What Is The Best Way To Learn To Code JavaScript?
There are many different programming languages out there, and that’s even before taking a look at any of the specialty languages that are used for very limited, but very important, software. In fact, there are over a dozen languages that are commonly used on major websites online, and JavaScript is one of those languages. Learning JavaScript can open up a wide array of possibilities when it comes to designing images, moving effects, or creating interactive website effects that aren’t going to be possible (or at least not near as easy to create) if you rely on one of the other major programming codes.
What Is JavaScript Used For?
JavaScript is a very flexible type of programming that can fill in a lot of needs, but the far majority of the time it is used to create a very unique and specific website effect, or series of website effects, allowing for a truly customized effect when something common simply won’t do.
This can include making effects like glowing letters when a cursor goes over a space, the ability to make a part of a page larger in a “pop up” format while blocking out the rest, or creating a sign-up form to collect an email address. There are so many ways that JavaScript can be used and the main focus of it, in the end, is always to manipulate the basic HTML, PHP, or CSS in some way to create a unique or purposeful effect.
Online Courses
First you might want to test your current skill level by taking JavaScript quiz. That can give you an idea of where you stand and what course (beginner, intermediate, etc.) may be best. Then you’re ready to look for a course. One of the best options is to look at online courses designed by programmers…courses that have the express purpose of teaching you JavaScript via audio and visual cues. There are entire websites devoted to teaching programming through video lessons (both free and paid), including Study.com, Udemy, and dozens of others. Investing in one of these lessons gives you access to a visual example of what is going on as the tutor is lecturing, allowing you to absorb the information, better understand what is being said, and pick up the programming language easier as a result.
YouTube Tutorial Videos
If you don’t want to spend any money on online classes, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials on learning JavaScript that can act as a good start. The upside to this is that the training is free, and you can often find dozens of videos (or more) from the same mentor so if you find someone whose style you really like you can just keep following up.
The downside is that you won’t find a complete program on YouTube. You will find small lessons, bits and pieces, and maybe good answers to really specific questions, but it’s a tall order starting from scratch.
Good Old Fashioned Programming Book
Say what you will about the “Learn Skill X for Dummies” series of books, but a good illustrated programming book for JavaScript could be the perfect compliment to go with either an online course or some YouTube tutorials. The book can work not only for teaching you JavaScript but large ones can also be used as a reference guide on top of that.
Hands On Coding
Finally, getting a cheap practice URL on a cheap hosting account really is one of the best steps you can take to getting experience working with JavaScript. There is nothing like hands on coding and seeing what is working and what you are royally screwing up to get back on point.
When it comes to learning JavaScript, there are actually several excellent options available. You can use one or combine several, doing whatever it takes in order to go from a beginning novice to a true professional when it comes to coding line after line of JavaScript.
What It Takes To Develop An iPhone App
There are many kinds of iPhone apps that one can develop, beyond the categories that Apple lists in the App store. As a person looking to develop an iPhone app, or to have one developed for you or your company, it is important to understand the main types of apps that you can create.
Basic Table Functionality Apps – These apps are more of a hierarchical type of app. You open a screen with a topic list, you click on one, and you have a new list to follow. A good example of this sort of app is the email app on your iPhone. These apps are the easiest to design and build and are a great option for businesses.
Games – Gaming apps have the largest range when it comes to complexity, and range from things that are simple in functionality to 3D games that require a physics engine to function.
Hardware or Firmware Modification or Enhancement Apps – Such apps are generally designed to make specific functions on an iPhon (like a camera, flash, or alarm) better, or to improve them.
Fully Dynamic Apps – Fully dynamic apps rely solely on information acquired externally from sources like Flipboard, Twitter, and Weather Channel.
Custom Utilities – Custom utility apps are designed to allow users to input their content in a specific way.
The app type you develop or get developed is generally determined by the amount of content you have and the level of control you want to possess over the whole process. It is important to note that you can get an iPhone app developed more quickly and cheaply if you have an idea of what sort of app you want to have developed.
