DEV Community: Ahmed Shaikh

Learning HTML and CSS: Day 01 Chronicles 🚀

Ahmed Shaikh — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:16:28 +0000

Hey fellow learners! Welcome to the first chapter of my 30-day web development journey. Today was all about diving into the foundational elements of web development - HTML and CSS.

Before I share today's experience, here are the topics I learned today.

The Basics: HTML Unveiled 📜

Starting with HTML, I delved into the basics - understanding the structure, elements, and attributes that lay the groundwork for every web page. I acquainted myself with essential tags like <html>, <head>, and <body>, laying the foundation for the structure of a webpage.

Heading into Headings and Styles 🎨

Headings played a key role in organizing content, from <h1> for the main title to <h6> for subheadings. I explored the significance of paragraph tags <p>, line breaks <br>, and horizontal rules <hr>. Styles were added through the <style> tag and inline styles, giving a first taste of how to make the content visually appealing.

Quotes and Formatting Magic 🖋️

Quoting text with <blockquote> and <q> tags brought in a touch of elegance, while understanding formatting elements like <strong>, <em>, <u>, and <strike> added a layer of nuance to the content.

A Glimpse into CSS 💅

CSS, the style sheet language, was my next venture. Understanding how to link external stylesheets using <link> and embedding internal styles within <style> tags was enlightening. Selectors like classes and IDs opened the door to more precise styling.

Breaking Free from Tutorials: Learning from Docs 📚

Rather than solely relying on tutorials, I decided to take the road less traveled - learning directly from the documentation. Reading through the official documentation of HTML and CSS allowed me to grasp the concepts at my own pace. This hands-on approach gave me a deeper understanding of the languages, making the learning process more engaging.

The Downsides of Tutorial Dependency 🚫

While tutorials are undeniably helpful, I've come to realize their limitations. Dependency on tutorials can sometimes create a crutch, hindering the development of independent problem-solving skills. It's crucial to strike a balance between guided learning and exploring the documentation, fostering a holistic understanding of the subject matter.

Implementation: From Theory to Practice 💻

To solidify the concepts, I decided to implement what I learned. Crafting a simple webpage, I structured it using HTML, playing with headings, paragraphs, and quotes. CSS stepped in to style the page, showcasing my newfound knowledge of selectors, colors, and fonts. Finally, I experimented with links.

Wrapping Up Day 01 🎉

Day 01 has been a thrilling journey into the core of web development. From understanding the nitty-gritty of HTML elements to venturing into the styling realm with CSS, the day was packed with discovery. Breaking away from tutorials and learning directly from the documentation added a personal touch to my learning experience.

Join me tomorrow as I delve into my first web project 'Student Registration Form'! Your feedback and insights are invaluable, so feel free to share your thoughts on this journey so far. Until then, happy coding! 🚀

Embarking on a 30-Day Web Development Journey: Day 0 - The Game Plan

Ahmed Shaikh — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:48:18 +0000

Introduction: Why Web Development at 30?

Hey there, fellow learners! 🚀 So, I've decided to dive into the web development world, and guess what? I'm hitting the big 3-0 while doing it. Why, you ask? Well, because learning new things is cool, and web development seems like an exciting challenge. And why not share this adventure with you all through this blog? So, here we are, about to embark on this 30-day rollercoaster of coding revelations! 🎢

Day 0: The Blueprint

Today is the kick-off for my web development escapade, and I thought, why not start with a solid plan? A roadmap that not only guides me through coding languages but also makes sure I'm building a sturdy foundation for whatever lies ahead. Let's take a sneak peek at the next 30 days:

Days 1-5: HTML and CSS Fundamentals

Days 1-2: Brush up on or learn the basics of HTML5, crafting simple webpage structures.
Days 3-4: Dive into CSS3, nailing selectors, properties, and styling HTML pages.
Day 5: Merge HTML and CSS to create a static webpage, all while getting the hang of responsive design principles.

Days 6-15: JavaScript Fun Times

Days 6-8: Start with JavaScript basics – variables, data types, and operations.
Days 9-10: Tackle functions, arrays, and loops, solving some brain-teasers.
Days 11-15: Graduate to advanced JavaScript concepts – DOM manipulation, events, and asynchronous scripting.

Days 16-20: Embrace a Frontend Framework/Library

Days 16-17: Pick between React.js or Vue.js, dive into official docs, and whip up some simple components.
Days 18-20: Apply your newfound knowledge to create a project focusing on components, state, and props.

