Introduction to Front-End Development from Coursera

Welcome to Introduction to Front-End Development, the first course in the Meta Front-End Developer program.

This course is a good place to start if you want to become a web developer. You will learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a web developer and get a general understanding of the core and underlying technologies that power the internet. You will learn how front-end developers create websites and applications that work well and are easy to maintain.

You’ll be introduced to the core web development technologies like HTML and CSS and get opportunities to practice using them. You will also be introduced to modern UI frameworks such as Bootstrap and React that make it easy to create interactive user experiences.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Describe the front-end developer role

- Explain the core and underlying technologies that power the internet

- Use HTML to create a simple webpage

- Use CSS to control the appearance of a simple webpage

- Explain what React is

- Describe the applications and characteristics of the most popular UI frameworks

For the final project in this course, you will create and edit a webpage using HTML and the Bootstrap CSS framework. Using a responsive layout grid, you will construct a responsive webpage containing text and images that looks great on any size screen.

This is a beginner course intended for learners eager to learn the fundamentals of web development. To succeed in this course, you do not need prior web development experience, only basic internet navigation skills and an eagerness to get started with coding.

What's inside

Syllabus

Get started with web development

In this module, you will learn about the different types of web developers and the roles and responsibilities of front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers. You will take a first look at the core technologies of HTML, CSS, and Javascript and explore the concepts that underpin how the internet works.

Introduction to HTML and CSS

In this module you will learn how to construct HTML documents and add basic styling and layout using CSS.

UI Frameworks

In this module you will learn how to use the Bootstrap framework to build responsive interfaces and the benefits of working with UI frameworks.

End-of-Course Graded Assessment

In this module, you will be assessed on the key skills covered in the Course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners interested in web development

Taught by Meta staff, who are recognized for their work in the field

Covers core front-end web development technologies like HTML, CSS, and React

Develops essential front-end developer skills like creating responsive web pages

Introduces modern UI frameworks like Bootstrap, which are standard in industry

Requires prior web development experience or basic internet navigation skills

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Front-End Development with these activities:

HTML Refresher

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Review the basics of HTML to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your understanding of its structure and syntax.

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Read through an online HTML tutorial or reference guide
Create a simple HTML document to practice using tags and attributes
Use a code editor or online tool to validate your HTML document

CSS Refresher

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Revisit the core concepts of CSS to strengthen your understanding of styling and layout techniques.

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Review an online CSS tutorial or reference guide
Experiment with different CSS properties and values to see their effects
Use a code editor or online tool to create a simple CSS style sheet

Study Group for Code Reviews

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Regularly meet with a small group of peers to review and discuss each other's code, providing constructive feedback and improving coding practices.

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Find a group of fellow students or developers interested in front-end development
Establish a regular meeting schedule and format
Take turns presenting your code to the group
Provide constructive feedback on the code's structure, design, and functionality
Discuss and incorporate the feedback into your own code

Six other activities

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Create a sample webpage using HTML and CSS

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Creating a sample webpage will reinforce the concepts of HTML and CSS learned in the course.

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Create a new text file and save it with a .html extension.
Use HTML tags to define the structure of the webpage, such as the <head> and <body> tags.
Add CSS styles to the webpage to control the appearance of the text, background, and other elements.
Preview the webpage in a web browser to see the results.

HTML Element Matching

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Practice identifying and matching HTML elements to reinforce your understanding of their roles in web development.

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Visit HTML Dog
Select the 'Elements' tab
Match the elements in the left column to their descriptions in the right column
Repeat the game to improve your recall

CSS Style Challenges

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Engage in practical challenges that test your CSS skills, enhancing your ability to apply styles effectively.

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Find a CSS challenge website or platform
Select a challenge that aligns with your skill level
Implement the necessary CSS styles to meet the challenge requirements
Review your solution and make necessary adjustments
Share your solution with the community for feedback

Interactive CSS Animations Tutorial

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Follow an interactive tutorial that provides hands-on experience in creating engaging and visually appealing CSS animations.

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Identify a suitable online CSS animations tutorial
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the tutorial
Experiment with different animation properties and values
Build a small project that incorporates CSS animations
Share your project or findings with others

Mini Portfolio Project

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Create a small-scale portfolio project that showcases your front-end development skills and serves as a tangible demonstration of your abilities.

