Core Development Skill
Quick Reference
| Path | Duration | Entry Point | Exit Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontend | 3-6 mo | HTML/CSS | React/Vue + Testing |
| Backend | 6-12 mo | Language | API + DB + Deploy |
| Full Stack | 9-15 mo | Frontend | Full app + DevOps |
| DevOps | 12-24 mo | Linux | K8s + IaC + CI/CD |
Learning Paths
Frontend
[1] HTML5 + CSS3 (2-3 wk)
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[2] JavaScript ES6+ (4-6 wk)
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[3] React 19 / Vue 3 (4-6 wk)
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[4] State + Testing (2-4 wk)
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[5] Deploy + CI/CD (1-2 wk)
2025 Stack: TypeScript + React 19 + Tailwind v4 + Vite + Vitest
Backend
[1] Python or JavaScript (4-6 wk)
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[2] Framework: FastAPI / NestJS (4-6 wk)
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[3] Database: PostgreSQL (3-4 wk)
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[4] APIs + Auth (3-4 wk)
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[5] Testing + Deploy (2-4 wk)
2025 Stack: Python + FastAPI + PostgreSQL + Redis + Docker
Full Stack
[1] Frontend Mastery (3-4 mo)
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[2] Backend Mastery (4-6 mo)
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[3] Integration + DevOps (2-4 mo)
2025 Stack: Next.js 15 + PostgreSQL + Vercel
DevOps
[1] Linux + Bash (4-6 wk)
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[2] Docker (2-3 wk)
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[3] Kubernetes (6-8 wk)
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[4] Cloud: AWS/GCP (8-12 wk)
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[5] Terraform + CI/CD (4-6 wk)
2025 Stack: Docker + Kubernetes + Terraform + GitHub Actions
Technology Matrix
| Component | Frontend | Backend | Full Stack | DevOps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | Python/JS | TypeScript | Bash/Python |
| Framework | React 19 | FastAPI | Next.js 15 | - |
| Styling | Tailwind | - | Tailwind | - |
| Database | - | PostgreSQL | PostgreSQL | - |
| Testing | Vitest | pytest | Playwright | - |
| Deploy | Vercel | Docker | Vercel | K8s |
Troubleshooting Decision Tree
Which path should I choose?
├─► Like visual/creative work? → Frontend
├─► Prefer logic/algorithms? → Backend
├─► Want to build complete products? → Full Stack
└─► Love automation/infrastructure? → DevOps
Stuck in tutorial hell?
├─► Stop watching, start building
├─► Pick ONE project and finish it
├─► 70% building, 30% learning
└─► Deploy something live today
Can't find a job?
├─► Portfolio too weak? → Build 3 real projects
├─► No GitHub activity? → Contribute to open source
├─► Resume weak? → Add measurable achievements
└─► No network? → Join communities, attend meetups
Common Failure Modes
| Symptom | Root Cause | Recovery Action |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis paralysis | Too many options | Pick popular stack, start today |
| Outdated learning | Using old resources | Check resource date (must be 2024+) |
| Impostor syndrome | Comparing to experts | Focus on daily improvement |
| Burnout | Too fast, too much | 1-2 hours/day consistently |
Validation Checklist
Before marking path complete:
- Can build project from scratch without tutorial
- Understand WHY, not just HOW
- Have 3+ portfolio projects deployed
- Can explain concepts to others
- Passed technical interview questions
Next Actions
Run /learn for personalized guidance on your chosen path.