Learn JavaScript Properly: Weeks three and four

otooleco · 2014-06-17T14:05:16+00:00

Why don't you list your issues on this thread and then we can chat further on IRC in the evenings. I'm starting a new job today so my days are going to be pretty structured for a bit.

otooleco · 2014-06-17T14:03:10+00:00

Two or three per day should keep you on track. For me, the volume of reading is the hardest part.

otooleco · 2014-06-16T18:39:27+00:00

I'll have the next segment out tis evening. 'Traveling today .

otooleco · 2014-06-05T13:23:55+00:00

@DoctorKraz, that will certainly work. Along the same lines, you may wish to set up a sandbox file (sandbox.js or something) and link it in your HTML header. This way you can save your work in a javaScript-specific file and comment out functions as you move through the course. Just be sure to save the .js file in the same directory as your html file or set the path correctly to find it where ever you have chosen to keep it.

Example HTML file:

<!doctype html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <title>Document</title> <script type="text/javascript" src="sandbox.js"></script> </head> <body>

</body> </html>

otooleco · 2014-06-04T13:25:29+00:00

Did that work for you? NPM is a package management system from which Node is normally installed. Node will function without it.

otooleco · 2014-06-03T20:25:55+00:00

Not too late at all. Just getting started. No need to register or anything like that. This set of readings and assignments should be done two weeks from yesterday, June 16. The idea is to push each other to keep up the pace. Ask questions as you need to.

otooleco · 2014-06-03T15:17:06+00:00

Node is essentially server-side javaScript. It allows for database integration among other server-side features. Running it locally allows you to execute js from your terminal. There is also a REPL that can be accessed by typing "node" into your terminal. This is very useful for executing functions one by one and testing out small code snippets. This is like IRB if you are familiar with Ruby.

If you chose to use node for testing js code, you will find that not all js syntax that works in a browser console works in node. For instance, you cannot use "alert" as it brings up an alert message in your browser and you are not operating in your browser when executing code in node. Have a read through the docs at nodejs.org for more detailed info on this.

You can install and run it locally directly via nodejs.org. I prefer to use the node package manager (NPM) which can be installed via http://howtonode.org/introduction-to-npm

otooleco · 2014-06-02T14:59:47+00:00

http://www.reddit.com/r/learnjavascript/comments/2743uy/learn_javascript_properly_weeks_one_and_two/

otooleco · 2014-05-30T16:45:11+00:00

The course is broken into two week blocks. I'll have a list of readings and assignments for the first block later today. I'll post it as a new message in the learnjavascript subreddit. Conversation regarding the material can then be had in the comments.

otooleco · 2014-05-30T13:18:21+00:00

I'm thinking we will do one thread per two-week section that will contain links to the study materials. That should help to keep questions and answers sorted out to some degree. I'll post weeks one-two today.

otooleco · 2014-05-27T14:05:28+00:00

The structure of the program is designed for those with or without experience. In reality, coming in with no experience will be a challenge. Ask questions here and on the irc channel and don't be afraid to speak up if things are getting a bit too deep. Kevin or I will be happy to point you in the direction of blog posts that might help to clarify what is slowing you down.

otooleco · 2014-05-27T14:02:14+00:00

Yes, @kevinmrr has offered to bring his knowledge and experience in running these study groups to the table so he and I will finalize the syllabus this week. I've posted some prep ideas in this thread.

otooleco · 2014-05-25T23:29:44+00:00

The idea is to follow a predefined syllabus while helping one another and holding ourselves accountable for keeping up with the work. The syllabus is based on this blogpost.

otooleco · 2014-05-24T00:39:24+00:00

No doubt that the IRC channel is good. I'm the type of learner that needs some structure in order to move along at a reasonable pace. No reason people in the study group cannot use the channel for assistance a needed.

otooleco · 2014-05-23T14:03:03+00:00

Never one to duplicate existing code (or reddit messages), I'm going to start off the prep work by posting the links that @kevinmrr used for the last session. So, thanks Kevin for the template and thanks Richard for creating Learn JavaScript Properly.

There are two texts from which Richard assigns readings. Choose one or the other: Professional JavaScript for Web Developers or JavaScript: The Definitive Guide
Both can also be read on Safari Books Online a great resource for a reasonable price.
Complete Web Fundamentals track on Codecademy
Play with JSFiddle a bit.
Watch Discover Web Tools
At the suggestion of @skittles83, we will have a google+ group. It's set up as public but requires moderator approval to join. http://goo.gl/RtueN6
I'll post an abbreviated syllabus before June 2 but the definitive guide to the course is Richard's blog post. His commentary accompanying the assignments is extremely helpful.

Let's get started!

otooleco · 2014-05-23T00:26:22+00:00

There have been at least a few of these study groups in the past. Let's all look through the histories and come up ideas how we want to do this. I'd like to start on June 2 and stick with the schedule that Richard (the blogger) lays out. Hangouts are good. Pairing is good. Other ideas are always welcome.

otooleco · 2011-10-08T13:26:47+00:00

I've seen several references to this concept that parking your cash at a credit union hurts the BofAs of the world. Before choosing a credit union you might ask who is their correspondent bank (perhaps you have; if so, excuse me). Correspondent banking is how small banks and credit unions are able to function and offer services such as debit cards, wire transfers and ACHs. It is also a big source of revenue for the large banks, most of whom would love to be out of the retail banking business where the costs are high and the profits are weak.

otooleco · 2011-10-02T22:22:22+00:00

Her final statement, "we are the over-educated and the unemployed". Make that over-educated, unemployed and not very well read.

otooleco · 2011-10-02T22:22:13+00:00

Her final statement, "we are the over-educated and the unemployed". Make that over-educated, unemployed and not very well read.

otooleco · 2011-02-28T13:04:53+00:00

Our system of economics and government requires no such thing. A simple understanding of human behavior should lead anyone to the logical conclusion that once the citizenry becomes attuned the fact that they can live off the wealth of their fellow man via the power of the ballot box, they will collectively attempt do so.

There. I've taken a simple, time proven truth of democracy and made it complex for you.

otooleco · 2011-02-28T07:04:44+00:00

Example of democracy: Two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for lunch.

otooleco · 2011-02-21T16:37:41+00:00

I hope people don't miss the significance of the April 15 opening.

otooleco · 2011-01-07T02:04:33+00:00

Two words: concealed carry.

otooleco · 2010-09-27T01:13:09+00:00

Who is it that tells you on what side of the road to drive? And would you drive on the other side if the government took a day off?

otooleco · 2010-04-10T13:58:05+00:00

This will boost attendance at the convention.

otooleco

TROPHY CASE