Days 21-28: Backend Basics (Node.js with Express) and Database Fun (MongoDB)

Days 21-22: Start off with Node.js, setting up a server using Express.
Days 23-25: Dive into routing, middleware, and handling HTTP requests, making some simple APIs.
Days 26-27: Get cozy with MongoDB, mastering CRUD operations.
Day 28: Round off your backend skills by connecting to a MongoDB database.

Days 29-30: Final Projects and Deployment

Day 29: Blend your frontend and backend skills, crafting a full-stack web application with a focus on design and functionality.
Day 30: Share your creation with the world by deploying it to a hosting service.

Project Milestones: From Simple to Complex

Easy Projects (Days 5-15):

Personal Portfolio Website:
- Showcase bio, skills, and projects.
- Apply responsive design principles.
Interactive Webpage:
- Implement features like image sliders, accordions, or simple form validation.
To-Do List App:
- Develop a to-do list application with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Intermediate Projects (Days 16-25):

Weather App:
- Integrate with a weather API.
- Use React or Vue for the frontend.
Movie Database:
- Fetch data from a movie API.
- Use React or Vue for the frontend.
Expense Tracker:
- Build an expense tracker with React or Vue.

Advanced Projects (Days 26-30):

Blog with CMS:
- Develop a blog using Node.js with Express.
- Implement a Content Management System (CMS) using MongoDB.
Real-time Chat Application:
- Create a real-time chat app using Socket.io for WebSocket communication.
Full-Stack E-commerce Platform:
- Build a full-stack e-commerce platform with React or Vue and a Node.js backend.

So, buckle up, because we're about to turn from coding newbies into web development aficionados in just 30 days! Join me on this journey as we conquer challenges, toast to victories, and unlock the secrets of the web development universe. Keep an eye out for the upcoming blogs, starting with our exploration of HTML and CSS fundamentals on Day 1!🧑🏽‍💻

As we gear up for this 30-day web development adventure, I'd love to hear from you. What do you think of the study plan? Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice you'd like to share?

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out like me, your insights can make a real difference. Maybe you've got a handy tip for tackling JavaScript challenges or a favorite project idea. Feel free to drop your thoughts below – this blog is not just about my journey, but about fostering a community of learners!🦾

So, hit me up with your feedback, advice, or even a virtual high-five. Let's make this journey a collaborative and enriching experience for everyone involved! Cheers to learning! 🚀

"Hacktoberfest 2023: Igniting Growth Through Open Source"

Ahmed Shaikh — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:34:46 +0000

"Hacktoberfest 2023: A Thrilling Journey!

I can't express how incredible my experience was during Hacktoberfest 2023. I dove headfirst into contributing to multiple open-source projects and picked up a bunch of new skills along the way.

As a programming newbie, Hacktoberfest provided the perfect launchpad for me to get involved in open source. I took on projects that offered just the right level of challenge. It was an exhilarating ride, mastering new features and techniques.

But it wasn't just about learning; I got to connect with people from every corner of the globe. Hacktoberfest's global reach brought me into contact with folks from diverse cultures. It was like a crash course in broadening my horizons and seeing the world through different lenses.

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I gleaned during my Hacktoberfest journey:

Nailed down how to craft top-notch code.
Got a taste of working seamlessly within a team.
Fine-tuned my skills in global collaboration.

And let me tell you, these were the standout moments for me:

Embracing the opportunity to acquire fresh skills.
Mingling with people from all walks of life.
That warm glow of seeing my contributions being put to good use.

If you're even remotely considering taking part in Hacktoberfest, don't hesitate! It's a phenomenal ride that will propel your growth as a developer. Trust me, you won't regret it!"

Energy-Efficient Processors: Using Less Power for a Greener World

Ahmed Shaikh — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:05:41 +0000

Introduction

In today’s world, computers and technology are essential for almost everything we do. But all this technology uses a lot of electricity, which can be harmful to the environment. That’s where energy-efficient processors come in! These processors are designed to use less power while still being powerful enough for all our tasks. In this blog, we’ll explore why energy-efficient processors are so important for the environment and how they help make our digital world greener.

Why Do We Need Energy-Efficient Processors?
Regular processors in computers and data centres can be huge energy hogs. They use a lot of electricity, which means more carbon emissions that harm the environment. So, we need energy-efficient processors to do the same work but use much less power. This way, we can reduce the harmful impact on the planet and save on electricity costs.

What Does Energy Efficiency in Processors Mean?

When we talk about energy efficiency in processors, it means getting more work done with less electricity. Think of it like using a smaller amount of fuel to drive a car the same distance. Energy-efficient processors are designed to be smart and use power only when needed. They can slow down when not doing much and speed up when there’s a lot of work to do. It’s like turning off lights when you’re not in the room — it saves electricity!

