A common question we get from new applicants is “What should I already know if I want to take a Code the Dream class?” To answer this question we’ve created a checklist for each of the classes we currently, or will be offering in 2022 to help applicants determine which of our classes is right for them… As always though, if you have questions that aren’t answered here or on our FAQ page, please email (by clicking the following links) either Program Director, Lori Fernald Khamala or Class Coordinator, Mary Alice Moore.
What should I have/know for the INTRO TO PROGRAMMING class?
What you should have:
☑ Reliable Internet Connection
☑ Enough space to download a code editor like Visual Studio Code or Atom for example
What you should know:
☑ How to use your computer (ex. do you know how to open programs, use a web browser, switch between programs or applications, etc.)
☑ Good typing skills (this does not mean you have to type quickly, but that you pay attention to what you're typing)
☑ How to read and follow along with a programming tutorial (the pre-work assignment we require during the application process will give you this experience if you do not have it yet)
What should I have/know for the advanced Front End REACT class?
What you should have:
☑ Reliable Internet Connection
☑ 4GB RAM; 20GB hard disk space
☑ The better your machine is, the better your development experience will be
☒ Chromebooks are not recommended
What you should know:
☑ Standard HTML tag set (ex. DOCTYPE, html, head, body, h1-h4, p, a, etc.)
☑ HTML forms (how they work and the various parts that make up a form)
☑ Strong CSS skills (including: creating and applying styles, using layouts such as Flexbox and Grid, ability to create styles that are responsive and use media queries)
☑ Intermediate JavaScript skills (arrays, objects, methods, functions, loops, looping methods such as map and filter, conditional statements, API fetch and how to parse the data returned, JS syntax including working with strings vs. numbers, arrow functions, etc.)
☑ JavaScript DOM Manipulation (how to use JavaScript to alter the DOM)
☑ Basic understanding of Objects (object literals, object methods)
☑ Knowledge of how to use built in JavaScript data types (ex. objects, numbers, strings, arrays, etc.)
☑ Experience with at least one type of prototype (ex. dates)
☑ Knowledge and understanding of asynchronous programming (use of promises, async await, callbacks, etc.)
What should I have/know for the advanced Back End RUBY ON RAILS class?
What you should have:
☑ Reliable Internet Connection
☑ Either:
A recent Mac (any type as long as it supports the most recent Mac OS)
OR
A Linux machine
OR
Windows 10 w 64 bit with 8GB memory AND administrative access
☑ 100GB hard disk space (regardless of the type of machine you're working with)
☒ Chromebooks are not recommended
What you should know:
☑ Standard HTML tag set (ex. DOCTYPE, html, head, body, h1-h4, p, a, etc.)
☑ HTML forms (how they work and the various parts that make up a form)
☑ Creating and applying CSS styles (including layouts such as Flexbox and Grid)
☑ JavaScript basics (arrays, objects, methods, functions, loops, conditional statements, API fetch and how to parse the data returned)
☑ JavaScript DOM Manipulation (how to use JavaScript to alter the DOM)
☑ git/GitHub (how to use git commands in your terminal, how to use a GitHub repository for version control including how to fork, clone, push, making a pull request) NOTE: experience in source control with another version control system like gitlab or bitbucket is also acceptable
What should I have/know for the advanced Node.js class?
THIS INFORMATION STILL BEING DETERMINED... DETAILS COMING SOON!