2024 Complete Full-Stack Developers Roadmap
Tags: webdev, javascript, beginners, programming
Published: 2024-06-04 21:33:16

Getting into tech may be nutcracking especially if you don't know your way about it. Things may be a bit confusing and most Developers would wish they could go back in time and start their tech journey from afresh. I have saved you from your future what-ifs by writing this complete Full-Stack Developer road map, which involves possible stacks you can learn and where you can learn them. In this article, I am going to be covering stacks from the Frontend to the Backend and continuous things you can do to keep yourself busy while looking for that big job.

## FrontEnd Development
Frontend has to do with an interactive UI (User Interface) which communicates with the user. This is the part of the web which the user can see and interact with. According to Stack Overflow annual developer survey 2020, 37% of Developers learn Frontend Development. People going into tech prefer learning a stack that is new and not overpopulated. Here are some recommended Frontend stacks to get you started in your developer journey.

**Programming Language for Frontend Web Development**

1. **HTML (Hyper Text Markup  Language):** I do recommend HTML for anyone transitioning into Frontend Development. It is the ABC of the Frontend. HTML can be seen as the skeleton of the website which has the basic structure that makes a website. The HTML tells the browser how to display the elements like images, texts, and links. A topical HTML file contains various tags that give the webpage structure. Here is a link to kickstart your journey in understanding HTML [w3schools](https://www.w3schools.com/html/html_intro.asp)

2. **CSS (Cascading Style Sheet)**: CSS is the next go-to step after learning HTML. I said earlier that "HTML can be seen as the skeleton of the website" but this time CSS is the flesh of the website. CSS is used in styling the website, making it more interactive and user-friendly. CSS is used in styling the various tags/elements of the HTML. Here is a link to learn CSS in-depth [w3schools](https://www.w3schools.com/css/css_intro.asp)

3. **JavaScript:** Most new Developers confuse Java programming language as the short form of JavaScript. JavaScript is a different programming language that was later introduced into programming. JavaScript has grown so vast that people now consider it to be a Backend language. JavaScript is what makes the website functional. It brings the website to life. Let's take a house for example, the house structure is the HTML, the CSS is the paints doors and windows and the interior decorator of the house. JavaScript is what powers the house for it to have running water and electricity. Here is a YouTube video to expand your knowledge of JavaScript [SuperSimpleDev](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EerdGm-ehJQ&pp=ygUWamF2YXNjcmlwdCBmdWxsIGNvdXJzZQ%3D%3D)  

3.  **CSS Frameworks**: To make writing codes easier, faster and more efficient I recommend you learn a CSS Framework. There are many types of CSS frameworks but the most used are Bootstrap and Tailwind CSS. Bootstrap helps in grid systems and responsive designs but compared to Tailwind CSS, Bootstrap may be grand and complex to write. Tailwind CSS is widely preferred and is excellent for styling. Both have excellent documentation and community support. [Tailwind CSS Documentation](https://v2.tailwindcss.com/docs ) and [Bootstrap Documentation](https://getbootstrap.com/docs/4.1/getting-started/introduction/) 

4. **React Js**: React is a famous JavaScript Libary, used for building dynamic user interfaces. React allows the user to break down the code into various components thereby making the coding space more clean and well-organized. Learn React on YouTube for free on [FreeCodeCamp](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMknfKXIFA8&pp=ygUFcmVhY3Q%3D)

5. **NextJS:** After mastering React, learn NextJS for server-side rendering and generating static websites. The NextJS documentation offers a getting started guide. [NextJS Docs](https://nextjs.org/docs)

## Backend Development
Back-end Development means working on server-side software, which focuses on everything you can't see on a website. Back-end developers ensure the website performs correctly, focusing on databases, back-end logic, application programming interface (APIs), architecture, and servers.

1. **Node.js:** NodeJS is your go-to start in Backend Development. NodeJS is a runtime environment, a runtime environment is an environment in which the program or an application is executed. Node Js allows you to run a program outside the browser like Firefox or Chrome. NodeJS helps Frontend Developers build a program with a programming language they are familiar with. NodeJS can be seen as the backbone of the Backend which runs on a single server.

2. **DataBase:** MongoDB is one of the most common DataBase used to store documents in JSON-like format. MongoDB makes it easy for developers to store structured or unstructured data. Learn [MongoDB](https://www.mongodb.com/resources/products/fundamentals/why-use-mongodb#:~:text=MongoDB%20is%20built%20on%20a,like%20format%20to%20store%20documents.).

3. **PHP:**  Is a Dynamic interpreted scripting language for building interactive websites on the server, despite haters pronouncing it dead, it remains one of the most popular languages for Backend Development. It powers content management systems like WordPress Wikipedia etc. Php is a widely-used open source general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for Web Development and can be embedded into HTML. Learn [Php](https://www.php.net/manual/en/intro-whatis.php)

4. **Python:** Python is a high-level interpreted program famous for its zen-like codes. Python's simple, easy to learn syntax emphasizes readability and therefore reduces the cost of program maintenance. It is commonly used to build server side applications like web apps with Django framework. It is the language of choice for big data analysis and machine learning. Learn [Python](https://www.python.org/doc/essays/blurb/)

## Full-Stack Development
A full-stack developer is a developer or engineer who can build both the front end and the back end of a website. Integrating front-end and back-end knowledge, focus on creating full-stack applications. Use the technologies learned to build robust, scalable web applications.

## Mobile Application Development
**1. React Native:** Transition into Mobile Development with React Native, allowing you to reuse JavaScript knowledge. The official [React Native documentation](https://reactnative.dev/) is a good starting point.

**Continuous Learning and Specialization**
The tech landscape evolves rapidly, so continuous learning is crucial. Focus on areas of interest or where job opportunities are growing. Participate in open-source projects, contribute to forums, and attend meetups or conferences to stay current.

This roadmap provides a structured approach to becoming a versatile full-stack developer capable of handling a wide range of web and Mobile Development challenges. Remember, the key to success in this field is consistent practice and a willingness to adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

**Resources**
https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2020
https://www.coursera.org/articles/back-end-developer#:~:text=What%20is%20back%2Dend%20development,)%2C%20architecture%2C%20and%20servers
https://www.python.org/doc/essays/blurb/
https://www.youtube.com/@Fireship
https://youtu.be/q-xS25lsN3I?si=KpdKsN1f35fV8Df2