WDI Day Seven: DOM, Debugging, and another Panel

Today proved to be a lot more challenging since it involved more hands-on work. The day started off with a DOM exercise, followed by more javaScript review that included reviewing key events, timing functions, and different error messages.

The big takeaway was, when in doubt, console.log it! Or Google it…

In the afternoon we met with the Outcomes team who had a panel of GA graduates talk to us about their experience in the program. It sounds like there is definitely a struggle in the program – a lot of frustration when you’re beginning to learn complex problems – but ultimately, if you keep at it, things will click and make sense to you.

WDI Day Six: DOM, Events, and Callbacks

I haven’t felt like I’ve been the strongest when it comes to JavaScript, so I was really excited to dive into more code today. We reviewed a few concepts I was familiar with, like working with the DOM (or Document Object Model), events, and callback functions.

Although the lecture didn’t consist of too much new information for me, the hands-on assignments were what really helped. Having to struggle to figure out how to create different functionalities proved to be really useful. One task I tackled included creating a JavaScript stop watch. Sometimes the struggle of getting something to work can be a real headache, but at the same time, once it’s actually functioning properly, it can give you a real sense of relief and accomplishment.

Helpful Resources

WDI Day Five: PseudoCoding and Intro to JS

Finally, the day I was waiting for arrived – working with JavaScript! Although today was also more of a review for me, I did find myself realizing I definitely need to do some extra work in my free time this weekend just to make sure I’m at the level I want to be at with JavaScript.

In the morning we did a few exercises involving PseudoCoding, which I realized is a pretty difficult concept to wrap my mind around. I’ll have to make sure I practice writing pseudo code and will check with my instructors to make sure I’m doing that properly.

We also got to play around with a fun and addictive game, Cookie Clicker:

cookie-clicker

Once we dug into JavaScript, we reviewed data types, conditionals, and ended the day with objects and functions. One of our homework assignments definitely looks like it will be a lot of fun to fiddle around with – it’s a choose your own adventure where the prompt boxes will change based on user input. I’m excited to get started, and hope I don’t run into too many issues. Getting started with JavaScript for any assignment is usually a little tough for me. I’m hoping that will change fairly soon.

Some Fun Resources