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Launch your Career in Back-End Development. Start your journey as a back-end developer. Develop job-ready AI-powered skills and earn a certificate from Microsoft. No prior experience is required.
Instructor: Microsoft
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You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate.
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Beginner level
You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate.
Demonstrate proficiency in designing, implementing, and deploying scalable .NET Core solutions, ensuring performance, security, and maintainability.
Apply OOP principles in the creation of modular, scalable solutions in C#, demonstrated through coding projects.
Optimize system performance and security, implementing advanced algorithms and caching techniques, resulting in measurable efficiency improvements.
Improve development workflows by implementing Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices, ensuring efficient deployment.
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Are you ready to launch a career in back-end development? This Professional Certificate Program, brought to you by Microsoft, is your gateway to server-side programming and scalable systems. Designed for aspiring developers, it consists of eight courses that equip you with the essential skills needed for roles like Back-End Developer, API Developer, and Database Administrator.
Throughout the program, you’ll build a solid foundation in back-end principles, working with modern frameworks like .NET and tools such as Microsoft Copilot to streamline coding, debugging, and development. You’ll learn C# programming, web development with .NET, database integration, and performance optimization, ensuring the security and scalability of your applications. The program covers crucial topics like API development, data management with Entity Framework Core, and DevOps practices for deployment while emphasizing security and efficiency.
Hands-on projects will allow you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios by developing APIs, managing databases, and deploying applications with Azure Cloud Services. You’ll also leverage Microsoft Copilot to optimize your code and workflows, gaining a competitive edge with AI tools.
Whether you're just starting out or advancing your skills, this program prepares you for the challenges of modern back-end development. Enroll today and take the first step toward becoming a skilled back-end developer!
Applied Learning Project
Throughout the program, you’ll get to practice your new back-end development skills through hands-on projects, including:
Develop a code project with key components, including if/else statements, loops, conditionals, functions, and variables.
Write, debug, and improve code using Microsoft Copilot.
Develop an API project with Microsoft Copilot.
Use Microsoft Copilot to manage and optimize a complex database system.
Develop a secure back-end application using Microsoft Copilot.
Implement comprehensive performance optimization using Microsoft Copilot.
Develop deployment scripts and CI/CD pipelines using Microsoft Copilot.
By the end, you’ll have a professional portfolio that you can show to prospective employers.
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of back-end development. You'll learn to solve problems, design algorithms, and write efficient, modular code using industry-standard practices.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Summarize the foundational principles and practices of back-end development. Plan back-end projects using industry-standard tools and methodologies. Apply logical thinking and problem-solving techniques in programming. Design algorithms and flowcharts to represent logical steps in programming. Implement control structures and loops for repetitive tasks. Develop modular code using functions and methods.
This course introduces the fundamentals of programming in C# within the .NET framework. You'll gain hands-on experience setting up projects, mastering core programming concepts, and using object-oriented principles to create scalable applications while utilizing Microsoft Copilot to enhance code quality and productivity.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Describe the setup, structure, and configuration of .NET projects in a Visual Studio Code environment by the end of the course. Implement fundamental programming concepts in C#, including variables, control structures, loops, and methods, to solve basic problems and create simple applications within a .NET environment. Apply object-oriented programming principles, such as classes, inheritance, and polymorphism, to design and implement modular and scalable C# applications. Develop asynchronous programs using C# and apply debugging techniques to ensure performance and responsiveness in modern applications. Leverage Microsoft Copilot to write, debug, and optimize C# code, improving code quality and efficiency throughout the course.
This course focuses on back-end development using the .NET framework. It equips you with the essential skills to build, manage, and optimize server-side applications efficiently.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Describe the features and functionalities of the .NET Framework, the differences between .NET Core and .NET Framework, and common libraries and packages used in .NET development Explain the steps to set up the development environment for .NET, create a simple web API with ASP.NET Core, and integrate OpenAPI (Swagger) with ASP.NET Core Define the basic syntax and features of C# in the context of .NET, and the importance and process of serialization and deserialization in .NET Develop an API project with Microsoft Copilot, including writing, debugging, and implementing API code and middleware components
This course covers database integration and management using Entity Framework Core (EF Core) and SQL. You'll learn to set up relational databases, optimize SQL queries, and use Microsoft Copilot to efficiently write, debug, and manage SQL operations.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Describe the features and functionalities of Entity Framework Core (EF Core), the structure and principles of relational databases, and performance tuning and optimization techniques for SQL queries. Explain the steps to set up a relational database, model data using EF Core, retrieve and manipulate data using SQL, and handle transactions and concurrency control in SQL. Define the basic syntax and functionalities of SQL, and the principles of advanced query techniques and security best practices for SQL databases. Develop practical database operations using Microsoft Copilot, including writing, debugging, and optimizing SQL queries.
This course explores security and authentication in back-end development focusing on ASP.NET Identity, role-based access, and data protection. You’ll learn how to securely manage user authentication, authorization, and encryption, while using Microsoft Copilot to write safe code and protect your APIs.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Describe the features and functionalities of ASP.NET Identity, role-based access control, and data protection principles Explain the processes of user registration, token-based authentication, encryption and decryption, and securing API endpoints Define the importance of role-based access control, the structure and use of JSON Web Tokens (JWT), and best practices for secure data storage Develop a secure back-end application using Microsoft Copilot, including writing secure code, implementing authentication and authorization, and resolving security issues
This course focuses on performance optimization and scalability in application development. You'll learn key techniques like caching, query optimization, and load balancing while using Microsoft Copilot to improve application code and database query performance.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Define the concepts and importance of caching, query optimization, and principles of scalability in application performance Explain how to implement in-memory and distributed caching, indexing strategies, and architectural patterns for scalability Describe techniques for analyzing query performance, load balancing, traffic management, and best practices for caching, query optimization, and scalable applications Optimize performance using Microsoft Copilot, focusing on application code and database queries
This course explores data structures and algorithms for back-end development, focusing on performance and scalability. You'll learn to analyze, implement, and optimize key structures and algorithms in .NET Core to efficiently solve real-world back-end challenges.
