codegirlnyc

I find that through my experiences with creating code, webpages and programming, my instinct has changed. I think every beginner goes through a phase of consciously and meticulously creating code projects with the idea that one false move will ruin the entire house.

With some aspects of coding, this is true. WIth others, as time goes on, you will find that coding becomes much more instinct. As natural as breathing. The one important thing I can not stress enough is the knowledge of patterns, sequences and “how things work”.

When I code, or start a new project, I already have an idea of what I want the computer/program to do, and I have a slight idea of how I will make it happen. You ultimately control the numbers, and the symbols and how the program works. If something isn’t working as you planned (create a hypothesis!), go back to the issue at hand and try to figure out what you did mistakenly to cause the error.

I always say that with coding, everything works. Even if you make a mistake, it’s working. Just not the way you planned, and that’s okay, because code is cheap and limitless. 🙂

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J❤

Bootstrap is an HTML(5) , CSS, and Javascript framework that can be used to create mobile-first responsive websites and web-apps. It is a very popular tool used amongst front-end web developer, as it makes creating a block-layout simple.

I first discovered Bootstrap early this (2017) year. I didn’t decide to begin experimenting until a month or so later. I realized how beneficial it was to use Bootstrap to create responsive web pages and web apps that could be viewed via desktop, tablet or mobile device.

I then decided to try using Bootstrap and JSON data (javascript). Although the two are not necessarily related, JSOn was something that I often struggled with, whilst Bootstrap had become my new friend. I combined the two to create this.

It is worth mentioning that it’s important to learn how to create responsive designs via CSS without the use of a framework. Once you are able to understand the dimensions and idea of a responsive layout, Bootstrap will become another tool in your pocket.

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J

Source: On The Coolness Of Javascript…Libraries

The title of this post is not to suggest that Javascript in itself (Vanilla JS) is not cool. In fact, Vanilla JS can do some cool things, in fact, the same exact things that its libraries can do.

The point of this post is to examine why JS libraries have become so popular in modern development, to the point where knowing the libraries themselves are becoming a more popular job requirement than knowing the vanilla =/ plain version. (Although it is very important for you to know at least the basics of JS before diving into the libraries, so please, do NOT skip that! 😀 )

Some of the more popular libraries I want to dive into are:

• JQuery (come on)
• Node.js
• React.js
• Angular.js

1. Let’s start with JQuery:

Developed in 2006 in New York City, JQuery is a library of the scripting language, Javascript. Its main goals are to simplify the manner of code-written Javascript, and manipulate the DOM (Document Object Model).

JQuery can do everything that Javascript can in regards to UI and manipulation. Being one of the most, if not the most popular JS libraries out there gives it the benefit of having a heavy web and offline support system, plug ins and tutorials for the novice and developed alike. It is open source, and developers are encouraged to contribute as they see fit.

Although I am currently a novice with JQuery, I have developed a static page (which you can see on my github profile), that uses several JQuery manipulation, including an accordion menu, and a slideToggle effect. (Hint: use display:none in CSS).

2. Node.js

I admit, that I know next to nothing about Node. What I DO know, is that it is a sever side library. After this, my knowledge stops.

But what kind of developer would I be, be novice, if I didn’t do a little research? Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about Node (because I trust them more than my old uni):

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platformJavaScriptruntime environment for developing a diverse variety of server tools and applications. Although Node.js is not a JavaScript framework,^[4] many of its basic modules are written in JavaScript, and developers can write new modules in JavaScript. The runtime environment interprets JavaScript using Google‘s V8 JavaScript engine.

Node.js was originally written in 2009 by Ryan Dahl.^[22] The initial release supported only Linux. Its development and maintenance was led by Dahl and later sponsored by Joyent.^[23]

Node.js brings event-driven programming to web servers, enabling development of fast web servers in JavaScript.^[29] Developers can create highly scalable servers without using threading, by using a simplified model of event-driven programming that uses callbacks to signal the completion of a task.^[29] Node.js was created because concurrency is difficult in many server-side programming languages, and often leads to poor performance.^[26] Node.js connects the ease of a scripting language (JavaScript) with the power of Unix network programming.^[29]

Thanks, Ryan Dahl!

So, what I get from this, is that Node allows us Javascripters to get a little familiar with using the JS interactions on the server side? Am I getting this right? Check back in a few months, because I’m sure by then I’ll be creating nodes this, and nodes that!

3. React.js

I feel as though React and I are going to be good friends. It’s kind of like, that one person you haven’t met yet, but before you meet them you feel that there’s something missing. Then, once you guys are friends, calling each other and going to Starbucks every weekend, it all makes sense as to why you guys are friends.

I think React and I will be there.

React is an open source JS library. Its main purpose is to aid in the creation of user interfaces. React was created by a cool guy named Jordan Walke, a Facebook Engineer at the time. For me, someone who truly values front end web dev, I understand the importance of an accessible and approachable UI.

For example, I spent about ten minutes playing this which was created with React.

4. Angular.js

What is Angular?

No, that was a rhetorical question.

