JavaScript 101

Javascript is a language that all good web developers must know as it is the primary way to do client-side web development. It can be thought of as an extension to HTML which allows developers to incorporate more functionality into their web pages (such as an expandable menu or animated slideshow).

Many programming courses end up glossing over some of the tricky words -- 'variable', 'object', 'method' -- this course is especially designed for beginners new to programming concepts, so you'll learn to program with JavaScript. If those words are confusing to you now, no worries! You're exactly who we want to teach.

In this class, we will be covering basic development elements, Javascript, and dynamic HTML. Students will exit this class with a good grasp of basic programming principles and the knowledge of how to manipulate HTML elements.

This class is held in two sessions:

12pm-4pm, 5/31
12pm-4pm on 6/14

Prerequisites

You must have a working knowledge of HTML and CSS.

Java or JavaScript?

It's super-confusing, but there are two separate programming languages called Java and JavaScript. Even more confusing? They really have nothing to do with one another. How do you figure out which one you want to learn? Here's a quick and simple overview:

Java Is a back-end programming language most often used to create large, enterprise-level applications. It can be used to create websites, but can also be used to create stand-alone software.

JavaScript is a front-end programming language that's most often used to create interactivity in websites: drop-down menus, slide shows, tabs, accordions, ajax, games, etc.

Sure, it's a lot more complicated than that, but at a high level that should help you figure out which one you're looking for.

Any questions? Hit us up at losangeles [at] girldevelopit.com and we'll gladly help you get it all sorted out.

Teacher: Natalie MacLees
Teaching Assistants: TBA

Enrollment

If fewer than 10 students register for this class, we may postpone or cancel it. In that event, a refund or a class credit will be available to all students who have paid to attend.

What to bring

Please bring a laptop* and charger to class. Power outlets and wifi will be provided. You may also wish to bring a notepad and pen/pencil for taking notes.

We'll be using a modern web browser and a text editor in class. If you don't already have these installed, please install them before you come to class.

For web browsers, we recommend Mozilla Firefox (http://firefox.com/) or Google Chrome (http://google.com/chrome). For a text editor, we recommend Sublime Text 2 (http://www.sublimetext.com/2). Note that you do not have to purchase Sublime Text 2. If you download the free evaluation version that will be good enough for class.

* No laptop? We have a limited number of laptops we can loan to students during class. Please fill out our Laptop Request form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-HHF9IB2VlYVRivz5Zn7LwkjQAYkJLZsuW0YM4hh60U/viewform) to let us know you need to borrow one!

Scholarships

Unemployed or in financial distress and interested in taking this workshop? Apply for a GDI scholarship (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1f2g2p-eK0X-sAwi8oFZwBOOYAi8j_MfHT6MrhCG6M0Y/viewform).

Have a course voucher? Redeem it here! (http://goo.gl/forms/bYyFRhN8vN)

Questions?

We're here to help! If you have any questions or anything you'd like to discuss before signing up for class, please contact us at losangeles [at] girldevelopit dot com.

Sponsor

This workshop is hosted and sponsored by IndieDesk.

About Natalie MacLees

Natalie MacLees is a front-end web developer and UI designer and is founder + principal of the interactive agency, Purple Pen Productions (http://purplepen.com/). She is the author of jQuery for Designers (http://jqueryfordesignersbook.com/), now in its second edition. She also has a jQuery podcast - Designers Learning jQuery (http://designerslearningjquery.com/).

She was the lead organizer for WordCamp Los Angeles 2014 (http://2014.la.wordcamp.org/) and 2013 (http://2013.la.wordcamp.org/) and organized the first bi-annual Website Weekend LA (http://websiteweekend.la/). She's also the co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Girl Develop It (http://girldevelopit.com/chapters/los-angeles), bringing affordable and accessible coding classes to the community. She makes her online home at nataliemac.com (http://nataliemac.com/).

All attendees are expected to abide by the Girl Develop It Code of Conduct (http://www.girldevelopit.com/codeofconduct).