Backend Development
and Testing

in Kotlin

Course Info →

Syllabus ↓

Syllabus

Week 1: Kotlin and OOP Essentials

Lesson 1: Introduction to Backend Development
Understanding what backend is, why applications need it, and types of applications that use backends
Lesson 2: Kotlin Essentials
Core Kotlin syntax, data types, functions, and language fundamentals
Lesson 3: OOP Principles & Data Models
Understanding and implementing object-oriented programming concepts in Kotlin
Lesson 4: Testing
Introduction to testing principles and writing tests in Kotlin

Week 2: Backend Application

Lesson 5: Application Architecture
Building a basic Kotlin application structure with REST API
Lesson 6: Business Logic and Services
Implementing service layer components and business logic in Kotlin applications
Lesson 7: Data Layer and Repositories
Working with data persistence, repositories, and database interactions
Lesson 8: Practice
Practical application of concepts learned in previous lessons

Week 3: Concurrency, Memory, Deployment and Observability

Lesson 9: Architecture Patterns and SOLID
Understanding architecture patterns and SOLID principles in Kotlin
Lesson 10: Memory and Concurrency
Understanding memory management and concurrent programming in Kotlin
Lesson 11: Validation, Exceptions and Robustness
Handling errors, input validation, and ensuring application robustness
Lesson 12: Deployment and Observability
Deploying and monitoring Kotlin applications in production environments

What will we learn in this course?

In the first week, we will establish a essential foundation in Kotlin programming language.

Kotlin language syntax
Basic programming principles in Kotlin
How to test your code

During the second week, we will have a look at how to build a backend application in Kotlin.

API and controllers
Business logic and service layer
Data layer and repositories
Writing fault-tolerant applications

During the third week, we explore advanced concepts and deployment.

Memory and concurrency
Architecture design patterns and SOLID principles
Validation, exceptions and robustness
Deployment and observability

Rules

You are welcome to use any tools and resources real-world software developer would.
That includes AI!
- However, I will recognize if you just used generated code without understanding, or if you truly understand the subject.
- In fact, I myself used AI to help me formulate some of the lesson materials. Tools exists to be used.
I want to treat students as equals, and I expected to be treated equally.
Be respectful and helpful to your classmates.
- You will learn more if you help each other.
- But don't cheat.

Grading

80% - Exercises and assignments
There will be exercises in each lesson which we will have reserved time to work on in class.
I can give you individual feedback if you ask for it.

20% - Participation
Participation in class - we will see how it goes since you are many.

About Me

Monika Protivová, Prague, Czech Republic
"Moni"

I have been working in software engineering for over 16 years.
I started as a tester, then test architect, test automation engineer (technically a developer) and eventually decided to become a full-time developer.

I am a simple, mostly self-taught,
not the smartest in the room,
but I am resilient and hard-working with "do the right thing" mindset.

I teach about testing and test automation for a non-profit organization specialized in education for women who want to enter the world of IT.

I don't know everything, about Kotlin.
What I can offer is practical, simple, real-world experience.

Outside my job, I am a active person who likes exercise:
weigh training, fitness, Muay Thai :).
I love motorcycles. I have three - I travel on them, ride off-road and race on a track.

My belief is to enjoy each day like the next one is not guaranteed.
Try something when possible. Don't hold back just because you are afraid.
Treat others the way I want to be treated, be respectful, non-judgemental and kind.

Pictures of my life ↓