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Decide on a project idea that highlights your strengths
Plan and design the project's layout and functionality
Implement the project using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Review and test your project for responsiveness and usability
Publish your project online and share it with potential employers or clients

Open-Source Contribution

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Participate in an open-source project related to front-end development, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the community.

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Identify a suitable open-source project to contribute to
Familiarize yourself with the project's codebase and documentation
Propose and develop a feature or improvement for the project
Submit a pull request with your contribution
Collaborate with the project maintainers to get your contribution merged

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Front-End Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Front-End Web Developer

Front-End Web Developers are responsible for the design and implementation of the user interface of a website or web application. They work closely with UX designers to create a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. This course provides a solid foundation in the core technologies used by Front-End Developers, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It also introduces students to modern UI frameworks such as Bootstrap and React, which make it easy to create interactive and engaging interfaces. By completing this course, students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to launch a career as a Front-End Web Developer.

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Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the development and maintenance of websites and web applications. They work with clients to gather requirements, design and implement solutions, and test and debug code. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of Web Development, covering topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web application frameworks. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to build and maintain websites and web applications that are both functional and visually appealing.

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UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of websites and web applications. They work with Front-End Developers to create interfaces that are easy to use and navigate. This course provides a foundation in the principles of UX design, including user research, prototyping, and testing. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to create user interfaces that are both effective and enjoyable to use.

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UI Designer

UI Designers are responsible for the visual design of websites and web applications. They work with UX Designers to create interfaces that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. This course provides a foundation in the principles of UI design, including typography, color theory, and layout. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to create user interfaces that are both beautiful and functional.

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Web Content Manager

Web Content Managers are responsible for the creation and management of content on websites and web applications. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop content strategies, and create and edit content. This course provides a foundation in the principles of web content management, including content planning, writing, and editing. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to create and manage content that is both informative and engaging.

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Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital Marketing Specialists are responsible for the planning and execution of digital marketing campaigns. They work with clients to develop marketing strategies, create and manage content, and track and analyze results. This course provides a foundation in the principles of digital marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to create and execute digital marketing campaigns that are both effective and cost-effective.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. They work with clients to gather requirements, design and implement solutions, and test and debug code. This course provides a foundation in the principles of software engineering, including object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, and maintain software applications that are both reliable and efficient.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for the coding and implementation of software applications. They work with Software Engineers to design and develop solutions, and test and debug code. This course provides a foundation in the principles of computer programming, including programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to code and implement software applications that are both functional and efficient.

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Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists are responsible for the management and maintenance of computer systems and networks. They work with clients to identify and resolve technical issues, and provide support and training. This course provides a foundation in the principles of information technology, including computer hardware, software, and networks. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to manage and maintain computer systems and networks that are both reliable and secure.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of databases. They work with clients to design and implement database solutions, and ensure that data is stored securely and efficiently. This course provides a foundation in the principles of database management, including database design, data storage, and data retrieval. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to manage and maintain databases that are both reliable and scalable.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This course provides a foundation in the principles of project management, including project planning, scheduling, and budgeting. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to plan, execute, and close projects that are both successful and on time.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for the creation and maintenance of technical documentation. They work with subject matter experts to gather information, develop content, and create documentation that is clear and concise. This course provides a foundation in the principles of technical writing, including documentation planning, writing, and editing. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to create and maintain technical documentation that is both informative and easy to understand.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for the analysis and design of computer systems. They work with stakeholders to identify and solve business problems, and develop and implement solutions. This course provides a foundation in the principles of systems analysis, including systems modeling, data analysis, and solution design. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and design computer systems that are both efficient and effective.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for the testing and validation of software applications. They work with Software Engineers to identify and resolve defects, and ensure that software applications meet quality standards. This course provides a foundation in the principles of quality assurance, including testing techniques, defect tracking, and quality control. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to test and validate software applications that are both reliable and efficient.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for the analysis and improvement of business processes. They work with stakeholders to identify and solve business problems, and develop and implement solutions. This course provides a foundation in the principles of business analysis, including process modeling, data analysis, and solution design. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and improve business processes that are both efficient and effective.

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