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.


==== Class for 2013-10-21: Preprocessors ====
==== Class for 2016-12-19: back-end web development ====
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.
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.


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].
During the recap period, we will set up your computers. But it's best to do this before arriving if possible. Here are the steps used for class preparation:


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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 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.


===== THE EASY WAY: =====
===== THE EASY WAY =====
If you would like to follow along, the easiest option is to run a virtual machine:
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]
* 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)]
* [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.
* Double-click the .ova file. You should check the "reinitialize the MAC address" step.
* Start the machine after installation and you're all set!
* 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.
* System username and password are both "'''front-end'''". 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:
===== THE HARDER WAY =====
If you don't want to use a virtual machine, or would like to set your computer up for further work on your own.


* Start with RailsInstaller: http://railsinstaller.org/
====== Linux ======
* And for PHP:
* To set up Node.js installation, run:
** Mac: http://www.mamp.info/en/index.html
** <code>curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_7.x | sudo -E bash -</code>
** Windows: http://www.wampserver.com/en/
* 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>


===== THE HARDEST WAY: =====
====== OS X ======
Install Apache, PHP, RVM, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!
* 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. :('''
====== Windows ======


==== Class for 2013-10-07: Version control (Git) and the command line ====
(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.)
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.
In all cases where there is a choice, choose 64-bit (x64).
* 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/


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).
===== THE HARDEST WAY =====
Install Node.JS, NPM, Express, Apache, PHP, Ruby, and Rails individually. Good luck!


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYh4o3R_Hak Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXuMqubHN8w Lecture video]
'''[https://github.com/jeffreyatw/shakespeare The repository we worked on]'''


==== Class for 2013-09-30: Old vs. new: progressive enhancement and browser testing ====
==== Class for 2016-12-12: Working from professional mockups, cont'd ====
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.
We will continue working off of our mockup and apply responsive code in the process.


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.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/noiseco Mockups and assets can be found here].


We also mentioned [http://modernizr.com Modernizr], [http://necolas.github.io/normalize.css/ Normalize.css], and [http://html5boilerplate.com/ HTML5 Boilerplate].
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obzIeM1-qZg Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class18 Lecture materials]


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p208hZ5Mg8M Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-12-05: Working from professional mockups ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series3/class19/sites.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 2013-09-23: The mobile web ====
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/noiseco Mockups and assets can be found here].
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>
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/series4/class18/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2013-09-16: CSS3 ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKIoZwgkFo4 Lecture video]<br>
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.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class18 Lecture materials]


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv-bHgEPSVw Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-11-28: Modern CSS ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class17/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 2013-09-09: HTML5 elements ====
We'll start on [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series6/class17/blog.zip this multi-column page] and make it work on mobile.
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>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOCckaqAT1E Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class16/html.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class17 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-08-26: ClassName Swap, Language Review, RTFM, by Garrett Smith ====
==== Class for 2016-11-14: CSS positioning ====
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.


===== Lesson: CSS ClassName Swap =====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvXiyXpXjS0 Lecture video] (no recap)<br>
By changing an element's <code>className</code> multiple styles can be changed at one time.  
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class16 Lecture materials]


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.
==== Class for 2016-11-07: CSS floats & flexbox ====
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.


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]).
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQXTf-zvNA Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class15 Lecture materials]


====== Calculating Selector's Specificity ([http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS2/cascade.html#specificity CSS 2.1]). ======
==== Class for 2016-10-24: Redux ====
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>).
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.


CSS Selector specificity is determined four numbers, a-b-c-d, in a number system with a large base.
To prepare, make sure you have the current version ("Latest Features") of [https://nodejs.org Node.js] installed.
<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 =====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN82tjV7Wzo Lecture video] (no sound until the half hour mark)<br>
Unschooling and autodidacticism; an Intro to [http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/R/RTFM.html RTFM], RTFFAQ, and SFTW.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class14 Lecture materials]


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.
==== 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].


When misunderstandings or debates arise, and that happens fairly often, it is important how to find the answer using STFW and RTFM,
To prepare, make sure you have the current version ("Latest Features") of [https://nodejs.org Node.js] installed.
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 =====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Wd6zf7r3c Lecture video]<br>
====== Functions ======
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class13 Lecture materials]
* [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 ======
==== Class for 2016-10-10: AngularJS ====
* [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]  
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.
Other versions of ECMAScript, including E4X and Compact, are out of scope for this class.


