Front-end Web Development/Notes: Difference between revisions

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


==== Class for 2014-04-28: Preprocessors ====
==== Class for 2016-04-25: CSS positioning ====
Front-end code can often get very repetitive and hard to maintain. We'll expand upon last week's talk about backend code generation by introducing preprocessors - languages which compile into HTML, CSS, or JS. We've taken a look at PHP and ERB, but we'll also walk 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!). We'll also introduce Middleman, one of many workflow systems that makes using these languages easy.
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.


To prepare for this class, consider installing [https://rvm.io/ RVM] with the --ruby=2.0 flag if you're using OS X or Linux, or Ruby via [http://rubyinstaller.org/ RubyInstaller] for Windows. You can then install [http://middlemanapp.com/ Middleman].
If have been daunted by the complexity of JavaScript programming, this should be a much simpler, straightforward class.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKoUPy7mxNc Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqT6IBMPglo Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class20/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class15 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-04-21: back-end web development ====
==== Class for 2016-04-18: React and Redux ====
This class is all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend!
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.


I know we already have a [[Backend_web_dev_in_Ruby_on_Rails|Rails class here at Noisebridge]], but this one is tailored toward front-end developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together. We'll talk about PHP, then Express.js, then Rails.
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.


During the recap period, we will set up your computers. But it's best to do this before arriving if possible. Here are the steps used for class preparation:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iydma-sfKwA Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/labzero/lunch Lecture materials]


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


===== THE EASY WAY =====
We'll build off the [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class12/noisetwitter work from last week.]
If you would like to follow along, the easiest option is to run a virtual machine.
* Install [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads VirtualBox AND the Extension Pack]
* [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class19/Ubuntu.ova Download this preconfigured Ubuntu virtual machine (1.88GB)]
* Double-click the .ova file. You should check the "reinitialize the MAC address" step.
* Start the machine after installation and you're all set!
* System username and password are both "front-end". Feel free to change them if that's uncomfortable.


===== THE HARDER WAY =====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKdKHcJ4eRw Lecture video]<br>
If you don't want to use a virtual machine.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class13 Lecture materials]


On Linux, you'll need to follow these steps:
==== Class for 2016-04-04: intro to AngularJS ====
* Run:
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.
** <code>sudo apt-get install nodejs</code>
** <code>sudo apt-get install npm</code>
* <code>wget --no-check-certificate https://raw.github.com/joshfng/railsready/master/railsready.sh && bash railsready.sh</code>
** When installing, choose RVM.
* https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ApacheMySQLPHP


On OS X 10.9:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h2Oz4DiviU Lecture video]<br>
* Install Node.JS: http://nodejs.org/
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class12 Lecture materials]
* To install Rails, run:
** <code>curl -O https://raw.github.com/joshfng/railsready/master/railsready.sh && bash railsready.sh</code>
*** When installing, choose RVM.
* For PHP, install MAMP: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html


On Windows or OS X 10.8 and below:
==== Class for 2016-03-28: Forms ====
* http://nodejs.org/ - install Node.JS
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.
* Use RailsInstaller: http://railsinstaller.org/
* And for PHP:
** Mac: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html
** Windows: http://www.wampserver.com/en/


===== THE HARDEST WAY =====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwMGFVeXI0A Lecture video]<br>
Install Node.JS, NPM, Apache, PHP, RVM, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class11 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMz7lvi9aWI Lecture video]'''<br>
==== 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 2014-04-14: version control (Git) and the command line ====
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].
This class is a general overview on version control and the command line. I've taught how to use an FTP client to upload files to the web, but the truth is that most developers don't do that anymore - rather, they 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.


There is no recap period for this class.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajhVV5wTJ1I Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class10 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gyokfBklfI Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-03-14: HTTP, SFTP, and Git-based web hosting ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class18/shell-cheatsheet.txt Lecture materials]'''
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 2014-04-07: The mobile web ====
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'll take [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class17/blog.zip this blog] and turn it into a mobile-accessible website via the use of media queries. We'll also talk about the rest of the world of the mobile web: user agent strings (and why you shouldn't trust them), frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch (and why they're not perfect), and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website and app development.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-jU1ALAayA Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8oIC5Jyx1k Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class17/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class9 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-03-31: CSS3 ====
==== Class for 2016-03-07: starting a new project ====
We've covered CSS3 before, but in the context of a mockup. We'll look further into CSS3 with a demonstration of what the new technologies are, how to make the most of them, and how to make sites using CSS3 look good in less capable browsers.
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.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZx1h-9YYXA Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm4sSCT-9GE Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class16/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class8 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-03-24: HTML5 elements ====
==== Class for 2016-02-29: jQuery, cont'd ====
We'll take an entertaining (in my opinion) look through [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class15/html.zip this page containing every currently valid HTML element]. Many of them are considered "HTML5" elements, but that's just because they're relatively new.
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.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjtkKkZEAbQ Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iaBQOgY4qo Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class15/html.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class7/noisetwitter Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-03-17: Sign-up forms ====
==== Class for 2016-02-22: jQuery ====
We'll continue working on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class13/lecture.zip our site] and add a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. 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.
 
