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How to become a Fullstack Web Developer in 12 steps (MERN stack)

Dan Cherny
Written on How to become a Fullstack Web Developer in 12 steps (MERN stack)

In this article, we cover the path to full-stack developer step by step. MERN stands for MongoDB, Express, React, and Node. Keep reading, and you'll get to the point!

1. Learn HTML & CSS

HTML & CSS are the so-called "core vitals" on which web development bases. HTML is a hypertext markup language that provides your website structure, while CSS is the language that describes your website's style. The best place to learn HTML & CSS is Udemy, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp — these platforms offer high-quality content.

2. Learn Javascript

Learn the basics of Javascript, which makes your website interactive. Later on, you will be able to do almost everything with Javascript — frontend, backend, browser games, and more. We have amazing fundamental courses on Javascript for you to try.

3. Learn a CSS framework

These days, more and more people lean towards the Tailwind CSS framework, which offers a flexible way to build website applications, but assumes knowledge of CSS. Another option is an excellent old framework called Bootstrap, which provides a lot of ready-to-production elements, but lacks modern features for frontend optimization. For the beginner's level better to start with Bootstrap initially, then transcend to the Tailwind.

4. Learn a frontend framework (React, Vue, Svelte)

The frontend framework is great for making interactive and complex applications, with all the modern solutions out-of-the-box. We recommend starting with React or Vue.js as the most popular frameworks required in the market.

5. Dive into advanced Javascript

At this point, you should better start learning advanced JS concepts — asynchronous JS, prototypes, etc. Also, it's highly recommended applying for a good course or get a mentor.

6. Learn Node.js and Express

At this moment, it is time to get into the world of the modern backend. In this world reigns Javascript with its Node.js (runtime) and Express (framework) that are used to build the backend. It will not be an easy road and will take some time. The most valuable advice here is not to skip any concept. Don't rush here. Advance at your own pace.

7. Learn API

Learn the concepts of REST and FETCH API. This knowledge will help you establish a connection between the frontend and the server.

Node.js and Express REST API with Real World Projects

8. Learn databases with MongoDB and Mongoose

In the MERN stack, instead of MySQL or PostgreSQL, we use MongoDB as the database. You need to study the most popular commands and queries, and next to learn Mongoose make MongoDB and Express server work together. We have some quality courses on this topic here

Full stack Universal React with Redux, Node js and MongoDB

9. Learn GIT and GitHub

Git is a version control system that helps us track all the changes to the files we have done for any period. Git is a very powerful and crucial instrument which you're going to use all your career as a developer, so the earlier, the better.

Learn Git & GitHub

10. Learn a CSS preprocessor

CSS is not very flexible and powerful without preprocessors despite new versions. Go on and learn Sass preprocessor. It's good to have a basic understanding of this tool.

11. Learn about Cloud Platforms

You should be proficient with cloud platforms, like AWS (by Amazon) and Google Cloud.

AWS Cloud Concepts

12. Learn CI/CD

CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration / Continuous Development. It is the apex of all of the coding you do before releasing a product. There are plenty of tools, such as Jenkins, TeamCity, Buddy, and GitLab.

Build a React & Redux App w/ CircleCI CI/CD, AWS & Terraform