DEV Community: Olivia Pandora Stokes

My take on a Landing Page for DuckDuckGo 👩🏽‍💻

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 22:48:22 +0000

“Why don’t you Google it?” is a common answer I get during conversations. The ubiquity of Google has even led to the new verb 'to Google". But the more I code, the more I question the digital tools I use every day. Maybe I’m not comfortable with the way Google uses my personal information anymore. Or the way so many of us rely on Google for internet searches and other applications. And to be honest, I was getting sick of ads popping up after I searched for a certain topic or product. This is why I started exploring potential alternatives to Google and found DuckDuckGo. Enter DuckDuckGo, the internet browser/app that promises privacy, and delivers.

To keep my front-end skills and copywriting fresh, I decided to create a landing page promoting DuckDuckGo. I've been a happy DuckDuckGo user, so creating the landing page felt natural. This was a simple weekend project and my goal was to keep my landing page consistent with DuckDuckGo’s current branding!

❗Turns out Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) have stopped associating web searches with Googling. Read more about the switch here

✨The code for this project + my other projects are also on my Github

DEV Challenge: Beaches 🏖️

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:30:35 +0000

This is a submission for [Frontend Challenge v24.04.17]((https://dev.to/challenges/frontend-2024-05-29), Glam Up My Markup: Beaches

This is my submission to the Frontend Challenges: Beaches. I've seen the other challenges, thought about entering and then felt like I didn't have the time/skills. But I want to keep practicing my programming, so I decided to give it a try!

When I decided to do this, I knew I wouldn't spend a ton of time on it, so my first choice was to let the colors do the heavy lifting. My instinct is to make design choices that match my own style, but I wanted something different, but still felt like me. The idea of beaches made me think of early summer, but also a vintage 1950s/1960s summer ads on the beach when all the colors are saturated, vibrant, and warm. This is the idea I wanted for the picture I ended up choosing, along with the colors. The white, has a slight yellow tint and instead of black, I'm using a very dark blue. All to maintain the contrast, while softening it.

While I was doing this, it reminded me of how much I like the design process, the colors, fonts, and thinking of how it all flows together. I also want to learn some more advanced CSS, so I can code my portfolio website and any other small projects. I wouldn't say this is my best work by any means, but I'm glad I didn't let that stop me. I did have some more complex ideas, but to save time went a simpler way. The idea is I can look back at this code later on and easily think of improvements or changes. I also realized I don't know any JavaScript because Python became my focus. I do want to learn JavaScript at some point, but I'm not sure when.

Overall, I'm happy I was able to get some practice in and I hope to participate in more challenges in the future!

✨The code for this project + my other projects are also on my Github

Simple + Secure Password Generator with Python🔐

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Tue, 28 May 2024 13:09:00 +0000

There’s always seems to be an endless discussion around the best ways to learn a new programming language. Now that I have more experience, I feel like I was too cautious when I started. I wanted to make sure I had the fundamentals down. And even though I still think that’s a good idea, I also think I learn best when I use projects to put all the concepts together and make them real.

This is probably why I love freeCodeCamp so much. Thankfully, they updated the Python course to make it project based like the Responsive Web Design course. But my latest Python project isn’t from freeCodeCamp, it’s from Al Sweigart (famous for Automate the Boring Stuff with Python) website called Invent with Python. Al has a lot of free learning resources and projects for people looking to improve their Python skills. Because of my passion for cybersecurity, the password generator project caught my attention. To my surprise, the instructions were easy to understand.

✨Link to the code

I can see why Al Sweigart's learning materials are so popular. In the future I want to use more of these smaller projects to help me get a better understanding of Python!

💻Check out my Github for more of my projects!

Takeaways from SANS 2024 AI Security Trends + Predictions 🔮

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 03:08:18 +0000

Even now, discussions around AI still create a mix of excitement and concern. While the modern tech industry often operates under the motto “Move fast and break things,” a more strategic approach is essential for AI security. Here are some of my notes + thoughts about the recent SANS Institute video "2024 Artificial Intelligence Security Trends and Predictions"

Some of my takeaways from the video:
The push for companies to input data into LLMs without vetting the data only increases their company's vulnerabilities. This could lead to data poisoning, which is when unvetted data compromises an LLM and the systems it's integrated with. Dr. Christina Liaghati notes attacks are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect. Companies should work on understanding potential risks from the beginning because hackers are also experimenting with new AI as it's released.