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSHmOcayp24 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class14/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2014-03-10: Modals and menus ====
We'll go back to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class6/noiseco.zip "professional" site we put together a number of weeks ago] and add more functionality to it with some jQuery plugins. We'll first make a dialog box - or a "modal" - pop up when you click the sign up buttons. We'll do this by introducing [http://jqueryui.com/ jQuery UI] to make common user controls easier to create. We'll also compare our CSS-only menu with one made with the help of jQuery, explaining the differences between the two.
 
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqqCLlciWtc Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class13/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2014-03-03: 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 extremely easy. We'll add AJAX functionality to [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class11/lecture.zip our app we've been building on]. We'll use this [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class12/tweet.php.zip PHP file] to test it out.
 
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].
 
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmwfupfKztk Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class12/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2014-02-24: jQuery, cont'd ====
We'll continue learning about jQuery by focusing on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class10/lecture.zip the example we saw last class]. We'll add functionality to it that made it seem more like the real thing.
 
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eikIkAlVNlM Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class11/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2014-02-10: 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.
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 [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class10/assets.zip this sample web app].
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].


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvNAepROnes Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY2oRWIYhK0 Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class10/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class6/noisetwitter Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-02-03: JavaScript, cont'd ====
==== Class for 2016-02-08: JavaScript, cont'd ====
We'll continue discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.
We'll continue discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHcmLkhMkhA Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFnDmrLXqf0 Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class9/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class5 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-01-27: JavaScript ====
==== 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.
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.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNqTmmhEj8k Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAxEb3JViWk Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class8/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class4 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2014-01-20: HTTP & SFTP ====
==== Class for 2016-01-25: version control (Git) and the command line ====
We'll talk about file transfer: HTTP, which is the method of getting and sending information in the web browser, and SFTP, which is a method of securely uploading files to a web host.
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'll set up free web hosting accounts at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net NearlyFreeSpeech.NET], and upload to them using [http://filezilla-project.org the FileZilla client].
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.
 
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8rpnf_BHxE Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class7/lecture.txt Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2014-01-13: Working from professional mockups, cont'd ====
We'll take the knowledge we gained from looking at the CSS box model, floats, and positioning, and work off of [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup.png this mockup] and its [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup_annotations.png annotated version] to make a site that could pass as a professional design (but don't take my word for it). [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/assets.zip Image assets can be found here].
 
We didn't exactly finish, but I went ahead and put on the finishing touches. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class6/noiseco The final product can be found here] (but where we left off can be found in the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class6/lecture.zip lecture materials]).
 
'''No video for this class. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMeTFrR1rtA Try last series's video.]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class6/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2014-01-06: Working from professional mockups ====
We'll take the knowledge we gained from looking at the CSS box model, floats, and positioning, and work off of [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup.png this mockup] and its [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup_annotations.png annotated version] to make a site that could pass as a professional design (but don't take my word for it). [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/assets.zip Image assets can be found here].
 
'''No video for this class. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y6MxRAPfLs Try last series's video.]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class5/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2013-12-09: CSS positioning ====
In the last few classes, we've focused on element measurements and floats. This time, we'll focus on positioning of elements: spacing them out from other elements using margins, and using absolute, relative, or fixed positioning to put the elements anywhere we want on the whole page.
 
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q453KMiCC2s Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class4/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2013-12-02: 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'll learn about floats by taking a look at some examples, then take a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/mockup.png mockup] and create a site from it.


[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class3/answersheet.zip The site's final code (not finished in class) is here.]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt4IW_TVTUc Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/shakespeare9 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw_U7YZzbW0 Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-01-11: CSS selectors and the box model ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
 
==== Class for 2013-11-18: 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.
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. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQph1vry7A Try last series's video.]'''<br>
'''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>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class2/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class2 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-11-11: the basics ====
==== 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:
<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:
* Explaining "front-end" vs. "back-end"
* Explaining "front-end" vs. "back-end"
* Explaining web apps vs. web sites
* Discussing tools of the trade
* Discussing tools of the trade
* Explaining the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
* Describing the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
* Writing a basic HTML page
* Writing a basic HTML page
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Explaining the role of front-end web development as a job and career
* 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 '''promptly''' at or before 8pm, as physical space is limited. Bring a laptop!


P.S. This might be the last series I teach for a while. I might take a longer break after the end of the series (in about 6 months). We'll see. But if you've been meaning to attend, this is your chance!
No recap session for this class. Please show up before 8pm, as physical space is limited. Bring a laptop!


'''No video for this class. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmDCjhCuNtU Try last series's video.]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Uf_mlpqns Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series5/class1/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series9/class1 Lecture materials]


----
----


[[Frontend_Web_Development/Notes/Archive|Notes archive]]
[[Frontend_Web_Development/Notes/Archive|Class notes from previous series]]

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.

Lecture video
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