My Journey with the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate

Key Points

1. I completed the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate, earning credit for all 15 courses, including hands-on projects for each course and a final capstone project.
2. Each course included practical projects, such as building a GitHub portfolio, front-end apps like a shopping cart, and back-end applications with APIs.
3. The final capstone project involved creating a full-stack Django web application, deployed on the cloud using containers and serverless technologies, with DevOps practices.

Certificate Overview

The IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate, offered on Coursera, is a comprehensive program designed to equip learners with skills in full-stack development, including front-end, back-end, cloud computing, and AI. I completed this certificate, earning credit for all 15 courses, which took about nine months with 10-15 hours of weekly study.

Projects Completed

Throughout the program, I worked on hands-on projects for each course, applying the concepts learned. These projects were crucial for building my portfolio and demonstrating practical skills to potential employers. The final capstone project was a significant milestone, where I combined all my skills to create a real-world application.

What I have learned

• Develop with front-end development languages and tools such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React and Bootstrap
• Program applications using back-end languages and frameworks like Express, Node.js, Python, Django, etc.
• Deploy and scale applications using Cloud Native methodologies and tools like Containers, Kubernetes, Microservices and Serverless Functions
• Build your GitHub portfolio by applying your Full Stack Cloud Development skills with multiple labs and hands-on projects, including a capstone

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of My Journey with the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate

My completion of the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate marks a pivotal step in my career transition into software development. This certificate, offered through Coursera, is a 15-course program designed to build job-ready skills in full-stack development, cloud computing, and generative AI, among other areas. Given my interest in technology and desire to pivot from a previous role, I enrolled in September 2024 and completed it by March 7, 2025, earning credit for all 15 courses. This survey note delves into the specifics of the projects I undertook for each course and the final capstone project, providing a comprehensive overview of my learning journey.

Program Structure and Duration

The certificate comprises 15 courses, each focusing on different aspects of full-stack development. The program is self-paced, allowing flexibility, and I dedicated 10-15 hours weekly over nine months to complete it. The courses are taught by the IBM Skills Network Team, ensuring industry-relevant content.

Detailed Course Projects

Throughout the program, I completed hands-on projects for each of the 15 courses, which were instrumental in applying the theoretical knowledge and building my portfolio. Below is a detailed list of the projects I worked on, along with source code links on GitHub and live demo links where applicable:

1. Introduction to Software Engineering and Python

• Course Description: Explore software engineering, the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), and tools, technologies, and stacks used in development. Learn various programming languages and build basic constructs like loops and conditions in Python. Understand application architecture, design patterns, and deployment approaches. Summarize key software engineering skills and career paths it unlocks.

2. Introduction to Cloud Computing

• Course Description: Learn to define cloud computing, its characteristics, history, and business case, plus emerging trends like Hybrid Multicloud, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud Native, DevOps, and Application Modernization. Explore cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment types (Public, Private, Hybrid), infrastructure components, and services of top platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Alibaba). Gain skills in Cloud Computing, Hybrid Multicloud, DevOps, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, and Cloud Native development

3. Introduction to Web Development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

• Course Description: I built a static personal portfolio website using HTML and CSS, adding interactivity with JavaScript. This project showcased my ability to create responsive and dynamic web pages.

4. Version Control with Git

• Course Description: I created a GitHub repository and contributed to an open-source project, demonstrating version control skills. This involved cloning, forking, and merging operations, building my portfolio with a public project.

5. Front-End Web Development with React

• Project Description: I developed a dynamic front-end application, such as a shopping cart or budget app, using React and JavaScript. This project enhanced my skills in building interactive user interfaces.
• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/ejtos-react_budget_app/
• Live Demo: N/A

6. Back-End Web Development with Node.js and Express

• Project Description: I created a server-side application with RESTful APIs and a book review system using Node.js and Express. This project focused on back-end development and API integration.
• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/expressBookReviews
• Live Demo: N/A

7. Python for Data Science, AI & Development

• Course Description: I performed data analysis using Pandas and NumPy, and accessed data via APIs, including a web scraping project. This project honed my data handling and API interaction skills

8. Python Project for AI & Application Development

• Project Description: I built an AI-based application, such as a Expresion Prediction using watson ai, using Python and Flask. This project allowed me to explore AI integration in web applications.
• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/oaqjp-final-project-emb-ai
• Live Demo:N/A

9. Developing Applications with SQL, Databases, and Django

• Course Description: I designed entity relationship models, composed SQL queries, and built a Django web application with Bootstrap integration, such as a task-management app. This Course focused on database management and web development.

10. Introduction to Containers with Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift

• Course Description: I containerized applications and deployed a blog platform on the cloud using Docker and Kubernetes. This project introduced me to cloud-native development practices.

11. Application Development using Microservices and Serverless

• Project Description: I developed applications using microservices architecture, creating REST API endpoints and deploying with serverless technologies. This project enhanced my understanding of scalable architectures. k8 and open shift usd
• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/agfzb-CloudAppDevelopment_Capstone
• Live Demo: N/A

12. Full Stack Cloud Development Capstone Project

• Project Description: I built and deployed a car dealership using Django full-stack web application on the IBM cloud using containers and serverless technologies, incorporating DevOps practices. This was a comprehensive project combining all my skills.
• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/xrwvm-fullstack_developer_capstone
• Live Demo: N/A

13. Full Stack Software Developer Assessment

• Project Description: I completed a comprehensive assessment demonstrating mastery of full-stack development skills, including explaining concepts in cloud computing, web development, and more.

14. Generative AI for Software Development

• Project Description: I developed solutions using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and IBM watsonx Code Assistant, focusing on code generation and optimization. I built Personalized Learning platfrom for Developer. This project highlighted the future of AI in development.
• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/CodeCraftHub
• Live Demo: N/A

15. Career Planning for Software Developers

• Course Description: I prepared for job searches and interviews by creating a career plan, researching job listings, writing a resume, and practicing interview techniques. This project focused on career readiness.

Final Capstone Project: A Deep Dive

The capstone project, part of Course 12, was the culmination of my learning. I built a Django-based virtual bookstore, integrating a React front-end for a dynamic user interface, a Node.js back-end API service, sentiment prediction service as microservice and Django as the full stack app where I integrated those micro service and React.js for frontend, and deployed it on IBM Cloud using containers and serverless technologies. I also practiced DevOps principles, employing CI/CD pipelines for continuous integration and deployment. The application featured a car catalog, a dealership review system, and a basic sentiment prediction system , showcasing my ability to create a complete, functional full-stack application.

• Source Code: https://github.com/Betsegaw-hp/xrwvm-fullstack_developer_capstone
• Live Demo: coming soon

This project was particularly rewarding, as it tied together all the skills I had acquired, from front-end design to cloud deployment.

Unexpected Detail: Generative AI Integration

One unexpected aspect was the inclusion of generative AI in Course 14, where I explored tools like ChatGPT and IBM watsonx Code Assistant for code generation and optimization. This was a forward-looking addition, aligning with the growing importance of AI in software development, and it expanded my skill set beyond traditional full-stack development.

Conclusion

My journey through the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate was transformative, equipping me with a robust set of skills and a portfolio of projects to demonstrate my expertise. The structured progression, from basic web development to complex full-stack applications, ensured I was job-ready by the end. This case study, detailing my projects for each course and the final capstone, reflects my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, making it a valuable addition to my portfolio.