Questions for Companies + Organizations to Ask:

Why are you doing it?
Are you going to be able to get the correct results?

I think many companies and organizations want to remain competitive, so they will start experimenting with AI. Even though AI offers unique solutions, each company should consider what their business goals are and also what vulnerabilities AI will create for them. Here were some of their recommendations:

-Integrate AI security into the development lifecycle.
-Consider the pros and cons of using a 3rd party LLM vs. a company creating its own. This is a key decision for many businesses. Organizations could compare the risks and benefits of building vs. buying AI capabilities.

For more information on AI and general cybersecurity, check out the SANS Institute's YouTube page! SANS Institute's YouTube

SANS Institute has been my go-to for all things cybersecurity. The SANS Institute is a great resource. In addition, I use several other sources to stay up to date on cybersecurity news and changes. Beyond the SANS Institute, here are some other excellent resources for staying current on cybersecurity news: 🗞️

The Hacker News: A widely respected platform that provides up-to-date news, emerging trends, and in-depth analysis of cyber threats.
Krebs on Security: Run by journalist Brian Krebs, this blog is an authoritative source known for its investigative reporting on cybercrime.
CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency): The official U.S. government agency provides timely alerts, advisories, and resources on critical vulnerabilities and threats.
Dark Reading: This publication offers a deeper dive into cybersecurity technology, threats, and vulnerabilities for IT professionals.
SecurityWeek: Provides comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity news, threat intelligence, and industry analysis.

Do you have any resources you use to stay up to date on cybersecurity news and changes? Let me know in the comments!

Ups and Downs of Learning Python 📚

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:07:21 +0000

If you're reading this, it means I finally finished the "Lists" lessons in Python Principles. At least that was the plan. Of all of the sections I've completed so far, the "Lists" section has been the most difficult. Later tonight, I'm going to go through the last couple of challenges in this section.

One of the reasons I decided to learn Python was because people from a variety of backgrounds recommended it. Even a marketer turned entrepreneur cosigned Python being my next step, which felt encouraging. I get into the stride of Python and then "Bam" 💥 I'm confused in a different way. Because I'm using online resources to learn (with minimal community) I go back and forth about how much time it takes/should take me to figure something out. I really like to get the information in my brain, I take notes, I review my notes, I look at different ways to solve the problem.

Overall, I think this is helpful, especially when I'm laying the foundation of a language. But I think overall I'm starting to understand more about Python and extra time studying will help me make the progress I'm looking for. Below, I've included some of my observations, notes, and what I want to do next.

Think Like a Computer 🖥️

I think this is the one that trips me up the most. I love reading, writing, and finding several meanings to what I see. But Python is so literal, and it doesn't need any fluff. One time, I realized the correct solution was there, minus two extra lines of code. It can be easy for me to overcomplicate but going back to the instructions usually helps me.

I'm also thinking about buying at least one book about Python and making sure that it's a physical copy. Sometimes being able to hold the information, underline, highlight, and add sticky notes helps.

I miss #techtwitter 📲

I stopped using Twitter before it was sold and officially deleted my account earlier this year. And honestly, it was sad. A big reason I felt motivated to start coding was because I saw others from non-tech backgrounds doing it. And #techtwitter was far from perfect, but it was a convenient way to get in contact with someone or ask a quick question. I use other online platforms now (including DEV), but there’s still a gap that I’m hoping to fill.

Christmas countdown project 🎅🏽

After I finished my freeCodeCamp Responsive Web Design Certification, I started learning other things. However, I always wanted to do more projects with html and CSS. Hopefully during December I’ll do a Christmas countdown project, and at least a couple more ideas I have on my list. I want to add these projects to my portfolio and update my GitHub profile. I’m not sure how much html and CSS I’ll be using the future, but I want to keep the information fresh in my memory, so I don’t forget. I’m including this as digital accountability with the hopes that it helps me get these projects done.

This part of my learning has been a small slump, but I love the satisfaction when I’m able to understand something and even explain it to someone else. My long-term plan is to be in a technical role; however, I always see the benefit of learning outside of my comfort zone.

Do you have any learning/career plans for December? Or 2024?

