Practice in Real Environments.
Master IT Skills.

A free introductory course covering AI fundamentals, generative AI tools, prompt engineering, and first steps with Python for AI. Serves as an on-ramp to the full Foundations of Artificial Intelligence course.

Imported from publisher slug: capstone_project.

Cloud Native Fundamentals for Developers is a hands-on introductory course that teaches the core principles of modern cloud-native software development. You'll learn how applications evolve from traditional monolithic architectures to microservices, discover the foundational concepts behind containers, Docker, DevOps, and CI/CD, and explore the design practices that make cloud-native applications scalable, resilient, and easy to deploy. Through practical lessons and guided hands-on labs, you'll build, run, and containerize your own applications while gaining the skills needed to develop software for today's cloud environments. Whether you're a software developer, IT professional, or student, this course provides a solid foundation for advancing to Docker, Kubernetes, and modern cloud platforms.

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence provides a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to the technologies and concepts driving modern AI. The course explores how artificial intelligence works, including machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing, generative AI, large language models, and other essential topics. Students will also learn how AI systems are trained, how they generate predictions and content, and how organizations are applying AI to solve real-world problems. Designed for students, developers, and IT professionals, the course combines clear explanations with hands-on learning using Python and open-source AI tools. Students will gain practical experience working with AI while developing a solid foundation for more advanced study in machine learning, generative AI, and AI application development. No previous AI experience is required, making this an excellent starting point for anyone interested in understanding and working with artificial intelligence.

Prepare for one of the most respected cloud certifications in the industry while building practical, real-world AWS skills. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: Complete Hands-On Bootcamp is designed for aspiring cloud architects, software developers, system administrators, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals who want to design, deploy, and manage secure, scalable, and highly available applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Through engaging video lessons, step-by-step demonstrations, and hands-on labs, you'll gain the confidence to work with essential AWS services including EC2, VPC, IAM, S3, RDS, Lambda, CloudFormation, Auto Scaling, Load Balancing, and much more. Whether you're new to AWS or looking to strengthen your cloud architecture skills, this course provides a practical path to success. Unlike courses that focus only on memorizing exam objectives, this bootcamp emphasizes learning by doing. You'll complete hands-on labs using your own AWS Free Tier account, build real-world cloud solutions, and explore the architectural best practices used by modern organizations. The course also includes practice quizzes, certification-focused review materials, and a comprehensive capstone project that brings together the concepts covered throughout the course. By the end of the bootcamp, you'll be well prepared for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam and, more importantly, you'll have the practical cloud experience employers are looking for.

Foundations of Cloud Computing is a practical, hands-on introduction to the technologies that power today's modern applications and IT infrastructure. Designed for beginners, this course teaches the core concepts of cloud computing using Amazon Web Services (AWS), with a strong emphasis on understanding how cloud services work rather than simply following step-by-step instructions. Students will learn about cloud architecture, virtual servers, storage, networking, databases, security, serverless computing, and application deployment while building real-world skills that employers value. Throughout the course, you'll reinforce each concept through engaging video lessons, hands-on labs, quizzes, and a companion textbook. Using the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI), you'll gain practical experience creating and managing cloud resources while developing the confidence to build cloud-native applications. Whether your goal is to become a cloud engineer, software developer, DevOps professional, or simply expand your IT knowledge, Foundations of Cloud Computing provides the solid foundation needed to continue your journey into cloud computing.

Foundations of Database Management teaches relational database design and SQL from the ground up using PostgreSQL, one of the most widely used production databases. The course covers the relational model, data types and table design, keys and relationships, normalization, and progresses through querying data, advanced SQL, transactions, indexing and performance, and backup/security/administration. With 23 hands-on labs working directly against a real PostgreSQL database, students don't just learn database theory — they design schemas, write real queries, and manage a live database end to end, finishing with a final project that ties design, querying, and administration together into one complete, portfolio-ready piece of work.