The iPhone App Development Process
When it comes to iPhone application development, there is a very basic process that any developer follows. The process of developing an iPhone app can be broken down into four major parts. These are: idea, layout, design, and making the app live. Here is a brief breakdown of the entire process:
The Idea
The idea is the first step to creating an app. You need to have an idea of what you want to create. Looking at Apple’s app store, you will see that there are hundreds of directions that you could go; from games to simple information, to interactive apps. Often, the more complicated an app is, the costlier it will be – but there is a greater chance of getting return on investment with a better-designed app. For instance, games are rather complicated and costly to make, but the upside is that they can go viral very fast. When looking to create an app, it is important to have an idea of what you want. Find your sweet spot when it comes to budget and marketing.
Layout and Functionality
If you are planning to have an app developed, it would not be advisable to have the programmer handle everything, as he or she will probably not deliver what you are looking for. You need to either find someone who can translate programming into layman’s terms or invest a lot of time going through details. It is important to pick and think through the layout and functionality of an app to ensure that it serves its purpose and suits users on different ends.
Design
Apps usually require a team to complete. It is not a simple as building a website. However, when it comes to app design, the designer can be a web, print, or graphics designer. Once they have designed the images, they then can hand them over to you or a programmer who adds them into the right areas. Design usually comes after programming and functionality have clearly been defined. It is important to note that design often defines an app and will either make or break it. So don’t skimp on design.
Going Live
Once you have your app is built in XCode – which is the program that is used to create apps for Apple – you or your developer will then get the app on to Apple’s Store (iTunes) for it to go live. This usually requires the setting up of an iTunes Connect account and filling out the necessary information about your app – pricing, descriptions, icons, etc. The great thing about this process is that it is a onetime thing – if you decide to develop another app once you have your app in the store, and it has gone live, there is no need to sign up all over again.
The above are the most basic steps when it comes to the development of an iPhone app. If you are thinking of developing an app or are already in the process, it is important to ensure that the process follows the above procedure. However, there is much more to know about iPhone app development. It is, therefore, important that you take the time to do some more research to learn more about the process.
3 Features Your Sitemap Builder Should Have
All sitemap builders are not created equally, which is why you should spend time making sure you get the right one. A good sitemap builder is invaluable. That is why it is not a good idea to choose on price alone. Because of the amount of time it could potentially save you, it’s value is not immediately apparent. Plus, there is no overall savings if the cheaper option ends up costing you more time.
That is why it is important to confirm your sitemap builder does the things you need it to. Otherwise, it is most likely a waste of money, and possibly also a waste of time. There are many potential features to look out for, but these three are an absolute must.
Visualize with colors, not just words
While a sitemap builder can make it easy to see exactly what is going on with your entire site, all of that information can get a bit confusing. This is especially true if your project is for an e-commerce website or has more pages than you can count on your fingers. You will need a way to logically organize the information you’ve gathered if you want to reasonably utilize it.
A visual sitemap takes the traditional sitemap a step further by assigning hierarchy and color to your sitemaps. With just one glance, you’ll be able to see not only which pages are included with your site but also where they are located in relationship to other pages. A visual sitemap generator makes it easy for non-designers to follow along with the planning of the website. Imagine the time you could save because you did not have to explain how to read your sitemap.
The ability to share
What good is a shiny new sitemap if it is impossible to share it with anyone? That is why you must consider sharing features when you are looking at a sitemap builder. When you have a sitemap that is not optimized for sharing, you are very limited on how well you can collaborate with others. This is because sitemap files are often quite large, making them difficult to transmit, and they frequently are not easy on the eyes either. A quality sitemap builder will be one that is not only readable by you but also by every other member of your website development team.
One website that does this well is Slickplan. Slickplan is an online sitemap builder that makes it easy to email, export or copy paste to a clipboard. Additionally, the sitemaps you create there are compatible with Basecamp, and you can even share them on social media. You might think you don’t need to share your sitemap on Twitter, but the minute you want to, but can’t, you’ll be wishing you could.
Collaborate to make it better
Sharing is great for seeking feedback, but filtering through your emails for that one comment from the client is not. That is why you must also look for sitemap builders that offer collaboration tools. These tools can include direct commenting, live chat, and group editing. They provide the ability to not only receive feedback but also apply that feedback to the project seamlessly.
When you use an online sitemap builder, this feature is quite common, but don’t forget to confirm its there before you commit to a membership. You’ll also want to check and see what kind of collaboration tools are offered. The ability to comment on a sitemap is a lot different than the capacity to live chat.
When comparing sitemap builders, you’ll like have plenty to choose from, so don’t be afraid to be picky. The best one will not only fit your budget- it will also fit your needs.