Front-end Web Development/Notes: Difference between revisions

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


=== Series 3 ===
==== Class for 2016-12-19: back-end web development ====
==== Class for 2013-01-07: AJAX ====
This class is all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend! It is tailored toward front-end developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together on the server. We'll talk about PHP, then Node, then Rails.
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>
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:
'''[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.
===== THE EASIEST WAY =====
Come to the class in person and get the USB stick from Jeffrey. Then follow the below "easy" steps without having to download anything.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohL0FRC9us8 Lecture video]'''<br>
===== THE EASY WAY =====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class11/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
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/Ubuntu.ova Download this preconfigured Ubuntu virtual machine (2.89GB)]
* 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.


==== Class for 2012-12-10: jQuery, cont'd ====
===== THE HARDER WAY =====
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.
If you don't want to use a virtual machine, or would like to set your computer up for further work on your own.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMKdZ0IlD48 Lecture video]'''<br>
====== Linux ======
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class10/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
* To set up Node.js installation, run:
** <code>curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_7.x | sudo -E bash -</code>
* Install required packages: <code>sudo apt-get install -y nodejs lamp-server^ ruby ruby-dev zlib1g-dev libsqlite3-dev</code>
** (Press Enter at any prompts.)
* Install Express: <code>sudo npm install -g express-generator</code>
* Install Rails: <code>sudo gem install rails</code>


==== Class for 2012-12-03: jQuery ====
====== OS X ======
We introduced jQuery, a JavaScript library that makes web programming a whole lot easier.
* Upgrade to at least OS X 10.9, preferably the latest (currently macOS Sierra).
* Install the Xcode developer tools:
** <code>xcode-select --install</code>
* For Node.JS:
** Install Node.JS: http://nodejs.org/
** Install Express: <code>npm install -g express-generator</code>
* To install Rails, run:
** <code>sudo gem install rails</code>
* For PHP, install MAMP: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html


'''No video for this class. :('''<br>
====== Windows ======
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class9/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-11-26: JavaScript, cont'd ====
(I recommend sticking with the aforementioned virtual machine setup, or installing a Linux partition, as it is somewhat difficult to set things up on Windows.)
We continued discussed JavaScript basics: arrays, iterators, loops, creating functions, and the debugger.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_4Z33l0lnY Lecture video]'''<br>
In all cases where there is a choice, choose 64-bit (x64).
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class8/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
* Install Git for Windows: http://www.git-scm.com/ (all default settings)
* For Node.JS:
** Install Node.JS: http://nodejs.org/ (all default settings)
** Install Express by opening Git Bash and running:
*** <code>npm install -g express-generator</code>
* For Rails:
** Install the latest Ruby from http://rubyinstaller.org/downloads/
*** When installing, choose to "add Ruby executables to your PATH".
** Install the Ruby Development Kit by following these instructions: https://github.com/oneclick/rubyinstaller/wiki/Development-Kit
** Install Rails by opening Git Bash and running:
*** <code>gem install rails</code>
* For PHP:
** Install the Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30679
** Install WampServer: http://www.wampserver.com/en/


==== Class for 2012-11-12: JavaScript ====
===== THE HARDEST WAY =====
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.
Install Node.JS, NPM, Express, Apache, PHP, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP6_pd25-Ps Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXuMqubHN8w Lecture video]
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class7/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-11-05: Working from professional mockups, cont'd ====
==== Class for 2016-12-12: 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].
We will continue working off of our mockup and apply responsive code in the process.


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].
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/noiseco Mockups and 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=obzIeM1-qZg Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class18 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvC4ZLFpbtE Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-12-05: Working from professional mockups ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class6/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
We'll take the knowledge we gained from looking at the box model, positioning, media queries and CSS3, and work off of a mockup to make a site that could pass as a professional design.


==== Class for 2012-10-22: Working from professional mockups ====
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/noiseco Mockups and assets can be found here].
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>
This class will require the use of [https://harpjs.com/ Harp], a static web server, as we'd like to make this as realistic of a project as possible. As a bonus, we'll learn how to use preprocessors like [http://sass-lang.com/ Sass] to help us with our code.
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class5/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-10-15: CSS floats ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKIoZwgkFo4 Lecture video]<br>
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.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class18 Lecture materials]


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJeN9P8x1VE Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-11-28: Modern CSS ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class4/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
We'll talk about a number of topics concerning modern CSS development: CSS3, browser support, BEM, and responsive design (for mobile devices).


