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JavaScript Fundamentals: A Beginner's Guide
15 min read
June 12, 2023
JavaScript is the programming language of the web. It allows you to create dynamic and interactive web pages. In this guide, we'll cover the fundamental concepts you need to get started with JavaScript.
Variables and Data Types
Variables are containers for storing data values. JavaScript has three ways to declare variables: var, let, and const.
var name = "John";
let age = 25;
const PI = 3.14;
let isStudent = true;
let score = 95.5;
let greeting = "Hello World";
let colors = ["red", "green", "blue"];
let person = {"name": "Alice", "age": 30};
Functions
Functions are reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task. They help organize code and avoid repetition.
function greet(name) {
return "Hello, " + name + "!";
}
const multiply = function(a, b) {
return a * b;
};
const divide = (a, b) => a / b;
let message = greet("Sarah");
console.log(message);
console.log(multiply(5, 3));
Control Structures
Control structures allow you to control the flow of your program's execution based on conditions.
let temperature = 22;
if (temperature > 30) {
console.log("It's hot outside");
} else if (temperature > 20) {
console.log("It's warm outside");
} else {
console.log("It's cool outside");
}
for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
console.log("Count: " + i);
}
let count = 0;
while (count < 3) {
console.log("Count: " + count);
count++;
}
Exercise: Create a Simple Calculator
Write a JavaScript function called calculator that takes three parameters: two numbers and an operator (+, -, *, /). The function should return the result of the operation.
Example: calculator(10, 5, '+') should return 15.
function calculator(num1, num2, operator) {
}
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HTML5 Semantic Elements: Building Better Structure
10 min read
May 28, 2023
HTML5 introduced semantic elements that give meaning to the structure of web pages. These elements make your HTML more readable and improve accessibility for screen readers and search engines.
Basic HTML Structure
Every HTML document should have a basic structure with essential elements.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Document</title>
</head>
<body>
</body>
</html>
Semantic Elements
Semantic elements clearly describe their meaning to both the browser and the developer.
<header>
<h1>Website Title</h1>
<nav>
<ul>
<li><a href="#">Home</a></li>
<li><a href="#">About</a></li>
</ul>
</nav>
</header>
<main>
<article>
<h2>Article Title</h2>
<p>Article content...</p>
</article>
<aside>
<h3>Related Links</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="#">Link 1</a></li>
</ul>
</aside>
</main>
<footer>
<p>© 2023 My Website</p>
</footer>
Forms and Input Elements
HTML forms allow users to enter data that is sent to a server for processing.
<form action="/submit" method="post">
<div>
<label for="name">Name:</label>
<input type="text" id="name" name="name" required>
</div>
<div>
<label for="email">Email:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email" required>
</div>
<div>
<label for="message">Message:</label>
<textarea id="message" name="message" rows="4"></textarea>
</div>
<button type="submit">Send Message</button>
</form>
Exercise: Create a Personal Profile Page
Create an HTML page that includes:
- A header with your name and a navigation menu
- A main section with an article about yourself
- An aside with your skills or interests
- A footer with copyright information
- A contact form with name, email, and message fields
Use semantic HTML5 elements throughout your page.
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Modern CSS Layouts with Flexbox and Grid
20 min read
May 15, 2023
CSS Flexbox and Grid are powerful layout systems that make it easier to create complex, responsive web designs. In this article, we'll explore both and learn when to use each.
CSS Flexbox
Flexbox is designed for one-dimensional layouts - either a row or a column. It's perfect for components like navigation bars, card layouts, and centering elements.
.container {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
align-items: center;
flex-wrap: wrap;
gap: 1rem;
}
.item {
flex: 1 1 200px;
min-height: 100px;
background: #f0f0f0;
padding: 1rem;
}
CSS Grid
CSS Grid is designed for two-dimensional layouts - both rows and columns. It's ideal for overall page layouts and complex component designs.
.grid-container {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr));
grid-template-rows: auto;
gap: 1.5rem;
padding: 1rem;
}
.header {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
background: #333;
color: white;
padding: 1rem;
}
.sidebar {
grid-column: 1 / 2;
background: #f5f5f5;
padding: 1rem;
}
.main-content {
grid-column: 2 / -1;
background: white;
padding: 1rem;
}
Responsive Design with Media Queries
Media queries allow you to apply different styles based on device characteristics, most commonly the viewport width.
.container {
padding: 1rem;
max-width: 1200px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
@media (min-width: 768px) {
.container {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr;
gap: 2rem;
}
}
@media (min-width: 1024px) {
.container {
grid-template-columns: 1fr 3fr 1fr;
}
}
Exercise: Create a Responsive Card Layout
Create a CSS layout that displays cards in a responsive grid:
- On mobile devices (under 768px), show 1 card per row
- On tablets (768px to 1023px), show 2 cards per row
- On desktop (1024px and above), show 3 cards per row
Use either CSS Grid or Flexbox for the layout and media queries for the responsive behavior.
.card-container {
}
.card {
}
