CS404
Modern Web Application 1 - From Idea to MVP
Faculty
Nico Deblauwe
Freelance Full Stack Developer & Innovation Expert
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
This course explains how a modern framework like Laravel can be used to turn an idea into a working app. The focus is on the basics of frameworks and how developers work with them. You will learn how to progress from idea to prototype/MVP, keeping things simple and practical.
You will build your own app step by step and, by the end, have a working version of your idea running on your own local server.
Learning highlights
- Understand the architecture and key components of modern web frameworks.
- Design data structures for web applications.
- Explore ways to store, query, and publish data.
- Identify the most common security and performance threats and how to remediate them.
- Learn how to start a new web project from scratch.
- Course has a focus on sustainable solo development workflows with Git.
- Reflect on when (and when not) to use AI in your workflow, and how to do it practically.
Course outline
15 classes
Introduction to MVC
The big picture.
Requests & MVC.
Setting up your dev environment.
Focus on the Model
Databases (and ORM).
Relationships.
Migrations.
Factories & Seeds.
Focus on the View
Representing data with views, making it efficient with Layouts and Components.
Focus on the Controller
Towards a full CRUD (create, read, update and destroy) and validation of input.
Leveraging the Framework
Clean Routing.
Resource Controllers.
Component thinking.
Dealing with Data
Eloquent (mysql) vs Collections (php) Privacy by design.
User profiles.
Dealing with logged-in Users
Authentication & Authorisation.
Middleware.
Business logic.
Permission management.
Code Management & Adding Functionality
Using packages.
Versioning.
Using external services (e.g. email).
Media Files & Frontend Assets
File uploads (public vs private).
Processing file data.
Dealing with CSS, Javascript.
Dealing with Errors & Exceptions
Handling Errors.
Catching Exceptions.
Security Aspects.
Performance Boosts & Adding state
Caching.
N+1 problem.
Session (cookies).
Asynchronous Execution
Background Jobs & Queues.
Model Events.
Testing strategies
Testing strategies.
Unit vs Feature Tests.
Running, Debugging & Organising tests.
Refactoring Approaches
Fat/skinny Models & Controller.
CLI & Commands.
Action class pattern.
Project Presentations
Shine when demonstrating your outcome.
Answer some difficult questions.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of HTML5 and CSS.
Solid experience with at least one programming language.
Basic understanding of relational databases.
Some familiarity with PHP syntax is a plus.
Methodology
Lectures: during the daily lectures, you’ll be introduced to new knowledge and learn new skills.
Practical examples: lecturer will live-code demo application from scratch over the span of the course.
Homework: some smaller assignments will be given throughout the module (individual & group work).
Individual project: every student will have to build their own project.
Grading
Nico has a PhD in Telecom Engineering and over 15 years of experience in web development. Check his profile on LinkedIn for full information.
At Harbour.Space, Nico teaches 2 courses on backend web development (in BCN) and a course on introduction to web development (in BKK). Nico also teaches the Software Development Basics course at CODE University (Berlin, 5 ECTS).
See full profileApply for this course
Modern Web Application 1 - From Idea to MVP
by Nico Deblauwe
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Nov 09 - Nov 27, 2026
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.