Why Is Green Computing Important?

Green computing is all about using technology in a way that is kind to the environment. It’s like using renewable energy or recycling to help our planet. With energy-efficient processors, we can reduce the amount of electricity needed to run computers and servers. That means we can cut down on harmful emissions and make a positive impact on our Earth.

How Low-Power Architectures Help

Low-power architectures are like special designs that make processors work better with less energy. They use smart techniques to save power, like slowing down parts of the processor when they’re not needed. Imagine having a car that automatically adjusts its speed based on how fast you need to go — that’s how low-power architectures work!

Special Processors for Special Jobs

Sometimes, we need processors that are good at specific tasks, like handling graphics or artificial intelligence. That’s where specialized processors, like GPUs and FPGAs, come in handy. They take over some of the work from the main processor and do it much more efficiently. It’s like having a helper who is good at one thing, so the main person can focus on other tasks.

Looking to the Future

The future of energy-efficient processors is exciting! Scientists and engineers are working on new technologies that will use even less power. Imagine having computers that work like our brains, being super smart and using very little electricity! Also, companies are exploring using clean and renewable energy to power their data centres, making everything even greener.

Conclusion

Energy-efficient processors are like superheroes in the world of technology. They use less power but still get the job done. By using these processors, we can help the environment and reduce our impact on the planet. Green computing is all about being kind to the Earth while still enjoying all the benefits of technology. As we continue to improve energy efficiency and explore new technologies, we can look forward to a greener and more sustainable digital future for everyone.

The Benefits of Using a Static Site Generator for Your Blog or Website

Ahmed Shaikh — Tue, 09 May 2023 14:14:34 +0000

A static site generator is a tool that generates HTML pages from templates and content files. Unlike traditional content management systems (CMS), static site generators do not rely on a database to generate pages dynamically. Instead, they generate static HTML files that can be served directly to users. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using a static site generator for your blog or website.

1. Faster Load Times

Static site generators generate pages at build time and serve them directly to users, resulting in faster load times. Since there is no need to query a database or generate pages on the fly, static sites can be served much more quickly than dynamic sites.

2. Improved Security

Static sites are more secure than dynamic sites because they do not have a database that can be hacked or compromised. This reduces the attack surface and makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your site.

3. Better Scalability

Since static sites do not rely on a database, they can be easily scaled by serving them through a content delivery network (CDN). This makes it easy to handle traffic spikes and ensures that your site remains available and responsive even during peak periods.

4. Lower Hosting Costs

Static sites can be hosted on low-cost hosting services or even served directly from a cloud storage service like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage. This can significantly reduce hosting costs, especially for sites with low to moderate traffic.

5. Improved SEO

Static sites are optimized for search engines because they are lightweight and fast-loading. This improves the user experience and can lead to better search engine rankings. Additionally, static sites can be easily optimized for SEO using tools like meta tags, sitemaps, and robots.txt files.

6. Simplified Maintenance

Static sites are easier to maintain than dynamic sites because there are no databases to manage or software updates to worry about. This means that you can focus on creating great content and not worry about the technical details of maintaining your site.

7. Better Portability

Static sites are portable because they are just a collection of HTML files. This makes it easy to move your site to a new hosting provider or to serve it from a different location.

In conclusion, static site generators offer many benefits for bloggers and website owners. They provide faster load times, improved security, better scalability, lower hosting costs, improved SEO, simplified maintenance, and better portability. By using a static site generator, you can focus on creating great content and leave the technical details to the generator.

20 essential chrome keyboard shortcuts that will make you forget your mouse

Ahmed Shaikh — Tue, 09 May 2023 13:53:17 +0000

Introduction:

When it comes to browsing the web, we all want to be efficient and save time. While using a mouse or touchpad is one way to navigate through Chrome, keyboard shortcuts can be a more efficient way to perform common tasks. In this article, we will discuss 20 essential keyboard shortcuts that will make you forget your mouse.

1. Open a new tab: `Ctrl + T`

One of the most common tasks in Chrome is opening a new tab. Instead of clicking on the plus (+) button on the top right corner, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + T to open a new tab.

2. Close current tab: `Ctrl + W`

To close the current tab, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W. This can be faster than clicking on the X button on the tab.

3. Reopen the last tab you closed: `Ctrl + Shift + T`

If you accidentally closed a tab, you can easily reopen it by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + T. This can be a lifesaver when you accidentally close an important tab.

4. Open a new window: `Ctrl + N`

To open a new Chrome window, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + N. This can be useful when you want to browse in a new window without closing the current one.

