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=== Series 4 ===
==== Class for 2013-10-28: Backbone.js ====
We learned about the basics of [http://backbonejs.org/ Backbone.js], one of the simplest Model-Collection-View libraries available for the front-end. Libraries 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 prepare for this class:
* [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class23/html.zip Download this zip file with an HTML file in it].
* Install [https://rvm.io/ RVM] if you're using OS X or Linux, or Ruby 1.9.3-p448 via [http://rubyinstaller.org/ RubyInstaller] for Windows
* Install [http://git-scm.com/ Git]. Those on Windows should install [http://msysgit.github.com/ Git for Windows] instead (all default options are fine).
* Install [http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/ MySQL Community Server]. For OS X, get the DMG version. For Linux, consider installing it from your app manager of choice.
* Go to https://github.com/jeffreyatw/jeffreyandanna and fork the repository (button in the upper right).
* Clone your own repository: <code>git clone <nowiki>https://github.com/&lt;your username&gt;/jeffreyandanna.git</nowiki></code>
* On OS X, you might need to install Command Line Tools: <code>xcode-select --install</code>
* On Linux, install GCC.
* <code>cd</code> into the new <code>jeffreyandanna</code> directory and run <code>gem install bundler; bundle install; rake db:migrate</code>
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpLco4rDkC0 Lecture video (part 1)]'''<br>
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUcyLBymWIw Lecture video (part 2)]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class23/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-10-21: Preprocessors ====
Frontend code can often get very repetitive and hard to maintain. We expanded upon last week's talk about the "view" layer by introducing preprocessors - languages which compile into HTML, CSS, or JS. We've 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!). We also introduced Middleman, one of many workflow systems that makes using these languages easy.
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. If you really want a head start, you can then install [http://middlemanapp.com/ Middleman].
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snVPNYWmYZE Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class22/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-10-14: Backend web development ====
This class was all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend!
I know we already have a [[Backend_web_dev_in_Ruby_on_Rails|backend class here at Noisebridge]], but this one was tailored toward frontend developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together. We spent the first half talking about PHP, then moved onto a Rails, a more complex example.
Here are the steps used for class preparation:
----
===== THE EASY WAY: =====
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/series4/class21/Ubuntu.ova Download this preconfigured Ubuntu virtual machine (1.84GB)]
* 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 "frontend". Feel free to change them if that's uncomfortable.
===== THE HARDER WAY: =====
If you don't want to use a virtual machine.
On Linux, you'll need to follow these steps:
* https://github.com/joshfng/railsready
** When installing, choose RVM.
** Also run <code>sudo apt-get install nodejs</code>
* https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ApacheMySQLPHP
On Windows or Mac OS X:
* Start with RailsInstaller: http://railsinstaller.org/
* And for PHP:
** Mac: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html
** Windows: http://www.wampserver.com/en/
===== THE HARDEST WAY: =====
Install Apache, PHP, RVM, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!
'''No video for this class. :('''
==== Class for 2013-10-07: Version control (Git) and the command line ====
This class was 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 wasn't about web development per se - it was just an important introduction to using the command line to work with Git, one of the most popular version control systems. Everyone created their own fork of a repository and checked in their work.
We signed up for a free account at [https://github.com/ GitHub] and installed [http://git-scm.com/ Git]. Those on Windows installed [http://msysgit.github.com/ Git for Windows] (all default options are fine).
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYh4o3R_Hak Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[https://github.com/jeffreyatw/shakespeare The repository we worked on]'''
==== Class for 2013-09-30: Old vs. new: progressive enhancement and browser testing ====
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/series3/class19/sites.zip two versions of an example site] and demonstrated how one is outdated, and the other adheres to progressive enhancement 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.
This segued into a talk about browser testing - how to do it and what to look out for. We suggested using [http://modern.ie modern.IE] for virtualization tools.
We also mentioned [http://modernizr.com Modernizr], [http://necolas.github.io/normalize.css/ Normalize.css], and [http://html5boilerplate.com/ HTML5 Boilerplate].
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p208hZ5Mg8M Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class19/sites.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-09-23: The mobile web ====
We took [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class17/blog.zip this blog] and turned it into a mobile-accessible website via the use of media queries. We also talked about the rest of the world of the mobile web: user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website and app development.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p208hZ5Mg8M Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class18/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-09-16: CSS3 ====
We'd covered CSS3 before, but in the context of a mockup. We looked 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 them look good in less capable browsers.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv-bHgEPSVw Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class17/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-09-09: HTML5 elements ====
We took an entertaining (in my opinion) look through [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class16/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.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ZaoiEt2Qw Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class16/html.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-08-26: ClassName Swap, Language Review, RTFM, by Garrett Smith ====
===== Lesson: CSS ClassName Swap =====
By changing an element's <code>className</code> multiple styles can be changed at one time.
