Third Week Comes With New Challenges-Hello JavaScript
As the third week of my web development comes to a close, my confidence is not waning but I’m experiencing new challenges, some which can be frustrating. I am learning to be patient with myself. We were introduced with the basics of JavaScript, and learned how to create functioning applications (like a calculator!), as well as creating a form. I am having some styling challenges; but, overall am learning a lot and moving the ball forward.
How is JavaScript different from CSS? In what ways? How are they similar? | JavaScript is a programming language that runs functions and enables someone the ability to make a page interactive with the user. CSS is a styling format that changes the appearance and style of a page — it is static. They can both work in conjunction to provide the overall design of the page.
How do you map the many different DOM methods and properties in your mind? How would you describe them to a non-developer? | I think about the overall picture of what I am trying to create, and map out a diagram of what goes where. Once that is complete I structure the foundation of the page, taking into account what I want the overall size and shape to be, and the main background upon which I will layer all the other elements on top of. After that, I work out section by section, and think about what I want out of each one — how do I want it to work and what do I want it to look like. I write code that essentially creates a skeleton model of what I want for that section, like adding text, spaces to type in, images, buttons, etc. Once the skeleton is created I determine where in that area I want those pieces to go, in what proportions, what color, etc. It goes from being a boring jumble of stuff to looking pretty and putting the stuff in places that make sense (like feng-shui). The last step if needed is adding functionality to any areas of the page that need it; like, if you need to enter a credit card when you’re shopping or using a calculator.
What do you find surprising about coding so far? Do you find anything easy? What? Why? | I am mostly surprised on how patient I have been with myself during this process. This is a far cry from my previous career in many ways and I am learning something new from scratch. I’m enjoying it so much that even when I get stuck, I get less frustrated with myself than usual and have an easier time resolving issues — note: my class and fellow classmates are also amazing and everyone seems to be there for each other, like a pod of helpers getting us all past the goal-line together. My background in management has helped me to learn to work with others; and, my design background in theater helps me to understand the importance of elements like color and placement.
What’s difficult about coding for you? Why? | Creating functions. I’m so happy that the course I am taking dedicates a lot of time to teaching us JavaScript.
What’s cool about Event Listeners? Why are they useful and what more would you like to learn about them? | An event listener waits for a user to do something (like a mouse click) before executing one or more events. It makes a page more interactive. I definitely understand the logic behind them, but I need more practice in JavaScript to make them work.
Why are you motivated? Why are you in this class? | I am motivated because I would like to work in a position that highlights a lot of my strong suits and I enjoy doing. Web Development allows me to think and work collaboratively with others to make something tangible that people can use, with the ultimate goal of creating something that improves people’s lives.
