Full-Stack Developer Roadmap

Introduction

• A full-stack developer is proficient in both front-end and back-end technologies.
• Avoid overwhelming charts online; focus on a streamlined learning path.

Starting Point: HTML and CSS

• Why Learn HTML and CSS?
  • Provides fundamentals of developer workflow.
  • Understanding document rendering is crucial; knowledge of how browsers display data.
  • Important for web and mobile development (e.g., Flexbox).

Understanding the Internet

• Key Concepts:
  • HTTP, DNS, domain names, hosting.
  • How browsers connect to servers and display content.
  • Continuous learning about the internet is essential.

JavaScript

• Significance:
  • Most widely used programming language in browsers.
  • Enables advanced tasks and manipulation of HTML/CSS.
  • Recommended to build a simple game for better understanding.
  • Stick to vanilla JavaScript initially to avoid confusion with frameworks.

Linux and Servers

• Importance of Linux:
  • 96.3% of the world's servers run on Linux.
  • Understanding servers and command line is crucial for backend development.
  • Explore topics such as threads, concurrency, and networking.

General-Purpose Programming Language

• Options:
  • Rust, PHP, Go, Java, C#, Python, Ruby, Scala, Elixir, Lua.
  • JavaScript can also be utilized on the backend with Node.js.

Databases and SQL

• Types of Databases:
  • SQL Databases: Table-based; good for multi-row transactions.
  • NoSQL Databases: Document-based; better for unstructured data.
  • Recommended to learn both Postgres (SQL) and MongoDB (NoSQL).

APIs and Libraries

• Definition:
  • APIs allow communication between different software applications.
  • Understand serialization, data transfer, and authentication.
  • Familiarize yourself with libraries like Express.js and ORM tools like Prisma.

Security

• Importance of Security:
  • Understand common vulnerabilities and how to secure applications.
  • Learn concepts like HTTPS, CORS, and SSL.
  • Security should be integrated into all aspects of development.

Front-End Libraries and Build Tools

• Recommendation:
  • Use a front-end UI library to enhance productivity; React is popular.
  • Explore Next.js for server-side rendering and performance optimization.

CSS Frameworks and Compilers

• Options:
  • Use CSS frameworks and preprocessors like Sass or Tailwind CSS to streamline styling.

Advanced Topics

• TypeScript:
  • Enhances JavaScript by adding types to catch bugs early.
• Docker:
  • Containerizes applications for consistent environments across machines.
• Cloud Computing:
  • Renting servers; learn how to use cloud services effectively.
• DevOps:
  • Automate tasks, explore CI/CD tools and infrastructure as code.

Conclusion

• Roadmaps are not one-size-fits-all; tailor your learning to your interests and career goals.
• Explore related content like front-end and back-end developer roadmaps.