==== Class for 2012-10-08: CSS positioning ====
We'll start on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series6/class17/blog.zip this multi-column page] and make it work on mobile.
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>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOCckaqAT1E Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class17 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-10-01: CSS selectors and the box model ====
==== Class for 2016-11-14: CSS positioning ====
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.
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.


'''No video for this class. :('''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvXiyXpXjS0 Lecture video] (no recap)<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class2/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class16 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-09-24: the basics ====
==== Class for 2016-11-07: CSS floats & flexbox ====
We covered the very basics:
Floating and flexbox are two methods behind creating websites with multiple columns, navigation menus, and basically any block element that's stacked horizontally. We'll learn about them by taking a look at some examples, discuss the pros and cons of each, then take a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/mockup.png mockup] and create a site from it.
* Explaining "frontend" vs. "backend"
* Discussing tools of the trade
* Explaining the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
* Writing a basic HTML page
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Explaining the role of frontend web development as a job and career


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r87aEOpelzQ Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQXTf-zvNA Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class1/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class15 Lecture materials]


=== Series 2 ===
==== Class for 2016-10-24: Redux ====
==== Class for 2012-09-10: Preprocessors ====
We took a look at [https://facebook.github.io/react/ React] last week. There are a few aspects that we could probably optimize, by reducing the amount of props passed between components, and the amount of unnecessary renders. [http://redux.js.org/ Redux] will help us achieve that goal. We'll continue working on the [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class13/noisetwitter React app] we made last week.
This class expanded upon the topic of web frameworks by talking about preprocessor languages - languages which compile into HTML, CSS, or JS. We'd taken a look at PHP and ERB, but we also walked through languages that look nothing like HTML (HAML), and languages that compile into CSS (Less, Sass + Compass) and JS (CoffeeScript). These languages can make your life much easier as they help keep you from repeating yourself (DRY!).


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idizayqUsng Lecture video]'''<br>
To prepare, make sure you have the current version ("Latest Features") of [https://nodejs.org Node.js] installed.
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class20/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-08-27: Backend web development ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN82tjV7Wzo Lecture video] (no sound until the half hour mark)<br>
This class was all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend! We talked about HTTP, web servers (like Apache), preprocessor languages (like PHP and ERB), web frameworks (like Rails), and databases (like SQLite). Sound daunting? Well, it kind of is, but this 2-hour session might have alleviated a small portion of your fears!
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class14 Lecture materials]


To prepare for this class, you could either set up a PHP-powered web server on your laptop ([http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/58247/how-do-i-enable-php-on-mountain-lion-os-x-10-8 Mac instructions]), or get an account at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ NearlyFreeSpeech.NET].
==== Class for 2016-10-17: React ====
[https://facebook.github.io/react/ React] is a JavaScript UI library that's skyrocketing in popularity. We'll take the [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class10 NoiseTwitter] app we've made in jQuery and Angular and do it again in React, with the help of [https://github.com/facebookincubator/create-react-app Create React App] which will propel us into a modern JavaScript development environment. This class is an intro on just plain React in the DOM, but the next class will add in additional libraries like [http://redux.js.org/ Redux], [https://github.com/paularmstrong/normalizr Normalizr], and possibly [https://github.com/reactjs/reselect Reselect].


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U45cUjt1abM Lecture video]'''<br>
To prepare, make sure you have the current version ("Latest Features") of [https://nodejs.org Node.js] installed.
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class19/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2012-08-20: Progressive enhancement ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Wd6zf7r3c Lecture video]<br>
We talked about progressive enhancement - a practice where websites are created in a layered way that makes them accessible and cross-browser friendly. We looked at [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class18/lecture.zip an example site] and demonstrated how it adheres to these principles. We've touched on these concepts throughout the whole class, but in this class we focused on why they're important, and what could happen if you DON'T adhere to them.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class13 Lecture materials]