Foundations of Docker is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed to teach you one of the most important technologies in modern software development. Starting with the fundamentals of containerization, you'll learn how Docker works, why it has become the industry standard for building and deploying applications, and how it fits into today's cloud-native ecosystem. Through clear explanations and real-world examples, you'll master Docker images, containers, networking, volumes, Dockerfiles, Docker Compose, security best practices, and deploying containerized applications to cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure. This course goes beyond theory by providing extensive hands-on labs that reinforce every major concept. You'll install Docker, build and manage your own containers, create multi-container applications, develop with Docker in Visual Studio Code, and complete a capstone project that brings everything together. Whether you're an aspiring software developer, DevOps engineer, cloud professional, or IT student, Foundations of Docker will give you the practical skills and confidence needed to build, deploy, and manage containerized applications in professional development environments.

Foundations of Java Programming is a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to Java — one of the most widely used languages in enterprise software. The course covers core language fundamentals, control flow, methods, arrays and strings, object-oriented programming (including inheritance, polymorphism, and interfaces), the Collections Framework, and exception handling and debugging. Fourteen hands-on labs reinforce every stage, and the course goes on to cover file I/O, database access with JDBC, packages and build tooling with Maven, and unit testing, closing with real-world projects and a module on professional development — giving graduates both a solid Java foundation and the practical skills expected in a professional Java development role.

Foundations of Linux is a comprehensive, deeply hands-on course covering everything from what Linux is and how distributions differ, through filesystem navigation, file management, text processing, permissions, process and service management, package management, storage, and networking. It's designed to take someone with no prior Linux experience to genuine command-line competence. With 41 hands-on labs — more than any other course in our catalog — students get extensive real practice at every step, and the course goes further than most introductions by covering Linux in the cloud, Bash scripting and automation, Linux career paths and certifications, and a final project, making it a complete foundation for system administration, DevOps, or cloud engineering roles.

A hands-on, Python-based deep dive into the practical machine learning workflow with scikit-learn: exploratory data analysis, preprocessing, feature engineering, leak-free pipelines, cross-validation and metrics, linear models, trees and gradient-boosted ensembles, tuning, imbalanced data, interpretation, and deploying a saved model. Builds directly on Foundations of Artificial Intelligence.

Foundations of Python: From Beginner to Job Ready Developer takes students from zero programming experience to writing real, working Python applications. The course covers the full core language — variables, control flow, functions, strings, lists, dictionaries, file handling, error handling, modules, and an introduction to object-oriented programming — building steadily so each concept reinforces the last. Twelve hands-on labs turn theory into practice throughout, and the course closes with real-world capstone projects and a module on professional development, so graduates finish with both the technical foundation and the portfolio pieces needed to pursue an entry-level developer role.

Git Essentials is a practical, beginner-friendly course designed to teach you how to use Git confidently for modern software development. You’ll learn how version control works, how to create and manage Git repositories, track changes, work with commits, create and merge branches, resolve conflicts, and use Git from the command line. Along the way, you’ll develop an understanding of the workflows professional developers use to safely manage source code and collaborate on software projects. The course goes beyond simply memorizing Git commands by giving you hands-on experience with realistic development workflows. You’ll learn how to work with remote repositories and GitHub, collaborate with other developers, manage branches and pull requests, recover from common mistakes, and apply Git best practices to your own projects. Through step-by-step lessons and hands-on labs, Git Essentials will give you practical version-control skills you can immediately apply to personal, educational, and professional software development projects.

How to Become a Successful Programmer Without a Degree is a practical career guide for aspiring software developers who want to break into the technology industry through skills, experience, and determination rather than a traditional college degree. You'll learn how to build a strong programming foundation, choose the right technologies, create an impressive portfolio, gain real-world experience, prepare for technical interviews, and market yourself to employers. Whether you're changing careers, just starting out, or teaching yourself to code, this course provides a clear roadmap to developing the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills needed to launch a successful career as a software developer.

