> If you are following the HackYourFuture curriculum we recommend you to start with module 1: [HTML/CSS/GIT](https://github.com/HackYourFuture/HTML-CSS). To get a complete overview of the HackYourFuture curriculum first, click [here](https://github.com/HackYourFuture/curriculum).
> Please help us improve and share your feedback! If you find better tutorials
> or links, please share them by [opening a pull request](https://github.com/HackYourFuture/JavaScript1/pulls).
# Module #2 - JavaScript 1: Programming Basics (Frontend)
In this module you'll make a start into wonderful world of programming. We will be using the programming language `JavaScript` to do so. You'll learn about the basic building blocks of programming: `loops`, `functions`, `control flow` and more. Consider these as the ABC's of programming, without them it's impossible to write working software!
You'll be learning two main things:
1. Fundamental concepts in programming
While we're using JavaScript to illustrate these concepts, it's important to keep in mind that what you will learn is applicable to **any** programming language. They might differ in syntax (a fancy term for the arrangement of words in a language in order for it to make sense), but the functionality will be the same: a loop will always be a loop.
This should be your mindset when you're learning concepts: **I'm learning how to become a software developer that can adjust to any language used, because I know what the underlying principles and concepts are**.
2. How to think like a programmer
In one sentence this means: **knowing how to solve problems computationally**. Let's split that up in two parts: `how to solve problems` refers to the ability to identify issues and find effective solutions. `computationally` refers to the ability to think in logical steps that the computer can understand and execute.
This should be your mindset when you're learning how to think : **I'm learning how to think in logical steps, identifying cause and effect, and always looking for solutions**.
## Before you start!
In order to test your JavaScript code, you'll be using software that will execute your files from the command line. This software is called [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/en/download/). Download the Long-Term Support (LTS) version for your specific operating system.
- For Windows, click [here](https://nodejs.org/dist/v10.16.0/node-v10.16.0-x64.msi)
- For Mac, click [here](https://nodejs.org/dist/v10.16.0/node-v10.16.0.pkg)
- For Linux, click [here](https://nodejs.org/dist/v10.16.0/node-v10.16.0-linux-x64.tar.xz)
After you've installed it, go to your command line interface. Type in the following command:
```
node --version
```
It should show you version `v10.14.2` or higher.
## Learning goals
In order to successfully complete this module you will need to master the following:
- Have an idea of what computer programming is
- Know the basic buildingblocks of JavaScript
- Correctly write and use variables, functions and loops
- Understand the control flow
- Think like a programmer
## How to use this repository
This repository consists of 3 parts:
1. `Reading materials`: this document contains all the required theory you need to know _**while**_ you're coding. It's meant as both study material and as a reference to understand what you're doing.
2. `Homework`: this document contains the instructions for each week's homework.
3. `Lesson Plans`: this part is meant for teachers as a reference. However, as a student don't be shy to take a look at it as well!
After your first class you should start with checking the `reading materials` for that week. So, for the first time that is the [Week 1 Reading](/Week1/README.md). Study all the concepts and try to get the gist of everything. After, you can get started with the `homework` for that week.
If you have any questions or if something is not entirely clear ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯, please ask/comment on Slack!
## Planning
| Week | Topic | Reading Materials | Homework | Lesson Plan |
| ---- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| 1. | What is JavaScript?, Variables, Data Structures & Naming Conventions | [Reading W1](/Week1/README.md) | [Homework W1](/Week1/MAKEME.md) | [Lesson Plan W1](/Week1/LESSONPLAN.md) |
| 2. | Statements vs. Expressions, Control flow, Loops, Operators, Conditional statement | [Reading W2](/Week2/README.md) | [Homework W2](/Week2/MAKEME.md) | [Lesson Plan W2](/Week1/LESSONPLAN.md) |
| 3. | Functions, Thinking like a programmer I, How JavaScript relates to HTML/CSS | [Reading W3](/Week3/README.md) | [Homework W3](/Week3/MAKEME.md) | [Lesson Plan W3](/Week3/LESSONPLAN.md) |
## Finished?
Did you finish the module? Good job! You're doing great!
If you feel ready for the next challenge, click [here](https://www.github.com/HackYourFuture/JavaScript2) to go to JavaScript2!
_The HackYourFuture curriculum is subject to CC BY copyright. This means you can freely use our materials, but just make sure to give us credit for it :)_
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.