5. Close current window: `Ctrl + Shift + W`

To close the current Chrome window, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + W. This can be faster than clicking on the X button on the top right corner of the window.

6. Open the Chrome settings menu: `Alt + F` or `Alt + E`

To access the Chrome settings menu, use the keyboard shortcut Alt + F or Alt + E. This can be a faster way to access settings than clicking on the three-dot menu on the top right corner.

7. Open the Chrome task manager: `Shift + Esc`

To access the Chrome task manager, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Esc. This can be useful when you want to see which tabs or extensions are using up resources.

8. Navigate to the next tab: `Ctrl + Tab`

To navigate to the next tab, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Tab. This can be faster than clicking on the tab.

9. Navigate to the previous tab: `Ctrl + Shift + Tab`

To navigate to the previous tab, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Tab. This can be faster than clicking on the tab.

10. Go back a page: `Alt + Left arrow`

To go back a page, use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Left arrow. This can be faster than clicking on the back button.

11. Go forward a page: `Alt + Right arrow`

To go forward a page, use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Right arrow. This can be faster than clicking on the forward button.

12. Refresh the current page: `F5` or `Ctrl + R`

To refresh the current page, use the keyboard shortcut F5 or Ctrl + R. This can be faster than clicking on the refresh button.

13. Zoom in: `Ctrl + Plus (+)`

To zoom in on the current page, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Plus (+). This can be useful when you want to make the text or image larger.

14. Zoom out: `Ctrl + Minus (-)`

zoom out on the current page, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Minus (-). This can be useful when you want to make the text or image smaller.

15. Reset zoom: `Ctrl + 0 (zero)`

To reset the zoom level to its default setting, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 0 (zero). This can be useful when you want to revert back to the original size.

16. Open the Chrome DevTools: `Ctrl + Shift + I`

To open the Chrome DevTools, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + I. This can be useful for web developers and designers who want to inspect and debug their websites.

17. Save the current page as a bookmark: `Ctrl + D`

To save the current page as a bookmark, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D. This can be useful when you want to quickly access a page later.

18. Search for text on the current page: `Ctrl + F`

To search for text on the current page, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F. This can be useful when you want to find a specific word or phrase on a page.

19. Open the Chrome download manager: `Ctrl + J`

To open the Chrome download manager, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + J. This can be useful when you want to see the progress of your downloads or access a downloaded file.

20. Open the Chrome taskbar: `Shift + Alt + T`

To open the Chrome taskbar, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Alt + T. This can be useful when you want to quickly access other Chrome windows or tabs.

Conclusion:

Keyboard shortcuts can be a time-saving way to navigate through Chrome. By memorizing these 20 essential keyboard shortcuts, you can work more efficiently and minimize your dependence on the mouse. Try incorporating these shortcuts into your browsing routine and see how much time you can save.

Things that you should know before you appear for SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

Ahmed Shaikh — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 09:48:50 +0000

Howdy Pals,
Expecting that everyone is cool.

This exam is targeted to those looking to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) across cloud-based and related Microsoft services.

This is a broad audience that may include business stakeholders, new or existing IT professionals, or students who have an interest in Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions.

NOTE: Passing score: 700. Learn more about exam scores

But, Before I explain about SC-900. I would Like to share list of similar certifications

Number	Certification Name
SC-200	Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
SC-300	Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator
SC-400	Microsoft Information Protection Administrator
SC-900	Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals

As you can see in this list SC-900 is a fundamental level certification and below is some more detail on the exam and resources I used to prepare for it.

What is the SC-900 exam?

It's Microsoft's Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals exam. This exam measures your ability to describe the following: concepts of security, compliance, and identity; capabilities of Microsoft identity and access management solutions; capabilities of Microsoft security solutions; and capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions.

Skills Measured in this exam:

Describe the concepts of security, compliance, and identity (5-10%)
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft identity and access management solutions (25-30%)
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft security solutions (30-35%)
Describe the capabilities of Microsoft compliance solutions (25-30%)

Resources List:

Microsoft Learn

freecodeCamp

Microsoft Security Compliance and Identity (SC-900) - Full Course PASS the Exam

Practice questions:

https://www.itexams.com/info/SC-900

My Experience:

The exam was pretty good, easy I should say, There’s no need to feel pressured/ tense. You need to know what all Security focused services not only are offered in Azure but also Microsoft 365.f you go through all the reading material the exam will be a piece of cake for you, For this exam you only need to know the basic terminologies of Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Endpoint, Microsoft Security, Azure Sentinel and Azure AD Domain Services for hybrid and on-premise and that’s all the exam.

Best of luck!

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me.