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Notes from previous [[Frontend Web Development]] classes.
Notes from previous [[Front-end Web Development]] classes.


=== Series 3 ===
==== Class for 2016-04-25: CSS positioning ====
==== Class for 2012-10-08: CSS positioning ====
We're going to let JavaScript take a backseat for the rest of the series, and we'll begin to focus on CSS concepts. This time, we'll focus on positioning of elements: using absolute, relative, or fixed positioning to put the elements anywhere we want on the whole page. We'll use [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series6/class4/mockup.png this mockup] along with [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series6/class4/assets.zip these assets] to put together a page that demonstrates positioning.
We focused on positioning of elements: spacing them out from other elements using margins, positioning them absolutely on the page, positioning them relatively, fixed and more.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTL_YDz3zmo Lecture video]'''<br>
If have been daunted by the complexity of JavaScript programming, this should be a much simpler, straightforward class.
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-10-01: CSS selectors and the box model ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqT6IBMPglo Lecture video]<br>
CSS selectors are probably the most complex part of the CSS language, so we looked at them further in-depth. We also talked about the box model, the display concept that makes words and containers on the web look like they do.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class15 Lecture materials]


'''No video for this class. :('''<br>
==== Class for 2016-04-18: React and Redux ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class2/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
We'll take a look at [https://lunch.labzero.com Lunch], an app I'm working on using [https://facebook.github.io/react/ React] and [http://redux.js.org/ Redux]. We'll see how it compares to our jQuery and Angular apps, and how React's unidirectional flow, along with Redux's state management, allows us to build an efficient, powerful application.


==== Class for 2012-09-24: the basics ====
Because of the complexity of this subject, we'll only be skimming the surface with this pre-written app. React generally requires a good knowledge of the intricacies of JavaScript, so consider this a light introduction.
We covered the very basics:
* Explaining "frontend" vs. "backend"
* Discussing tools of the trade
* Explaining the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
* Writing a basic HTML page
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Explaining the role of frontend web development as a job and career


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r87aEOpelzQ Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iydma-sfKwA Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class1/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/labzero/lunch Lecture materials]


=== Series 2 ===
==== Class for 2016-04-11: directives, routing and AJAX with AngularJS ====
==== Class for 2012-09-10: Preprocessors ====
We'll continue learning the basics of [https://angularjs.org/ AngularJS] by learning how to encapsulate behavior into reusable elements, load data from the back-end, and create a site that acts as if it has multiple pages while remaining a single-page app.
This class expanded upon the topic of web frameworks by talking about preprocessor languages - languages which compile into HTML, CSS, or JS. We'd taken a look at PHP and ERB, but we also walked through languages that look nothing like HTML (HAML), and languages that compile into CSS (Less, Sass + Compass) and JS (CoffeeScript). These languages can make your life much easier as they help keep you from repeating yourself (DRY!).


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idizayqUsng Lecture video]'''<br>
We'll build off the [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class12/noisetwitter work from last week.]
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class20/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-08-27: Backend web development ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKdKHcJ4eRw Lecture video]<br>
This class was all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend! We talked about HTTP, web servers (like Apache), preprocessor languages (like PHP and ERB), web frameworks (like Rails), and databases (like SQLite). Sound daunting? Well, it kind of is, but this 2-hour session might have alleviated a small portion of your fears!
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class13 Lecture materials]


To prepare for this class, you could either set up a PHP-powered web server on your laptop ([http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/58247/how-do-i-enable-php-on-mountain-lion-os-x-10-8 Mac instructions]), or get an account at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ NearlyFreeSpeech.NET].
==== Class for 2016-04-04: intro to AngularJS ====
We'll learn about the basics of [https://angularjs.org/ AngularJS] (version 1), a popular client-side MVC application framework. Frameworks such as these make it easier to manage data-rich views by keeping everything in sync with each other, and with data in the back-end. To understand how libraries like AngularJS differ from [http://jquery.com jQuery], we'll be taking our [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class10/noisetwitter NoiseTwitter] app and converting it from one that uses jQuery into one that uses AngularJS instead.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U45cUjt1abM Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h2Oz4DiviU Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class19/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class12 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-08-20: Progressive enhancement ====
==== Class for 2016-03-28: Forms ====
We talked about progressive enhancement - a practice where websites are created in a layered way that makes them accessible and cross-browser friendly. We looked at [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class18/lecture.zip an example site] and demonstrated how it adheres to these principles. We've touched on these concepts throughout the whole class, but in this class we focused on why they're important, and what could happen if you DON'T adhere to them.
We'll create a Bootstrap-based landing page with a sign-up form. We'll learn about built-in HTML5 validation, but also use the [http://jqueryvalidation.org/ jQuery Validation plugin] to help us where browser support is necessary.


