Upcoming Workshops

Small groups - Live with an expert - Highly practical - Impact driven - Damn fine teaching

We offer short, specific workshops on a variety of topics. These workshops are expert-led, they are run by expert software developers who are damn fine teachers. And we make sure we keep the class size small so that everyone can get the attention they deserve.

Profits raised through these workshops contribute towards funding teacher and technical training for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

Please Note

When you choose to buy a ticket you will be redirected to Quicket. You will see the ticket prices displayed in South African Rands.

$1 is about R17.50

Credit cards will work in the usual way. If you have any challenges buying your ticket, please fill in this form and we will send you alternative payment details.

You can also contact us if you have any questions or challenges.

❤️ Thank you for your understanding ❤️

Weekend Workshop

Modern frontend development with Python, HTMX, Tailwind, Playwright and AlpineJS

In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to build a modern CRUD application using Django, HTMX, and AlpineJS. It's all about making web development faster, more fun, and accessible for backend developers. With a small group size and hands-on guidance, you’ll create your own project while exploring new tools and simplifying your workflow—all at your own pace.

Limited tickets available due to small class size

When:

Saturday, 23 Nov 08:00 - Saturday, 23 Nov 16:00

Sunday, 24 Nov 08:00 - Sunday, 24 Nov 16:00

Timezone: GMT-4

Price from: $175

Location: remote

Duration: 2 days

Level: Intermediate

Details

Once upon a time, if you wanted a truly modern web frontend experience for your Python web app you would have limited options. Many people would reach for heavy frontend tools and frameworks such as React, Vue or one of their many competitors. And those tools generally have their own recommendations around testing.

Times have changed - tools like HTMX and AlpineJS are taking Python Web dev by storm and simplifying the creation of modern frontends

These tools make full-stack web dev fast and fun, they simplify development, shrink code bases, and give backend devs the ability to do modern frontend work. In my personal experience, I've seen the adoption of these tools lead to massive productivity gains for junior and senior devs alike.

This workshop will walk you through the process of building and testing your own unique CRUD application with a rich and modern frontend.

Social impact

Profits raised through this workshop will go towards funding teacher and technical training for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

The stack

We'll be using the following tools:

  • Django
  • HTMX
  • TailwindCSS
  • AlpineJS
  • Playwright

Prerequisite knowledge

It would be useful if you are comfortable with the following:

  • Python
  • Virtual environments
  • HTML
  • Basic SQL database familiarity

Why Django?

Django is brilliant. It's the web framework for perfectionists with deadlines. It's worth knowing about. And, for newer web developers, Django is an amazing teacher.

That said, if you are not into Django then that is fine! The focus of this tutorial is on building the frontend. The vast majority of what we cover in this tutorial can be used as is with other web frameworks. For example FastAPI, expressJS or similar.

Why CRUD?

90% of the web is CRUD. CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update and Delete. Once you know how to implement simple CRUD apps, you will be able to do quite a lot.

My own unique CRUD app?

The workshop will guide you through the process of building a specific application. You will be encouraged to choose your own adventure and make use of the skills covered to build your own project.

In previous workshops learners have worked on projects like:

  • A music store for independent creators
  • A household chore scheduler
  • A conference talk tracker
  • A personal learning pathway creator
  • Yet another todo list app
  • much more

You can do quite a lot with a CRUD app.

Small group - high support

We are keeping the number of tickets on sale low so that each course participant can get the attention they need. We believe in the power of engaged teachers.

Self-paced

The workshop is designed to empower learners to move at their own pace. We wont push anyone to keep up when they can't, or make anyone slow down when they are on a roll.

If you struggle with earlier parts of the workshop then you'll be supported. The goal here is not to rush through things and tick boxes. The goal here is to empower learners with real skills.

Filling the gaps

Different people will find this workshop challenging in different ways. Some will need extra support while setting up their projects, some will be challenges by the database interactions.

We're here to support you with your unique challenges.

About the instructor

Sheena O'Connell is the instructor for this workshop.

Sheena says:

"My early career saw me working as a software engineer and technical leader across multiple startups. But it was my passion for education that led me to devote the last 5+ years to reimagining how we teach people to code professionally.

Over the last half decade I have had the opportunity to work in the NGO space and build alternative education systems from the ground up. Along the way I have learned a lot about how to teach well, how to build systems that teach well, and how traditional education systems fall short.

I've always had a passion for education and had the opportunity to work directly in tech education for the last half decade. The way I think of my work is: I take the science of learning and turn it into the engineering of learning."

Want to know more about Sheena? Here are some links: