This week obviously was very different seeing how we don’t have a formal class. JavaScript has probably been one of the most interesting lessons thus far. From what I’ve understood just from Codecademy and our brief Google Hangout, the program seems to be what makes a website move. The “script” is the what the website follows which causes things such as but not limited to: drop menus, highlighting hyperlinks, and pop ups on the page. Which makes it the most interactive lesson that we’ve had up to this point. Interactive in how we interact with the websites mechanics. The lesson was a bit difficult trying to remember the terms, and then applying that when moving on to the next lessons. I think it will be helpful to see this lesson again in person to fully grasp what it is I’m learning. Overall though it was enjoyable to learn a new step in my coding development and look forward for what is to come next.

Learning the CSS format and how it actually works was very unique. Although, I did more of the topics that were needed, I still learned a lot. As I said last week, I was still on the edge of understanding web development and how it all truly worked out. Learning this format was also way more complex than learning basic HTML.

CSS focuses on the style of the web page. I felt I was actually learning much more in these exercises. Along with more detail came more confusion. This did introduce a new world to me, but with new things come new thoughts. I kept wondering how all of these codes were memorized by coders. Do they do it so much that it becomes as a second language? Or is there some form of a code cheat sheet going around with all the common languages and tips to help? I know I personally had a difficult time remembering things, especially while things were being added on. Maybe I should make myself a sheet with the code meanings and tips to help me memorize the codes.

CSS is interesting, to say the least. I think this is the part I truly enjoy of this web development series. As I said before, I never thought of web development as a career choice. If I can truly gain a liking for this and find enjoyment, I would truly go into this field. Using this class to explore this option is also exciting. I never thought I would be able to do this. I know I am no where near expert level, but I do find enjoyment in this even if it means I have to find extra training after school. If this is something I truly enjoy, I would not mind finding that extra help and push.

This week was fun since it was the first time I felt like I was “coding.” We took everything we had recently learned and put it all together in an effort to make a homepage. The beginning of this process started with the Codecademy assignments that helped refresh some of the concepts we had learned while also adding new things to help improve our first page. The concepts tied in with the readings that also made it easier to complete the assignment. Sometimes for me it is hard to fully comprehend the readings without seeing the active visuals, so I attempted to code my assignment while simultaneously reading. This proved to be somewhat effective, but still a bit challenging. Another issue I had was trying to fight images that looked right based on things I had read right here. I realized it was more about the presentation on different devices, but it still helped with my attempt to throw images in there.

The final issue I had was trying to put my safe code from Sublime into my repository on GitHub. Even looking at the reading on GitHub I still had issues and ultimately just had to continue clicking around saving and re-saving the different documents that I finally was able to include it. Even then I felt like it was still placed in wrong, I still felt good about finding a solution to my issues. I look forward to what next week will bring to my already growing knowledge.

Who would have thought that I would have interest in a Web Development class? I have no experience in web development and coding and it is all very new to me. Learning about HTML and the rest of the coding systems gives me insight into the world of code. Using Codecademy and jumping straight into HTML gave me a little worry, but as soon as they continued to go through the steps and explain them, I began to worry less. Once I began understand the pattern of the HTML layout, it became easier as it went on. We were also introduced to GitHub and that also threw me a curve. Although both concepts were foreign, the reading and tutorials both were very helpful and informative.

Learning new codes is introducing me to a new world and I new skill that I never had prior access to. As an African-American women, I believe that we do not know much about this industry let alone, dominating in it. I believe that this is a skill that will help one stand out and if possible, able to excel at the skill. I hope to be able to gain the basic skills when this class is over and be able to increase in my knowledge.