As part of the class, we used a Chrome extension called ChromeVox, which is a free screen reader for the web. We also used virtual machines to run older versions of Internet Explorer on my Mac.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwMGFVeXI0A Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class11 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgpUQmDb69U Lecture video]'''
==== Class for 2016-03-21: Ajax ====
We'll talk about Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, a technology that allows us to talk to a server without leaving the page. jQuery makes this easy. We'll add Ajax functionality to [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class7 the Twitter app]. We'll use this [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/blob/master/series8/class10/noisetwitter/source/tweet.php PHP file] to test it out.


==== Class for 2012-08-13: CSS3 and CSS4 ====
If you don't already have web hosting, please sign up for some at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ NearlyFreeSpeech.NET] for free (or very cheap). Also, install the [https://filezilla-project.org/ FileZilla Client].
We've covered CSS3 before, but in the context of a mockup. We went further into CSS3 and CSS4 with a demonstration of what the new technologies are, how to make the most of them, and how to make sites using them look good in less capable browsers.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oocNUFICq4M Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajhVV5wTJ1I Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class17/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class10 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-08-06: Mobile websites ====
==== Class for 2016-03-14: HTTP, SFTP, and Git-based web hosting ====
We worked on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class14/blog.zip this blog] and turn it into a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class16/lecture.zip mobile-accessible website]. We also talked about user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website development.
We'll talk about file transfer: HTTP, which is the method of getting and sending information in the web browser; SFTP, which is a method of securely uploading files to a web host; and how to use Git to host a site.


==== Class for 2012-07-30: HTML5 elements ====
We'll set up free web hosting accounts at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net NearlyFreeSpeech.NET] (which you should sign up for now), and upload to them using [http://filezilla-project.org the FileZilla client] (which you should install now).
We took a look through [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class13/html5_elements.zip this page containing every currently valid HTML element]. Many of them are considered "HTML5", but that's just because they're new.


==== Class for 2012-07-23: Other jQuery plugins ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8oIC5Jyx1k Lecture video]<br>
Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild:
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class9 Lecture materials]
* [http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/javascript.html#tooltips Tooltip/Popover (Bootstrap)] - mouse over elements to create tooltips
* [http://jqueryui.com/demos/datepicker/ Datepicker (jQuery UI)] - fancy datepickers appearing near your input fields
* [http://jqueryui.com/demos/accordion/ Accordion (jQuery UI)] - collapse and unfold lists of elements
* [http://digitalbush.com/projects/masked-input-plugin/ Masked input] - provide visual guidance for field entry
* [http://flesler.blogspot.com/2007/10/jqueryscrollto.html ScrollTo] - smoothly scroll to a location on the page
* [http://jquery.malsup.com/cycle/ Cycle] - make easy slideshows
* [http://harvesthq.github.com/chosen/ Chosen] - style dropdowns
We created [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class14/lecture.zip this page that uses all of the plugins].


==== Class for 2012-07-16: Sign-up forms ====
==== Class for 2016-03-07: starting a new project ====
We continued working on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class12/lecture.zip our site], and added a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. We used the [http://bassistance.de/jquery-plugins/jquery-plugin-validation/ jQuery Validation plugin]. This is a very common request from clients and it comes in handy to know all the tips and tricks of forms and validation, and what new HTML5 elements can provide.
A text editor and web browser are all that's required to start a project - but how about getting a head start? We'll talk about [https://harpjs.com/ Harp] and [http://getbootstrap.com/ Bootstrap], two tools that will greatly help us with the setup of a new site.