Information Technology Essentials is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of modern information technology. Designed for beginners, this course explores the core concepts of computer hardware, software, networking, databases, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and IT careers. Along the way, you'll also gain practical experience with HTML, Python programming, and SQL using easy-to-follow examples and real-world scenarios. More than just a textbook, this course includes access to the **Destin Learning** online platform, where you can reinforce your knowledge through interactive hands-on labs that run directly in your web browser. Whether you're preparing for your first IT job, considering a career change, or building a strong foundation for more advanced technical training, **Information Technology Essentials** provides the knowledge and practical skills you need to confidently begin your journey into the world of information technology.

Introduction to Assembly Language teaches x86-64 assembly programming from the ground up using the GNU Assembler (GAS) and GCC on Linux. Students learn how the CPU executes instructions, how memory and registers work, and how to write real programs using system calls and C library functions. The course covers data declarations, arithmetic, loops, the call stack, arrays, strings, and debugging with GDB — finishing with mixed-language C and Assembly programming and a look at how the Linux process model works under the hood.

**Introduction to Open Source AI Development with Ollama** is a hands-on course designed to teach you how to build powerful AI applications using free and open source tools. You'll learn how to install and use Ollama, work with popular open source large language models such as Llama, Phi, Gemma, and Mistral, and develop AI-powered applications using Python and Flask. Along the way, you'll gain practical experience with prompt engineering, model management, REST APIs, and best practices for running AI locally on your own computer. As you progress through the course, you'll move beyond basic AI interactions and learn how to build intelligent applications using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). You'll create a local knowledge base, generate embeddings, work with vector databases, and build a complete AI knowledge assistant capable of answering questions about your own documents—all without relying on cloud-based AI services. Whether you're a software developer, IT professional, student, or technology enthusiast, this project-based course will provide the practical skills you need to begin developing secure, private, and powerful AI applications using today's leading open source technologies.

Introduction to Programming: Your First Steps in Code is a beginner-friendly course designed for anyone who has never written a line of code. Using Python — one of the world's most readable and widely used programming languages — students learn how software works, how to set up a development environment, and how to write and run their very first programs. No prior experience is required; just curiosity and a willingness to learn. Over five modules, students progress through the core building blocks of programming: variables, data types, decision-making with logic and if statements, and automating repetitive tasks with loops. Each module concludes with a hands-on lab where students apply what they've learned to build real, working programs. By the end of the course, students have a solid foundation to continue their journey into more advanced Python development.

Introduction to Programming in C is a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to one of the most foundational languages in computer science. Across 15 modules you'll progress from setting up a C development environment and writing your first program through variables, operators, control flow, functions, arrays, strings, pointers, structures, and file I/O — the same core concepts that underpin C++, Java, and most systems-level programming. With 19 hands-on labs and a final capstone project, students don't just read about C — they write, debug, and build real programs at every step. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to understand programming at a lower level than typical beginner courses go, or who needs C as a prerequisite for embedded systems, operating systems, or performance-critical software work.

Start here. Orientation to the Python Developer Bootcamp and the Destin Learning lab platform, plus a downloadable program schedule.

Introduction to Web Development with Python Flask teaches you how to build modern, dynamic web applications using Python and the lightweight Flask web framework. Starting with web development fundamentals, you'll learn how Flask applications are structured and progress through routing, templates with Jinja2, forms, sessions, REST APIs, databases, CRUD applications, user authentication, testing, debugging, and deployment. Along the way, you'll see how Python code, HTML, databases, and HTTP work together to create complete web applications. This course emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world development skills. You'll write and run Flask applications, work with databases, build APIs, manage application data, and gradually develop more sophisticated projects as your skills grow. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in Python web development and the practical experience needed to begin building and deploying your own Flask applications.

