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Posted by sigma___mohit@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 10 comments
I’ve completed HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Should I start learning backend with Node.js now, or first learn React and TypeScript before moving to the backend? I’m currently in my first year, second semester.
BeginningOne8195@reddit
I’d say just pick one direction and start building, you can go React first or Node first, both work, but actually making projects will help way more than trying to plan the “perfect” order.
Kitty_Sparkles@reddit
I always find peculiar to see people go through learning like some kind of to-do list. Most if not all people learn by doing. Again, again, and again. Your theoretical knowledge of frontend languages is likely worthless unless you’ve put it in practice repeatedly, because that’s the real test and a great way to actually learn proficiency.
I’ve been doing frontend for 15 years, and I wouldn’t say I’ve completed any language (especially since they all keep evolving). With every project, I learn new things, and the truth is it’s what makes this field enjoyable and fun.
I guess my point is: maybe do not view learning as a checklist to power through, and just try building a project? You‘ll learn what you need by being confronted to real problems and solving them one by one.
PalpitationOk839@reddit
Don’t wait too long to try backend though. Even a simple API + frontend project will make your skills more runable and practical.
EfficientMongoose317@reddit
tbh either path works, but i’d lean slightly towards backend now
you already know html/css/js, so getting some exposure to how things work behind the scenes (apis, databases, auth) will give you a more complete picture. makes frontend stuff make more sense too
react/typescript you can pick up anytime later, they’re easier once you understand the full flow of an app
imo just don’t stay stuck in tutorials, build something small with whichever you pick and you’ll learn way faster
Garble365@reddit
Learn React first to get your frontend skill to a standard, then learn some SQL (PostgreSQL's good) then learn Node's Express framework, solidify your SQL skills with an ORM like Prisma, now you are a fullstack dev. But you still find yourself lacking the confidence to build something from scratch - because you are still not a software engineer. Learn software engineering principles, learn SDLC, architecture, testing, design principles, learn computer science concepts like FSM, etc. At one point, you will realize you have a method to the "thinking phase" of your projects. Congrats you have made it.
atom12354@reddit
What does "i have completed" mean?
DeepKaleidoscope7382@reddit
They know every single tag and property and value. Simple.
atom12354@reddit
And how to use them correctly too i assume would be disaster otherwise
cheezballs@reddit
Build stuff. You haven't completed anything yet if all you've done is read.
Personal_Calendar617@reddit
I’d go backend first tbh
you already know how to build UIs, but learning Node will teach you how things actually work (APIs, auth, databases, etc.)
React/TS is easier to pick up later once you understand the full flow
also you’ll stand out more with some backend knowledge than just “another frontend dev”
a good path could be: Node → build a simple API → connect it to a small frontend → then move to React/TS