I've been learning web development as a high school student and have grasped the basics of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. I've created some simple websites and apps using platforms like code.org but haven't dived into real-world projects yet. I feel lost when trying to transition from pre-built interfaces to genuine coding. There's so much out there, like Node JS, Express JS, Postman, and React, especially for creating something basic like a to-do list website. I want to make practical applications but I'm overwhelmed with all the information. What's the best way to approach learning the next steps without getting bogged down by too many technologies at once? Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
I highly recommend The Odin Project! It has a structured curriculum that guides you through everything from HTML and CSS to JavaScript and React. It's okay to skim what you already know, but make sure to invest time in the JavaScript sections first. Understanding React is important since it's a powerful framework for building frontend applications, but remember that you should be comfortable with JavaScript before diving in. Also, when you're ready, you'll need some backend knowledge for things like persistent data storage. Just tackle each topic as you need it, and don’t rush!
If you're looking to solidify your programming skills, consider taking AP Computer Science—it covers the fundamentals of programming well. For web development, there's a great resource called the Roadmap for web developers. You might want to start simple with backend options like PHP or Ruby on Rails if that appeals more to you, or try learning React without focusing on backend stuff just yet. Take it slow and focus on one thing at a time!
Thanks for the detailed explanation! It was really confusing trying to grasp what each new technology does, but your breakdown helped a lot. I'm definitely checking out The Odin Project!