DEV Community: MLSC GESCOE

Learn about managing application content in an Efficient Way

Arya Danech — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 01:33:51 +0000

Ever wanted to create a Full Stack Application but struggling with managing the Content to be stored and displayed? 🤔

Well, Strapi has got you covered ✅

If we want to develop a backend for any kind of application, we need to write code from scratch along with choosing a Database, planning out how the APIs will work, making authentications, etc.

But Strapi makes it easy to build and manage backend with it’s built-in features. Not only that but it also generates code for it which it 100% JavaScript 🚀

What is Strapi?

It is an open-source and fully customizable Headless Content Management System (CMS), meaning that developers have complete freedom over how the data will be displayed using any frontend framework.

It is completely functionable with any Framework using JavaScript / TypeScript.

Using Strapi, anyone can develop a Backend for any application within minutes of work.

It provides a very Interactive Admin Panel to create, manage and deliver content, using APIs to fetch and display those datasets across various applications.

Getting Started

Step 1: Installing Strapi

To get started, we need to run a simple command to build strapi application

npx create-strapi-app@latest PROJECT_NAME

yarn create strapi-app PROJECT_NAME

This will automatically create an entire admin panel for strapi which could be accessed from [localhost:1337/admin](http://localhost:1337/admin)

This is the look of the Strapi Admin Panel. Here you can manage all the collections that would be used to store data and displayed on the applications

Step 2: Designing Data

Just like developing Database Schema for any application, we would be structuring the data as we want, but without writing a Single Line of Code.

Strapi comes with a default User Collection which would be used for user authentication on our applications

From this page, we can create our own collection types as per our needs with just few clicks🖱️

Step 3: Adding a Collection Type

Firstly, Collections are just like tables in any Relational Database. Or it is also similar to Collections in MongoDB.

Now suppose we want to create a collection for storing books, we will initially create a collection type named book

Once the collection type is created, we will be able to define the fields that we wish to have in our book collection

While adding a field, we can mark it as required, specify it’s minimum and maximum length, and also mark it as a Unique field

After adding some fields in our collection type, we get to see something like this

Here we have defined some fields which are:

name (required, type → text, min. length → 3)
author (required, type → text, min. length → 3)
published (required, type → date)
price (required, type → number)
image (required, type → media)

After we are done with building our Collection Type, we can now add content in the collection through strapi dashboard itself by simply clicking on the Content Manager tab in the sidebar, then selecting our newly created collection type and then clicking on Create New Entry button

Here we get an interactive form, based on the fields chosen while building the collection type, to add data to our collection.

Just for an example I created an Entry for a Book which can be accessed from any application using API links

Step 4: Using the Content added in Strapi Collection

To access data from APIs, we need an API Token to access the data

In this case, the API token can be generated for a single or multiple Collection Types. We just need to Navigate to Settings > API Tokens (under Global Settings)

After that, we need to Specify permissions for Public and Authenticated users to a specific application. This can be set according to our needs by finding the settings under Users & Permissions Plugin tab.

There we can choose the actions that will be allowed to Authenticated or Unauthenticated users. For Example, recently we created a collection type named book

Now for this collection type, we can choose which type of users can create, update, delete, or even find a book.

Here as we select the actions allowed to the specified users, we get the API path to access the data.

Therefore, according to our example, we can find books if and only if we are authenticated, and it can be done by using the link localhost:1337/api/books

So this was the basic introduction to Strapi: Headless CMS. There is much more to explore in Strapi Admin Dashboard and it is free of cost.

Do checkout it's amazing website, https://strapi.io/ for more information

If you want tutorials on building projects with Strapi, here are some links to those as well 😉

So that is all for now. Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn or Twitter (X).
Do checkout my repositories on GitHub

Happy Learning 🚀

Take your first step into GitHub!