Dua Lipa + Python: My Go-To Combo ❤️‍🔥

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 21:10:44 +0000

The struggle or big question with self-learning for me usually becomes: "How do I stay focused?". When I sit down, sometimes I start to feel like an elementary school student who is in the class they like the least. But I'm not 7 and these are topics I'm choosing because I'm passionate about them. Aside from finding the right learning resources, I also recommend testing out different types of music while you study.

I know there's a common recommendation of classical music or instrumental music and research that supports this strategy. However, there is one artist who helps me study: Dua Lipa. When I listen to the "Future Nostalgia" album (or at least most of it) I'm able to focus and solve problems better than any other music. Even though it's pop music, it's not distracting to me because I already know the lyrics. Now that I know how helpful her music is, I went ahead and made a playlist. I've added a couple more songs (all pop music) and it keeps me upbeat. My current combination: Python + Dua Lipa, surprising but useful.

What type of music do you listen to when you code? Do you have a favorite artist? Or do you prefer the quiet? Let me know!

Exploring Python as a Marketer 🗺️

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:58:43 +0000

Most of my images and experiences about programming involve people who have a traditional, formal education in computer science. I knew so many people who were computer science majors when I was a student and at the time, I figured it wasn’t for me. I enjoyed marketing and loved the creativity the field offered. Why bother with learning a subject that seemed too challenging?

Cue to many years later, here I am, a marketer who is learning Python. This is a development that has shocked even me. But being able to learn and push myself is something I need for professional fulfillment. If I don’t actively look for new skills, I can learn and use I start to feel lethargic.

Of course, learning is different when you’re using online resources and teaching yourself. There’s no homework, no professor, no exam, and no final grade. You either understand the material and can use it in projects or you can’t. How you gain that understanding doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you do understand it.

I realized I need the material to be interactive so all the pieces can come together. I started with using freecodecamp to learn, but after a couple of weeks I felt comfortable with looking for a new resource. I wasn’t sure why, but I knew I wanted to find a new approach so it would “click”. Python, like HTML and CSS before, is teaching me how to learn and how to be unafraid of failure. Starting as young as 4, I was constantly in learning environments where you raised your hand only if you were certain, you had the right answer. Now, at 27, I’m pushing myself to try anyway. It sounds simple, but even recently there are times when I felt a little bit of hesitance before I ran my code.

“What if it’s not right?” “What if I have a syntax problem?”

Then I remember, if I’m wrong nothing changes. I’m still at the lost risk stage of using Python. When I was adding CSS to my projects, I would write down why I thought my answer was right before I ran the code and then check to see. Or when my code didn’t work, I would write why I thought it was wrong and what I should change. This helped me recognize the patterns and understand the logic.

Now, when I wake up, I’m excited to learn more about Python. This simple change of being open to trying a new resource and method of learning has changed my attitude about the entire process. Which brings me to my question, what if, in some moments of learning a new skill, it’s the style of learning we don’t understand? Instead of the subject itself. And, ultimately, if that’s true, how can we use this to create a better learning environment for ourselves?

What's Next ➡️

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 01:48:30 +0000

I finished freeCodeCamp’s Responsive Web Design certification, so what’s next for me? At some point, I believed I would start studying JavaScript after I finished, with the goal of focusing on web development. Combining web development with my marketing skills was the plan.

However, during this time I’ve had several conversations, interviews, and considered what type of job I want. After working in the e-commerce space, my perspective had me thinking of ways I could use web development for e-commerce businesses. Business strategy + marketing + web dev seemed like the natural next step.

I’ve had a lot of time to consider what industry I want to work in and like many people early in their careers, I ended up with more questions than answers.

Where did I find my career guidance? Twitter, of course.

Seriously. I ended up interviewing with a cybersecurity training company I found via Twitter and that’s when things started to click. I didn’t get the job, but I realized the importance of cybersecurity. What I appreciate about cybersecurity is the proactive nature of it. How technology changes and those changes require us to continue to learn and solve problems in creative ways. When I went to cybersecurity events, I realized there were people who always studied cybersecurity and people who transitioned into the industry. And in cybersecurity, diversity is a strength because it helps us see problems from multiple perspectives.

With my new interest in cybersecurity and desire to continue increasing my technical skills, I chose Python as my next programming language. I’ve heard positive stories about Python from so many people and know it can be used in a variety of ways, including cybersecurity. I also hope to add some personal projects to my GitHub as a keep learning. Like before, I’m using freCodeCamp as my main learning resource. I’m also interested in the Security+ Certification as part of my cybersecurity learning.