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.
==== Class for 2016-10-10: AngularJS ====
We'll learn about the basics of [https://angularjs.org/ AngularJS] (version 1), a popular client-side MVC application framework. Frameworks such as these make it easier to manage data-rich views by keeping everything in sync with each other. To understand how libraries like AngularJS differ from [http://jquery.com jQuery], we'll be taking our [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class10 NoiseTwitter] app and converting it from one that uses jQuery into one that uses AngularJS instead.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgpUQmDb69U Lecture video]'''
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcyRaDiX-yM Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class12 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-08-13: CSS3 and CSS4 ====
==== Class for 2016-10-03: Forms ====
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.
We'll create a Foundation-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.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oocNUFICq4M Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpAnET5yu_s Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class17/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class11 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-08-06: Mobile websites ====
==== Class for 2016-09-26: Ajax ====
We worked on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class14/blog.zip this blog] and turn it into a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class16/lecture.zip mobile-accessible website]. We also talked about user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website development.
We'll talk about 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/series10/class7 the Twitter app]. We'll use this [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/blob/master/series8/class10/noisetwitter/source/tweet.php PHP file] to test it out.


==== Class for 2012-07-30: HTML5 elements ====
If you don't already have web hosting, please sign up for some at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ NearlyFreeSpeech.NET] for free (or very cheap). Also, install the [https://filezilla-project.org/ FileZilla Client].
We took a look through [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class13/html5_elements.zip this page containing every currently valid HTML element]. Many of them are considered "HTML5", but that's just because they're new.


==== Class for 2012-07-23: Other jQuery plugins ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XVADFCRE8Y Lecture video]<br>
Our final jQuery-focused class touched on a number of other common plugins that are found in the wild:
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class10 Lecture materials]
* [http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/javascript.html#tooltips Tooltip/Popover (Bootstrap)] - mouse over elements to create tooltips
* [http://jqueryui.com/demos/datepicker/ Datepicker (jQuery UI)] - fancy datepickers appearing near your input fields
* [http://jqueryui.com/demos/accordion/ Accordion (jQuery UI)] - collapse and unfold lists of elements
* [http://digitalbush.com/projects/masked-input-plugin/ Masked input] - provide visual guidance for field entry
* [http://flesler.blogspot.com/2007/10/jqueryscrollto.html ScrollTo] - smoothly scroll to a location on the page
* [http://jquery.malsup.com/cycle/ Cycle] - make easy slideshows
* [http://harvesthq.github.com/chosen/ Chosen] - style dropdowns
We created [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class14/lecture.zip this page that uses all of the plugins].


==== Class for 2012-07-16: Sign-up forms ====
==== Class for 2016-09-19: HTTP, SFTP, and Git-based web hosting ====
We continued working on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class12/lecture.zip our site], and added a sign-up form, with validation, inside the modal. We used the [http://bassistance.de/jquery-plugins/jquery-plugin-validation/ jQuery Validation plugin]. This is a very common request from clients and it comes in handy to know all the tips and tricks of forms and validation, and what new HTML5 elements can provide.
We'll talk about file transfer: HTTP, which is the method of getting and sending information in the web browser; SFTP, which is a method of securely uploading files to a web host; and how to use Git to host a site.


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


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.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BusUpTsPrbw Lecture video]


==== Class for 2012-07-02: Guest speaker - HTML5 ====
==== Class for 2016-09-12: Starting a new project ====
John Freddy Vega of [http://www.cristalab.com/ Cristalab] and [http://mejorando.la/ Mejorando.la] delivered a presentation on the basics of HTML5, CSS3, and new JavaScript developments. It's a great talk for those starting out on new web technologies, or just wondering what the big difference is from HTML 4.01 and below.
A text editor and web browser are all that's required to begin a project - but how about getting a head start? We'll talk about [https://foundation.zurb.com/ Foundation], a framework that gives us a head start with laying out a new site.