==== Class for 2012-07-09: Modals and menus using Twitter Bootstrap ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm4sSCT-9GE Lecture video]<br>
We went back to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/answersheet.zip "professional" site we'd put together a number of weeks ago] and added more functionality to it with some JavaScript. We first made a dialog box - or a "modal" - pop up when you click the sign up buttons. We did this by introducing [http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/ Bootstrap, a suite of code developed by Twitter] to make common web development tasks easier. We also add some dropdown functionality to our menus using pure CSS, but this can be done using Bootstrap as well.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class8 Lecture materials]


This class was not an exhaustive look at Bootstrap - there is a lot to cover. Look for a more comprehensive talk on Bootstrap later down the line.
==== Class for 2016-02-29: jQuery, cont'd ====
We'll continue learning about jQuery by focusing on [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class6/noisetwitter the example we worked on last class]. We'll add functionality to it that will make it seem more like the real thing.


==== Class for 2012-07-02: Guest speaker - HTML5 ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iaBQOgY4qo Lecture video]<br>
John Freddy Vega of [http://www.cristalab.com/ Cristalab] and [http://mejorando.la/ Mejorando.la] delivered a presentation on the basics of HTML5, CSS3, and new JavaScript developments. It's a great talk for those starting out on new web technologies, or just wondering what the big difference is from HTML 4.01 and below.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class7/noisetwitter Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-06-25: AJAX ====
==== Class for 2016-02-22: jQuery ====
We talked about Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, a technology that allows us to talk to a server without leaving the page. jQuery makes this extremely easy. We [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class11/lecture.zip added AJAX functionality] to our app we've been building on and uploaded a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class9/tweet.php.zip PHP file] to a web host to test it out.
We'll introduce jQuery, a JavaScript library that makes web programming a whole lot easier. jQuery is the most popular of many libraries that allow us to interact with the document easily, while also providing us with a few tools that are missing from the base language.


==== Class for 2012-06-18: jQuery, cont'd ====
To learn what jQuery can do, we'll add some scripting to [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class6/start this sample web app].
We built upon the existing [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip Noisetwitter] app, using jQuery functions to add the UI for retweeting, favoriting, and replying, and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class10/lecture.zip here was our result].


==== Class for 2012-06-11: jQuery ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY2oRWIYhK0 Lecture video]<br>
We included jQuery into a file and took a look at some of the functions that are available to us, as well as attempting to explain how an object can call a function with itself as the scope (this). We used the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip Noisetwitter] client as an example of simple but powerful things you can do with jQuery.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class6/noisetwitter Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-06-04: JavaScript ====
==== Class for 2016-02-08: JavaScript, cont'd ====
We talked about JavaScript: making webpages interactive through client-side code. We used the console to demonstrate the basics of the language, and we [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class8/lecture.zip created a file and include it on an existing HTML page, downloadable here].
We'll continue discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.


==== Class for 2012-05-21: File transfer ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFnDmrLXqf0 Lecture video]<br>
We talked about file transfer - not only uploading files using FTP, but using the web browser to get and send information via forms and other methods (an overall talk about HTTP GET/POST).
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class5 Lecture materials]


We downloaded and installed [http://filezilla-project.org FileZilla] and signed up for a [https://nearlyfreespeech.net NearlyFreeSpeech.NET] hosting account - some had to use my personal hosting due to timing reasons.
==== Class for 2016-02-01: JavaScript ====
We'll talk about JavaScript: making web pages interactive through client-side code. We'll use the console, which is part of the browser's developer tools, to demonstrate the basics of the language. This and next week's class can be treated as a general introduction to programming.


