1. Learn HTML & CSS
HTML & CSS are at the core of web development. HTML is your website’s structure, while CSS is the style of your website.
The best place to learn HTML & CSS is freeCodeCamp — free and high-quality content.
2. Learn Basic JavaScript
JavaScript is like the brain of your website. You can do virtually anything with JavaScript — frontend, backend, games, Web3 and more.
Brad Traversy has an amazing crash course that should get you started with the basics of JS.
3. Learn a CSS framework (Tailwind or Bootstrap)
Learning a CSS framework can help you save a ton of time and pain. However, this is not necessary to become a web developer.
If you’re a beginner, I really recommend going with Bootstrap, and then, optionally, moving to Tailwind.
4. Learn a frontend framework (React, Vue or Angular)
Frontend frameworks will take a ton of weight off your shoulders when you start building larger apps. I recommend starting with React or Vue.js.
Scrimba has a free, interactive course to learn React.
5. Learn more JavaScript
At this point, you should ideally start learning advanced JS concepts like Asynchronous JS, Prototypes, etc.
Also, I highly recommend investing in a good JavaScript course. I personally recommend going with Jonas’ Udemy course.
6. Learn Node.js and Express
Now we’re entering the world of backend. Node.js is a runtime and Express is a framework that we use to build our backend.
Learning them both will take a while. Don’t skip any concepts. Don’t rush, go at your own speed.
7. Learn REST API
REST is not a new programming language or framework, it is a certain set of rules that developers follow when developing APIs.
While you’re at it, also learn about the FETCH API. It will help you make API calls and connect your frontend to your backend.
8. Learn MongoDB and Mongoose
In the MERN stack, we use MongoDB as the database.
Learn MongoDB’s important commands and queries, and then learn Mongoose to integrate MongoDB into your Express app easily.
Brad’s crash course should get you started.
9. Learn GIT (and GitHub)
Git is a version control system and it allows you to track all changes to your files over a time period. Git is extremely crucial and you’re gonna use it at some point in your career.
So, better learn it as soon as you can.
10. Learn a CSS preprocessor
CSS on its own ain’t that powerful. A CSS preprocessor like Sass or LESS can make CSS powerful like a real programming language.
CSS preprocessors are not as crucial as Git, but it is a good-to-have. Don’t stress over it, learn it as you go.
11. Learn a Cloud Platform
Lastly, learning about a cloud platform, like AWS and Google Cloud, will make you a “true” full-stack web developer.
And that’s really all there is. If you learn and practice these, you should already be capable of developi full-stack apps.