Developing Full-Stack Applications with JavaScript

Welcome to Developing Full-Stack Applications with JavaScript! This is the third course in a four-part series focused on JavaScript. This course focuses on advanced JavaScript concepts that support the development of modern, scalable, and collaborative applications. You will move beyond client-only development to learn how to integrate external libraries, manage project dependencies, and build server-side applications with Node.js.

The course also introduces how to build real-time multi-user applications and emphasizes critical cross-cutting concerns such as accessibility (a11y) and internationalization (i18n). Through hands-on projects, you will gain the skills to design applications that are interactive, collaborative, inclusive, and usable.

This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.

Module 1: Libraries and Modules

• This module introduces how modern JavaScript projects manage external code and structure larger programs. You will begin with the basics of the command line and package management using npm.
• You will learn how to create and configure a package.json file, add third-party libraries, and manage project dependencies.
• You will explore bundlers such as Webpack, which bundle code and dependencies into optimized, deployable packages.
• You will also learn about semantic versioning and code licensing.

Module 2: Server-Side JavaScript

• You will learn server-side programming with JavaScript using Node.js.
• You will run JavaScript outside the browser, build a simple HTTP server, and respond to client requests.
• You will use WebSockets for real-time, two-way communication between clients and servers.

Module 3: Multi-User Applications

• You will learn how to build applications that support multiple users.
• You will store information client-side using localStorage and cookies, and server-side using a database.
• You will implement user authentication.
• You will compare synchronization mechanisms for shared state across clients, including Operational Transformations (OT) and Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs), to build real-time collaborative applications.
• You will establish peer-to-peer connections using WebRTC to enable direct communication for applications such as video chat.

Module 4: Internationalization and Accessibility

• You will learn how to design applications that are usable and inclusive for all users, regardless of ability, culture, or location.
• You will explore the principles of Accessibility (a11y) and Internationalization (i18n).
• You will learn about Localization (l10n) as the process of adapting applications for specific languages and cultural contexts.

Learners must earn 80% overall to pass. There are four module quizzes, each worth approximately 25% of your final grade.