How to build a web application from scratch using JavaScript?
Creating a web application from scratch may seem like a daunting challenge, but with the right guidance and a little practice, you will be able to master this process. This guide details how to build a JavaScript application that interacts with an API and generates HTML elements dynamically. Here you will learn how to set styles, insert images and manipulate the DOM effectively.
What resources are needed?
To get started, you need to have the fundamental resources lined up. Here's what you need to prepare before tackling application logic development.
-
CSS styles:
- You will need a
styles.css
file that defines the look and feel of your application. You can find predefined styles that suit the desired design and copy them to the corresponding folder in your project.
-
Images:
- Include any images you wish to use in your project, such as a logo. This file should be a
.png
file and placed in the assets
folder. You can use your own images or follow the links provided for free resources.
How to structure the JavaScript project?
Once the resources are in place, it is vital to organize your project by creating constants and functions that will handle the main logic of the application.
const body = document.querySelector('body');const API = 'https://api.escuelajs.co/api/v1/products?offset=5&limit=10';
import logo from './assets/logo.png';import './styles.css';
const main = async () => { const response = await fetch(API); const products = await response.json();
const output = products.map(product => { return `
<article class="card"> <img src="${product.images[0]}" alt="${product.title}"><h2>${product.title}</h2> <small>Price:$${product.price}</small> </article> `; }).join('');
const newItem = document.createElement('section'); newItem.classList.add('items'); newItem.innerHTML = output;
const newHeader = document.createElement('header'); const newImage = document.createElement('img'); newImage.src = logo; newHeader.appendChild(newImage);
body.appendChild(newHeader); body.appendChild(newItem);};
main();
How is the DOM logic implemented?
Manipulating the DOM (Document Object Model) is crucial for creating real-time interactivity in your application. The structure and flow of node manipulation is essential.
-
Create and Add Elements:
- Use
document.createElement
to create new nodes.
- Use
appendChild
to add these nodes to the DOM.
-
Class and Attribute Manipulation:
- Classes can be added using
classList.add.
- Be sure to define image sources and other attributes as needed.
Why is it important to understand pure JavaScript?
Working with JavaScript in its purest form-also known as vanilla JavaScript-provides a fundamental understanding that is crucial when using frameworks such as Angular, React or Vue. These libraries abstract DOM manipulation, but knowing how the underlying JavaScript works will allow you to:
- Optimize performance.
- Solve potential problems efficiently.
- Customize the application according to specific needs.
Learning to handle both the pure approach and the use of frameworks positions you as a versatile professional in the world of web development.
So go ahead, gain confidence in your skills and continue exploring the vast possibilities that JavaScript programming offers you. Mastering this technology will expand your capabilities to create powerful and efficient web applications!
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