Code 201: Foundations of Software Development

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Overview

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

This course guides students toward developing a well-rounded foundation of skills necessary for modern web development in the AI-powered world. These skills include using AI tools while hand-coding HTML, CSS, and JavaScript apps 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.

Outcomes

At the end of this course, you will:

  • Use AI-based tools to learn and accelerate app development
  • 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

Topics

Concepts

  • Software development with AI tools
  • 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. Learn More »

Material Requirements

You are required to supply your own computer that meets the requirements specified in our FAQ.

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 students learn and retain more information in a short period of time. Learn more about stacked modules »

Homework Policy

In order to pass the class, students 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. Students should always contact the instructors ahead of time if they are unable to attend all or part of the published class/lab hours.

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