Intro to Web Server Stacks

Have you ever used a hosting provider to host a website? Have you ever used a CMS like Wordpress or Drupal and wondered what's happening in the background that makes the site run? This course is for you! In this course we'll learn about web servers and some popular software combinations, or 'stacks', that websites run on. This is an introductory class to help acquaint you with popular web platforms and learn about each component: the operating system, web server, database, and programming language. We'll spend some time talking about commonly used stacks such as the LAMP and MEAN. We'll also touch on Amazon Web Services and how a platform-as-a-service model differs from a more traditional web server arrangement.

When you leave this course you'll have a better understanding of how to pick the best platform for your web project. Having this knowledge will help you make smart decisions about where and how to host your sites. You'll think about programability, compatibility, cost, scalability, maintenance and more. This course will also provide you with some helpful tools to discover which stacks your favorite sites are running on!

Topics covered:

• Review of web hosting- Learn what a web server software stack is
• Learn the components of a web server software stack
• Discuss popular software stacks like LAMP and MEAN
• Discuss cloud solutions and platform-as-a-service model
• Learn how to pick a platform to host your site
• Tools to help you discover what your favorite sites are running on

Format:
Lecture, with some hands-on exploration

Prerequisites:
Have a basic understanding of what website hosting is

Tech requirements:
• Your laptop: (Mac, PC, or Linux are all okay)
• A modern web browser: either Chrome or Firefox with Firebug installed
• A text editor: We recommend Sublime Text 3 (free; available for Mac, PC, and Linux)

About the Instructor:

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Lauren Woodward is the Director of Web and Mobile Services at The Institutes in Malvern, PA. She also owns and runs a consulting firm, Lauren Woodward Consulting LLC., and provides consulting and web development services to select companies in the Philadelphia and New York areas.

Lauren is a local Philly native and MSIS graduate of Drexel University. She has been working in technology for approx. 15 years in various industries including small business, non-profit, higher education and corporate pharmaceutical.

Lauren is a member of Girl Develop It Philadelphia Chapter. She has also taught classes with AIGA’s Philadelphia Chapter on responsive design/development. Besides her programming and web background she also has a strong background in systems/server administration, her focus earlier in her career. In her spare time she works on freelance web projects, enjoys participating in local tech scene in Philly, loves music and travel.

All attendees are expected to abide by the Girl Develop It Code of Conduct (http://www.girldevelopit.com/codeofconduct).

Questions about the class? Contact elise@girldevelopit.com

See our Assistance page for information on scholarships, laptops for loan, and other services. We'd like to help you benefit from our classes!

NOTE: Refunds are offered only if the class is rescheduled/canceled or in extreme circumstances.