I set up a GitLab repository early in my portfolio project to establish proper version control and organization from the start. I pushed the initial project structure including index.html with responsive navigation, styles.css with documented code, and learning outcome pages like LO1.html. Despite coding being challenging for me, I taught myself JavaScript to create interactive image pop-ups that expand and contract on click, which required multiple attempts and some AI assistance. I also experimented with GSAP for the first time to animate my logo and headings, testing it on CodePen until I got it working. During our group project, I collaborated with JP by focusing on frontend development while he handled backend and APIs, implementing UI improvements like larger fonts, better font families, and an AI accuracy wheel based on our showcase feedback.
Learning Outcome 2
Description
You document and comment your code using version control in a personal and team context and communicate technical recommendations.
Action
Feedback
From last semester's team projects, I learned how GitLab prevents merge conflicts and makes file sharing much easier for team members and stakeholders. During our showcase, we received feedback about improving the user interface of our webpage condenser, specifically suggestions about font readability and providing users with information about AI accuracy. The interactive elements I added to my portfolio, like the image pop-ups and GSAP animations, made the site more engaging and visually appealing based on user testing.
Reflection
This experience taught me how important it is to establish proper foundations early, whether it's setting up version control or documenting code properly. Learning JavaScript and GSAP pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that even though coding is challenging for me, I can learn new technologies when I take the time to understand each step. The collaborative aspect of splitting work based on individual strengths with JP really opened my eyes to how much better the final product becomes when everyone focuses on what they're good at rather than randomly dividing tasks. Overall, this process reinforced that being organized, documenting work properly, and playing to team members' strengths creates more professional and transferable results.