Samiksha Bhor — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:58:20 +0000

Want to start your journey as a coder? Visited the GitHub page but don't understand stuff? Worry not! I got you covered.
GitHub is a must-step to come in your journey as a coder. Here is all you need to know to get started with GitHub. In this blog post, you will find a comprehensive introduction to GitHub and its key features. We will explore how GitHub works, its benefits, the basic commands and how you can use it to your advantage.

(reference : https://nira.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image4-1.jpg)

Understanding GitHub: An Introduction

GitHub has become an indispensable tool in the world of software development and collaboration. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, understanding the basics of GitHub can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency.

Exploring the Basics of GitHub: Git and Github?

(Reference:https://www.oreilly.com/api/v2/epubs/9781788395038/files/assets/f101b42d-7ec6-4470-a812-850efe897415.png)
GitHub is a web-based platform that allows for version control and collaboration on projects. It is built on top of Git, a distributed version control system that helps manage changes to files and directories over time.

Advantages of using Githubs:

The Version Control lets you revert and revisit any stage of your project building. The history of any edits made is easily accessible.
GitHub allows easy and effective collaboration. Multiple people can work on a project and the changes are noted thus letting the team work efficiently.
Being an open source, GitHub allows people to collaborate and participate in any project thus providing opportunities to contribute and learn on a large scale.
GitHub page is a service that is ideal for hosting projects and portfolios.
GitHub allows you to track bugs easily in your project. You save a lot of time!!

(Reference: https://images.app.goo.gl/HpwAWx1joYH3n3nAA)

Basic Git commands you need to know :

Here are some common Git commands that beginners should familiarize themselves with:

git init: Initializes a new Git repository. This is the first command you use when starting a new project.
git clone [url]: Copies a Git repository from a remote source, and also adds the original location as a remote so you can fetch from it again and push to it if you have permission.
git status: This command informs you about the state of your workspace.
git add [file]: Adds a change in the file to the staging area for Git. It tells Git that you want to include updates from a particular file in the next commit.
git commit -m "[descriptive message]": Records or snapshots the file permanently in the version history with a message describing the changes.
git push [alias] [branch]: Pushes your changes to a remote repository.
git pull: Fetches the latest changes from the remote repository and merges them with your local one. This command is a combination of git fetch and git merge.
git branch: Allows you to create, view, and delete branches.
git checkout [branch]: Switches you from one branch to another.
git merge [branch]: Merges the specified branch’s history into the current one. Knowing these commands and practicing them will help you get your way around with Git Hub. Keep practicing!!

GitHub for Beginners: Essential Tips and Tricks

If you are new to GitHub, here are some essential tips and tricks to get started:

Understand the Basics of Version Control: Familiarize yourself with the concept of version control, which allows you to track changes to your code and collaborate.
Learn the Git Workflow: It is essential to understand how Git works and how to use its commands.
Start Small: Pick a small project first to learn and experiment with GitHub features.
Explore: Spend time exploring on Git Hub, observing other projects and learning.

And! that's it. Intake all that and breathe. You got this!
For more such informational blogs, stay tuned!
Remember,

The rewards of mastering GitHub will undoubtedly be worth the effort.

LinkedIn for Students: Start Your Professional Journey Early

Rutvika Ahire — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:17:00 +0000

Are you a college student looking to jump-start your professional journey? Look no further than LinkedIn.

LinkedIn might seem to be primarily for professionals, but it has a lot of potential for college students as well, and it has numerous benefits for them as well.

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a popular social network with a specific purpose. It is all about professional networking, that is - building a group of contacts that will help you advance in your career.

Think of it as a digital career portfolio. Unlike a static paper resume, LinkedIn lets you showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in real time.

Here’s why having a LinkedIn profile is advantageous and how it can help you lay the foundation for a successful career.

- Networking :

As a student, you can create valuable connections and widen your networks. You can start by locating your friends, coworkers, colleagues, classmates, and mentors.

Networking can help you branch out in the industry you want to work in. It will help you discover more about people you have met or intend to meet. Connecting with industry professionals, professors, and alumni can provide guidance, mentorship, and job referrals.