==== Class for 2012-05-14: Working from mockups (CSS3 edition) ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAxEb3JViWk Lecture video]<br>
We worked on last week's site, talking about inline versus block, and applied CSS3 features such as shadows, rounded corners, gradients, and semi-transparency. We didn't have time to talk about CSS3 more in-depth, so we'll have another class on it in the future.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class4 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-05-07: Working from mockups ====
==== Class for 2016-01-25: version control (Git) and the command line ====
We worked off of [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup.png this mockup] and the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup_annotations.png annotated version]. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/assets.zip Assets were found here].
This class is a general overview on version control and the command line. Most developers collaborate with their peers by using version control systems, which allows them to keep track of their work in a reliable fashion and push it to the web.


We took all of this and turned it into [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/lecture.zip this work-in-progress site]. We'll be completing it next week.
Again, this class isn't about web development per se - it's just an important introduction to using the command line to work with Git, one of the most popular version control systems. Everyone will create their own fork of a repository and check in their work.


==== Class for 2012-04-30: CSS floats ====
During the half-hour before the class, we'll help people set up Git on their computers. On OS X, type <code>git</code> in a Terminal to get started. On Windows you should install [http://msysgit.github.io/ Git for Windows]. Also, please sign up for a [https://github.com GitHub] account.
Floating is the secret sauce behind creating websites with multiple columns, navigation menus, and basically any block element that's aligned to the left or right. We learned about floats by taking a look at some [http://nytimes.com examples (inspect the page)]. We then took a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/mockup.png mockup] and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/answersheet.zip created a site] from it.


==== Class for 2012-04-23: CSS positioning ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt4IW_TVTUc Lecture video]<br>
We focused on positioning of elements: spacing them out from other elements using margins, positioning them absolutely on the page, positioning them relatively, fixed and more. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials can be downloaded here.]
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/shakespeare9 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-04-16: CSS selectors and the box model ====
==== Class for 2016-01-11: CSS selectors and the box model ====
We expanded on last week's site to make [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class2/lecture.zip this site], which added complex selectors and margin rules.
CSS selectors are probably the most complex part of the CSS language, so we'll look at them further in-depth. We'll also talk about the box model, the display concept that makes words and containers on the web look like they do.


==== Class for 2012-04-09: the basics ====
'''No video for this class.''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcKvWkhVezA Here's last series's video.] (audio doesn't work until 33:10)<br>
We created [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class1/lecture.zip this simple site] to demonstrate HTML and CSS basics.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class2 Lecture materials]


=== Series 1 ===
==== Class for 2016-01-04: the basics ====
 
<span style="color:green">'''THIS is the class to attend if you are a complete beginner!'''</span> We are starting the curriculum of this class from square one. We'll cover the very basics:
==== Class for 2012-03-26 ====
* Explaining "front-end" vs. "back-end"
Download the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class18/class18.zip site we walked through]. It's a responsive site with slight jQuery magic and a bunch of semantic HTML and CSS trickery. A good rollup of all the stuff we've learned in the class.
* Explaining web apps vs. web sites
 
* Discussing tools of the trade
==== Class for 2012-03-12 ====
* Describing the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
Verbatim notes for my personal use:
* Writing a basic HTML page
 
* Styling the page with basic CSS
What to do:
* Adding a small amount of JS
* Always start with HTML
* Explaining the role of front-end development as a job and career
* Add presentation and behavior next
* Assume nothing about your audience
* Be as semantic as possible
* Use [http://www.html5please.com www.html5please.com]
 
What not to do:
* Use inline style tags
* Implement security on the frontend
* Expect links to work only with JS - modals, AJAX, etc.
* Tell users to upgrade
* Start with a rich site and then work backward
 
Benefits:
* Starting with the basics makes cross-browser testing easier
* Makes your site more modular - can switch stylesheets or remove behavior on-the-fly
* Makes development in teams easier
 
Drawbacks:
* App- or game-like sites might be hard to support
* Supporting all browsers off-the-bat might slow down productivity
* Can't use cool new CSS3/HTML5 stuff in production yet
 
Schedule:
* Create a simple site with an HTML5 sectioning elements
* Add CSS
* Add JS
* Show site without CSS and JS added on
* Show site in IE6
* Install ChromeVox and read through site
* Explain browser "hacks"
* Explain JS feature testing (modernizr)
* Show what not to do
* Show [http://html5boilerplate.com/ HTML5 Boilerplate]
 
==== Class for 2012-03-05 ====
[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class15/examples.zip Download the CSS3 examples I created in-class.]
 