==== Class for 2012-06-25: AJAX ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggtcEpavFNQ Lecture video]<br>
We talked about Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, a technology that allows us to talk to a server without leaving the page. jQuery makes this extremely easy. We [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class11/lecture.zip added AJAX functionality] to our app we've been building on and uploaded a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class9/tweet.php.zip PHP file] to a web host to test it out.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class8 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-06-18: jQuery, cont'd ====
==== Class for 2016-08-29: jQuery, cont'd ====
We built upon the existing [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip Noisetwitter] app, using jQuery functions to add the UI for retweeting, favoriting, and replying, and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class10/lecture.zip here was our result].
We'll continue learning about jQuery by focusing on [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class6 the example we worked on last class]. We'll add functionality to it that will make it seem more like the real thing.


==== Class for 2012-06-11: jQuery ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV91g_MYpzE Lecture video]<br>
We included jQuery into a file and took a look at some of the functions that are available to us, as well as attempting to explain how an object can call a function with itself as the scope (this). We used the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip Noisetwitter] client as an example of simple but powerful things you can do with jQuery.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class7 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-06-04: JavaScript ====
==== Class for 2016-08-15: jQuery ====
We talked about JavaScript: making webpages interactive through client-side code. We used the console to demonstrate the basics of the language, and we [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class8/lecture.zip created a file and include it on an existing HTML page, downloadable here].
We'll introduce jQuery, a JavaScript library that makes web programming a whole lot easier. jQuery is the most popular of many libraries that allow us to interact with the document easily, while also providing us with a few tools that are missing from the base language.


==== Class for 2012-05-21: File transfer ====
To learn what jQuery can do, we'll add some scripting to [https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class6/start this sample web app].
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 - some had to use my personal hosting due to timing reasons.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP3cgv2g1pY Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class6 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-05-14: Working from mockups (CSS3 edition) ====
==== Class for 2016-08-08: JavaScript, cont'd ====
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.
We'll continue discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.


==== Class for 2012-05-07: Working from mockups ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baAJZRve41Y Lecture video]<br>
We worked off of [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup.png this mockup] and the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/mockup_annotations.png annotated version]. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/assets.zip Assets were found here].
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class5 Lecture materials]


We took all of this and turned it into [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class5/lecture.zip this work-in-progress site]. We'll be completing it next week.
==== Class for 2016-08-01: JavaScript ====
We'll talk about JavaScript: making web pages interactive through client-side code. We'll use the console, which is part of the browser's developer tools, to demonstrate the basics of the language. This and next week's class can be treated as a general introduction to programming.


==== Class for 2012-04-30: CSS floats ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq_DSK5hhU0 Lecture video]<br>
Floating is the secret sauce behind creating websites with multiple columns, navigation menus, and basically any block element that's aligned to the left or right. We learned about floats by taking a look at some [http://nytimes.com examples (inspect the page)]. We then took a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/mockup.png mockup] and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class4/answersheet.zip created a site] from it.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class4 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-04-23: CSS positioning ====
==== Class for 2016-01-25: version control (Git) and the command line ====
We focused on positioning of elements: spacing them out from other elements using margins, positioning them absolutely on the page, positioning them relatively, fixed and more. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class3/lecture.zip Lecture materials can be downloaded here.]
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.


==== Class for 2012-04-16: CSS selectors and the box model ====
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.
We expanded on last week's site to make [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class2/lecture.zip this site], which added complex selectors and margin rules.


==== Class for 2012-04-09: the basics ====
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.
We created [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series2/class1/lecture.zip this simple site] to demonstrate HTML and CSS basics.


=== Series 1 ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxh7ZimG77A Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/shakespeare10 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2012-03-26 ====
==== Class for 2016-07-18: CSS selectors and the box model ====
Download the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class18/class18.zip site we walked through]. It's a responsive site with slight jQuery magic and a bunch of semantic HTML and CSS trickery. A good rollup of all the stuff we've learned in the class.
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. All of this will be made easy with browser developer tools, which we'll learn how to use.


