After completing this capstone project, you will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in designing, developing, and deploying real-world backend services and applications using Python.
Develop RESTful APIs and microservices using Flask, applying error handling, external API integration, and best practices.
Create and query NoSQL databases such as MongoDB and integrate them with Django-based backend applications.
Containerize backend microservices using Docker to enable consistent and scalable deployment across environments.
Deploy microservices using modern cloud-native platforms including Kubernetes and IBM Code Engine.
Evaluate and refine your backend application by debugging code and applying feedback.

This is the capstone project for the IBM Backend Developer – Python – Professional Certificate. In this course, you will take on the role of a backend developer tasked with designing, developing, and deploying a real-world backend application composed of multiple microservices. Using technologies like Flask, Django, MongoDB, Docker, and Kubernetes, you’ll build scalable services, apply backend best practices, and demonstrate your full development workflow.

Throughout the course, you’ll integrate various technologies and deploy microservices independently using cloud-native platforms such as IBM Code Engine, and Kubernetes. By completing this capstone, you’ll create a portfolio-ready backend solution to showcase your skills to employers.

First, you’ll work with Flask, a lightweight Python web framework. You’ll learn how to build Flask applications that respond to specific URLs, handle client and server errors, and make external API calls. You’ll apply these skills to develop a microservice that generates images from past events.

Next, you’ll work with NoSQL databases, focusing on their structure, benefits, and use cases. You’ll gain hands-on experience with MongoDB, practicing basic shell commands and integrating it with Flask. This leads to the development of a songs microservice that supports full CRUD operations.

Then, you’ll move on to Django, where you’ll build the main application backend. You’ll define data models, use Django’s migration tools to create tables and relationships, and implement controllers that connect the business logic to templates.

After that, your focus will shift to deployment. You’ll containerize each microservice using Docker, push them to the IBM Container Registry, and deploy them using IBM Code Engine, and IBM Kubernetes Service. You’ll create Dockerfiles for each microservice and manage deployments using YAML configuration files.

Finally, you’ll wrap up the project by submitting your work for review. This includes screenshots from the hands-on labs, URLs for the deployed services, and GitHub repository links.

By the end of the course, you will have built and deployed a fully functional, cloud-native backend application using Python tools and modern DevOps workflows, demonstrating your readiness for real-world backend development roles.

Recommended Skills Prior to Taking this Course

We recommend completing all previous courses in the IBM Backend Developer – Python – Professional Certificate before starting this capstone.

Through these courses, you will have developed working knowledge of the following required for this course:
- Software Engineering
- Version control with Git
- Linux and Shell Scripting
- Python and Flask
- Django
- SQL Databases
- Containers with Docker and Kubernetes
- Microservices & Serverless
- Application Security
- Monitoring and Observability

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Getting Started

Lesson 1: Welcome

· Course Introduction

Lesson 2: Introduction to Capstone

· Project Tasks Overview

Lesson 3: Getting Started with Flask

· Lesson Overview

· Introduction to Flask

· Basic Application and Routes

· Hands-on Lab: Practice with Flask Part 1

· Request and Response Objects

· Dynamic Routes

· Error Handling

· Hands-on Lab: Practice with Flask Part 2

· Lesson Summary

· Practice Quiz

Lesson 4: Creating Get Pictures Service with Flask

· Lesson Overview

· Hands-on Lab: Create Get Pictures Service with Flask

· Checklist

· Graded Quiz

Module 2: Creating Get Songs Service with Flask

Lesson 1: MongoDB Overview

· Lesson Overview

· Overview of NoSQL

· Characteristics of NoSQL Databases

· Document-Based NoSQL Databases

· Overview of MongoDB

· Hands-on Lab: Getting Started with MongoDB

· CRUD Operations

· Hands-on Lab: MongoDB CRUD

· Accessing MongoDB from Python

· Connecting to MongoDB from Flask

· Hands-on Lab: Accessing MongoDB from Python

· Practice Quiz

Lesson 2: Creating Songs with MongoDB and Flask

· Lesson Overview

· Hands-on Lab: Creating Get Songs Service with Flask

· Module 2 Summary & Highlights

· Checklist

· Graded Quiz

Module 3: Main Django Application

Lesson 1: Main Django Application

· Lesson Overview

· Hands-on Lab: Create Band Website with Django

· Checklist

· Graded Quiz

Module 4: Deploy Your Application and Services

Lesson 1: Introduction to Serverless with Code Engine

· Lesson Overview

· IBM Cloud Code Engine

· Using Code Engine

· Hands-on Lab: Deploying Your First Application on Code Engine

· Hands-on Lab: Deploying Your First Docker Image on Code Engine

· Practice Quiz

Lesson 2: Deploy Your Application and Services

· Lesson Overview

· Hands-on Lab: Deploying Microservices

· Hands-on Lab: Deploying Main Application

· Checklist

· Graded Quiz

Module 5: Final Submission and Peer Review

Lesson 1: Final Submission and Evaluation

· Submit Your Work for Evaluation

Lesson 2: Course Wrap-up

· Thanks from the Course Team

· Congrats & Next Steps

Capstone Project: Python Back-end Development

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Recommended Skills Prior to Taking this Course

Course Syllabus

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Topic

Skills You Will Learn

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