Other great resources:
* [http://simurai.com/tagged/lab Simurai's lab]
* [http://css3please.com/ CSS3 Please!]
* [http://caniuse.com/ When can I use...]
* [http://jeffreyatw.com/portfolio Jeffrey's portfolio - see Menorah and Draggy under HTML5 Toys]
 
==== Class for 2012-02-27 ====
We worked on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class14/blog.zip this blog] and turned it into a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class14/answersheet.zip mobile-accessible website]. We also talked about user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and talked about the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website development.
 
==== Class for 2012-02-20 ====
We took a look at a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class13/html5_elements.zip page containing every currently valid HTML element]. Many of them are considered "HTML5", but that's just because they're new.
 
==== Class for 2012-02-13 ====
We added to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class11/answersheet.zip site from last class] and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class12/answersheet.zip added a sign-up form with validation to it].
 
==== Class for 2012-02-06 ====
We added to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/answersheet.zip site from last class] and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class11/answersheet.zip added modals/submenus to it].
 
==== Class for 2012-01-30 ====
We worked off of [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/mockup.png this mockup] and the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/mockup_annotations.png annotated version]. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/assets.zip Assets were found here].
 
We took all of this and turned it into [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/answersheet.zip this site].
 
==== Class for 2012-01-23 ====
I made accounts on my web hosting, but I suggested students get web hosting space at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ NearlyFreeSpeech.Net], which will set you up with a pay-as-you-go site. It's free until you start getting a significant amount of traffic.
 
Here is the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class8/jQuery.zip source for the previous class's Twitter client], and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class9/tweet.php.zip a PHP file to respond to AJAX requests].
 
==== Class for 2012-01-16 ====
[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class8/jQuery.zip Highly-commented source for the slideshow and Twitter client we worked on.]
 
==== Class for 2011-12-19 ====
We modified [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/noisetwitter.zip this document] to become an interactive web application: [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip download the full web application here].
 
==== Class for 2011-12-12 ====
Consider downloading [http://filezilla-project.org/ FileZilla] for a head start.
 
Here's a simpler mockup we used for the 7:30 recap:
[[File:Frontend_Web_Mockup_2.png|thumb|none]]


==== Class for 2011-12-05 ====
No recap session for this class. Please show up before 8pm, as physical space is limited. Bring a laptop!
We turned a mockup into HTML and CSS. This is the mockup we used:
[[File:Frontend_Web_Mockup_1.png|thumb|none]]


Please consider downloading the [http://www.gimp.org/ GNU Image Manipulation Tool (GIMP)], as we might be opening it up to work with this mockup. Photoshop or Fireworks will work swimmingly if you have them, though.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Uf_mlpqns Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class1 Lecture materials]


[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/Frontend%20Mockup%20class%20December%202011.zip Here is the "answer sheet" for the above mockup.]
----


==== Class for 2011-11-22 ====
[[Frontend_Web_Development/Notes/Archive|Class notes from previous series]]
Two articles worth reading for a thorough understanding of CSS positioning:
* http://www.alistapart.com/articles/css-positioning-101/
* http://www.alistapart.com/articles/css-floats-101/

Revision as of 19:55, 26 April 2016

Notes from previous Front-end Web Development classes.

Class for 2016-04-25: CSS positioning

We're going to let JavaScript take a backseat for the rest of the series, and we'll begin to focus on CSS concepts. This time, we'll focus on positioning of elements: using absolute, relative, or fixed positioning to put the elements anywhere we want on the whole page. We'll use this mockup along with these assets to put together a page that demonstrates positioning.

If have been daunted by the complexity of JavaScript programming, this should be a much simpler, straightforward class.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-04-18: React and Redux

We'll take a look at Lunch, an app I'm working on using React and Redux. We'll see how it compares to our jQuery and Angular apps, and how React's unidirectional flow, along with Redux's state management, allows us to build an efficient, powerful application.