==== Class for 2012-03-12 ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZvaR6n-3ao Lecture video]<br>
Verbatim notes for my personal use:
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class2 Lecture materials]


What to do:
==== Class for 2016-07-11: the basics ====
* Always start with HTML
<strong style="color:green">THIS is the class to attend if you are a complete beginner!</strong> We are starting the curriculum of this class from square one. We'll cover the very basics:
* Add presentation and behavior next
* Explaining "front-end" vs. "back-end"
* Assume nothing about your audience
* Explaining web apps vs. web sites
* Be as semantic as possible
* Discussing tools of the trade
* Use [http://www.html5please.com www.html5please.com]
* Describing the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
 
* Writing a basic HTML page
What not to do:
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Use inline style tags
* Adding a small amount of JS
* Implement security on the frontend
* Explaining the role of front-end development as a job and career
* Expect links to work only with JS - modals, AJAX, etc.
* Tell users to upgrade
* Start with a rich site and then work backward
 
Benefits:
* Starting with the basics makes cross-browser testing easier
* Makes your site more modular - can switch stylesheets or remove behavior on-the-fly
* Makes development in teams easier
 
Drawbacks:
* App- or game-like sites might be hard to support
* Supporting all browsers off-the-bat might slow down productivity
* Can't use cool new CSS3/HTML5 stuff in production yet
 
Schedule:
* Create a simple site with an HTML5 sectioning elements
* Add CSS
* Add JS
* Show site without CSS and JS added on
* Show site in IE6
* Install ChromeVox and read through site
* Explain browser "hacks"
* Explain JS feature testing (modernizr)
* Show what not to do
* Show [http://html5boilerplate.com/ HTML5 Boilerplate]
 
==== Class for 2012-03-05 ====
[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class15/examples.zip Download the CSS3 examples I created in-class.]
 
Other great resources:
* [http://simurai.com/tagged/lab Simurai's lab]
* [http://css3please.com/ CSS3 Please!]
* [http://caniuse.com/ When can I use...]
* [http://jeffreyatw.com/portfolio Jeffrey's portfolio - see Menorah and Draggy under HTML5 Toys]
 
==== Class for 2012-02-27 ====
We worked on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class14/blog.zip this blog] and turned it into a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class14/answersheet.zip mobile-accessible website]. We also talked about user agent strings, frameworks like jQuery Mobile and Sencha Touch, and talked about the future of HTML5/CSS3 in mobile website development.
 
==== Class for 2012-02-20 ====
We took a look at a [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class13/html5_elements.zip page containing every currently valid HTML element]. Many of them are considered "HTML5", but that's just because they're new.
 
==== Class for 2012-02-13 ====
We added to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class11/answersheet.zip site from last class] and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class12/answersheet.zip added a sign-up form with validation to it].
 
==== Class for 2012-02-06 ====
We added to the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/answersheet.zip site from last class] and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class11/answersheet.zip added modals/submenus to it].
 
==== Class for 2012-01-30 ====
We worked off of [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/mockup.png this mockup] and the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/mockup_annotations.png annotated version]. [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/assets.zip Assets were found here].
 
We took all of this and turned it into [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class10/answersheet.zip this site].
 
==== Class for 2012-01-23 ====
I made accounts on my web hosting, but I suggested students get web hosting space at [https://www.nearlyfreespeech.net/ NearlyFreeSpeech.Net], which will set you up with a pay-as-you-go site. It's free until you start getting a significant amount of traffic.
 
Here is the [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class8/jQuery.zip source for the previous class's Twitter client], and [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class9/tweet.php.zip a PHP file to respond to AJAX requests].
 
==== Class for 2012-01-16 ====
[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class8/jQuery.zip Highly-commented source for the slideshow and Twitter client we worked on.]
 
==== Class for 2011-12-19 ====
We modified [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/noisetwitter.zip this document] to become an interactive web application: [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/class5/answer%20sheet.zip download the full web application here].
 
==== Class for 2011-12-12 ====
Consider downloading [http://filezilla-project.org/ FileZilla] for a head start.
 
Here's a simpler mockup we used for the 7:30 recap:
[[File:Frontend_Web_Mockup_2.png|thumb|none]]


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


Please consider downloading the [http://www.gimp.org/ GNU Image Manipulation Tool (GIMP)], as we might be opening it up to work with this mockup. Photoshop or Fireworks will work swimmingly if you have them, though.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVtoau13GU8 Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class1 Lecture materials]


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


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

Latest revision as of 22:16, 15 January 2017

Notes from previous Front-end Web Development classes.

Class for 2016-12-19: back-end web development[edit]

This class is all about the seedy underbelly of web development: the backend! It is tailored toward front-end developers wanting to get a taste of how things come together on the server. We'll talk about PHP, then Node, then Rails.

