Learning to code with Code Nation - Week 2

In a week where higher-order functions had me watching the same youtube video 5 times over one evening, collectively there is now tangible evidence of progress being made.

This week has seen bipolar weather & the biggest learning curve I've personally ever experienced, graduating from the basics of JS onto topics a little more complex; prototypes, algorithms, callbacks, promises & scope. The collaborative approach of our cohort to problem solve together can only be described as brilliant, a diverse set of individuals makes for a great environment to embrace other perspectives & adopt the growth mindset needed to get through the week.

JavaScript++ this week

On Monday we were taught more of the fundamentals needed to take on the challenges that the end of the week was going to bring. This followed suit until Wednesday, Telmo informed us that the kata was set & it was up to us to complete it.

This kata is called 'Top Trumps', simple in theory, but it gave us a chance to exercise all of the skills we've learned over the past 2 weeks (and DREAMT about, unfortunately) & put them into practice. An example of my code involved in the kata:

While(player1.length > 0 && player2.length > 0 ) {              

    let hand1 = player1.slice(0,1);                                   
    let hand2 = player2.slice(0,1);

    player1.shift();  
    player2.shift();                                                 
                                                     
    if (hand1[0].overall > hand2[0].overall) {
        player1.push(hand1,hand2);
            player1.push(lockdown);
                console.log( 'Player 1 wins the hand!');

    } else if(hand2[0].overall > hand1[0].overall) {                 
        player2.push(hand1,hand2); 
            player2.push(lockdown);
                console.log('Player 2 wins the hand!');  
                                                                    
    } else {
        (hand1[0].overall == hand2[0].overall)
            lockdown.push(hand1, hand2);
                console.log("Its a draw!"); 
    }
     
    }         

Talks & Events

This week we hosted Pretty Little Thing's Lead Developer Csaba Nagyidai who spoke inspirationally about why its important to "never give up and don’t stop learning" on your journey within tech & how he's an advocate for Node.js!

Mike Taylor, Director of Pure Legal also gave us an insight into how he sources his talent, what he looks for when hiring & how he plans to retain it, putting an emphasis on a 'first one in & last one out' mentality. Which in the minds of some, is long gone, according to those who have the opinion that millennials aren't as driven, says Mike.

Today Code Nation invited Liam Russell (Tech Lead) from Matalan to the office to speak on opportunities there, his journey into tech & what it takes to break into the industry. Touching upon his childhood, how he focused most of his time on programming during this period. Liam subsequently ended up achieving a degree later on before landing his first commercial role as a developer.

Next week

Next week will bring the introduction of HTML/CSS & how they can be used to create structure in a website. I am particularly excited to see how we can fit JavaScript into the webpage to help it come alive!

So my thoughts after 2 weeks? Follow the lead of the tutors, do extracurricular work to ensure you understand the fundamentals & ask LOTS of questions & you'll do just fine!