Using the descendant selector, and changing the <code>className</code> of an ancestor element, multiple elements can be updated simultaneously, with a modicum of highly efficient code.
For Styles, replace a loop that applies styles to descendants by adding a class token to the nearest common ancestor ([http://jibbering.com/faq/notes/code-guidelines/descendant-sel.html example], [http://jibbering.com/faq/notes/code-guidelines/#design explanation]).
====== Calculating Selector's Specificity ([http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS2/cascade.html#specificity CSS 2.1]). ======
The classname swap example leverages the fact that class selectors (e.g. <code>.foo</code>) have higher specificity than element selectors (e.g. <code>tr</code>).
CSS Selector specificity is determined four numbers, a-b-c-d, in a number system with a large base.
<blockquote cite="http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS2/cascade.html#specificity">
    count 1 if the declaration is from is a 'style' attribute rather than a rule with a selector, 0 otherwise (= a) (In HTML, values of an element's "style" attribute are style sheet rules. These rules have no selectors, so a=1, b=0, c=0, and d=0.)
    count the number of ID attributes in the selector (= b)
    count the number of other attributes and pseudo-classes in the selector (= c)
    count the number of element names and pseudo-elements in the selector (= d)
</blockquote>
===== RTFM =====
Unschooling and autodidacticism; an Intro to [http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/R/RTFM.html RTFM], RTFFAQ, and SFTW.
Understanding defines the difference between the followers, who resort to mystical incantations or convoluted DOM libraries to do the work for them, and those who can implement project requirements, as specified, with [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F13702091&ei=XN8eUtSTDuaaiQfo0oGwAw&usg=AFQjCNGkkzJmJXyBpBXpyVaHkpmsN1IUcQ&sig2=Ws2-2YmQJkgYwKCd7Bfx-Q&bvm=bv.51495398,d.aGc clean code (Vimeo)]. And not downloading free scripts off dynamic drive or [ jQuery], copying, or programming by observation.
When misunderstandings or debates arise, and that happens fairly often, it is important how to find the answer using STFW and RTFM,
and when that fails, how (and where ([https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/comp.infosystems.www.authoring.html CIWAS], [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/jsmentors JSMentors], [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/comp.lang.javascript c.l.js], [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/comp.infosystems.www.authoring.html ciwah]) to ask a [http://www.catb.org/esr/faqs/smart-questions.html smart question].
===== JavaScript Review =====
====== Functions ======
* [http://kangax.github.io/nfe/ FunctionExpression vs FunctionDeclaration], [https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/comp.lang.javascript/tjVn1NjGDN8/QgOuxtAymqoJ MemberExpression], [http://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/5.1/#sec-11.2.1 PropertyAccessor] and [http://jibbering.com/faq/notes/square-brackets/ Square Brackets].
====== Specifications ======
* [http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Ecma-262-arch.htm ECMAScript 1.3] and [http://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/5.1/ ECMAScript 5.1]
Other versions of ECMAScript, including E4X and Compact, are out of scope for this class.
====== FAQ ======
[http://jibbering.com/faq/ FAQ], also hosted on [http://www.fortybelow.ca/hosted/comp-lang-javascript/faq/ Matt's site].
==== Class for 2013-08-12: More useful jQuery plugins ====
Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild. We took a closer look at Bootstrap and jQuery UI, and looked at plugins that make your page look super snazzy:
* [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://getbootstrap.com/javascript/#scrollspy Scrollspy (Bootstrap)] - change navs to highlight where you are scrolled on a page
* [http://jquery.malsup.com/cycle2/ Cycle] - make easy slideshows
* [http://harvesthq.github.io/chosen/ Chosen] - style dropdowns
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRs9HOD0aMo Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class15/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-08-05: Sign-up forms ====
We continued working on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class13/lecture.zip our site] and added a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. We used the [http://jqueryvalidation.org/ jQuery Validation plugin]. Validation 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.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGJPBfWJWRc Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class14/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-07-29: Modals and menus ====
We went back to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class6/noiseco.zip "professional" site we'd put together a number of weeks ago] and added more functionality to it with some jQuery plugins. We first made a dialog box - or a "modal" - pop up when you click the sign up buttons. We did this by introducing [http://jqueryui.com/ jQuery UI] to make common user controls easier to create. We also added some dropdown functionality to our menus using pure CSS, but explained that jQuery UI can help out with the subtle nuances of menus.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge2ZECyRRf8 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class13/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-07-22: AJAX ====
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 added AJAX functionality to [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class11/lecture.zip our app we've been building on]. We used this [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class12/tweet.php.zip PHP file] to test it out.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi1arhXXQsw Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class12/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-07-15: jQuery, cont'd ====
We continued learning about jQuery by focusing on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class10/lecture.zip the example we saw last week]. We added functionality to it that made it seem more like the real thing.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Bublxub3w Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class11/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-07-08: jQuery ====
We introduced 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 added some scripting to [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class10/assets.zip this sample web app].
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP3MgfcStxg Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class10/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-07-01: JavaScript, cont'd ====
We continued discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Q5DhW8jpA Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class9/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-06-24: JavaScript ====