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:


THE EASIEST WAY[edit]

Come to the class in person and get the USB stick from Jeffrey. Then follow the below "easy" steps without having to download anything.

THE EASY WAY[edit]

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

THE HARDER WAY[edit]

If you don't want to use a virtual machine, or would like to set your computer up for further work on your own.

Linux[edit]
  • To set up Node.js installation, run:
  • Install required packages: sudo apt-get install -y nodejs lamp-server^ ruby ruby-dev zlib1g-dev libsqlite3-dev
    • (Press Enter at any prompts.)
  • Install Express: sudo npm install -g express-generator
  • Install Rails: sudo gem install rails
OS X[edit]
  • Upgrade to at least OS X 10.9, preferably the latest (currently macOS Sierra).
  • Install the Xcode developer tools:
    • xcode-select --install
  • For Node.JS:
  • To install Rails, run:
    • sudo gem install rails
  • For PHP, install MAMP: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html
Windows[edit]

(I recommend sticking with the aforementioned virtual machine setup, or installing a Linux partition, as it is somewhat difficult to set things up on Windows.)

In all cases where there is a choice, choose 64-bit (x64).

THE HARDEST WAY[edit]

Install Node.JS, NPM, Express, Apache, PHP, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!

Lecture video

Class for 2016-12-12: Working from professional mockups, cont'd[edit]

We will continue working off of our mockup and apply responsive code in the process.

Mockups and assets can be found here.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-12-05: Working from professional mockups[edit]

We'll take the knowledge we gained from looking at the box model, positioning, media queries and CSS3, and work off of a mockup to make a site that could pass as a professional design.

Mockups and assets can be found here.

This class will require the use of Harp, a static web server, as we'd like to make this as realistic of a project as possible. As a bonus, we'll learn how to use preprocessors like Sass to help us with our code.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-11-28: Modern CSS[edit]

We'll talk about a number of topics concerning modern CSS development: CSS3, browser support, BEM, and responsive design (for mobile devices).

We'll start on this multi-column page and make it work on mobile.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-11-14: CSS positioning[edit]

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.

Lecture video (no recap)
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-11-07: CSS floats & flexbox[edit]

Floating and flexbox are two methods behind creating websites with multiple columns, navigation menus, and basically any block element that's stacked horizontally. We'll learn about them by taking a look at some examples, discuss the pros and cons of each, then take a mockup and create a site from it.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-10-24: Redux[edit]

We took a look at React last week. There are a few aspects that we could probably optimize, by reducing the amount of props passed between components, and the amount of unnecessary renders. Redux will help us achieve that goal. We'll continue working on the React app we made last week.

To prepare, make sure you have the current version ("Latest Features") of Node.js installed.

Lecture video (no sound until the half hour mark)
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-10-17: React[edit]

React is a JavaScript UI library that's skyrocketing in popularity. We'll take the NoiseTwitter app we've made in jQuery and Angular and do it again in React, with the help of Create React App which will propel us into a modern JavaScript development environment. This class is an intro on just plain React in the DOM, but the next class will add in additional libraries like Redux, Normalizr, and possibly Reselect.

To prepare, make sure you have the current version ("Latest Features") of Node.js installed.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-10-10: AngularJS[edit]

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. 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 2016-10-03: Forms[edit]

We'll create a Foundation-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 2016-09-26: Ajax[edit]

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 2016-09-19: HTTP, SFTP, and Git-based web hosting[edit]

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

Class for 2016-09-12: Starting a new project[edit]

A text editor and web browser are all that's required to begin a project - but how about getting a head start? We'll talk about Foundation, a framework that gives us a head start with laying out a new site.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-08-29: jQuery, cont'd[edit]

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 2016-08-15: jQuery[edit]

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 2016-08-08: JavaScript, cont'd[edit]

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

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-08-01: JavaScript[edit]

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[edit]

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 2016-07-18: CSS selectors and the box model[edit]

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. All of this will be made easy with browser developer tools, which we'll learn how to use.

Lecture video
Lecture materials

Class for 2016-07-11: the basics[edit]

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