Coding For Dummies

Hands-on exercises help you learn to code like a pro

No coding experience is required for Coding For Dummies, your one-stop guide to building a foundation of knowledge in writing computer code for web, application, and software development. It doesn't matter if you've dabbled in coding or never written a line of code, this book guides you through the basics. Using foundational web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, it explains in plain English how coding works and why it's needed.

Online exercises developed by Codecademy, a leading online code training site, help hone coding skills and demonstrate results as you practice.

The site provides an environment where you can try out tutorials built into the text and see the actual output from your coding. You'll also gain access to end-of-chapter challenges to apply newly acquired skills to a less-defined assignment. So what are you waiting for?

• The current demand for workers with coding and computer science skills far exceeds the supply
• Teaches the foundations of web development languages in an easy-to-understand format
• Offers unprecedented opportunities to practice basic coding languages
• Readers can access online hands-on exercises and end-of-chapter assessments that develop and test their new-found skills

If you're a student looking for an introduction to the basic concepts of coding or a professional looking to add new skills, Coding For Dummies has you covered.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Coding 5

Chapter 1: What Is Coding? 7

Chapter 2: Programming for the Web 19

Chapter 3: Becoming a Programmer 33

Part 2: Building the Silent and Interactive Web Page 41

Chapter 4: Exploring Basic HTML 43

Chapter 5: Getting More Out of HTML 59

Chapter 6: Getting Stylish with CSS 75

Chapter 7: Next Steps with CSS 97

Chapter 8: Working Faster with Twitter Bootstrap 119

Chapter 9: Adding in JavaScript 135

Part 3: Putting Together a Web Application 157

Chapter 10: Building Your Own App 159

Chapter 11: Researching Your First Web Application 171

Chapter 12: Coding and Debugging Your First Web Application 187

Part 4: Developing Your Coding Skills Further 197

Chapter 13: Getting Familiar with Ruby 199

Chapter 14: Wrapping Your Head around Python 213

Part 5: The Part of Tens 227

Chapter 15: Ten Free Resources for Coding and Coders 229

Chapter 16: Ten Tips for Novice Coders 237

Index 245

Nikhil Abraham was Director of Business Development & Growth at Codecademy. In that role, he taught and trained thousands of beginning coders across a variety of professions. He helped refine Codecademy's online courses, which have introduced basic coding skills to millions of learners.