I have a CS degree and some experience with Java, Python, C#, databases, and basic web development. I want to build a portfolio and find my first developer job, but I keep jumping between tutorials.
What stack and free resources would you recommend, and when should I start building projects? I'd also appreciate advice on checking which skills are relevant to jobs in Lebanon.
A reasonable JavaScript path is HTML and CSS first, then JavaScript in the browser, Git, React, and a Node.js server using Express. Add SQL and connect a database once you can build a basic API. That gives you one language across most of the stack without having to learn everything at once.
Start a small project as soon as you know enough HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to make a page interactive. Then extend it with a server and database as you learn them. A portfolio project could have a React interface, an Express API, and SQL-backed data. Make sure you can explain how the pieces fit together and how to run it.
Take a look at The Odin Project if the hard part is deciding what comes next. It's a free curriculum that organizes material from different sources into a sequence, with projects along the way. You can use the roadmap without treating it like a paid course you have to finish on a rigid schedule.
Pick a section, work through it, then build or modify something before moving on. That might help cut down on collecting tutorials without actually using the material.
You don't have to start over with a completely new backend language. Since you already know Java, Python, and C#, you could use one of those for the server and focus your new learning on browser JavaScript and a frontend framework. The JavaScript stack is a reasonable option too, but it's not the only route.
Before committing, look at current junior job listings in Lebanon and note which languages, frameworks, and database skills appear in the roles you could apply for. That gives you a local check on any generic roadmap.
For backend practice, Boot.dev has guided paths using Python and other languages, with a gamified format. That could be useful if a sequence of small tasks helps you stay engaged. Check the available free material and pricing before choosing it, and remember you'd still need to learn frontend skills for a full-stack goal.
Answers are reviewed before publication.
plus+minus~shrug!:
What would you use to learn the basics before starting the project?
625volts_of_caution:
MDN Learn web development is a good free starting point for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For React, Node.js, and Express, use their official documentation alongside a small project.