- Opportunities :

One of the most significant advantages of LinkedIn is the ability to discover potential internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities. You can also follow companies and organizations of interest, and stay up to date on industry trends and job openings. It is an excellent source for conducting company research.

- Open learning :

LinkedIn Learning provides a wide range of courses and tutorials covering various topics, including business, technology, creative skills, and many more. With a vast library of courses, you can explore topics beyond your major, which will help you become a well-rounded professional.

These courses also offer a certificate of completion, which can be added to your profile and resume, making them more appealing to potential employers.

- Brand Yourself :

LinkedIn is a platform where you can showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. You can build a professional profile and build your brand. You can add your education, work experience, volunteer experience, noteworthy class projects, and other achievements.

You can also participate in discussions and share your thoughts and insights on industry topics by writing articles or by commenting on posts. This will help you establish yourself as an expert in your field.

- Endorsements :

Endorsement is an excellent way of showcasing your skills and expertise. You can ask your connections to endorse you for skills you want to highlight. This can help you stand out in the crowd and increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

In conclusion, LinkedIn is a potent tool for college students who want to kick-start their careers and expand their professional network. There is no telling when a connection will come in handy, and the bigger your network, the more opportunities for job referrals.

Whether you're looking for internships, or job opportunities, or simply want to learn more about your desired industry, LinkedIn can be an invaluable resource.

So, start using it today, and start building your future!

Mastering The Web : TypeScript Vs JavaScript Showdown

Krupa Nimkar — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:53:52 +0000

Here We Go: Introduction Time:
Someone just starting out in front-end web development might struggle to decide whether to use TypeScript or JavaScript for their web projects.This weblog will resolve the confusion using explaining the terms JavaScript and TypeScript and explaining a number of the differences between them.

Getting Cozy with JavaScript: Your Coding BFF!:
JavaScript is the handiest form of scripting language used to create dynamic net pages and add capability to web pages written in HTML. JavaScript is a smooth-to-learn, cross-platform translation language whose code is written into HTML documents with the usage of tags, so it is embedded in HTML. JavaScript programs run in an internet browser with no initial configuration.JavaScript's syntax is kinda similar to C, but when it comes to naming stuff, it's more like Java. In the old days, JS was all about front-end stuff, but as tech evolved, newer versions also got your back for server-side things. So now, you can use JS for both making websites look cool and powering the stuff behind them.

TypeScript Fun:
TypeScript is an open supply programming language that evolved by using Microsoft in 2012.TypeScript is the syntax of JS, which means it consists of all the functions to be had in JS plus some extras which can be lacking in JS. essentially.TypeScript consists of instructions, inheritance, encapsulation, and so forth. It's by far an effective superset of JS with item-oriented programming capabilities as the reason that a JS application is a superset of JS, it is taken into consideration as TypeScript software. TypeScript is a scripting language, so code will now not be carried out until you assign the proper facts type to a variable. Like JS, TypeScript is a platform impartial language and supports all JS libraries.

TypeScript vs JavaScript: What's the Deal? :

Conclusion :
You know, it's really just your own take on which language rocks and which one doesn't. I mean, JS is like the easy-peasy choice for a lot of devs because everyone's into it. But hey, if you're tackling big, fancy projects, TypeScript is where it's at. Think about it, it's like JS on steroids – gives you all those OOP goodies, fancy IDE support, and lets you do things that plain JS can't. So, when you're deciding, don't forget about TypeScript, buddy.

And that's a wrap, my friends. Until we meet again in the blogosphere, keep being your amazing selves!
Happy Learning!

Mastering TypeScript: Guides & Tricks

Ishwari Deore — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:35:45 +0000

Hey there, coding enthusiast! Let's dive into the fascinating world of TypeScript. Imagine it as your trusty sidekick in the coding adventure, making your life as a developer easier and more enjoyable.

Microsoft TypeScript is a free and open-source high-level programming language. A programming language to address the shortcomings of JavaScript.

