usacs/flasktalkf2014

Flask Talk Fall 2014

This repository contains code, and action items from a Intro to Web Development in Flask talk given on September 29, 2014.

Code

cats.html shows you how to write a simple static web page - something that looks like a Microsoft Word document.

app.py shows you how to do input/output on the web. It allows us to accept orders from customers, show them a "thanks for your order" page, and notify someone via text message of the order. You will need to sign up for a Twilio account and fill in your account information in app.py to get the text messages to work.

Takeaways/Action Items

• Writing web code is easier than it looks. I've written less than 150 lines of code that already does something useful.
• I encourage you to think of a simple web application that you'd like to build - you will be far more motivated to work on a project that you find interesting.
• Talk to upperclassmen, mentors or send me an email ([email protected]). The CS community is happy to help motivated students, and point you in the right direction.
• It sucks that this stuff - HTML, Python, Flask - isn't taught in our CS classes. Don't use that as an excuse. Remember that you're responsible for your own success.
• Go to HackRU and build stuff. You'll get inspired by the people and the environment.
• Don't worry about the language, environment you're writing in. People will tell you X is better than Y, and the discussion turns into a religious debate. Learn from the people around you but don't feel compelled to do things exactly like they do.
• As an exception to the previous rule - stop trying to write web apps in Java/Eclipse. Java is generally full of boilerplate, and makes web development harder. I know that you're comfortable in Java because of your coursework, but the initial investment into learning Ruby/Python/Node.js/PHP pays in the long run.

Resources

• Learn Python the Hard Way - Teaches you the basics of Python. Good for people new to programming.
• Project Euler - Interesting math-y problems that you can use for code practice in any language. I recommend picking up Python by doing the first ~10 problems if you've already taken 111/112.
• Flask Docs - Flask docs. They're pretty well written with code examples, and well written explanations of concepts.
• CS75.tv - A comprehensive dynamic web development course that walks you through HTML/CSS, PHP, Databases, Javascript, Security etc. It gives you a very strong foundation in web development concepts, and it's useful if you prefer a more organized cirriculum.
• Google, StackOverflow, Rutgers Hackathon Club

P.S. - I work for Etsy - a wonderful software company in Brooklyn. If you're interested in an internship or full time position with us, shoot me an email ([email protected]).