Prerequisites Quick Start

This guide provides the minimum knowledge needed to start building Perspective components quickly, with optional deeper learning paths for later.

In general, you dont need to be an expert in any of these technologies to get started. The goal is to get you building components quickly, with the understanding that you'll learn more as you go.

The videos and resources referenced here are generally aimed at beginner programmers, so if you are already more familiar with programming in general, you can likely push through some of these things much faster and just go focus on learning some syntax and concepts specific to the technologies you're less familiar with.

Quick Reference

Technology	Minimum Time	Recommended Time	Priority
Java	2-4 hours	8 hours	Medium
Gradle	1-2 hours	4 hours	Low
JavaScript	2-4 hours	12 hours	Medium
TypeScript	2-2 hours	8 hours	High
Node.js	1-2 hours	2 hours	Low
React	4-8 hours	24 hours	High
Perspective	8-16 hours	24 hours	High

Fast Track Learning Path (20-34 hours total)

1. JavaScript Basics (2-4 hours)

Start here - you'll need this for any of the web components.

Must Know:

• Variables and data types
• Functions and scope
• Arrays and objects
• Basic DOM manipulation
• General HTML/CSS knowledge

Quick Start Resources:

1. Learn Javascript (10 hours)
2. JavaScript in 100 Seconds (2 minutes)

2. React Essentials (4-8 hours)

This is the foundation of component development.

Must Know:

• Components and Props
• State and useState
• Event Handling
• useEffect for lifecycle

Quick Start Resources:

1. React in 100 Seconds (2 minutes)
2. Learn React (1 hour)
3. Tic-Tac-Toe Tutorial (1-2 hours)

3. TypeScript Quick Start (2-2 hours)

Just enough TypeScript to be productive with this component library.

Must Know:

• Basic types
• Interfaces
• Type definitions for props
• Generic types

Quick Start Resources:

1. TypeScript for the new programmer (1 hour)
2. Learn Typescript (8 hours)

4. Java Fundamentals (2-4 hours)

Focus on the basics needed for Gateway/Designer development.

Must Know:

• Classes and Objects
• Methods and Properties
• Basic Interfaces

Quick Start Resource:

• Learn Java (8 hours)

5. Quick Tools Overview (2-4 hours total)

Gradle (1-2 hours)

• Gradle Basics (1 hour)

Node.js/npm (1-2 hours)

• Learn Node.js (4 hours)
• Introduction to npm (1 hour)

6. Ignition Perspective (8-16 hours)

Essential platform knowledge - can't skip this one.

Must Know:

• Basic Perspective concepts
• Component system
• Views and containers
• Props and event handling

Quick Start Resources:

1. Perspective Pages, Views, and Containers (1-2 hours)
2. Perspective Components and Bindings (4 hours)
3. Building in Perspective (4 hours)

Ready to Code Check

You're ready to start when you can:

• Create a basic React component with props and state
• Write a TypeScript interface
• Understand basic Java class syntax
• Run npm install and Gradle build commands
• Navigate the Perspective Designer

Don't worry about mastering everything - you'll learn more as you build!

Need More Later?

When you're ready to deepen your knowledge:

React & TypeScript:

• Full React Course (Deep dive)
• TypeScript Handbook (Reference)

Java & Gradle:

• Java Tutorial for Beginners (Reference)
• Gradle User Guide (Reference)

Perspective:

• Inductive University (Full courses)

Next Steps

✨ Ready to start building? Head to our Quick Start Guide to create your first component!

Remember: The goal is to get you building components quickly. You can always return to these resources to deepen your understanding as needed.