Learn software development in this order: one language well, data structures and algorithms, HTML, CSS and JavaScript, a frontend framework, a backend with a database, Git and testing, then deployment and system design. Ship two full-stack apps with real users before you apply.
- 1One languagePython or JavaScript
- 2DSAarrays to graphs
- 3Web basicsHTML, CSS, JS
- 4FrontendReact
- 5Backend + DBNode or Django, SQL
- 6Git and testsCI, pytest or Jest
- 7Deploy and designDocker, system design
Learning path: free resources in order
| Stage | Free resource | Industry tool you will meet |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Programming basics | CS50x (Harvard, free) · Python tutorial · JavaScript on MDN | VS Code, Git |
| 2. Data structures and algorithms | DSA learning path · NeetCode roadmap · LeetCode (free problems) · Masai DSA guide | Interview platforms |
| 3. Web fundamentals | MDN Learn web development · The Odin Project · freeCodeCamp | Browser dev tools |
| 4. Frontend framework | React docs | React, Next.js, Vite |
| 5. Backend and databases | Node.js docs · Django tutorial · PostgreSQL tutorial | Express, Django, PostgreSQL, MongoDB |
| 6. Git, testing and CI | Pro Git book · GitHub Actions docs | Git, GitHub, pytest, Jest |
| 7. Deployment and system design | Docker get started · System Design Primer · roadmap.sh | Docker, Vercel, Render, AWS |
A realistic 12 to 24 week plan
| Weeks | Focus | Output you can show |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | Language and web basics | A personal site on GitHub Pages |
| Weeks 5 to 10 | DSA and frontend | 100 problems by pattern and a React app |
| Weeks 11 to 16 | Backend, database, tests | A full-stack app with auth and tests |
| Weeks 17 to 20 | Deploy and design | The app in Docker with CI and a system-design write-up |
Roles in the industry
| Role | What the work looks like | Core tools |
|---|---|---|
| Frontend developer | Build interfaces and client logic | React, TypeScript, CSS |
| Backend developer | APIs, databases, performance | Node or Python, SQL, Docker |
| Full-stack developer | Both sides of a product feature | React plus a backend and a database |
| DevOps or platform engineer | CI/CD, infrastructure, reliability | Docker, Kubernetes, cloud, GitHub Actions |
Mistakes to avoid
- Collecting languages and frameworks instead of finishing one real app.
- Memorising LeetCode solutions instead of practising by pattern.
- No tests, no README and no deployment, so nobody can run your work.
- Skipping Git branches and pull requests, which every team uses daily.
Build as you learn
Software projects
Full-stack apps with auth, tests, real-time features and CI.
Python projects with code
13 Python projects with source code on GitHub for 2026, each checked for licence and recent commits, with what you learn and a change to make.
Full-stack projects with code
18 full-stack projects with source code on GitHub for 2026 (MERN, Django, Next.js, Spring Boot), each checked for licence and recent commits.
Final-year project ideas
36 ideas across AI, web, security, data and IoT, with viva prep.
Free tools for this field
Free coding tools for students
A zero-cost stack to write, host and deploy code.
Free AI tools for builders
Run, build and test AI projects without paying.
Frequently asked questions
Which programming language should I learn first?
Python if you want the gentlest start or data work; JavaScript if you want to build for the web quickly. Depth matters more than the choice.
Is DSA necessary to get a software job?
For most product companies, yes. Startups and service companies weigh projects more. Practise by pattern, 100 to 150 problems is enough for most interviews.
How long does it take to become a software developer?
Six to twelve months of consistent study and two finished projects for most learners.
Do I need a computer science degree?
No. Many developers come from other degrees. A public GitHub with deployed, tested projects is what gets interviews.
Learn this with mentors
Programmes for builders and engineers with admissions open: live classes, mentors and project work.
