
  • Average on first-try quizzes: at least 70%
  • Graded lab exercises to pass: 2
  • Challenges to solve: 1
  • Lessons

    Learn the server side

    Complete programming basics, databases, REST APIs and authentication.

  • Quizzes

    Reason about APIs and security

    Average at least 70% on first-try quizzes about status codes, hashing and token expiry.

  • Lab exercises

    Write correct queries and logic

    Pass the SQL lab (SQLite) and the request-validation lab against their tests.

  • Challenges

    Beat hidden tests

    Solve one backend or algorithm challenge graded by hidden tests.

Curriculum

Module 1 · 4 lessons

Server-side core

Programming basics, SQL, REST APIs and authentication.

0/4
  1. 1.Programming Basics — Logic That Runs the World

    Pick one language and master it: Python or JavaScript (Node.js) are the best starting points. Variables, loops, functions, OOP, and data structures — everything else builds on this.

    40 min 3 exercises 1 quiz
    Try in Code Lab
  2. 2.Databases & SQL — Where Data Lives

    Relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL), SQL queries, joins, indexes, and transactions. Then NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis). Data storage is at the core of every backend application.

    40 min 2 exercises 1 quiz Graded labs: 1
    Lab Try in Code Lab
  3. 3.APIs & REST — How Software Talks

    Build and consume REST APIs: HTTP methods, status codes, JSON, authentication headers, rate limiting, and API versioning. REST APIs are the backbone of modern web services.

    40 min 2 exercises 1 quiz Graded labs: 1
    LabChallenges: 2 Try in Code Lab
  4. 4.Auth & Security — Who Are You?

    JWT, OAuth 2.0, sessions, bcrypt password hashing, CORS, HTTPS, and security headers. Building secure authentication is one of the most critical backend responsibilities.

    35 min 2 exercises 1 quiz
    Challenge Try in Code Lab
Module 2 · 3 lessons

Build and scale

Node.js services, caching, queues and deployment.

0/3
  1. 5.Node.js — JavaScript on the Server

    Event loop, async programming, streams, modules (CommonJS & ESM), the npm ecosystem, and performance. Understanding how Node.js works under the hood makes you a better backend developer.

    35 min 2 exercises 1 quiz
    Try in Code Lab
  2. 6.Caching & Queues — Fast and Resilient

    Redis for caching and session storage, message queues (RabbitMQ, BullMQ), and background jobs. These are the tools that make backends fast and scalable.

    30 min 2 exercises 1 quiz
    Try in Code Lab
  3. 7.Docker & Deployment — Ship It Anywhere

    Containerize your app with Docker, write Dockerfiles, use docker-compose for local dev, and deploy to a cloud provider. Modern backend devs are expected to ship their own code.

    30 min 1 exercise 1 quiz
    Try in Code Lab
Module 3 · 1 lesson

System design

Reason about capacity and failure at scale.

0/1
  1. 8.System Design — Building for Millions

    Design scalable systems: load balancers, horizontal scaling, database replication, CAP theorem, microservices vs monoliths. Asked in every senior backend interview.

    30 min 1 exercise 1 quiz
    Challenge Try in Code Lab

Run a real example

This is the kind of code you will write. Run it, then change it and run it again.

JavaScript (Node.js)

Bursts are allowed until the bucket empties, then requests are rejected until it refills. Change the capacity and watch the pattern move.

Open in Code Lab

Recommended challenges

Put the skills to work against a puzzle with a flag or a test suite.

See all challenges

Badges

Earned automatically from your progress on this device.

  • First Endpoint

    Locked

    Finish your first lesson.

    0 / 1

  • Server-Side Core

    Locked

    Complete every core lesson.

    0 / 4

  • Query Craft

    Locked

    Pass 2 graded lab exercises.

    0 / 2

  • API Thinker

    Locked

    Score 80% or more on the first try in 4 lesson quizzes.

    0 / 4

  • Backend Developer

    Locked

    Complete every lesson in the track.

    0 / 8

Certificate of completion

Lessons completed: 0 / 8

Complete every lesson to unlock your certificate.