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JavaScript

Posted by Kenton Kotsiris
Kenton Kotsiris
6,130 Points

How much HTML/CSS needed to venture into things like Javascript, ruby, php, etc.,?

Hi everyone!

I'm currently doing the Front end web developer track. I just finished the gradient section in the CSS chapter, so intro to programming is right around the corner. I find myself drawn more to the programming language vs the html/css design aspect.

I kind of want to skip the remaining CSS chapters and go right into Javascript, JQuery, and then ruby and php. I find myself drawn to these vs trying to make a website look good.

Question:

There seems to be sooo much to learn about CSS that I find myself not remembering a lot of what Guil is teaching. Is this ok? Can I go ahead with Javascript and learn as I go? OR should I go back and retake some CSS lessons until I know most of what's covered well.

This is all new to me so any guidance would be helpful!

5 Answers

Alex Heil
Alex Heil
53,547 Points

hi Kenton Kotsiris ,

it's generally a good idea to first have a basic understanding of html and css before diving into javascript/jquery and php. having that said when you feel like jumping into other languages right now I would nevertheless encourage you to do it. because when you're passionate / interested about them this is the most important thing of all - at the end coding (in no matter what language) is fun ;)

also from your progress in the css course you don't need to worry - the remaining transition / transform and animation sections won't get in the way when you start with jquery/php - and you can still always go back to them later once you have the feeling to learn these as well.

in terms of css the only chapter I would recommend to look at (in general) would be media queries - in today's world with tons of different screen sizes this will be the key to responsive design (but that's just a tip of course).

hope that helps and keep enjoying learning ;)

James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points
James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points

I'd suggest you move on to the CSS Layout course that's some of the most important CSS. There's also Framework Basics which is very useful as well.

Once you master those 2 topics you are ready to move on with JavaScript.

Kenton Kotsiris
Kenton Kotsiris
6,130 Points

Thanks for this James, I actually went ahead and reviewed the CSS layout course per your advice. It was very beneficial and I'm sure I'll refer to it many times as it does cover topics of interest.

John Sanchez
John Sanchez
3,325 Points
John Sanchez
John Sanchez
3,325 Points

While it is definitely necessary to know how to create HTML and know the basics of CSS to go into languages such as PHP and JavaScript, I think with your amount of background you should be alright. If you can layout items on a page and apply basic styles to them, it is not the end of the world if you can't do CSS animations yet and it should not interfere with your learning.

Good luck! John

Kenton Kotsiris
Kenton Kotsiris
6,130 Points

Thanks John for your comment. I'm going to push ahead and see what happens. I can always go back to refresh should I come into something I don't know.

Maciej Czuchnowski
Maciej Czuchnowski
36,441 Points
Maciej Czuchnowski
Maciej Czuchnowski
36,441 Points

You will learn and forget A LOT of stuff, not only from CSS. From the top of your head you will likely only remember the things you use most often, which is normal. The most important thing is to remember what is possible and where to look for info on how to do it exactly ;).

Kenton Kotsiris
Kenton Kotsiris
6,130 Points

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm quickly learning that it's impossible to remember everything, and learning where to look and the right questions to ask has been a lifesaver.

Scott Graney
Scott Graney
404 Points
Scott Graney
Scott Graney
404 Points

A good understanding of HTML & CSS would be ideal.

Kenton Kotsiris
Kenton Kotsiris
6,130 Points

Thanks!