.NET Web API Development Course

Lesson 1 • Dependency Injection Basics

Introduces the built-in IoC container and service lifetimes. Establishes the pattern used throughout every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 2 • Understanding the Middleware Pipeline

Explains how requests flow through middleware components in order. Students trace request handling to understand where API logic fits.

Lesson 3 • HTTP and REST Fundamentals

Covers HTTP verbs, status codes, and REST constraints. Provides the conceptual baseline required before writing any API code.

Lesson 1 • Action Results and Response Shaping

Covers typed results, problem details, and content negotiation. Ensures responses are consistent, descriptive, and client-friendly.

Lesson 2 • Routing Strategies

Teaches attribute routing, route templates, and route constraints. Enables precise URL design aligned with REST resource conventions.

Lesson 3 • Controller Architecture

Covers ControllerBase, ApiController attribute, and action methods. Establishes the structural pattern for all controller-based endpoints.

Lesson 4 • Model Binding and Validation

Explains how ASP.NET Core binds request data to action parameters. Students apply data annotations and ModelState to enforce input rules.

Lesson 1 • Object Mapping with AutoMapper

Automates entity-to-DTO conversion using AutoMapper profiles. Reduces boilerplate whilst keeping mapping logic centralised and testable.

Lesson 2 • Manual Mapping Strategies

Covers extension methods and factory methods as lightweight mapping alternatives. Gives students control when AutoMapper adds unnecessary complexity.

Lesson 3 • Designing Data Transfer Objects

Explains why DTOs separate API contracts from domain models. Students design request and response DTOs for each resource endpoint.

Lesson 1 • Repository and Unit of Work Patterns

Abstracts data access behind interfaces for testability and flexibility. Prepares students for clean architecture applied in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Defining the Data Model

Teaches entity classes, relationships, and Fluent API configuration. Students map domain objects to database tables accurately.

Lesson 3 • Migrations and Schema Management

Explains code-first migrations for evolving the database schema safely. Students apply and roll back migrations in development and production.

Lesson 4 • Querying and Persisting Data

Covers LINQ queries, change tracking, and SaveChanges. Students implement repository-style data access used in API controllers.

Lesson 1 • Health Checks and Diagnostics

Adds health check endpoints for database, external services, and custom probes. Provides operational visibility required in production deployments.

Lesson 2 • Global Exception Handling

Covers exception middleware, UseExceptionHandler, and ProblemDetails factory. Centralises error handling so controllers stay clean.

Lesson 3 • FluentValidation for Input Rules

Replaces data annotations with FluentValidation for complex, testable rules. Integrates validators into the ASP.NET Core pipeline automatically.

Lesson 1 • Policy-Based Authorisation

Teaches requirements, handlers, and policy registration for fine-grained access control. Moves beyond simple role checks to flexible claim-based rules.

Lesson 2 • Identity Integration

Integrates ASP.NET Core Identity for user management and password hashing. Connects the identity store to the JWT issuance flow.

Lesson 3 • JWT Bearer Token Implementation

Covers token structure, signing keys, and AddJwtBearer configuration. Students issue and validate JWTs within the API project.

Lesson 4 • Securing Endpoints in Practice

Applies Authorize attribute, anonymous access, and CORS policy to real endpoints. Validates the full security chain end-to-end.

Lesson 1 • Response Caching and ETags

Adds HTTP caching headers, response caching middleware, and ETag support. Reduces server load and improves perceived API performance.

Lesson 2 • Rate Limiting and Throttling

Applies built-in .NET rate limiting middleware to protect API resources. Prevents abuse whilst maintaining fair access for legitimate clients.

Lesson 3 • OpenAPI Documentation with Swagger

Generates interactive OpenAPI docs using Swashbuckle or NSwag. Provides consumers with accurate, always-current API reference.

Lesson 4 • API Versioning Strategies

Implements URL segment, query string, and header versioning with Asp.Versioning. Enables backward-compatible evolution of the API surface.

Lesson 1 • Integration Testing with WebApplicationFactory

Spins up the full API in-process for end-to-end HTTP tests. Catches integration bugs that unit tests cannot detect.

Lesson 2 • Performance Profiling and Optimisation

Identifies bottlenecks using BenchmarkDotNet and dotnet-trace. Students apply async patterns, output caching, and query optimisation.

Lesson 3 • Unit Testing API Components

Tests controllers, services, and validators in isolation using xUnit and Moq. Builds a fast, reliable test suite that runs without infrastructure.

Lesson 4 • Containerising the API with Docker

Packages the API into a Docker image using a multi-stage Dockerfile. Enables consistent deployment across any environment.