Week 9 Worklog

Week 9 Objectives

  • Strengthen backend fundamentals: API design, authentication, database schemas.
  • Learn core AWS backend services: API Gateway, Lambda, DynamoDB, Cognito.
  • Build the first version of project backend architecture.
  • Practice secure API development and proper request/response handling.

Tasks to be carried out this week

DayTaskStart DateCompletion DateReference Material
2Study REST API design, HTTP methods, and backend workflow.
- Design initial API endpoints for the system.		03/11/202503/11/2025AWS Study Group
3Learn API Gateway basics.
- Create routes, methods, request validation, and logging.		04/11/202504/11/2025AWS Study Group
4Learn AWS Lambda.
- Build and deploy simple CRUD Lambda functions.
- Test using event triggers.		05/11/202505/11/2025AWS Study Group
5Study DynamoDB.
- Design table schema.
- Perform CRUD operations.		06/11/202506/11/2025AWS Study Group
6Learn Cognito Authentication.
- User Pool basics.
- Link Cognito authorization with API Gateway routes.		07/11/202507/11/2025AWS Study Group

Week 9 Achievements

1. Improved Understanding of Backend Architecture

I gained a strong foundational understanding of how backend systems are structured, including layered architecture, modular design, and how APIs communicate with databases and authentication services. This gave me a clearer picture of how to build scalable and maintainable backend systems.

2. Designed and Documented Initial API Endpoints

I successfully created the first version of the API specification, defining routes, request bodies, response formats, and error handling structures. This helped standardize communication between the backend and other system components.

3. Implemented API Gateway Routing and Configuration

I configured API Gateway to handle HTTP requests, apply method-level settings, enable CORS, attach logging, and prepare integrations for Lambda. This taught me how to connect external requests to internal processing logic securely and efficiently.

4. Built Serverless Functions with AWS Lambda

Using Lambda, I implemented initial backend logic using a serverless approach. I learned how to manage cold starts, structure handler functions, and troubleshoot event inputs and outputs. This provided practical experience in running code without managing servers.

5. Designed and Queried DynamoDB Tables

I learned how DynamoDB organizes data using partition keys and sort keys. I practiced writing queries, scans, and item updates, gaining confidence in managing NoSQL data models within cloud environments.

6. Integrated Authentication Using Cognito

This week, I set up a Cognito User Pool and integrated token-based authentication into API Gateway. I developed an understanding of how identity management and secure access control operate in serverless backend systems.