Oscar Arenas – CIT273 Portfolio

Course Description

This course addresses the development of interactive web applications using both client- and server-side technologies. Topics include client-side scripting, server-side scripting, persistence, connectivity issues and their implementation, access and updating of databases via web interfaces, and the use of embedded multimedia. Current technologies are used to program and implement web applications. Prerequisite: CIT 214 or permission of instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Implement data persistency on the Internet.
  2. Describe and identify interactive webpage characteristics.
  3. Create dynamic, user-driven web pages.
  4. Develop server-side internet applications.
  5. Parse and create recordsets to support data persistence.
  6. Connect server and client-side web applications.
  7. Integrate back-end database persistency into user-driven websites.
  8. Embed multimedia objects into internet-ready applications.

Projects & Assignments

CIT273 Final Project: Book Review Club

Designed and built this portfolio page, demonstrating:

  • Semantic HTML5 structure
  • Client- and server-side integration
  • Responsive layout

PHP Shopping Cart

Implemented a session-driven shopping cart with MySQL backend, featuring:

  • User authentication and sessions
  • CRUD operations on cart items
  • Secure form handling with htmlspecialchars()

Database Connectivity Assignment

Connected PHP front-end to MySQL database, focusing on:

  • Prepared statements for security
  • Error handling with try/catch
  • Data validation and sanitation

Final Course Retrospective

Throughout CIT273, I grew from a basic HTML/CSS user to a full-stack web developer. I learned to:

  • Structure applications with clear separation of concerns.
  • Design responsive, accessible user interfaces.
  • Secure server-side code against common vulnerabilities.
  • Integrate multimedia and interactive features smoothly.

This reflection highlights my journey and the milestones achieved in both client- and server-side scripting.

Key Takeaways

  • Importance of semantic HTML for accessibility and SEO.
  • Effective use of CSS selectors and responsive design techniques.
  • Server-side scripting with PHP and secure session management.
  • Database operations with MySQL and error handling best practices.
  • Balancing client-side interactivity with performance and security.