"Like button" Journey explained by Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Computer Science Geek

The process of clicking a like button and having it be recognized by someone else involves a combination of physics, biology, mathematics, and computer science. This detailed explanation will cover the different stages in the process, including:

1. Physical movement of your hand and mouse
2. Computer processing and code execution
3. Network transmission and server communication
4. Database updates and user notification
5. The other person's visual perception and neural processing

The physical movement of your hand and mouse:

The journey begins with the physical movement of your hand as you manipulate the mouse. As you move the mouse, the optical sensor or laser on the bottom of the mouse detects the change in position by tracking the surface beneath it. This information is converted into electrical signals, which are sent to the computer through the USB cable (or wirelessly) and interpreted as a change in the mouse's position on the screen.

Computer processing and code execution:

Once your mouse cursor is over the like button, you press the mouse button. This action generates an electrical signal that is sent to the computer. The operating system processes the signal and forwards it to the appropriate application, such as your web browser.

The web browser interprets this input and maps it to the correct user interface element, which in this case is the like button. The browser then executes the associated JavaScript code, which typically involves sending an HTTP request to the server hosting the website.

let likes = 0;

const increaseLikes = () => {
  likes++
}

LikeButton.addEventListener(('click'), increaseLikes)        

Network transmission and server communication:

The HTTP request travels through the internet to reach the server hosting the website. The request is transmitted over a series of routers, switches, and other networking devices, often spanning vast distances and multiple networks.

Upon reaching the server, the request is processed by the server-side application, typically written in a programming language such as Python, Ruby, or PHP. This application interprets the request and determines the appropriate action to take, which in this case is registering a new "like" for the post.

Database updates and user notifications:

To store the "like" information, the server-side application interacts with a database system such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. It creates a new record associating your user account with the liked post, effectively updating the total number of likes for that post.

Once the "like" is registered, the server-side application might also trigger a notification to the user who created the post. This notification could be an email, a push notification, or an update within the website's user interface.

SELECT likes.user_id, posts.user_id
COUNT(DISTINCT likes.post_id) 
from posts
INNER JOIN likes ON posts.post_id = likes.post_id 
GROUP BY likes.user_id, posts.user_id 
ORDER BY COUNT(DISTINCT likes.post_id) ,        

The other person's visual perception and neural processing:

The person who created the post will see the notification about your "like." They will then visually process the information on their screen through their eyes, which involves the conversion of light into electrical signals by photoreceptor cells in the retina. These signals are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.

In the brain, the signals are processed by the visual cortex and other areas responsible for interpreting and understanding the visual information. The individual perceives the updated like count and the notification, and their brain generates an emotional response based on the context and their relationship with you.

Throughout this process, physics governs the behavior of atoms, molecules, and electrons, while biology covers the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs. Mathematics is used to describe and model various aspects of the process, such as the algorithms used in computer programs and the neural networks in our brains. Lastly, computer science encompasses the design, implementation, and management of the software and hardware components that enable this entire journey.

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