Because of the complexity of this subject, we'll only be skimming the surface with this pre-written app. React generally requires a good knowledge of the intricacies of JavaScript, so consider this a light introduction.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-04-11: directives, routing and AJAX with AngularJS

We'll continue learning the basics of AngularJS by learning how to encapsulate behavior into reusable elements, load data from the back-end, and create a site that acts as if it has multiple pages while remaining a single-page app.

We'll build off the work from last week.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-04-04: intro to AngularJS

We'll learn about the basics of AngularJS (version 1), a popular client-side MVC application framework. Frameworks such as these make it easier to manage data-rich views by keeping everything in sync with each other, and with data in the back-end. To understand how libraries like AngularJS differ from jQuery, we'll be taking our NoiseTwitter app and converting it from one that uses jQuery into one that uses AngularJS instead.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-03-28: Forms

We'll create a Bootstrap-based landing page with a sign-up form. We'll learn about built-in HTML5 validation, but also use the jQuery Validation plugin to help us where browser support is necessary.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-03-21: Ajax

We'll talk about Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, a technology that allows us to talk to a server without leaving the page. jQuery makes this easy. We'll add Ajax functionality to the Twitter app. We'll use this PHP file to test it out.

If you don't already have web hosting, please sign up for some at NearlyFreeSpeech.NET for free (or very cheap). Also, install the FileZilla Client.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-03-14: HTTP, SFTP, and Git-based web hosting

We'll talk about file transfer: HTTP, which is the method of getting and sending information in the web browser; SFTP, which is a method of securely uploading files to a web host; and how to use Git to host a site.

We'll set up free web hosting accounts at NearlyFreeSpeech.NET (which you should sign up for now), and upload to them using the FileZilla client (which you should install now).

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-03-07: starting a new project

A text editor and web browser are all that's required to start a project - but how about getting a head start? We'll talk about Harp and Bootstrap, two tools that will greatly help us with the setup of a new site.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-02-29: jQuery, cont'd

We'll continue learning about jQuery by focusing on the example we worked on last class. We'll add functionality to it that will make it seem more like the real thing.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-02-22: jQuery

We'll introduce jQuery, a JavaScript library that makes web programming a whole lot easier. jQuery is the most popular of many libraries that allow us to interact with the document easily, while also providing us with a few tools that are missing from the base language.

To learn what jQuery can do, we'll add some scripting to this sample web app.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-02-08: JavaScript, cont'd

We'll continue discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.

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Lecture materials

Class for 2016-02-01: JavaScript

We'll talk about JavaScript: making web pages interactive through client-side code. We'll use the console, which is part of the browser's developer tools, to demonstrate the basics of the language. This and next week's class can be treated as a general introduction to programming.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-01-25: version control (Git) and the command line

This class is a general overview on version control and the command line. Most developers collaborate with their peers by using version control systems, which allows them to keep track of their work in a reliable fashion and push it to the web.

Again, this class isn't about web development per se - it's just an important introduction to using the command line to work with Git, one of the most popular version control systems. Everyone will create their own fork of a repository and check in their work.

During the half-hour before the class, we'll help people set up Git on their computers. On OS X, type git in a Terminal to get started. On Windows you should install Git for Windows. Also, please sign up for a GitHub account.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-01-11: CSS selectors and the box model

CSS selectors are probably the most complex part of the CSS language, so we'll look at them further in-depth. We'll also talk about the box model, the display concept that makes words and containers on the web look like they do.

No video for this class. Here's last series's video. (audio doesn't work until 33:10)
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-01-04: the basics

THIS is the class to attend if you are a complete beginner! We are starting the curriculum of this class from square one. We'll cover the very basics:

  • Explaining "front-end" vs. "back-end"
  • Explaining web apps vs. web sites
  • Discussing tools of the trade
  • Describing the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
  • Writing a basic HTML page
  • Styling the page with basic CSS
  • Adding a small amount of JS
  • Explaining the role of front-end development as a job and career

No recap session for this class. Please show up before 8pm, as physical space is limited. Bring a laptop!

Lecture video
Lecture materials


Class notes from previous series