Take the next step in your IT professional journey with this self-paced, beginner friendly course! This course covers the basics of software, cloud computing, web browsers, application development concepts, programming languages, and database fundamentals.
Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: IBM Skills Network Team
22,271 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(321 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 18 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Classify, install, configure, and manage software including mobile platforms.
Discuss cloud computing and web browser concepts.
Explain software development models, techniques, and concepts.
Describe fundamental database management concepts.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
9 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is available as part of
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
Do you know which computing platform is on your device? Are you using the right software for the task you're tackling? Are your software versions updated? This course will help you answer these questions by giving you a better understanding of the essentials of software and by showing you how to effectively manage programs and applications. In this module, you will learn about computing platforms, single- and cross-platform software, compatibility across platforms, and software versioning. You will learn about the differences between commercial and open source software, while also learning about different types of software and file formats.
What's included
11 videos2 readings2 assignments1 app item2 plugins
Do you know which web browser to use and how to configure it to work best for you? Is your web browser as secure as it might be, and do you need to use browser extensions or plug-ins? Do you want to know what the cloud is really all about, and do you understand how applications that you develop might be used and deployed by your users? This week, you will learn about common web browsers and browser settings, browser security, and browser extensions and plug-ins. You will learn about cloud computing, and you will also learn about application architecture models, application delivery methods, and the software development lifecycle (or SDLC).
What's included
9 videos2 readings2 assignments1 app item2 plugins
Understanding programming basics and the software development cycle is a crucial part of working with the software. Software developers must know how to code and understand how to identify and fix software problems. When writing code, software creators need to select the right data types, choose the best programming language for the software, and organize code most effectively. This week, you will learn about basic programming concepts and programming language categories. You will learn about programming logic components and organizational techniques.
What's included
8 videos1 reading2 assignments3 app items1 plugin
This week you will learn about database fundamentals. During this module, you will learn about the different types of databases as well as the basic concepts of what makes a database a database. Next, you will be taught how to use and manage a database. Finally, you will learn how to interface with a database and know how and why backing up a database is important.
What's included
7 videos1 reading2 assignments2 app items
In this module, you’ll assess your course knowledge through a final quiz based on the previous four modules.
What's included
3 readings1 assignment1 peer review2 app items
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (74 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Software Development
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 321
4.7
321 reviews
- 5 stars
81.21%
- 4 stars
14.54%
- 3 stars
2.12%
- 2 stars
0.90%
- 1 star
1.21%
New to Software Development? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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.