We talked about JavaScript: making web pages interactive through client-side code. We used 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.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfd78FpYPuI Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class8/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-06-17: HTTP & SFTP ====
We talked 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.
We set up free web hosting accounts at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net NearlyFreeSpeech.NET], and uploaded to them using [http://filezilla-project.org the FileZilla client].
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJxBeNzbvQ Lecture video]'''
==== Class for 2013-06-03: Working from professional mockups, cont'd ====
We continued putting our professional-looking site together from [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class5/lecture.zip where we left off]. We focused on some fancy CSS3 techniques, and we saw how to make an interactive dropdown menu with no JavaScript.
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/series4/class6/lecture.zip lecture materials]).
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMeTFrR1rtA Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class6/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-05-20: Working from professional mockups ====
We took the knowledge we gained from looking at the CSS box model, floats, and positioning, and worked off of something given to us by a designer (me).
We worked 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].
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y6MxRAPfLs Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class5/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-05-13: CSS positioning ====
In the last few classes, we focused on element measurements and floats. This time, we focused 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.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxROKEWIjB8 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class4/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-05-06: CSS floats ====
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 examples, then took a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/mockup.png mockup] and created a site from it.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j6oA4sS99U Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-04-22: CSS selectors and the box model ====
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.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQph1vry7A Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class2/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-04-15: the basics ====
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=TmDCjhCuNtU Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class1/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
=== Series 3 ===
==== Class for 2013-04-01: Preprocessors ====
This class expanded upon the topic of backend web apps 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!).
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVjD2JEoMPo Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class21/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-03-25: Backend web development ====
This class was all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend!
I know we already have a [[Backend_web_dev_in_Ruby_on_Rails|backend class here at Noisebridge]], but this one was tailored toward frontend developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together. We spent the first half talking about PHP, then moved onto a Rails, a more complex example.
Here are the steps used for class preparation:
----
===== THE EASY WAY: =====
If you would like to follow along and are on Windows or OS X, 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/series3/class20/Ubuntu.ova Download this preconfigured Ubuntu virtual machine (1.82GB)]
* Double-click the .ova file. You might want to check the "reinitialize the MAC address" step.
* Start the machine after installation and you're all set!
* System username and password are both "frontend". Feel free to change them if that's uncomfortable.
===== THE HARDER WAY: =====
If you don't want to use a virtual machine. I haven't tried these myself, so I can't profess as to how easy or hard it is.
On Linux, you'll need to follow these steps:
* http://ryanbigg.com/2010/12/ubuntu-ruby-rvm-rails-and-you/
* https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ApacheMySQLPHP
On Windows or Mac OS X:
* Start with RailsInstaller: http://railsinstaller.org/
* And for PHP:
** Mac: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html
** Windows: http://www.wampserver.com/en/
===== THE HARDEST WAY: =====
Install Apache, PHP, RVM, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!
----
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR7O8r8vU-c Lecture video]'''
==== Class for 2013-03-18: Version control (Git) and the command line ====
This class was a general overview on version control and the command line. I'd 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 wasn't about web development per se - it was just an important introduction to using the command line to work with Git, one of the most popular version control systems. Everyone created their own repository and checked in their work.
We signed up for a free account at [https://github.com/ GitHub] and installed [http://git-scm.com/ Git]. Those on Windows installed [http://msysgit.github.com/ Git for Windows] (all default options are fine).
'''No video for this class :('''<br>
'''[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/frontend_example The repository we created]'''
==== Class for 2013-03-11: Old vs. new: progressive enhancement and browser testing ====
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/series3/class19/sites.zip two versions of an example site] and demonstrated how one is outdated, and the other adheres to progressive enhancement 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.
This segued nicely into a talk about browser testing - how to do it and what to look out for.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vtsFku4ang Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class19/sites.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-03-04: CSS3 ====
We've covered CSS3 before, but in the context of a mockup. We went 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 them look good in less capable browsers.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP1nxrI_3WU Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class18/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-02-25: Mobile websites ====
We took [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class17/blog.zip this blog] and turned it into a mobile-accessible website via the use of media queries. We also talked about the rest of the world of the mobile web: user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website and app development.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjEJrNgrJVw Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class17/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-02-11: HTML5 elements ====