By the end of this course, you will be able to… Analyze the efficiency of common data structures (arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs) and algorithms (sorting, searching) to determine their impact on back-end development. Implement data structures and algorithms in .NET Core to solve specific back-end problems, including sorting, searching, and traversal tasks, with a focus on performance and scalability. Design scalable back-end applications using appropriate data structures and algorithms, optimizing for performance in areas such as database query handling and large-scale data processing within the final project. Optimize back-end code for performance by applying advanced algorithmic techniques and refactoring inefficient solutions based on complexity analysis throughout the course.
This course covers deployment and DevOps practices, focusing on Azure Cloud Services, CI/CD principles, and application monitoring. You'll learn to manage and scale applications, automate deployments, and create CI/CD pipelines using Microsoft Copilot for streamlined and secure operations.
By the end of the course, you will be able to… Describe the features and benefits of Azure Cloud Services, best practices for securing applications, and methods of application monitoring. Explain the steps required to prepare applications for deployment, manage and scale applications in Azure, and automate maintenance tasks. Define Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) principles, and the importance and methods of application monitoring. Develop deployment scripts and CI/CD pipelines using Microsoft Copilot, including debugging and optimizing deployment processes.
Our goal at Microsoft is to empower every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more. In this next revolution of digital transformation, growth is being driven by technology. Our integrated cloud approach creates an unmatched platform for digital transformation. We address the real-world needs of customers by seamlessly integrating Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, LinkedIn, GitHub, Microsoft Power Platform, and Azure to unlock business value for every organization—from large enterprises to family-run businesses. The backbone and foundation of this is Azure.
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The Microsoft Front-End Developer Professional Certificate teaches key front-end skills like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with a focus on using C# and Blazor to build dynamic user interfaces. You’ll learn to create responsive, accessible websites while using Microsoft Copilot to boost coding efficiency and simplify your workflow.
The Microsoft Back-End Developer Professional Certificate focuses on server-side development using C#. You’ll build back-end systems, work with databases, and develop APIs, while using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Copilot to assist with coding and optimization.
The Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate combines both front-end and back-end skills, giving you the ability to build complete web applications, from the user interface to server management and database integration.
All three Microsoft Developer Professional Certificates—Front-End, Back-End, and Full-Stack—incorporate the use of Microsoft Copilot to enhance coding efficiency, streamline workflows, and improve collaboration.
This program is for you:
If you want to start or switch to a career in back-end development.
You’re passionate about building robust server-side systems and managing data flow behind the scenes.
You want to master the skills needed to design, develop, and maintain secure, scalable back-end infrastructures.
You’re starting out in programming or seeking to specialize in server-side technologies like databases, APIs, and server management.
This program will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to confidently tackle any back-end development challenge.
Starting a career in back-end development is a great choice for several reasons.
First, back-end developers are highly sought after, as they play a crucial role in building and maintaining the core systems that power web applications. This specialization makes them indispensable across industries that rely on complex databases, secure data management, and efficient server-side logic. Back-end developers ensure that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, enabling the front-end to deliver seamless user experiences.
Back-end development also offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies and tools, from cloud computing to API design, ensuring that your skills remain relevant in an ever-changing tech landscape. Whether you want to work in a team setting or independently, the demand for back-end expertise continues to grow.
Additionally, it provides clear opportunities for career progression, with paths leading to senior development roles, systems architecture, or even leadership positions in technical teams as you refine your skills and expand your knowledge.
You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate. Whether you’re just starting out or a professional in a relevant field, this program can be the right fit for you.
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or change your current one, Professional Certificates help you become job-ready. Apply your new skills on hands-on projects that showcase your expertise to potential employers and earn a career credential to kickstart your new career.
A back-end developer is responsible for the server-side functionality of a website or web application. While users don’t directly see their work, back-end developers ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, focusing on how data is processed, stored, and served.
They work with databases, servers, and APIs to handle tasks like data management, user authentication, and server logic. This involves building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports front-end systems, ensuring efficiency and security.
Back-end developers collaborate closely with front-end developers, system architects, and other stakeholders to create scalable, secure, and reliable applications. They ensure that the application performs well, remains secure, and can handle large volumes of users and data effectively.
After completing the back-end development program, you’ll be prepared for several career paths, each with its own set of responsibilities. You can work as a back-end developer, server-side developer, database administrator, API developer, or even a cloud engineer. The specialized skills in back-end development open doors to a wide range of roles in tech, whether in startups, large corporations, or cloud-based companies.
It’s recommended to take each course in the order listed, as each one builds on the skills learned in the previous course. If you skip ahead without prior knowledge, you may find it difficult to complete later courses since they assume you’ve mastered the skills from earlier ones.
This program will take approximately 6 months to complete, learning 10 hours a week. Some learners may go through the content faster.
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Certificate, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Certificate. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
¹Based on Coursera learner outcome survey responses, United States, 2021.
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