Getting Started with Bluemix
COURSE OBJECTIVES
When you finish this course, you should understand:
- Cloud computing, cloud architecture, and how to maximize the value of cloud development
- How to quickly deploy and modify a boilerplate application in Node.js by using the Bluemix web interface
- How to use the cf command line (Cloud Foundry) to deploy applications, understand the foundations of the Cloud Foundry architecture, and use buildpacks
- The advantages of applying test-driven development and agile best practices
- How to modify your application by using DevOps services and tooling
- The advantages of using environment variables and separating configuration from the code
- The basics of containers, Docker files, and virtual machines
- How to estimate the cost of your applications
Important: The IBM Bluemix platform is rapidly evolving and improving to meet your needs. Features and services are being added or updated. That means that the user interface will change, so your experience with the platform might change over time.
HOW TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE
Be sure to review the list of prerequisite software and apply for the Bluemix and DevOps accounts. The last unit in this module will show you how to install and configure the prerequisite software. Then, open the modules and complete the following tasks:
- Watch the videos.
- Complete the exercises.
At the end of the course, we hope you'll take the survey to give us your feedback.
This course should take you about eight hours to complete. You can start, stop, and resume the course anytime.
VIDEOS
The videos in Modules 1, 2, and 8 provide conceptual information about topics such as cloud computing, IBM Bluemix features, containers, and virtual machines. In Modules 3-7, the videos describe key concepts that you'll need to complete the exercises.
EXERCISES
The exercises will help you apply what you've learned from watching the videos in the modules. The exercises will show you how to do tasks such as:
- Deploy a simple application in IBM Bluemix and work with Eclipse
- Extend your application based on a game called FizzBuzz
- Implement test-driven development and agile best practices by using DevOps and other tooling
- Work with services, such as a Cloudant database
- Package the app with a buildpack
Each exercise is preceded by a video that gives you an introduction to the concepts and task. Then, each video is followed by a solution to the exercise. Watch the solution video when you're finished with the exercise or if you have problems completing the exercise.
The exercise documents are embedded in iFrames. If you can't see the exercise, click the link to open the exercise document.
Important: The screen captures, interface text, dialog boxes, and messages that are described in the exercises might not match exactly with what you see on the Bluemix interface because of changes to Bluemix, differences in operating systems, your region, or your other applications and data.