We took an entertaining (in my opinion) look through [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class16/html.zip this page containing every currently valid HTML element]. Many of them are considered "HTML5", but that's just because they're new.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or9Y1facTtc Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class16/html.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-02-04: More useful jQuery plugins ====
Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild. We took a closer look at Bootstrap and jQuery UI, and looked at plugins that make your page look super snazzy:
* [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://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/javascript.html#scrollspy Scrollspy (Bootstrap)] - change navs to highlight where you are scrolled on a page
* [http://jquery.malsup.com/cycle/ Cycle] - make easy slideshows
* [http://harvesthq.github.com/chosen/ Chosen] - style dropdowns
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35CJx9lkGyE Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class15/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-01-28: Sign-up forms ====
We continued working on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class13/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.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tv6uPMmQNY Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class14/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-01-14: Menus and modals ====
We went back to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class13/noiseco.zip "professional" site we'd put together a number of weeks ago] and added more functionality to it with some jQuery plugins. We first made a dialog box - or a "modal" - pop up when you click the sign up buttons. We did this by introducing [http://jqueryui.com/ jQuery UI] 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 jQuery UI or [http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/ Bootstrap] as well.
'''No video for this class. :('''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class13/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2013-01-07: AJAX ====
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 added AJAX functionality to [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class10/lecture.zip our app we've been building on]. We used this [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class9/tweet.php.zip PHP file] to test it out.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS-uoDnslh8 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class12/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-12-17: File transfer ====
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).
We downloaded and installed [http://filezilla-project.org FileZilla] and signed up for a [https://nearlyfreespeech.net NearlyFreeSpeech.NET] hosting account.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohL0FRC9us8 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class11/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-12-10: jQuery, cont'd ====
We continued learning about jQuery by focusing on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip the example we saw last week]. We're added functionality to it that made it seem more like the real thing.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMKdZ0IlD48 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class10/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-12-03: jQuery ====
We introduced jQuery, a JavaScript library that makes web programming a whole lot easier.
'''No video for this class. :('''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class9/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-11-26: JavaScript, cont'd ====
We continued discussed JavaScript basics: arrays, iterators, loops, creating functions, and the debugger.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_4Z33l0lnY Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class8/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-11-12: JavaScript ====
We talked about JavaScript: making webpages interactive through client-side code. We used the console, which is part of the browser's developer tools, to demonstrate the basics of the language.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP6_pd25-Ps Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class7/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-11-05: Working from professional mockups, cont'd ====
We continued putting our professional-looking site together from [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class5/lecture.zip where we left off].
As a reminder, here is the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup.png mockup] and its [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup_annotations.png annotated version]. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/assets.zip Image assets can be found here].
[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class11/index.html Here is the code that the mockup was based off of] - a good way to check your work. It might differ slightly from what we did in class.
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvC4ZLFpbtE Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class6/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-10-22: Working from professional mockups ====
We worked 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].
'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to3-VjUPU64 Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class5/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-10-15: CSS floats ====
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 examples, then took a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/mockup.png mockup] and created a site from it.
'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJeN9P8x1VE Lecture video]'''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class4/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-10-08: CSS 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>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-10-01: CSS selectors and the box model ====
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.
'''No video for this class. :('''<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class2/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
==== Class for 2012-09-24: the basics ====
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>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class1/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
=== Series 2 ===
=== Series 2 ===
==== Class for 2012-09-10: Preprocessors ====
==== Class for 2012-09-10: Preprocessors ====

