Code 201
Foundations of Software Development

Overview

Build a strong software development foundation and learn how to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various libraries to create fully-functional web apps

This course guides learners toward developing a well-rounded foundation of skills necessary for modern web development. These skills include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding; utilizing Git workflow processes, project organization, designing with wireframing and employing introductory Agile development methods.

This course includes a career coaching curriculum to get you ready for your job search. The course totals 160 hours, including lectures, lab, coworking, and collaborative projects.

Objective

Learners will understand how to define the structure of a web page utilizing the semantic hierarchical structural conventions of HTML5, CSS, and the programming language JavaScript. They will use instructor guidance, code snippets, textbooks, and online tutorial instructions to build a learning journal and work through code challenges. They will also collaborate with other learners in order to understand the dynamics of developing a complete website with the predefined-structure and with all animations. They will be able to join to a company as an upper-junior front-end developer level.

Outcome

At the end of this course, you will:

  • Define the structure of a web page utilizing the semantic hierarchical structural conventions of HTML5
  • Apply CSS and HTML to implement page layout styles including grid, fluid, and responsive techniques; and to style content with color, typography, and images
  • Utilize Javascript to make web projects interactive, such that user input is stored and processed to create updated and personalized content when a user interacts with a page
  • Write JavaScript that leverages the fundamentals of Computer Science, the Object-Oriented Programming paradigm, basic data types, data structures, and basic algorithms, so that the code is efficient, error-free, and matches commonly accepted standards and practices of syntax and style, as measured by the code’s functionality and ability to pass a code linter
  • Utilize industry-standard version control tools and workflows, including Git and GitHub, to write functional, properly styled code and to work efficiently and harmoniously in professional environments
  • Be prepared for a Code 301 course

Prerequisites

  • Required: Familiarity with basic algebra concepts
  • Code 101: Explore Software Development: If you are completely new to coding, complete Code 101 to build your first website using HTML and CSS and to find out if a career in software development is right for you
  • Code 102: Intro to Software Development: Prepare for the Code 201 deep-dive with instructor-led labs introducing you to the professional tools of the trade, like git and the powerful VSCode text editor. Practice more with HTML & CSS, and learn basic JavaScript as you deploy themed websites with GitHub Pages

Learner

Everyone who meets the prerequisites.

Age: 18+

Schedule

The course totals 160 hours, including lectures, lab, coworking, and collaborative projects.

Duration: 8 weeks, 5 days/week.

Daily: 4h/day, 1pm-5pm.

Method of Instruction

This workshop mixes instruction, live demos, online 3rd-party resources, and lab assignments throughout its daily class time. The instructor explains topics to the leaners and then asks leaners to work individually or in small groups to research and apply the topics to complete assignments. Some tasks may need to be completed as homework, outside of scheduled class times.

Completion Criteria and Award

A grade of 90% or higher is required to pass and receive a certificate of completion.

Topics

Concepts
  • HTML5 and CSS3
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Introductory Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Document Object Model (DOM) Manipulation & Traversal
  • Multiple Approaches to Page Layout
  • Using GitHub Repos and Sharing Code With Project Teams
Languages
  • HTML
    • Structure
    • Text
    • Links
    • Images
    • Tables
    • HTML5
    • Forms
    • Process
    • Design
  • CSS
    • Color
    • Text
    • Boxes
    • Lists
    • Tables
    • Forms
    • Grid Layouts
    • Fluid Layouts
    • Animations and Transitions
  • JavaScript
    • Loops
    • Conditions
    • Functions
    • Objects (Including Properties and Methods)
    • Object-Oriented Programming
    • Object Extension with Prototypes
    • Events, Event Listeners, and Event Handlers in Callback Functions
    • DOM Manipulation and Traversal Using “Vanilla” JavaScript
    • Utilization of an external library such as ChartJS
    • Local Storage and JSON
    • The Basics of MVC
Environments and Tools
  • Unix and the Command Prompt
  • Git and GitHub
  • A Text Editor
  • Chrome Dev Tools

Career Transition Services

Changing careers is about more than learning a new skill. In tandem with your software development education, you will receive powerful career-building strategic training so you can confidently start your job search as soon as (or even before!) you graduate.

Our Career Transition Services provide training, mentoring, leadership, and introductions to industry partners to help you become a more well-rounded software developer and a leader in your field. These services, which start in Code 201 and continue after Code 401 graduation, involve a series of events, workshops, and assignments that help you think holistically about your new career and take actionable steps towards success.

Material Requirements

You are required to supply your own laptop that meets the below requirements. Chromebooks are not suitable for this course, since you can’t directly control installed software. Most learners use Macs. You are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your computer throughout the course. The course pre-work will have specific instructions for configuring your computer to be ready for the first day of class.

  • 64-bit Operating System: either macOS, Linux, or Windows Pro
  • Fully up to date, with the latest version of the operating system and all security updates installed
  • At least 50GB of free space on the hard drive
  • At least 16GB of RAM. 32GB RAM strongly preferred
  • Free of viruses, Zoom-ready (reliable webcam and microphone), and in general working order

By the first day of class, you will need:

Stacked Modules

Concepts in each of our courses are taught using stacked modules, where a new concept is introduced in each class session, building upon what came before it. This is a challenging style that requires persistence, practice, and collaboration, but allows more concepts to be introduced over the length of the course. This method helps learners learn and retain more information in a short period of time.

Homework Policy

In order to pass the class, learners must attain at least 90% of available points.

Professionalism

Punctuality, participation in discussions, completion of assignments, and demonstration of professional courtesy to others are required, in accordance with our Code of Conduct. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. Passing requires at least 90% attendance. Leaners should always contact the instructors ahead of time if they are unable to attend all or part of the published class/lab hours.