To become a backend developer, you'll need a structured approach to learning and developing the necessary skills. Here's a concise guide on what you need to focus on, including a suggested timetable for your learning journey:
1. Resolve and Commitment
Dedication: Start with a strong resolve to persist through challenges. Backend development requires problem-solving skills and the willingness to continually learn and adapt.
2. Time Table of Hours You Allocate to Your Learning
Learning Schedule: Dedicate at least 10-20 hours per week to learning. This can be adjusted based on your current commitments and how quickly you want to progress. A balanced approach could be:
Weekdays: 2-4 hours per day.
Weekends: 4-6 hours per day, with breaks to avoid burnout.
3. Look for a Good Course
Online Platforms: Start with foundational courses in programming on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or free resources on YouTube. Look for courses with high ratings and reviews from learners.
JavaScript Courses: Since JavaScript is highly recommended for backend development (especially for beginners), find a course that covers basics to advanced concepts.
4. JavaScript or Other Programming Languages
Why JavaScript: It's versatile for both frontend and backend development (thanks to Node.js), making it a great first language.
Learn JavaScript: Ensure you understand core concepts like variables, loops, functions, and asynchronous programming.
5. Node.js Course After JavaScript
Node.js: After getting comfortable with JavaScript, move on to learning Node.js. It's crucial for backend development as it allows you to run JavaScript on the server-side.
Find a Course: Look for a course that covers Node.js fundamentals, Express.js (a popular Node.js framework), working with databases, and API development.
6. Build Projects and Put on GitHub
Practical Experience: Start building your own projects as soon as you feel comfortable with basic programming concepts. Projects can range from simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) applications to more complex systems.
GitHub Portfolio: Regularly push your projects to GitHub. This will not only track your progress but also showcase your work to potential employers.
Additional Tips
Community and Networking: Join developer communities online (e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit, or specific Discord servers) and locally. Networking can provide support and open job opportunities.
Continuous Learning: Backend technologies evolve rapidly. Stay updated with the latest trends, frameworks, and best practices in backend development.
By following this structured approach and dedicating a consistent amount of time to your learning and practice, you can steadily progress towards becoming a proficient backend developer.