Skip to content

Latest commit

 

History

History
78 lines (50 loc) · 4.32 KB

i_have_no_idea_what_im_doing_help.md

File metadata and controls

78 lines (50 loc) · 4.32 KB

I Have Absolutely No Idea What I'm Doing

New to programming? New to computers? What even is a computer? What even is life? This is the place to start.

Step 1: Consult Resources

Here is a list of learning resources that we recommend. Some of these resources require a paid account, which you can contact Nick Clifford via email (nclifford@micds.org) or Slack to obtain the group account credentials.

Step 2: Which Languages should I learn?

In the programming club, we will probably be focusing on languages such as Python, and Web Development which means languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Depending on what you want to do in the programming club, it may require you learn a specific language.

I want to help work on MyMICDS.net

Great! We have guides written for learning web development with working on MyMICDS in mind.

If you're starting from scratch, follow the course path here!

If you've had web development experience before, start here!

I want to create a website

In order to make a website on your own, you must learn the front-end languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Back-end languages are optional, and are required if you want to do more than simply serve a static site. You need to know a back-end language if you want a login system or want to work with databases.

Front-End Languages

The front-end of a website is the interface of the website that you actually see.

HTML and CSS

HTML is the backbone structure of the webpage, while CSS is what makes a website look pretty. You can learn these by taking this Codecademy course!

JavaScript

JavaScript makes a webpage interactive. You can create animations and do lots of other things! You can learn JavaScript by taking this Treehouse course!

Back-End Languages

There are many back-end languages out there, but you only need to know one to build a website. Each language has their own advantages and disadvantages.

node.js

Node.js is actually JavaScript, but running on the back-end. If you know JavaScript, you already know the syntax of node.js. You just need to learn a few extra stuff to make node.js interact with things.

You take the following Treehouse courses:

  1. Node.js Basics
  2. Build a Simple Dynamic Site with Node.js
  3. npm Basics
  4. Build a REST API With Express

PHP

PHP is a bit older language. It has its quirks, but it's still decent for making a website.

You can take the following Codecademy course:

Codecademy PHP Course

You can also take the following Treehouse courses:

  1. PHP Basics
  2. Build a Basic PHP Website

Ruby / Ruby on Rails

Ruby is a general programming language. The 'Ruby on Rails' framework allows for you to run a webserver using the Ruby language.

You can take the following Treehouse courses:

  1. Ruby Basics
  2. Ruby on Rails Basics

Python / Django

Python is another general programming language. The Django framework allows for you to run a webserver using Python.

You can take the following Treehouse courses:

  1. Python Basics
  2. Django Basics

Create a Github account

Now that you have chosen a language, creating a Github account is the next step, while a student at MICDS, or a student anywhere, you can apply for a Student discount on Github, which gives you a ton of extra perks on Github. To apply for a student discount go here.

What is Github?

Github is essentially Google Drive for programmers, once you learn how to use it, it makes your life a thousand times easier. If you want to learn more check out the Github tutorial.