Kubernetes has become a foundational technology for DevOps, cloud computing, and modern application deployment. Kubernetes Essentials provides a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to container orchestration, taking you from the fundamentals of Kubernetes architecture through Pods, Deployments, Services, networking, configuration, storage, Ingress, Helm, security, and troubleshooting. Along the way, you'll learn how Kubernetes manages containerized applications and how its core components work together to create scalable and resilient systems. The best way to learn Kubernetes is by using it. That's why Kubernetes Essentials includes hands-on labs that let you put each major concept into practice. You'll create and manage Kubernetes resources, scale applications, perform rolling updates, configure networking and storage, troubleshoot failures, and complete a final project that brings your new skills together. Whether you're a developer, system administrator, cloud professional, or aspiring DevOps engineer, Kubernetes Essentials will help you build the practical foundation you need to continue your journey into Kubernetes and cloud-native computing.

The Linux Starter Course is a free beginner-friendly introduction to the Linux operating system. Designed for students, aspiring IT professionals, and technology enthusiasts, this course teaches the fundamentals of Linux through engaging video lessons, downloadable slides, and hands-on lab exercises that run directly in your browser. You'll learn how to navigate the Linux file system, work with common commands, manage files and directories, and explore how Linux is used in cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, and other technology careers. No prior Linux experience is required. By the end of the course, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to continue your journey with the Foundations of Linux course and beyond.

Markdown Essentials teaches you how to create clean, professional, and portable documents using one of the most widely used formatting languages in technology. You’ll start with Markdown fundamentals—including headings, emphasis, lists, links, images, tables, blockquotes, and code blocks—and progress to GitHub Flavored Markdown, README files, front matter, documentation sites, and publishing workflows. This course emphasizes learning by doing. Through hands-on labs, you’ll create real Markdown documents, build technical documentation, develop a professional README, work with multi-page documentation, and use tools such as markdownlint to improve your work. The course concludes with a personal documentation portfolio that brings your new skills together and demonstrates how Markdown is used by developers, technical writers, and modern software teams.

PowerShell Essentials provides a practical introduction to Microsoft's powerful command-line shell and scripting language for automating everyday IT and system administration tasks. You'll learn how to navigate the PowerShell environment, work with files and directories, use cmdlets and the pipeline, manage objects, variables, operators, and control structures, and create reusable scripts and functions. Along the way, you'll discover how PowerShell can help automate repetitive tasks and make managing Windows systems faster and more efficient. This course emphasizes learning by doing through practical exercises and hands-on labs. You'll write and execute PowerShell commands, build scripts, process data, automate common administrative tasks, and develop the skills needed to create your own PowerShell solutions. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in PowerShell and scripting that you can apply to system administration, DevOps, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and other IT roles.

Principles of Software Engineering is a practical, hands-on course designed to teach students how professional software is planned, designed, built, tested, deployed, and maintained. The course begins with software engineering fundamentals and development processes, then moves through requirements engineering, software design and modeling, object-oriented design, SOLID principles, design patterns, architecture, source control, maintainable code, testing, security, DevOps, cloud-native development, and AI-assisted software engineering. Students learn not only how software works, but how engineering practices help teams build systems that are reliable, maintainable, secure, and capable of evolving over time. Throughout the course, students apply these concepts through practical exercises and hands-on labs that mirror real software-development work. Activities include developing requirements and user stories, evaluating software designs, working with Git, creating automated tests, identifying security weaknesses, containerizing applications, building CI/CD workflows, and exploring modern cloud-native development practices. By the end of the course, students will have a broad understanding of the complete software development lifecycle and the engineering principles, tools, and professional practices used by modern software development teams.

Learn Terraform from the ground up: HCL, providers and resources, state management, remote backends, modules, and CI/CD — with hands-on AWS labs powered by floci.

A beginner-friendly, hands-on introduction to C# and the .NET ecosystem — from fundamentals through OOP, collections, LINQ, file/database I/O, and a final capstone project.