Revision as of 18:42, 12 November 2013

Series 4

Class for 2013-10-28: Backbone.js

We learned about the basics of Backbone.js, one of the simplest Model-Collection-View libraries available for the front-end. Libraries 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 prepare for this class:

  • Download this zip file with an HTML file in it.
  • Install RVM if you're using OS X or Linux, or Ruby 1.9.3-p448 via RubyInstaller for Windows
  • Install Git. Those on Windows should install Git for Windows instead (all default options are fine).
  • Install MySQL Community Server. For OS X, get the DMG version. For Linux, consider installing it from your app manager of choice.
  • Go to https://github.com/jeffreyatw/jeffreyandanna and fork the repository (button in the upper right).
  • Clone your own repository: git clone https://github.com/<your username>/jeffreyandanna.git
  • On OS X, you might need to install Command Line Tools: xcode-select --install
  • On Linux, install GCC.
  • cd into the new jeffreyandanna directory and run gem install bundler; bundle install; rake db:migrate

Lecture video (part 1)
Lecture video (part 2)
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-10-21: Preprocessors

Frontend code can often get very repetitive and hard to maintain. We expanded upon last week's talk about the "view" layer by introducing preprocessors - languages which compile into HTML, CSS, or JS. We've 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!). We also introduced Middleman, one of many workflow systems that makes using these languages easy.

To prepare for this class, consider installing RVM with the --ruby=2.0 flag if you're using OS X or Linux, or Ruby via RubyInstaller for Windows. If you really want a head start, you can then install Middleman.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-10-14: Backend web development

This class was all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend!

I know we already have a backend class here at Noisebridge, but this one was tailored toward frontend developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together. We spent the first half talking about PHP, then moved onto a Rails, a more complex example.

Here are the steps used for class preparation:


THE EASY WAY:

If you would like to follow along, the easiest option is to run a virtual machine:

THE HARDER WAY:

If you don't want to use a virtual machine.

On Linux, you'll need to follow these steps:

On Windows or Mac OS X:

THE HARDEST WAY:

Install Apache, PHP, RVM, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!

No video for this class. :(

Class for 2013-10-07: Version control (Git) and the command line

This class was 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 wasn't about web development per se - it was just an important introduction to using the command line to work with Git, one of the most popular version control systems. Everyone created their own fork of a repository and checked in their work.

We signed up for a free account at GitHub and installed Git. Those on Windows installed Git for Windows (all default options are fine).

Lecture video
The repository we worked on

Class for 2013-09-30: Old vs. new: progressive enhancement and browser testing

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 two versions of an example site and demonstrated how one is outdated, and the other adheres to progressive enhancement 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.

This segued into a talk about browser testing - how to do it and what to look out for. We suggested using modern.IE for virtualization tools.

