Menu
Heroku was one of the first cloud platforms, created in 2007 to support Ruby programming. Today it has evolved to do so much more and is an excellent tool for web developers. The main alternative to Heroku is AWS cloud services.
Heroku is mainly utilized by developers that work on creating and deploying applications. The Heroku platform boasts higher levels of productivity for developers since they can focus on their main task of building their apps, rather than the behind-the-scenes work. This PaaS allows developers to “deploy, manage, and scale modern apps.”
Positions that use Heroku specifically include Heroku Senior Platform Support Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Software Engineers, Heroku Developers, and Full Stack Developers.
Heroku uses containers called “dynos” to run the apps in a managed runtime environment so they are consistently monitored and up to date. Developers simply upload their code — in the programming language of their choice — to the system which takes the app building to the next step for deployment. The web-based dashboard allows developers to easily manage their applications and analyze their performance.
The platform also allows developers to include add-ons that store data, monitor the apps, and more. Notably, Heroku also offers troubleshooting for developers and incorporates ways to notify developers if there is a problem with their app. Heroku is a secure and trusted platform that follows all compliance standards so developers should feel safe with sharing their work to this cloud service.
Heroku was originally invented in 2007 by Orion Henry, James Lindenbaum, and Adam Wiggins. It is a cloud platform as a service (PaaS) and was first created to only support Ruby. Today, it supports many programming languages including Clojure, Go, Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, and Scala. Now owned by Salesforce, “Heroku is fully managed, giving developers the freedom to focus on their core product without the distraction of maintaining servers, hardware, or infrastructure.”
Heroku runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its cloud manager. When combined with AWS, it allows developers to focus only on the development and changes they want to make to their app because Heroku takes care of the rest of the back-end processes.
Another reason developers and business owners prefer utilizing this platform service is that it can be easily connected to Salesforce. This feature allows business owners and developers to manage both web and mobile applications as well as membership details, product descriptions, and more.
Heroku is mainly utilized by developers that work on creating and deploying applications. The Heroku platform boasts higher levels of productivity for developers since they can focus on their main task of building their apps, rather than the behind-the-scenes work. This PaaS allows developers to “deploy, manage, and scale modern apps.”
Positions that use Heroku specifically include Heroku Senior Platform Support Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Software Engineers, Heroku Developers, and Full Stack Developers.
Heroku uses containers called “dynos” to run the apps in a managed runtime environment so they are consistently monitored and up to date. Developers simply upload their code — in the programming language of their choice — to the system which takes the app building to the next step for deployment. The web-based dashboard allows developers to easily manage their applications and analyze their performance.
The platform also allows developers to include add-ons that store data, monitor the apps, and more. Notably, Heroku also offers troubleshooting for developers and incorporates ways to notify developers if there is a problem with their app. Heroku is a secure and trusted platform that follows all compliance standards so developers should feel safe with sharing their work to this cloud service.
Interested in learning Heroku and wondering where to start? There are a variety of options and paths that you can take to master this platform. Conveniently, Heroku offers free cloud services for students and developers alike to work on deploying their apps with “dyno hours.” This allows current and future developers to deploy and manage multiple apps for free, while also working on perfecting their app creation and deployment, and becoming proficient with the platform.
Plentiful training and education resources are included on the website that walk the user through deployment in the chosen programming language. These resources also help users become familiar with the structure of the platform and the necessary basics needed to effectively use its tools.
Once developers feel proficient with the Heroku platform and its associated add-ons and tools, they can become certified through the Heroku Architecture Credential Exam. A study guide is provided along with a practice course to help prepare an experienced Heroku user for the exam.
Free courses are also offered online through Udacity and other companies. Udemy provides affordable “mini-courses” that are specific to certain Heroku features, including how to deploy apps to the platform with specific programming languages.
If you are looking for a more structured teacher-led course, there are many options for online courses. It is possible to find courses that only focus on Heroku and its components, but bootcamps are also a great option. Heroku bootcamps generally include lessons on how to use the platform, how to create applications, and how to deploy them. Bootcamps allow learners to interact with other students and with instructors. Many bootcamps also offer opportunities to create apps, build portfolios, network, and find internships and future work opportunities.
If you are looking for a quick tutorial, the Heroku website resources and/or free courses and mini-courses are viable options. If you are looking for a more focused and interactive experience — especially as a beginning developer — bootcamps may provide you with a stronger foundation so you can make the most out of the Heroku PaaS.
