Some of the most useful javascript codes I’ve found are below.
Provides random text from selection:
http://www.webdevelopersnotes.com/tips/html/random_text_display_using_javascript_1.php3
Generate a random image from selection:
http://www.javascriptsource.com/miscellaneous/random-image.html
Produce a random background color from selection:
My contribution for Project 3 runs primarily on JavaScript. JavaScript seems to be a very useful system, but it has its own language and seems to be more complex than CSS. I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered it by any definition.
The most useful tools I’ve found for learning basic JavaScript have been:
W3Wschools (http://www.w3schools.com/js/ )
And Code Academy (https://www.codecademy.com/learn/javascript)
I’ve decided that project 3 will incorporate random images and text. I’ve run across a few methods to do this (which I’ll post later). These methods don’t rely on CSS alone, but will require javascript or PHP. As such, I’ll begin teaching myself some javascript via Code Academy.
I’ve recently read chapter 11 and 12 of CSS: The Missing Manual. I have previous experience using tables, specifically, tables for layout. I am quite happy that CSS provides workable alternatives. In my experience, tables are clunky and code heavy options for laying out a page.
I would like to state my appreciation for static backgrounds. By having one constant background which doesn’t scroll with the content, the page is subtly differentiated from most websites which can make a big impression on viewers. Despite the positive, I think they could easily be overused with a distracting background.
An example of the CSS code to create a static background is:
background-image: radial-gradient(#FFFFFF,#2f285a);
background-repeat: no-repeat;
background-attachment: fixed;
I was shown a nice article by friends the other day (https://newrepublic.com/article/129002/secret-lives-tumblr-teens). While falling short of the transmedia designs of the New York Times, it is a technologically saavy article in its use of HTML effects. Sadly, most of this work seems to be javascript, so I’m unable to emulate it at this time.
I’ve developed a wireframe for my navigation concept, or at least what I think is a wireframe. I’ve created a simple grid with varying colors used to differentiate the cells. I’m not certain if this falls under the “wireframe” step or the “visual” step shown on the Beginners Guide to Wireframing.
I’m getting more comfortable with HTML and CSS. I’m not yet at the point where I can create the files from memory, but I hope to be at that point soon.
Our exercises on Monday were very informative. It reinforced knowledge about HTML coding and associated CSS scripts. The CSS editing exercise provided me with skills I was able to directly apply to the 4T project.
I’ve been able to do some work on project one and I appreciate the experience. The guided exercises provided in class are helpful, but they are very guided; there is little room for individual investigation or applying the principles using our own skills. The project should alleviate that deficit and allow me to get hands-on experience with coding, layout, and other principles we’ve been learning.
