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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Next Actions

Run /learn for personalized guidance on your chosen path.