TCP, HTTP and SPDY Deep Dive

This course will tell you how TCP and HTTP (the transport and presentation-layer protocols used by web-based applications) impact the web application responsiveness and page load time.

We'll look at waterfall diagrams created by web browser development tools, cover the intricate details of TCP and HTTP (including slow start, congestion windows and pipelining), and try to figure out whether SPDY (the next-generation HTTP from Google) makes sense.

The course is delivered via short video lectures in which I gradually expose the problems your web browser faces when trying to fetch all components of a web site, and the solutions you could use to make the process faster.

You can take your time and go at your own pace, or rush through the course and be done in an hour or two. However, I would encourage you to proceed slowly, build your own test environment (using your mobile device or WAN emulator like WANem) and explore what's going on behind the scenes with browser development tools and Wireshark.

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--- **Overview of the Course Review** The course on network protocols and web performance, primarily focusing on applications using newer technologies like Angular or React and real-life server configurations, has received a global rating of 4.25 from recent reviews. The majority of the feedback commends the quality of the content and the expertise of the instructor, Ivan. However, some suggestions for improvement were noted. **Pros:** - **Instructor's Expertise:** Reviewers consistently praise Ivan's comprehensive knowledge and his ability to answer questions promptly, enhancing the interactivity of the course. - **Content Depth:** The material provided is described as top-notch, with a good explanation that correlates well with real-world applications. - **Engagement and Responsiveness:** The course's structure allows for immediate responses to inquiries, which is highly appreciated by learners. - **Usefulness for Beginners:** The course is considered particularly useful for beginners looking to gain an understanding of TCP/HTTP/SPDY and web performance. - **Quality and Presentation:** The presentation is reported to be solid and informative, with good resources and a well-structured walkthrough. - **Accessibility:** The course seems to cater to individuals with varying levels of expertise in networking and data control transport. **Cons:** - **Content Volume:** Some learners wish there had been more content provided within the course, suggesting that it could have been expanded to offer a deeper dive into the subjects covered. - **Technical Aspects:** A few reviews mentioned technical issues such as translation errors, occasional poor audio quality, and moments of silence in the recording. - **Focus on Deprecated Technology:** There is a suggestion to focus on HTTP/2 instead of SPDY, as SPDY is now deprecated, to keep the content current and relevant. - **Interactive Elements:** A call for more exercises or interactive components to enhance retention of the information provided, such as quizzes or practical examples. - **Course Format:** Some learners found that the course felt more like a presentation than an interactive lesson, which could affect engagement and long-term knowledge retention. **General Feedback:** - The course is appreciated for its ability to convey complex information in an understandable way. - Learners find the course informative and beneficial, particularly for those involved in web development or network engineering. - There is a unanimous sentiment that the course has been a valuable educational resource, even with areas that could be improved. **Final Thoughts:** Overall, the course offers high-quality content delivered by an expert in the field, with a focus on practical understanding and application. While there are some technical and content-related suggestions for improvement, the course remains a strong educational tool for those interested in improving web performance and gaining insight into networking protocols. It is recommended that future iterations of the course consider incorporating more interactive elements and updating content to reflect current technologies like HTTP/2.