Why writing JavaScript feels like doing calculus

This week we dove into JavaScript, and while I get the overall concept of the document-object model (DOM) and JavaScript’s role in front-end dev, actually learning how to write it has felt like fumbling around in the dark. That is, it did until it dawned on me that I should approach JavaScript puzzles like I would approach a math problem.

It’s been 12 years since I’ve thought about calculus, but as I began playing with JavaScript, some long-dormant neural pathways activated. Instead of trying to hammer my way to a macro solution for a particular puzzle on step 1, I started to think like I was in math class. I started to identify all the variables, explore the relationships between them, and start assembling an “equation” step by step.

The first thing that struck me was the opacity change on hover for the linked images in the quiz, a nice touch which communicates clickability and serves to highlight the options as users evaluate them. This interaction is built into the CSS for image hover states — it’s a clean solution, and I’ve bookmarked it for future reference!

I have two suggestions for the quiz in order to better align the user experience with user expectation:

Different ways of seeing and understanding begin with the actual doing. You can’t just read about javascript; you have to dig in and muck around in it.

Related posts:

Taxes are a critical component of modern economies, with governments using tax revenue to fund public services and infrastructure. In the finance industry, taxes play a significant role in everything…

Have you ever wondered how you can live a healthier life without compromising on all the foods that you love? Have you been afraid of dieting because with dieting comes sacrifice? I began the journey…

The event started with our cooperation with @pippihousetanzania, to where Hakan introduced the local orphanage in Tanzania. While we promised to double the raised funds, donations have exceeded our…