Layout and UI

Goal

This snapshot advances Stellar Press by teaching you to render a shared layout and sample cards.

Every numbered folder is a complete app. Run this stage independently, then compare it with the previous folder.

Prerequisites

Use Node.js 20+, npm, and a terminal. No Docker is required for SQLite stages.

Port 4321 must be free. Copy .env.example before starting database stages.

• Node.js and npm
• A code editor and terminal

Concepts

Shared layouts keep navigation consistent; CSS frameworks provide readable defaults.

Keep server endpoints thin: pages present data, API routes enforce rules, and Astro escapes output by default.

Walkthrough

Pass sample posts into the home template.

Read the example, then open the matching snapshot. The repository includes the surrounding setup and error handling.

{posts.map((p) => <article><h2>{p.title}</h2></article>)}

Run and verify

Enter 03-Layout-And-UI, install dependencies, copy .env.example, and start Astro on port 4321.

Open http://127.0.0.1:4321. Watch the terminal for validation and database errors.

git clone https://github.com/michaeldunga1/fcc-astro-blog.git
cd fcc-astro-blog/03-Layout-And-UI
npm install
cp .env.example .env
npm run dev -- --port 4321

Troubleshooting

Template not found usually means the working directory or views path is wrong.

For database failures, confirm Docker/Wrangler and the *.db name when applicable. Never commit .env, *.db, or node_modules.

• Read the first error first
• Restart after environment changes
• Never commit secrets

Try this

Render a friendly empty state when posts is empty.

Test a happy path and one invalid or unauthorized request.

• Make one small change
• Test it in the browser
• Compare with the next snapshot only after it works