Overview
The aim of this course is to teach you the essentials of software development, so that you can work more effectively with developers.
What does this course include?
• High-quality, on-demand video lectures.
• Practical exercises to get hands-on experience with key software concepts.
• Dedicated support from our friendly student success team.
• Membership of a vibrant student community for peer advice and updates.
• ‘Ask Me Anything’ webinar hosted by a senior software developer.
• A globally recognised certificate on completion of an online exam.
How will this course be delivered?
Course learning format: this is an E-learning course that is self-paced
Estimated learning time required for the course: the estimated learning time for this course is 2 months (60 days)
Prerequisites
- None
Objectives
• Have more productive conversations with development teams, by understanding their language.
• Describe what happens at each stage of the software development process.
• Create better designs by knowing the technical constraints involved in bringing them to life.
• Apply techniques for more effective collaboration with developers.
Outline
What you’ll learn
Over 6 weeks, you’ll learn about the key concepts and processes involved in software development. You'll understand how code works, so that you can collaborate more effectively with developers.
Module 1
The software landscape
In your first module, you’ll be introduced to the software landscape. You’ll understand the relationship between hardware and software and recognise
the roles of operating systems, applications and web browsers. This module will also walk you through the origins of the internet and the cloud to help you understand their importance to software development today.
• How computers work
• Different types of software
• The internet
• The cloud
Module 2
Layers of software
Modern software is made up of several layers: the front-end, the backend and databases. In this module, you’ll become familiar with the roles
that each layer plays in delivering the software experiences we interact with each day. You’ll also learn how developers use APIs, libraries and frameworks to make the software development process more efficient.
• The three layers of software
• The front-end
• The back-end
• Databases
• The stack
• APIs
• Libraries and frameworks
Module 3
Front-end technologies
Front-end development focuses on the parts of software that users can interact with. This module will introduce you to the three building blocks of the front-end: HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You’ll learn the role of each of these languages in creating rich, interactive experiences. You’ll also get the opportunity to work with code yourself. With most web traffic now coming from mobile devices, you’ll become familiar with the differences between native applications, responsive websites and mobile websites. And, you’ll know the pros and cons of developing software for each.
• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Mobile
Module 4
Back-end technologies
In this module, you’ll broaden your understanding of back-end functionality through a series of examples. You’ll explore business logic,
databases and the main types of APIs that developers work with. You’ll get an overview of the most common programming languages and understand why developers choose one over another. Learning about these considerations will help you have more credible, productive conversations with your development team.
• Back-end case studies
• Types of databases
• Types of APIs
• Programming languages
Module 5
How developers work
In this module, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of the developer workflow, from the initial stages of a project through to launch and beyond. You’ll learn about development models like waterfall, agile and scrum. You’ll also find out about version control and the delivery pipeline. Becoming familiar with these concepts will enable you to speak confidently with developers and build better relationships as a result.
• Developer workflow
• Waterfall
• Agile
• Scrum
• Version control
• The delivery pipeline
• Testing
• Modes of development
Module 6
Effective collaboration
To understand the developer’s world, you need to recognise the effort involved in developing your design ideas. In this final module, you’ll deepen your understanding of the tradeoffs and compromises needed to work well with developers. You’ll also be introduced to a number of key techniques to help improve your collaboration.
• The cost of new features
• Estimating effort
• Guidelines for better collaboration
What's included
- Exam included
- Dedicated tutor support via email during your course from expert instructors
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.