Creating JQuery Functions with Codecademy (09/01/2013)

Soon this will be like reading a children's book...

We live in a world of internet, computer software and smartphone apps so I thought it was time to learn more about designing and building these important aspects of modern society.

All three are able to operate thanks to programmable codes which can be written in a number of different 'coding languages' (such as HMTL, PHP, JavaScript, JQuery, Python, and Ruby - among others).

Like most people when 'dipping in' to something new; I was unsure whether this would be a 'passing fancy' or something that I would spend a great number of hours learning with a view to becoming skilled in this area. So, I needed something that would introduce me to the basics, allow me to test out my new knowledge, keep track of my development and (most importantly) be free.

Codecademy ticks all of these boxes.

Registration is free and allows you to create a profile. You are then free to start on one of the 'tracks' (JavaScript, Web Fundamentals, Python, Ruby, JQuery or Projects). These tracks take you through the basics of each coding language up to a beginner level understanding (via fun projects along the way to test your understanding).

You are given points based on your progress and badges are given when you complete certain milestones (e.g. when you complete a section or a project). Your profile page logs your points total as well as points achieve each day and highest daily points score (so you can try and beat your highest score each time you log in). It also records all of your badges, your 'Streak' (e.g. how many days you have coded for in a row - again, another total to try and beat each time) and your completed courses - as well as your current courses.

You can also link your account to your twitter, facebook and google accounts to post your progress.

In addition to the 'track' courses; there are also 'non-track' modules, as well as 'Intermediate' and 'Advanced' modules. The sections are broken down in such a way that you can easily complete a section a day without it taking too much time out of your day schedule. Doing it this way also allows you to learn something new everyday (something I very much believe in) and to gradually build up a skill set that may one day give you the skills to build that mobile app you always wanted to build or, even, change careers.

A complete coding newbie prior to registering with Codecademy; so far I have completed the JavaScript, Web Fundamentals and Python tracks and have today started the JQuery track.

Your Codecademy profile

Some sections do need a little more work and the console can sometimes produce anomalies (rejecting code which produces the correct outcome because the code is not in the format that the tutor wants and sometimes rejecting correct code until the browser is refreshed and the code resubmitted). However, constant improvements are being made and, with experience, you get to learn how to deal with such issues.

The learning experience has been a fascinating one. I personally love the projects where you are walked through how to build something (like an adventure game or a cash register) and then given suggestions at the end of how such item could be improved and invited to work on such improvements to the code in your own time - something vital for all those wannabe coders out there.

Overall, a really good resource and definitely one I would recommend for those out there wanting to learn how to code. Even if you know how to code; you can still get involved with creating a course or becoming a Beta Tester.

I will save you the horror of a newbie explaining how to create JQuery Functions(!) but if this sounds like something you would like to learn then why don't you head over to codecademy right now...

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.