Ask HN: Tips on Learning Front End Web Development?

1 points by aorshan 14y ago ↗ HN

Hey guys. I decided I wanted to start learning some front end development and wanted to see if I can get some advice. I am trying to plan out a curriculum for myself, but I don't think I understand the overlap between some languages and how they come into play. I already know some python and some java. I figured it would make the most sense to start with html/css. After that I am not sure what makes the most sense. Do I learn django(figured since I know python its easier to go to django than rails)? javascript/coffescript? Do I need to learn a database language? If so, which is best? MySQL? MongoDB?

Thanks for the help.

3 comments

[ 2.6 ms ] story [ 14.7 ms ] thread

iKnowKungFoo 14y ago ↗

1. Learn JavaScript (the language)

http://eloquentjavascript.net/ http://www.amazon.com/JavaScript-Good-Parts-Douglas-Crockfor...

2. Learn jQuery (a JavaScript library)

http://jquery.com/ http://www.amazon.com/jQuery-Action-Second-Bear-Bibeault/dp/...

3. Learn SQL (the language)

http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-Yourself-SQL-Minutes/dp/067...

4. Pick an implementation

MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle

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After that, most application development languages are just syntax. Pick what feels best.

Learn how to use Ajax to tie client-side requests to server-side requests and you're marketable.

charliepark 14y ago ↗

Agreed on points 1 and 2, but for front-end development, 3 and 4 are unnecessary and will pull you away from more relevant lessons, or (even more important), applying what you've learned to new problems.

gchandrasa 14y ago ↗

First of all learn HTML and don't use WYSIWYG editor, then learn CSS and Javascript. Yes, learn database language is a good thing and after you know SQL language you probably can switch to any database engine.

If you know Python, then yes Django would be a good choice for you.