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  • Distributed Systems

Distributed Systems Courses

Distributed systems courses can help you learn about network protocols, data consistency models, fault tolerance, and scalability challenges. You can build skills in designing distributed algorithms, managing resource allocation, and ensuring data integrity across nodes. Many courses introduce tools like Apache Kafka, Kubernetes, and Docker, that support deploying and managing distributed applications.


Popular Distributed Systems Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java

    Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Dataflow, Java Programming, Java, Software Architecture, Systems Architecture, Scala Programming, Data Structures, System Programming, Programming Principles, Servers, Application Frameworks, Debugging, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Functional Design, Performance Testing

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.6K reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cloud Computing

    Skills you'll gain: Distributed Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Services, Big Data, Apache Spark, Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Cloud Platforms, Network Architecture, Computer Networking, File Systems, Apache Hadoop, Cloud Applications, Apache Mahout, Cloud Computing Architecture, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Data Storage, Middleware, Software-Defined Networking, NoSQL

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.1K reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    D

    DeepLearning.AI

    Design, Develop, and Deploy Multi-Agent Systems with CrewAI

    Skills you'll gain: CrewAI, AI Orchestration, Agentic Workflows, Generative AI Agents, Agentic systems, LLM Application, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, System Monitoring, Workflow Management, Tool Calling, Continuous Monitoring, Scalability, Prompt Engineering, Code Review, Integration Testing, User Feedback

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Codio

    Introduction to Operating Systems

    Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, C (Programming Language), System Programming, Unix, Virtualization, Data Integrity, Debugging, File I/O, Linux, Performance Tuning, Distributed Computing, Data Storage, Command-Line Interface, Virtual Machines, Data Security, Computer Hardware, Scalability, Data Structures

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    307 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Software Architecture for Big Data

    Skills you'll gain: Service Level, Acceptance Testing, Database Management, Software Engineering, Web Applications, Performance Testing, Scalability, Microservices, Software Architecture, Data Architecture, Distributed Computing, Data Infrastructure, System Monitoring, Functional Requirement, Application Deployment, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Application Development, Prototyping, Predictive Modeling, Big Data

    Build toward a degree

    3.5
    Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    103 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • P

    Packt

    Building Modern Distributed Systems with Java

    Skills you'll gain: Distributed Computing, Java, Middleware, NoSQL, Event-Driven Programming, Databases, Software Architecture, Servers, Web Services, Microservices, Scalability, Transaction Processing

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Large-Scale Database Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Scalability, Databases, Transaction Processing, Database Systems, Database Design, Database Management Systems, Relational Databases, Database Management, Database Architecture and Administration, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning Software, Query Languages, Big Data, Data Processing, Machine Learning, SQL, Data Access

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Next level skills. New Year savings.

    Save on Coursera Plus
  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    High-Performance and Parallel Computing

    Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Distributed Computing, Scalability, Software Architecture, File I/O, Big Data, Operating Systems, File Systems, Cloud Development, Scripting, Command-Line Interface, C and C++, Performance Tuning, Linux, Programming Principles, Computer Architecture, Communication Systems

    3.8
    Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    168 reviews

    Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    Status: AI skills
    AI skills
    G

    Google

    Google Cybersecurity

    Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Network Security, Threat Management, Vulnerability Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Hardening, Computer Security Incident Management, Security Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cyber Attacks, Incident Response, Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, Threat Detection, Bash (Scripting Language), Debugging, Linux, Interviewing Skills, Python Programming, SQL

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    63K reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1

    Skills you'll gain: Distributed Computing, NoSQL, Apache Cassandra, Cloud Computing, Systems Design, Data Storage Technologies, Apache Hadoop, Database Theory, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Scalability, C++ (Programming Language), Network Protocols

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    É

    École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

    Functional Programming in Scala

    Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Apache Spark, User Interface (UI), Distributed Computing, Programming Principles, Big Data, Data Processing, Software Design, Data Structures, Software Design Patterns, Functional Design, Data Manipulation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Heat Maps, Interactive Data Visualization, Computer Programming, Real Time Data, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Geospatial Information and Technology, Performance Tuning

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11K reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    C

    Coursera

    Architect Resilient Microservices for AI Success

    Skills you'll gain: AI Security, Microservices, Site Reliability Engineering, Failure Analysis, Distributed Computing, Middleware, Failure Mode And Effects Analysis, Continuous Monitoring, AI Workflows, Performance Tuning, Dependency Analysis, Performance Metric, Performance Analysis, Application Performance Management, System Monitoring, Service Level

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular distributed systems courses

  • Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java: Rice University
  • Cloud Computing: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Design, Develop, and Deploy Multi-Agent Systems with CrewAI: DeepLearning.AI
  • Introduction to Operating Systems: Codio
  • Software Architecture for Big Data: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Building Modern Distributed Systems with Java: Packt
  • Large-Scale Database Systems: Johns Hopkins University
  • High-Performance and Parallel Computing: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Google Cybersecurity: Google
  • Cloud Computing Concepts, Part 1: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Skills you can learn in Computer Security And Networks

Cybersecurity (33)
Google (25)
Google Cloud Platform (17)
Internet (17)
Cryptography (16)
Network Security (16)
Linux (12)
Software Testing (12)
Information Security (10)
Application Programming Interfaces (8)
Kubernetes (8)
Web (8)

Frequently Asked Questions about Distributed Systems

A variety of job opportunities exist in the field of distributed systems. Positions such as distributed systems engineer, cloud architect, software developer, and systems analyst are common. These roles often require a strong understanding of how to design, implement, and manage distributed applications. Additionally, industries like finance, healthcare, and technology are actively seeking professionals who can ensure the reliability and efficiency of their distributed systems.‎

To effectively learn about distributed systems, you should focus on several key skills. These include knowledge of networking concepts, familiarity with cloud computing platforms, proficiency in programming languages such as Java or Python, and an understanding of database management. Additionally, skills in system design, debugging, and performance optimization are valuable. Gaining experience with tools and frameworks used in distributed systems, such as Apache Kafka or Kubernetes, can also enhance your expertise.‎

There are numerous online courses available for those interested in distributed systems. Some notable options include Foundations of Distributed Database Systems and Building Modern Distributed Systems with Java. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills that can help you understand the complexities of distributed architectures.‎

Yes. You can start learning distributed systems on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many distributed systems courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in distributed systems, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn distributed systems effectively, start by exploring foundational concepts through online courses or textbooks. Engage in hands-on projects to apply what you've learned, and consider contributing to open-source projects related to distributed systems. Joining online communities or forums can also provide support and additional resources as you navigate your learning path.‎

Typical topics covered in distributed systems courses include system architecture, communication protocols, data consistency, fault tolerance, and scalability. You may also explore specific technologies and frameworks used in distributed systems, such as microservices, cloud computing, and container orchestration. Understanding these concepts will equip you with the knowledge needed to design and implement effective distributed solutions.‎

For training and upskilling employees in distributed systems, consider courses like IBM Systems Analyst Professional Certificate and Parallel, Concurrent, and Distributed Programming in Java Specialization. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training that can enhance the skills of your workforce, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the demands of modern distributed systems.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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