We also mentioned Modernizr, Normalize.css, and HTML5 Boilerplate.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-09-23: The mobile web

We took this blog and turned it into a mobile-accessible website via the use of media queries. We also talked about the rest of the world of the mobile web: user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website and app development.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-09-16: CSS3

We'd covered CSS3 before, but in the context of a mockup. We looked 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 them look good in less capable browsers.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-09-09: HTML5 elements

We took an entertaining (in my opinion) look through this page containing every currently valid HTML element. Many of them are considered "HTML5" elements, but that's just because they're relatively new.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-08-26: ClassName Swap, Language Review, RTFM, by Garrett Smith

Lesson: CSS ClassName Swap

By changing an element's className multiple styles can be changed at one time.

Using the descendant selector, and changing the className of an ancestor element, multiple elements can be updated simultaneously, with a modicum of highly efficient code.

For Styles, replace a loop that applies styles to descendants by adding a class token to the nearest common ancestor (example, explanation).

Calculating Selector's Specificity (CSS 2.1).

The classname swap example leverages the fact that class selectors (e.g. .foo) have higher specificity than element selectors (e.g. tr).

CSS Selector specificity is determined four numbers, a-b-c-d, in a number system with a large base.

count 1 if the declaration is from is a 'style' attribute rather than a rule with a selector, 0 otherwise (= a) (In HTML, values of an element's "style" attribute are style sheet rules. These rules have no selectors, so a=1, b=0, c=0, and d=0.) count the number of ID attributes in the selector (= b) count the number of other attributes and pseudo-classes in the selector (= c) count the number of element names and pseudo-elements in the selector (= d)

RTFM

Unschooling and autodidacticism; an Intro to RTFM, RTFFAQ, and SFTW.

Understanding defines the difference between the followers, who resort to mystical incantations or convoluted DOM libraries to do the work for them, and those who can implement project requirements, as specified, with clean code (Vimeo). And not downloading free scripts off dynamic drive or [ jQuery], copying, or programming by observation.

When misunderstandings or debates arise, and that happens fairly often, it is important how to find the answer using STFW and RTFM, and when that fails, how (and where (CIWAS, JSMentors, c.l.js, ciwah) to ask a smart question.

JavaScript Review
Functions
Specifications

Other versions of ECMAScript, including E4X and Compact, are out of scope for this class.

FAQ

FAQ, also hosted on Matt's site.

Class for 2013-08-12: More useful jQuery plugins

Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild. We took a closer look at Bootstrap and jQuery UI, and looked at plugins that make your page look super snazzy:

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-08-05: Sign-up forms

We continued working on our site and added a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. We used the jQuery Validation plugin. Validation 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.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-07-29: Modals and menus

We went back to the "professional" site we'd put together a number of weeks ago and added more functionality to it with some jQuery plugins. We first made a dialog box - or a "modal" - pop up when you click the sign up buttons. We did this by introducing jQuery UI to make common user controls easier to create. We also added some dropdown functionality to our menus using pure CSS, but explained that jQuery UI can help out with the subtle nuances of menus.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-07-22: AJAX

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 added AJAX functionality to our app we've been building on. We used this PHP file to test it out.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-07-15: jQuery, cont'd

We continued learning about jQuery by focusing on the example we saw last week. We added functionality to it that made it seem more like the real thing.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-07-08: jQuery

We introduced 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 added some scripting to this sample web app.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-07-01: JavaScript, cont'd

We continued discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-06-24: JavaScript

We talked about JavaScript: making web pages interactive through client-side code. We used 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 2013-06-17: HTTP & SFTP

We talked 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.

We set up free web hosting accounts at NearlyFreeSpeech.NET, and uploaded to them using the FileZilla client.

Lecture video

Class for 2013-06-03: Working from professional mockups, cont'd

We continued putting our professional-looking site together from where we left off. We focused on some fancy CSS3 techniques, and we saw how to make an interactive dropdown menu with no JavaScript.

We didn't exactly finish, but I went ahead and put on the finishing touches. The final product can be found here (but where we left off can be found in the lecture materials).

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-05-20: Working from professional mockups

We took the knowledge we gained from looking at the CSS box model, floats, and positioning, and worked off of something given to us by a designer (me).

