Want to learn to code for free?
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David
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Very cool. Thanks for posting this David. 
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I recommend this website to learn how to program in java:
http://how-to-program-in-java.com/
It has also a good java course that you can find here: http://how-to-program-in-java.com/core-java-tutorial/
It was really helpful for me.
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I’ve never done any coding myself but starting to think it might create opportunities. Given the sudden closure of Softpress without warning it’s also a reminder that relying on a specific piece of software carries real risks if your living depends on it.
Ashley
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Keep in mind, when you travel to a new country, you don’t have to learn the whole language… but it helps to pick up a few basic words and phrases. Code works the same way.
The more trips you make, the more you learn.
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Ashley,
Like Walter and a handful of others over the years I have tried to encourage FW users to learn about the (code) tools of the trade. Frustratingly it has more often than not been seen as a subversive or worse, elitist attempt to turn designers into coders which is utterly, laughably missing the point. I alway approached it as improving one’s literacy.
I agree with you, people are overly dependent on software to “think” for them and by learning about code (the most fundamental of the “core” tools of Web building) you are ensuring you will never become obsolete, regardless if you use a visual design app or a plain-Jane text editor.
I sincerely hope you take that first step because you will discover a new world of opportunities while feeling empowered. And it feels great.
Todd
Office (Chicago): 312.212.3955
I’ve never done any coding myself but starting to think it might create opportunities. Given the sudden closure of Softpress without warning it’s also a reminder that relying on a specific piece of software carries real risks if your living depends on it.
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I saw the writing on the wall with Freeway about 18 months ago and switched to Rapidweaver, which has so far proven better for my objectives, but in a sense I have simply moved my eggs into a different basket that still relies on others.
I’ve been working with Macs now for 17 years, going back to the original G3 iMac. I have worked with a large number of applications using proprietary file formats that keep you tied to their ecosystem, but with zero guarantees in return. As computer users we need to think smarter and think longterm.
Clearly there are limits to what can be done on your own and it’s not always sensible spending time trying to reinvent the wheel, but the sudden demise of Softpress is a good moment to reflect how to become less dependent on software applications that are here today and gone tomorrow.
If you produce one site a year I guess you can just use something like Blocs and knock out a respectable looking site that should last a few years, but if you want something more, learning to code sounds like the logical step forward.
I shall take some first tentative steps with this and see where it leads me. My only reluctance is that I am already juggling various tasks and roles as a diversified one man business and the number one commodity is time.
Ashley
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Hi Ashley,
When I was in a (very) similar position I knew (after a long day of staring at the computer) that I would not spend even more time running through online tutorials so instead I incorporated my learning into actual client work. On-the-job training as it were.
I had no choice but to learn because I had to finish the job I was being paid to do. No excuses. Nothing like a little precisely targeted self-imposed pressure to accelerate the learning process. It worked for me, big time.
But as Ernie implied it wasn’t done all at once. I clearly remember one of my earlier “transition” projects that was already in play. I started by simply taking FW’s generated CSS files (a ridiculous number of them) and manually condensing them into a single file then cleaning up the bloated HTML.
From a technical aspect it was simple stuff (a lot of copy/paste/delete), meaning I wasn’t attempting to recode the site from scratch under a deadline, but I quickly (very quickly) learned about basic HTML structure, CSS and what was and wasn’t needed. I set myself a manageable real-world challenge and the job got done on time and I had learned a lot, albeit in a less structured more organic environment that left me no option but to push through.
As my understanding increased I became more hands-on with each project until one day I no longer needed training wheels. So yeah, in the right context and with proper motivation "a little at a time” can work very well indeed (and remarkably quickly) even when time is a problem. In fact, I would go so far as to say a lack of time was the single-most crucial motivational factor available to me at the time. Had I an excess of free time to study I would have dragged my feet.
But like all things, your mileage may vary. Best of luck in your code adventures.
Todd
Office (Chicago): 312.212.3955
My only reluctance is that I am already juggling various tasks and roles as a diversified one man business and the number one commodity is time.
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