This project was a new experience for me. For the longest time. I thought to myself about what I could possibly do for this project. I had no idea what type of new technology I wanted to learn and how that technology was relevant to me. But the longer I thought about it. The more stressed I got about trying to figure out what would work for me. Then I remembered that in one of our classes. We spoke about doing coding. And I said to myself if it would be interesting to learn to do some coding so that I would be able to use Java and create my strings of code and save them in variables so that I could recall them later after I inputted the functions into Java. Oh, yeah, that is me using some of the language I learned while using Java which I have never used before and I figured out would be the new type of technology that I wished to learn. This is because if I learned this type of Java. I would learn more about code and how to input it and how to create different strings of information on a Java page.
I actually went to https://www.javascript.com/resources to learn more about Java. I tried a course on this webpage called "TryJava". I went through the whole process and learned about different terms coined for Java. As I went through the program. Different terms were introduced and I used them in Java to give me a better understanding of their meaning and their use and what they do. I learned about strings of code which is just the text that I input into Java. Then I learned about functions which is the combinations of strings in Java. Then I learned that if I put the strings into functions in Java they created pop-up boxes with the information I imputed into the functions in them. It was cool seeing the strings the I wrote into Java actually pop-up in live on the screen. I wrote my name in strings of code and it appeared in a pop-up box. I was amazed because even though I know it is just my name. I have never used the technology before so I did not know I could do that in Java or anywhere else for that matter.
Now if you go to this link https://www.javascript.com/try and input your names. You will be able to see how it appears after you have put in the code. And if you continue the process. You will be able to continue the course like I did too. It took me through all the steps and showed me different terms like "strings," "functions," "variables," and "alert." Each term builds on the previous one and helps to better understand coding in Java.
Additionally, I got to a point in the process in which I felt myself blocked because the program in Java started to put strings and functions and variables together with alerts and for the longest time I could not figure out why Java was not accepting my commands. I mean I was coding it right. In order for Java to accept a command. The command has to be in between parenthesis and end with a semicolon. Then I hit enter and Java would accept my command and either produce a pop-up box with my string of code in it or reproduce the string on the code screen by itself. But Java continually told me that it could not accept my command. And I kept typing the strings in the functions and it would not go through into the system. Then after many tries and rejections by Java. I found that if I do not type the string exactly as Java wants it to appear it will not read it and process it. Every time I wrote the string I forgot to make sure that one and I mean one single letter was supposed to be capitalized in order for Java to accept the string of code. You would not believe the frustration I went through trying to get Java to say "Omar is awesome!"; It was driving me insane. But after I figured out what I was missing in the string of code. I was so happy that I had met a hurdle in the learning process and successfully overcame it. After that hurdle, I was relieved but proud as well because I had been able to do something about which I had no idea beforehand. It feels good to accomplish something new. I mean it felt good for me.
Additionally, I got to a point in the process in which I felt myself blocked because the program in Java started to put strings and functions and variables together with alerts and for the longest time I could not figure out why Java was not accepting my commands. I mean I was coding it right. In order for Java to accept a command. The command has to be in between parenthesis and end with a semicolon. Then I hit enter and Java would accept my command and either produce a pop-up box with my string of code in it or reproduce the string on the code screen by itself. But Java continually told me that it could not accept my command. And I kept typing the strings in the functions and it would not go through into the system. Then after many tries and rejections by Java. I found that if I do not type the string exactly as Java wants it to appear it will not read it and process it. Every time I wrote the string I forgot to make sure that one and I mean one single letter was supposed to be capitalized in order for Java to accept the string of code. You would not believe the frustration I went through trying to get Java to say "Omar is awesome!"; It was driving me insane. But after I figured out what I was missing in the string of code. I was so happy that I had met a hurdle in the learning process and successfully overcame it. After that hurdle, I was relieved but proud as well because I had been able to do something about which I had no idea beforehand. It feels good to accomplish something new. I mean it felt good for me.
Furthermore, to keep learning more about coding. I went on to Mozilla's Java Scratchpad which if you have the Mozilla browser can be activated and appear on your screen by simultaneously pressing Shift+F4 and the code screen opens in your browser.
This allowed me to implement different commands in code and to apply them. For example, I was able to do the Hello World code and other codes on the screen.
It was amazing doing these code projects. I had no idea that it was going to be such an odyssey for me to do this project. I expected this to be an easy project and to be able to master this type of technology without delay. But as I started to do this project. I found that it was anything but easy. I quickly faced many milestones. Like learning to place alert before commands and the semi-colon at the end to send the command. Those were some of the things that I learned while doing this project and some of the things that I did not expect to encounter.
But would I say that I expected a lot of the things that I faced during this project. I have to say that this project went in a completely different direction than I expected. I did not think that I would have to go from one page to another to learn more about the process and learn to use scratchpad in order to understand the basics of Java. But those are some of the tribulations that I had to face in order to truly comprehend what I was doing. But I have to admit that it is the difficulties of understanding the code, learning to write the code, submitting the code and then watching the results come to life made it all worthwhile for me. It was all unexpected but it made me appreciate the things that happened that I could not have thought were going to happen.
Each hurdle that I faced helped me to appreciate what I learned. Now will I continue to work on coding after the conclusion of this project. I have to say yes, because I really did end up enjoying the coding process and learning the basics. It was hard but it is not something that I regret at all. I am definitely going to keep practicing my coding ability because I believe that it is just one more skill that I can add to repertoire and it makes me much more versatile.
