So much JavaScript, other happenings

Posted on by Matthew
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I finally wrapped up the JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures certification from freeCodeCamp. It was a beast. As someone who dabbled in JavaScript a long time ago and worked with similar syntax in PHP, the course work still found ways to challenge me. There were plenty of thought provoking activities.

Output from the final five certification projects are in the Web / Development Portfolio section.

Some of the areas of personal improvement I took away from the certification:

  • Learning changes introduced in ECMAScript 6
  • More practice/application of recursive functions
  • Better grasp on regular expressions (shudder)

I am quite happy to get through it. Next up from the FCC block is training on Front End Libraries, which covers topics I am quite interested in such as jQuery and React.

I do have a balancing act with that training and a couple other upcoming activities. First, I am starting a new opportunity in November and will be training on new cloud software technology. Second, I need to wrap up my A+ exams before my vouchers expire.

Never a dull moment!

Initial web development portfolio

Posted on by Matthew
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A new Web / Development Portfolio section is available with projects from my Responsive Web Design certification. Also included is the PHP / RSS project from earlier this year. I am drafting another PHP project that can include MySQL connectivity and querying examples.

I am still working on Data Structures and Algorithms training / certification. The projects from that effort will be included in the portfolio section. freeCodeCamp is not kidding when describing the certification as “A ton of JavaScript”. It has been good to refresh on that language and learn about the features of ES6.

New support content section and certification update

Posted on by Matthew
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As I enjoy working in the technical support and knowledge spaces, I thought it best to create the Support / Content Samples section with links to my examples. Unfortunately, much of the work has been lost since the IBM Rational channels and spaces have been deleted. Well, here’s to future creations!

Speaking of creation, I completed freeCodeCamp’s Responsive Web Design certification on August 7. It was satisfying to catch up with the latest HTML/CSS versions and put them into practice. It is also great to get a portfolio going. It has been several years since I worked with web development or content, and I did not have a solid creative outlet. The portfolio work and getting this website rolling again definitely helps fill that void.

I am introducing portfolio items in blog posts over the next week or so.

freeCodeCamp‘s training programs are impressive. I recommend checking them out if you are looking into new development technology. I already started on the next certification for “Algorithms and Data Structures” with JavaScript.

Cloud computing and Quick AWS EB Status Check page

Posted on by Matthew
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I have been trying to play around with and create simple setups with different IaaS/SaaS offerings such as AWS and Azure. One of my first experiments was with using PHP on AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

First thought was to try out a health API, but it turned out free accounts did not have access to it. Wanting to dig into PHP for the first time in a while, I decided to look into ways to pull status updates onto a page or block. The result was essentially having PHP gather the most recent AWS RSS for a selected EB instance and add it to the page.

Quick AWS Elastic Beanstalk Status Updates

March 2020 edit: Needed to disable the EB instance this was hosted on indefinitely. Page has been moved to this website.

What do you got, then?

Posted on by Matthew
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  • Egg and bacon
  • Egg, sausage and bacon
  • Egg and Spam
  • Egg, bacon and Spam
  • Egg, bacon, sausage and Spam
  • Spam, bacon, sausage and Spam
  • Spam, egg, Spam, Spam, bacon and Spam
  • Spam, Spam, Spam, egg and Spam
  • Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, baked beans, Spam, Spam, Spam and Spam
  • Lobster Thermidor aux crevettes with a Mornay sauce, garnished with truffle pate, brandy, and a fried egg on top, and Spam