Really, what is Angular? Because I have no idea. Something with…math or…

According to Wiki (feeling like college again), Angular, like React, also aids in building UI, but also manipulates the DOM whilst allowing both the client side and server side to do their jobs respectively. It’s associated with Bootstrap, and I like that word, so let’s see how this goes.

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If there is one thing that we can take away from this post, it’s that it is completely necessary to understand how JS libraries work and when to use them. Also, that like me, if you know absolutely, positively nothing about something, that’s okay, so long as you are honest with yourself, and others, and dedicate time to actually learning the skill!

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J

I would say, that it is a very good idea, to get into the habit of writing your code down before you actually put it into the editor. You don’t have to write EVERY piece of code down, but the viral parts, like, variables, strings and functions.

I say this, because when entering the field of programming and development, you will, more than likely, be required to complete a whiteboard interview. For those who are not familiar with this term, a whiteboard interview is simply:“a portion of a tech job interview meant to test your communication and problem solving skills. You’ll be given a code problem or task and a whiteboard, of course, to work out your code and go over your solution.”(https://skillcrush.com/2016/03/29/rock-your-next-whiteboard-test/)

It’s very easy to cave under pressure in these kinds of interviews. Your dream job may be on the line, and the only thing(s) standing in between you and it, is answering problem solving based questions in front of a panel of senior developers! SCARY I know!

I’ve personally recently gotten into the habit of keeping a journal with code I’ve written and posted on my Github. It helps not only in that it gets me to become comfortable with writing code with a pen and paper, but it also serves as a reference for future projects!

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J❤

If you’re interested in learning how to code and develop, Learn Javascript by SoloLearn, might be for you.

The app allows the user to review facts and lessons about certain languages such as JS, ROR, Python, SQL, and many other topics like CSS, Java, and HTML.

So far, I find that the Javascript app is beneficial to people who have at least a comfortable working knowledge with HTML and CSS. If you aren’t, well don’t fret, because there’s an app for that, too.

I plan on using the app, along with my regular studies, to become comfortable with Javascript and Jquery. I am currently working on a project called, “The Meme Site”, and plan on releasing it on Github only after I’ve gotten comfortable with JS and JQ to make it a bit interactive.

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J

 

 

I think it would be fair to say that at this point, coding has become an addiction.

Not necessarily one I want to break, by the way.

I find myself wanting and needing to code things, create things, replicate things. Making a new product, whether it’s something amateur or a big, Wow, I made this! kind of project, makes me feel alive.

Even with the roadblocks, it’s still worth it in the end. I love the feeling of executing a project, but also working out the kinks, learning a new skill, having the syntax in my head before I even launch Brackets, or Sublime, or whatever I decide to use that day (I prefer Brackets, btw).

In my experience, one of the best things about coding, is figuring out what the problem is, and fixing it.

My current struggle is Javascript. Despite this, I pride myself on the fact that I am taking the time to learn this skill. I feel as though even when (not if) I become a full time developer, I will always be on the lookout to learn new things. I recently made my first tutorial on the basic things that I actually knew about Javascript, and it made me super happy.

Maybe there’s someone out there, like me, who literally has 0% on what Javascript even is, or thinks it’s closely related to Java. Maybe they’ll see my short but detailed tutorial on Github and think, “I got this!”.

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J❤

Watch And Code

It’s no secret that Javascript is NOT my strong suit. Nonetheless, in order to become a developer, you need to learn JS.

So, I buckled down, and, after going through dozens of not so helpful JS tutorials, I fell upon WatchandCode.com. Watch and code is pretty much all video (a method I personally prefer). So far, I’ve only delved into the Javascript section of this site, but creator, Gorden Zhu, insists that his method of teaching is different than the run of the mill coding tutorial you’ll find on youtube.

I would say, that after using this site for JS (I’m not even done with the course, yet), he delivers on his promise. I have a pretty good working knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3, but JS was my weak point. Just doing the first section has me feeling prepared to tackle JS, as a beginner, which is no small feat.

Gordon actually takes the time to explain every little detail, and most importantly, WHY it matters.

So many tutorials only focus on the syntax of Javascript, but not what an action does, how it can be used, and why it is important. Gordon calls his method, “Practical Javascript”, because it not only teaches the students Javascript, but it teaches them in a way that is useful for real world, coding workforce experience.

Check out the site, and enjoy.

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J❤

Learning JS has been an interesting experience, although it’s not exactly over (when is learning, ever over?) seeing as I am still diving into it.

It’s been pounded (hehe), into my head from day one that JS and Java are not the same things!
I don’t know if that is something to be pleased about, but I am going to assume that Java itself is one big black hole of satan’s misery, thus I will reserve that for much, much later. Preferably sometime around my 50th wedding anniversary.
But, I digress.

In all honesty, I am enjoying my time learning to code.

There have been bad days.

There have been good days.

There have been days where I wondered if I were actually smart enough to do this. I was enjoying it too much, and wondered if enjoyment = you haven’t a clue what you’re doing.

After creating my first few projects, no matter how banal they may seem to the more advanced web dev, I am SUPER proud of having the ability to learn something, question everything, and get better. Patience…is a virtue my friends.

Good luck, don’t give up.

Keep coding with me,

Emmy J❤