====== FAQ ======
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcyRaDiX-yM Lecture video]<br>
[http://jibbering.com/faq/ FAQ], also hosted on [http://www.fortybelow.ca/hosted/comp-lang-javascript/faq/ Matt's site].
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class12 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-08-12: More useful jQuery plugins ====
==== Class for 2016-10-03: Forms ====
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:
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://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>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpAnET5yu_s Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class15/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class11 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-08-05: Sign-up forms ====
==== Class for 2016-09-26: Ajax ====
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.
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.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGJPBfWJWRc Lecture video]'''<br>
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].
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class14/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2013-07-29: Modals and menus ====
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XVADFCRE8Y Lecture video]<br>
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.
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class10 Lecture materials]


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge2ZECyRRf8 Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-09-19: HTTP, SFTP, and Git-based web hosting ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class13/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
We'll talk about file transfer: HTTP, which is the method of getting and sending information in the web browser; SFTP, which is a method of securely uploading files to a web host; and how to use Git to host a site.


==== Class for 2013-07-22: AJAX ====
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 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>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BusUpTsPrbw Lecture video]
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class12/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''


==== Class for 2013-07-15: jQuery, cont'd ====
==== Class for 2016-09-12: Starting a new project ====
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.
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.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Bublxub3w Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggtcEpavFNQ Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class11/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class8 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-07-08: jQuery ====
==== Class for 2016-08-29: jQuery, cont'd ====
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.
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.


To learn what jQuery can do, we added some scripting to [http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class10/assets.zip this sample web app].
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV91g_MYpzE Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class7 Lecture materials]


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP3MgfcStxg Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-08-15: jQuery ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class10/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
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 2013-07-01: JavaScript, cont'd ====
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 continued discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Q5DhW8jpA Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP3cgv2g1pY Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class9/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class6 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-06-24: JavaScript ====
==== Class for 2016-08-08: JavaScript, cont'd ====
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.
We'll continue discussing JavaScript basics: arrays, objects, creating functions, and scopes.


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfd78FpYPuI Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baAJZRve41Y Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class8/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class5 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-06-17: HTTP & SFTP ====
==== Class for 2016-08-01: JavaScript ====
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'll talk about JavaScript: making web pages interactive through client-side code. We'll use the console, which is part of the browser's developer tools, to demonstrate the basics of the language. This and next week's class can be treated as a general introduction to programming.


We 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=Pq_DSK5hhU0 Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class4 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJxBeNzbvQ Lecture video]'''
==== Class for 2016-01-25: version control (Git) and the command line ====
This class is a general overview on version control and the command line. Most developers collaborate with their peers by using version control systems, which allows them to keep track of their work in a reliable fashion and push it to the web.


==== Class for 2013-06-03: Working from professional mockups, cont'd ====
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 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]).
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.


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMeTFrR1rtA Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxh7ZimG77A Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class6/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/shakespeare10 Lecture materials]


==== Class for 2013-05-20: Working from professional mockups ====
==== Class for 2016-07-18: CSS selectors and the box model ====
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).
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.


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=_ZvaR6n-3ao Lecture video]<br>
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class2 Lecture materials]


'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y6MxRAPfLs Lecture video]'''<br>
==== Class for 2016-07-11: the basics ====
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class5/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
<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:
 
* Explaining "front-end" vs. "back-end"
==== Class for 2013-05-13: CSS positioning ====
* Explaining web apps vs. web sites
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
* Discussing tools of the trade
* Explaining the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
* Describing the separation between structure, presentation, and behavior
* Writing a basic HTML page
* Writing a basic HTML page
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Styling the page with basic CSS
* Explaining the role of frontend web development as a job and career
* Adding a small amount of JS
* Explaining the role of front-end development as a job and career
 
No recap session for this class. Please show up before 8pm, as physical space is limited. Bring a laptop!


'''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmDCjhCuNtU Lecture video]'''<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVtoau13GU8 Lecture video]<br>
'''[http://jeffreyatw.com/static/frontend/series4/class1/lecture.zip Lecture materials]'''
[https://github.com/JeffreyATW/fwd/tree/master/series10/class1 Lecture materials]


----
----


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

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

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