For a couple of months I’ve been carefully preparing to dive into JavaScript and the purpose of this post is to outline the steps I’m going to take, which books I’m going to read and which sites I’m going to use to start learning Javascript.
With the REST API being scaffolded into WordPress in 4.4 and with live examples such as Calypso demonstrating how we can build applications on top of WordPress in new ways with JavaScript libraries such as React, we really have no other choice but to embrace what JavaScript can bring to the table.
Web Development
Using a Pattern Library as a Design Tool
A Quick WordPress Plugin: There Can Be Only One
It’s been over seven years since I last built or maintained a WordPress plugin, thanks in large part to the great community of WordPress plugin developers who share their hard work for the community as a whole. Yet, I finally ran into a situation that wasn’t handled by an available plugin. I patched this in my custom functions.php file with some help from code that I found here (thanks Craige!) and have cruised along for a good while, but I wanted to strengthen my solution while giving back to the WordPress community.
(TLDR – the WordPress community is awesome, and I published this plugin: There Can Be Only One)
My Goal
There should always be one (and only one!) sticky post visible at the top of my home page.
The Setup
I post many links and images on my site, which means the majority of my front page is made up of links elsewhere, and anything that I write is quickly lost in the stream. Sticky posts help to address this, allowing me to designate that a post should be shown at the top of my home page, regardless of whether it is the newest or not. Awesome!
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The Seduction of the Superficial in Digital Product Design
It’s understandable that non-designers talking about design (as increasingly happens) focus on the superficial–it’s the easiest to discuss. However, we in the digital design community must not get so caught up in the seductive Surface that we neglect those lower layers.
Hear hear!
Designers Should Welcome Trouble
An absolute must watch for every designer. Every builder too. Seriously. Watch this in it’s entirety.
To say that this resonates with me is an understatement of the highest order, and the timing is particularly important for me as I look at my role, both personal and professional in life.
It strikes to my core. If it doesn’t do the same to you as a designer, then it is time to rethink your place in the world.
SMACSS – Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS
Many of you may already be aware of it, but in case not, I thought I’d point out that Jonathan Snook has released a site/ebook called Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS or SMACSS (pronounced “smacks”). If you’ve read any of his previous stuff or had a chance to meet him at past events like South by Southwest Interactive, you know he’s a smart cookie, and nice to boot.
SMACSS is an interesting look into Jonathan’s process and structure, and as he puts it “a way to examine your design process and as a way to fit those rigid frameworks into a flexible thought process. It’s an attempt to document a consistent approach to site development when using CSS.”
I’ve personally spent a lot of time thinking about how I organize my CSS, so I love the opportunity to see the path that Jonathan has followed. We follow different practices in some cases (organization of attributes for example), but at a minimum, reading through his choices has caused me to think about the patterns I have set for myself.
Beyond the content, I love the fact that he’s sharing it publicly on the Web, in ebook format and via a third “Full Membership” option, so the information is freely available but he’s still able to profit from his efforts. I’ve signed up for that last option, in part to support him, but also because I’m excited to see what he’ll release to those members.
Image from the SMACSS site