And I have to say that If someone asked me whether I would recommend this coding process to someone else. I would recommend it to everyone because they would learn a skill that is not only cool to learn but is also something that can be placed on a resume as a skill. Now not only do programmers know coding but I do as well. This is a boon for me and I think that all people should have the pleasure of learning coding and applying it in different areas. Plus it is cool to write a code in scratchpad and have it pop up on the screen and say "Hi, Omar!" to you in return. It is an awesome experience for me.
But while I'm reflecting on this process of coding. I must admit that I am really glad that I took the time to learn this skill and to apply in something that I never expected to do in my life. I never thought that I would learn coding let alone use it for a class or actually apply it. But it has become a bit of a habit for me now to play with code and I'm becoming a programming nerd. Not that becoming a programming nerd is a bad thing. But it has given me a new appreciation for technology and giving new avenues of learning a chance. This is because I have never been what you call computer savvy. I have been more of a paper and pencil type of man. Always playing with the things with which I am familiar and secure. And I have never really wanted to venture out of my comfort zone. But this coding adventure truly gave me a new perspective on technology. It taught me that learning continues no matter what your age and that just because a new technology may not appear appealing it does not mean that I should not dive in and try it because I had no idea what I was missing until I actually took the time to think and say just go for it and find out what you can actually learn from this.
However, I have to admit that there was a part with which I was not totally comfortable. I'm a confident man and I'm fine in front of people and talking with people. But I do not like taking selfies nor do I like videotaping myself. I know it may sound strange when I am engaged in a technology project and course. But I am not used to it because I am used to talking with people not with a camera. So making videos for this project was something weird for me. But I pushed through it and when I got done. I liked the results of the video and the other level of the expression and communication that it brings to my project. It just shows my frustration and hardships with the project at that moment in the way that words written may not do as well. I am not saying it was easy but it got more out of my live recording shell and allowed me to experience the coding and technology itself a little more. I have say, overall, this project has taught that embarking on a new learning experience with technology gives me a lot more experiences that test my boundaries and allow me to grow on several levels instead of those with which I am comfortable. So if anyone is hesitant about trying something new; go for it. I know they will not regret it if they try coding or any other technology because I do not and am definitely grateful for this experience.
But would I say that I expected a lot of the things that I faced during this project. I have to say that this project went in a completely different direction than I expected. I did not think that I would have to go from one page to another to learn more about the process and learn to use scratchpad in order to understand the basics of Java. But those are some of the tribulations that I had to face in order to truly comprehend what I was doing. But I have to admit that it is the difficulties of understanding the code, learning to write the code, submitting the code and then watching the results come to life made it all worthwhile for me. It was all unexpected but it made me appreciate the things that happened that I could not have thought were going to happen.
Each hurdle that I faced helped me to appreciate what I learned. Now will I continue to work on coding after the conclusion of this project. I have to say yes, because I really did end up enjoying the coding process and learning the basics. It was hard but it is not something that I regret at all. I am definitely going to keep practicing my coding ability because I believe that it is just one more skill that I can add to repertoire and it makes me much more versatile.
And I have to say that If someone asked me whether I would recommend this coding process to someone else. I would recommend it to everyone because they would learn a skill that is not only cool to learn but is also something that can be placed on a resume as a skill. Now not only do programmers know coding but I do as well. This is a boon for me and I think that all people should have the pleasure of learning coding and applying it in different areas. Plus it is cool to write a code in scratchpad and have it pop up on the screen and say "Hi, Omar!" to you in return. It is an awesome experience for me.
But while I'm reflecting on this process of coding. I must admit that I am really glad that I took the time to learn this skill and to apply in something that I never expected to do in my life. I never thought that I would learn coding let alone use it for a class or actually apply it. But it has become a bit of a habit for me now to play with code and I'm becoming a programming nerd. Not that becoming a programming nerd is a bad thing. But it has given me a new appreciation for technology and giving new avenues of learning a chance. This is because I have never been what you call computer savvy. I have been more of a paper and pencil type of man. Always playing with the things with which I am familiar and secure. And I have never really wanted to venture out of my comfort zone. But this coding adventure truly gave me a new perspective on technology. It taught me that learning continues no matter what your age and that just because a new technology may not appear appealing it does not mean that I should not dive in and try it because I had no idea what I was missing until I actually took the time to think and say just go for it and find out what you can actually learn from this.
However, I have to admit that there was a part with which I was not totally comfortable. I'm a confident man and I'm fine in front of people and talking with people. But I do not like taking selfies nor do I like videotaping myself. I know it may sound strange when I am engaged in a technology project and course. But I am not used to it because I am used to talking with people not with a camera. So making videos for this project was something weird for me. But I pushed through it and when I got done. I liked the results of the video and the other level of the expression and communication that it brings to my project. It just shows my frustration and hardships with the project at that moment in the way that words written may not do as well. I am not saying it was easy but it got more out of my live recording shell and allowed me to experience the coding and technology itself a little more. I have say, overall, this project has taught that embarking on a new learning experience with technology gives me a lot more experiences that test my boundaries and allow me to grow on several levels instead of those with which I am comfortable. So if anyone is hesitant about trying something new; go for it. I know they will not regret it if they try coding or any other technology because I do not and am definitely grateful for this experience.
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