Every JavaScript file is a valid TypeScript file because TypeScript is built on top of JavaScript. Because TypeScript is not understood by browsers, TypeScript code is converted into JavaScript.

TypeScript supports both front-end and back-end development, making your apps cooler and easier to manage. You can use TypeScript to build mobile apps, websites, desktop apps, and more!

Here are some handy tips that will make your TypeScript journey even smoother!

1. Static Typing: Take full advantage of TypeScript's static typing capabilities. Explicitly define types for variables, function parameters, return values, and object properties. This helps catch errors early and improves code clarity.

2. Enable Strict Mode: Enable strict mode in your TypeScript configuration by setting "strict" to true. This ensures that TypeScript applies strict type-checking rules and flags potential errors. It helps maintain code quality and catches common mistakes.

3. Utilize Interfaces and Types: Use interfaces and types to define contracts and shape data structures. Interfaces are useful for defining object structures and contracts, while types offer more flexibility for union types, intersection types, and conditional types.

4. Stay Updated: TypeScript is an evolving language. Stay updated with the latest TypeScript releases, new features, and best practices. Follow TypeScript blogs, newsletters, and community forums to stay connected with the TypeScript ecosystem.

5. Practice: The best way to learn TypeScript is by writing code. Take on small coding exercises, and work on mini-projects. Regular practice will help you solidify your understanding and improve your skills.

Check out these awesome learning resources to help you become a TypeScript pro!

1. TypeScript Documentation: The official TypeScript documentation (https://www.typescriptlang.org/docs/ ) is a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of TypeScript, from basic syntax to advanced features. It provides explanations, examples, and code snippets to help you understand and use TypeScript effectively.

2. TypeScript Handbook: The TypeScript Handbook (https://www.typescriptlang.org/docs/handbook/ ) is an official resource provided by the TypeScript team. It covers TypeScript fundamentals, advanced types, decorators, modules, and more. It's a great reference for understanding TypeScript concepts and syntax.

3. TypeScript Playground: The TypeScript Playground (https://www.typescriptlang.org/play ) is an online editor where you can experiment with TypeScript code in real-time. It lets you write TypeScript, see the compiled JavaScript output, and share your code
snippets. It's an excellent tool for trying out TypeScript features and concepts.

4. TypeScript YouTube Channels: These are some of the YouTube channels where beginners can learn Typescript for free:

The Net Ninja: TypeScript Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4cUxeGkcC9gUgr39Q_yD6v-bSyMwKPUI
Academind: TypeScript Course for Beginners
https://youtu.be/BwuLxPH8IDs
Traversy Media: TypeScript Crash Course
https://youtu.be/BCg4U1FzODs
Programming with Mosh: TypeScript Tutorial for Beginners
https://youtu.be/d56mG7DezGs

5. TypeScript Udemy Course: Here are some Udemy Courses

Understanding TypeScript
https://www.udemy.com/share/1013yQ3@EaN5be6JXbtFXTq-1xPO9_P1ICbiIJXsEgpNTxeoaDchVuI3mbpAjkewlWkPZdaNmw==/
Typescript: The Complete Developer's Guide
https://www.udemy.com/share/101WXk3@AqgTx6Q5SHA77PCRU4zQ2uaFxZ-iuMNqzAzglSskPMZVvlcv6bDDJLdVeN_wuK65yA==/
Typescript Bootcamp: Beginner To Advanced (2023 Edition)
https://www.udemy.com/share/101Kx43@cgrdmzoSoOcOR_3XCpcBdMaAh6CzmCN2M3SOviOwmb-CuGtKyx6feV_SV9gh6UIXHQ==/
Mastering TypeScript - 2023 Edition
https://www.udemy.com/share/106GLy3@dBMkJngLghAcL4gqlUZc0ikJgyDOg2eMKrRD6AAItnM_rcmSDE_CNfL4er8h7GK1gg==/

I hope that these tips and resources help you in learning TypeScript.

Happy coding, and may your TypeScript adventures be filled with creativity, productivity, and the joy of building amazing things!