Cloud Application Development

Cloud application development is the practice of designing, building, and deploying software specifically to run on cloud computing platforms. This discipline moves beyond traditional software engineering by focusing on creating "cloud-native" applications that leverage the inherent advantages of the cloud, such as scalability, resilience, and global distribution. It often involves using modern architectural patterns like microservices and serverless computing, as well as utilizing managed services for databases, storage, and messaging, allowing developers to build and iterate on complex systems more rapidly and cost-effectively.

1. Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
   1. Introduction to Cloud Computing
      1. Defining Cloud Computing
         1. Historical Context and Evolution
         2. Comparison with Traditional IT Infrastructure
         3. NIST Definition and Standards
      2. Key Characteristics
         1. On-demand Self-service
         2. Broad Network Access
         3. Resource Pooling
         4. Rapid Elasticity and Scalability
         5. Measured Service
      3. Benefits of Cloud Computing
         1. Cost Efficiency
         2. Agility and Speed
         3. Global Reach
         4. Innovation Acceleration
      4. Challenges and Limitations
         1. Security Concerns
         2. Compliance and Legal Issues
         3. Vendor Lock-in
         4. Network Dependency
   2. Cloud Service Models
      1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
         1. Core Features
         2. Use Cases
         3. Advantages and Disadvantages
      2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
         1. Core Features
         2. Use Cases
         3. Advantages and Disadvantages
      3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
         1. Core Features
         2. Use Cases
         3. Advantages and Disadvantages
      4. Functions as a Service (FaaS)
         1. Core Features
         2. Use Cases
         3. Advantages and Disadvantages
   3. Cloud Deployment Models
      1. Public Cloud
         1. Characteristics
         2. Advantages and Disadvantages
      2. Private Cloud
         1. Characteristics
         2. Advantages and Disadvantages
      3. Hybrid Cloud
         1. Characteristics
         2. Advantages and Disadvantages
      4. Multi-cloud
         1. Characteristics
         2. Advantages and Disadvantages
   4. Major Cloud Providers
      1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
         1. Core Services Overview
         2. Global Infrastructure
         3. Service Categories
      2. Microsoft Azure
         1. Core Services Overview
         2. Global Infrastructure
         3. Service Categories
      3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
         1. Core Services Overview
         2. Global Infrastructure
         3. Service Categories
      4. Comparing Cloud Providers
         1. Service Offerings
         2. Pricing Models
         3. Regional Availability
         4. Performance Characteristics