As for my career, I’m currently applying and interviewing for a full-time job. My goal is to find a company where I can use my marketing experience, in addition to my technical skills. I think my next role will be involved with marketing; however, I hope to find a company that is involved in using innovative technology solutions. If you know about any job opportunities that fit that description, you can send me an email (I would greatly appreciate it).

My other goal is to keep writing updates as I continue to learn. I think this will keep me accountable and also serve as a good example of what I'm learning. I know programming can be overwhelming for people like me with non-technical backgrounds, but I also know it’s possible to learn and use.

My Experience with freeCodeCamp’s Responsive Web Design Course 👩🏽‍💻

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 15:35:14 +0000

Technology seems to be advancing at a rate we never expected. With internet connections improving, AI tools being released, and new medical breakthroughs, it’s clear we’ve entered a new era. As we see these changes, it’s only natural more people are becoming interested in the technology industry (I’m one of them). However, coming from my non-technical background, a subject like coding can feel overwhelming. I tried coding before, while I was a college student and failed to understand any of the material. Technical skills weren’t a part of my degree program, so I figured coding wasn’t for me and focused all my attention on marketing.

One summer, I saw a coding challenge in my email and my curiosity started again. After looking at and trying different resources and courses, I settled on freeCodeCamp’s Responsive Web Design course. Completing this certificate was challenging (to put it lightly), but I did learn how to adjust my study strategies to help me learn HTML and CSS.

Run the code

This is my top recommendation for any beginner coder/programmer. After you’ve finished a step or added something to your project, my suggestion is that you run the code. The benefit here is you’re able to see how/if the code you added changed your work. Coming from a non-technical background, seeing the changes visually helped me understand the concepts over simply remembering them. This understanding becomes more useful when you want to create something more complex.

Running your code more often can also save time overall. Several times I would work on code for a couple hours or even days and then run the code to only discover I made even more mistakes than I thought. This experience increased my frustration. Save yourself some time and learn from my mistakes.

Take Smart Notes

While I was completing this certificate, I remembered the advice about handwriting your notes to improve your memory. This is another study strategy that was useful to me. Once I started the projects, I realized my notetaking could improve. Below I included some of the notes that helped me complete the project:

Make an outline of the project
What is working?
What isn’t working?
What do you think the solution is?
How did you find the solution?
What concept do you need to study more?

Embrace the discomfort

In many academic environments, we’re taught to know the answer and to make as few errors as possible. When the teacher or professor asks the class a question, the expectation is that you raise your hand because you have the correct answer, not because you have a question. For me, finishing this certificate reminded me of the value of the wrong answer. Enough wrong answers helped me find the rights ones.

I also enjoy being a beginner. Like a lot of people, my career and education are all related to the same subjects. I chose marketing because I loved it, but also because I understood it. At the same time, I think there’s value to exploring a subject that doesn’t come naturally to you. I’m not one of those people who started studying and immediately understood how coding works. But I love a good challenge, and this was a much-needed reminder that I can complete something that isn’t easy for me.

For anyone who's curious about freeCodeCamp, I suggest you give it a try. I see so many people asking if they're too old, if it's too difficult, or if it's too late. The best way to figure out is to set a time commitment and see what happens. I never viewed myself as someone who would have technical skills, but now I do. I surprised myself and maybe you will too.

✨The final projects I had to complete are available on my Github and also my Codepen

Marketing to Tech 💻

Olivia Pandora Stokes — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 22:16:39 +0000

I'm going to keep this short, mostly because I don't have a lot to say (today). Right now, I work in marketing, it's what I studied in college and it's how I make my money. Story-telling is a big part of marketing and it's also been one of my biggest strengths.

Anyways, tech is different and uncomfortable. At this point, I'm fully self-taught, with the help of FreeCodeCamp, W3schools, and SoloLearn. When I code, I have to sit with the discomfort. I make mistakes, again and again.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure where my new skills will take me. Do I want to leave the marketing industry? Do I want to fully work in tech? Will I have to choose? Either way, I want more options and I think that's what most people who learn how to code want. When we learn for career purposes, I think the primary motivation is to have more control over our lives. And that's what I want, more control over my life.