We worked off of this mockup and its annotated version to make a site that could pass as a professional design (but don't take my word for it). Image assets can be found here.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-05-13: CSS positioning

In the last few classes, we focused on element measurements and floats. This time, we focused 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.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-05-06: CSS floats

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 examples, then took a mockup and created a site from it.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-04-22: CSS selectors and the box model

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.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-04-15: the basics

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

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Series 3

Class for 2013-04-01: Preprocessors

This class expanded upon the topic of backend web apps 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!).

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-03-25: Backend web development

This class was all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend!

I know we already have a backend class here at Noisebridge, but this one was tailored toward frontend developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together. We spent the first half talking about PHP, then moved onto a Rails, a more complex example.

Here are the steps used for class preparation:


THE EASY WAY:

If you would like to follow along and are on Windows or OS X, the easiest option is to run a virtual machine:

THE HARDER WAY:

If you don't want to use a virtual machine. I haven't tried these myself, so I can't profess as to how easy or hard it is.

On Linux, you'll need to follow these steps:

On Windows or Mac OS X:

THE HARDEST WAY:

Install Apache, PHP, RVM, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!


Lecture video

Class for 2013-03-18: Version control (Git) and the command line

This class was a general overview on version control and the command line. I'd 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 wasn't about web development per se - it was just an important introduction to using the command line to work with Git, one of the most popular version control systems. Everyone created their own repository and checked in their work.

We signed up for a free account at GitHub and installed Git. Those on Windows installed Git for Windows (all default options are fine).

No video for this class :(
The repository we created

Class for 2013-03-11: Old vs. new: progressive enhancement and browser testing

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 two versions of an example site and demonstrated how one is outdated, and the other adheres to progressive enhancement 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.

This segued nicely into a talk about browser testing - how to do it and what to look out for.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-03-04: CSS3

We've covered CSS3 before, but in the context of a mockup. We went 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 them look good in less capable browsers.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-02-25: Mobile websites

We took this blog and turned it into a mobile-accessible website via the use of media queries. We also talked about the rest of the world of the mobile web: user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website and app development.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-02-11: HTML5 elements

We took an entertaining (in my opinion) look through this page containing every currently valid HTML element. Many of them are considered "HTML5", but that's just because they're new.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-02-04: More useful jQuery plugins

Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild. We took a closer look at Bootstrap and jQuery UI, and looked at plugins that make your page look super snazzy:

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-01-28: Sign-up forms

We continued working on our site and added a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. We used the 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.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-01-14: Menus and modals

We went back to the "professional" site we'd put together a number of weeks ago and added more functionality to it with some jQuery plugins. We first made a dialog box - or a "modal" - pop up when you click the sign up buttons. We did this by introducing jQuery UI 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 jQuery UI or Bootstrap as well.

No video for this class. :(
Lecture materials

Class for 2013-01-07: AJAX

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 added AJAX functionality to our app we've been building on. We used this PHP file to test it out.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-12-17: File transfer

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).

We downloaded and installed FileZilla and signed up for a NearlyFreeSpeech.NET hosting account.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-12-10: jQuery, cont'd

We continued learning about jQuery by focusing on the example we saw last week. We're added functionality to it that made it seem more like the real thing.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-12-03: jQuery

We introduced jQuery, a JavaScript library that makes web programming a whole lot easier.

No video for this class. :(
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-11-26: JavaScript, cont'd

We continued discussed JavaScript basics: arrays, iterators, loops, creating functions, and the debugger.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-11-12: JavaScript

We talked about JavaScript: making webpages interactive through client-side code. We used the console, which is part of the browser's developer tools, to demonstrate the basics of the language.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-11-05: Working from professional mockups, cont'd

We continued putting our professional-looking site together from where we left off.

As a reminder, here is the mockup and its annotated version. Image assets can be found here.

Here is the code that the mockup was based off of - a good way to check your work. It might differ slightly from what we did in class.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-10-22: Working from professional mockups

We worked off of this mockup and its annotated version to make a site that could pass as a professional design (but don't take my word for it). Image assets can be found here.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-10-15: CSS floats

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 examples, then took a mockup and created a site from it.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-10-08: CSS 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.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-10-01: CSS selectors and the box model

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.

