Hey everyone, I'm diving into web development and while I know it's a journey that never really ends, I'm wondering how much learning is enough before I actually start building my own projects. I'm not looking to land a job; I just want to create useful tools for myself and others. I've read that it typically takes around 1.5 to 3 years to get there, but I'm skeptical. How much should I really know? How much practice should I have under my belt? Also, I'm curious about the best way to learn the MERN stack visually; I'm considering platforms like FreeCodeCamp and BroCode, but I want to stick to a solid learning path. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
You can actually start building projects right away. As you learn, just choose a project and let that guide your learning. It's a great way to apply what you pick up along the way!
Honestly, you’re ready to start when you can build a basic website and can handle a technical interview. I’d steer clear of the MERN stack as it can feel trendy. The Odin Project comes highly recommended if you're looking for solid programming skills that won't be easily outpaced by AI. Also, tackling something like CS50 first could set a strong foundation.
For the visual learning aspect, the best approach is to just get hands-on. Figure out a problem you want to solve, break it into smaller tasks, and use resources like FreeCodeCamp to guide you through the stack while you work on your solutions. Don't get too caught up in just studying; applying what you learn will deepen your understanding immensely.
By visually, I mean I like seeing the code in action. I tend to get lost in text. Thanks for the tip!
You could really start coding with just one day's knowledge! Sure, it won't be fancy, but progress will come with time. Some people move faster than others, so I'd put a rough estimate of 1 to 10 years depending on your commitment and the complexity of what you want to learn.
That comparison's not quite fair though. CS grads follow a structured program while you can accelerate your own learning outside of that. Those who shine are usually the ones who practice independently.
From experience teaching web development, here's a solid way to go full-stack:
1. Start with HTML
2. Move on to CSS
3. Learn CSS Flexbox
4. Pick up PHP
5. Then dive into Laravel.
Even though you asked about MERN, I'd actually recommend Laravel if you're learning solo. It's more comprehensive and can save you a lot of headaches when building. Plus, it has built-in features like data management and authentication which can be super handy.
Got it, thanks! I appreciate the detailed path.
Thanks for that! What do you think about my other question regarding learning the MERN stack?