No video for this class. :(
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-09-24: the basics

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

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Series 2

Class for 2012-09-10: Preprocessors

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!).

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-08-27: Backend web development

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!

To prepare for this class, you could either set up a PHP-powered web server on your laptop (Mac instructions), or get an account at NearlyFreeSpeech.NET.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-08-20: Progressive enhancement

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 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.

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.

Lecture video

Class for 2012-08-13: CSS3 and CSS4

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.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2012-08-06: Mobile websites

We worked on this blog and turn it into a 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.

Class for 2012-07-30: HTML5 elements

We took a look through 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

Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild:

We created this page that uses all of the plugins.

Class for 2012-07-16: Sign-up forms

We continued working on our site, and added a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. We used the 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.

Class for 2012-07-09: Modals and menus using Twitter Bootstrap

We went back to the "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 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.

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 2012-07-02: Guest speaker - HTML5

John Freddy Vega of Cristalab and 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.

Class for 2012-06-25: AJAX

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 added AJAX functionality to our app we've been building on and uploaded a PHP file to a web host to test it out.

Class for 2012-06-18: jQuery, cont'd

We built upon the existing Noisetwitter app, using jQuery functions to add the UI for retweeting, favoriting, and replying, and here was our result.

Class for 2012-06-11: jQuery

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 Noisetwitter client as an example of simple but powerful things you can do with jQuery.

Class for 2012-06-04: JavaScript

We talked about JavaScript: making webpages interactive through client-side code. We used the console to demonstrate the basics of the language, and we created a file and include it on an existing HTML page, downloadable here.

Class for 2012-05-21: File transfer

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).

We downloaded and installed FileZilla and signed up for a NearlyFreeSpeech.NET hosting account - some had to use my personal hosting due to timing reasons.

Class for 2012-05-14: Working from mockups (CSS3 edition)

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.

Class for 2012-05-07: Working from mockups

We worked off of this mockup and the annotated version. Assets were found here.

We took all of this and turned it into this work-in-progress site. We'll be completing it next week.

Class for 2012-04-30: CSS floats

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 examples (inspect the page). We then took a mockup and created a site from it.

Class for 2012-04-23: CSS 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. Lecture materials can be downloaded here.

Class for 2012-04-16: CSS selectors and the box model

We expanded on last week's site to make this site, which added complex selectors and margin rules.

Class for 2012-04-09: the basics

We created this simple site to demonstrate HTML and CSS basics.

Series 1

Class for 2012-03-26

Download the 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.

Class for 2012-03-12

Verbatim notes for my personal use:

What to do:

  • Always start with HTML
  • Add presentation and behavior next
  • Assume nothing about your audience
  • Be as semantic as possible
  • Use 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 HTML5 Boilerplate

Class for 2012-03-05

Download the CSS3 examples I created in-class.

Other great resources:

Class for 2012-02-27

We worked on this blog and turned it into a 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 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 site from last class and added a sign-up form with validation to it.

Class for 2012-02-06

We added to the site from last class and added modals/submenus to it.

Class for 2012-01-30

We worked off of this mockup and the annotated version. Assets were found here.

We took all of this and turned it into this site.

Class for 2012-01-23

I made accounts on my web hosting, but I suggested students get web hosting space at 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 source for the previous class's Twitter client, and a PHP file to respond to AJAX requests.

Class for 2012-01-16

Highly-commented source for the slideshow and Twitter client we worked on.

Class for 2011-12-19

We modified this document to become an interactive web application: download the full web application here.

Class for 2011-12-12

Consider downloading FileZilla for a head start.

Here's a simpler mockup we used for the 7:30 recap:

Frontend Web Mockup 2.png

Class for 2011-12-05

We turned a mockup into HTML and CSS. This is the mockup we used:

Frontend Web Mockup 1.png

Please consider downloading the 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.

Here is the "answer sheet" for the above mockup.

Class for 2011-11-22

Two articles worth reading for a thorough understanding of CSS positioning: