Simple roadmap from backend to fullstack job

Start as a backend developer and learn key frontend skills. Build, test, and deploy a job-ready, fullstack project step by step.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Explore Frontend Basics

You’ll learn frontend foundations while starting your main project. Focus on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics. This prepares you for building interfaces users can see and use.

2 weeks

Understand core HTML elements
Use CSS for basic styling
Write simple scripts with JavaScript
Set up project folder structure

Create navigation bars (HTML)
Style forms (CSS)
Show error messages (JavaScript)
Organize files and folders

HTML/CSS tutorials
Beginner JavaScript guide
Frontend code playground
Online portfolio samples

Website homepage created with navigation links and styled buttons
Simple JavaScript validation on one form field

Connect Frontend to Backend

You’ll connect your new user interface to your backend server. Learn to send and receive data, handle user actions, and update the page easily.

2 weeks

Use fetch to call backend APIs
Show data in the browser
Handle loading and error states
Process form submissions

Get a user list (fetch API)
Show backend errors to users
Send form data (fetch POST)
State updates after API calls

JavaScript fetch tutorials
Frontend-backend integration videos
Sample API projects
Basic error handling guides

Display a list of backend items on the homepage
Form sends data and gets responses from backend

Expand with Frontend Framework

You’ll learn a frontend framework, which helps build bigger projects more easily. Add navigation between pages, manage state, and build more complex forms.

2 weeks

Use a frontend framework (React basics)
Add multiple pages with routing
Control form inputs and validation
Store info like login state

Build page navigation (React Router)
Validate login/signup form fields
Manage state (React useState/hook)
Show page for individual item details

React beginner guide
Component library docs
State management tutorial
Frontend form examples

Multi-page app with routing between Home, Login, and Details
Form with validation and clear error messages

Test and Deploy the Project

Test your full project to make sure it works. Then put it online so others can see and use it. Write short docs about your project.

1 weeks

Write frontend and backend tests
Check all pages and forms
Deploy the project online
Write simple project docs

Create tests (Jest, React Testing Library)
Write test for API route
Deploy on a platform (Vercel, Render)
Write README (project description)

Testing basic tutorials
Deployment platform docs
Simple README templates
Online CI service

All routes and forms have passing tests (minimum three frontend tests)
Live demo link works and README is written
CI badge displays build status on README

Apply and Share

Prepare your application materials and get feedback. Share your project and apply for fullstack jobs.

1 weeks

Update resume with project link
Create short demo video or screenshots
Share project online (portfolio, LinkedIn)
Apply to entry-level fullstack jobs

List project achievements in resume
Record a quick demo video
Write 2-sentence project summary

Resume templates
Demo video tools
Portfolio tips
Job boards for junior devs

Resume and LinkedIn updated with live project link
Project shared and applied to at least five jobs

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Frontend Foundations	You need user-facing skills to become fullstack.	Complete HTML/CSS lessons (freeCodeCamp or similar), Create homepage layout for project, Add CSS for styles (colors, buttons), Write simple JavaScript for button click	Homepage HTML/CSS files, One interactive button (JavaScript)
2	Basic Interactivity and Project Setup	Start using JavaScript and organize your project files.	Validate a form field with JavaScript, Organize project into /frontend and /backend folders, Write short description of project idea, Create a navigation bar	Validated form on homepage, Folder structure with readme
3	Frontend-Backend Connection	You must show you can make both ends work together.	Set up fetch requests to backend (JavaScript), Load list of items from backend and show in page, Handle loading and error messages visibly, Test displays with missing or bad data	Homepage shows live data from backend, Visible loading and error states
4	Form Submission and API Integration	Let users send data to backend, not just read.	Build a form to add or update data, Send form data to backend with fetch POST, Show response to user (success/error), Fix bugs found during integration	Working form that saves data to backend, Handles backend errors in interface
5	Learning Frontend Framework	Frameworks make modern fullstack jobs easier.	Set up React app (Create React App or Vite), Move old HTML/JS into components, Add routing for at least two pages, Test navigation between pages	React project repo, Working routing in frontend
6	State and Advanced Forms	State lets you manage page info and handle forms better.	Use useState to manage page variables, Add validation to form fields (React), Handle multiple step forms if needed, Show clear feedback for users	Multi-field form with validation, State updates visible as user types
7	Testing and Documentation	Tests prove your code works and docs help you share.	Write component tests (Jest/React Testing Library), Test API function in backend, Draft short README with setup, features, and links, Check all pages work as expected	At least 3 passing frontend and backend tests, Draft README file
8	Deploy and Share Project	Showcase your skills by making the project public.	Deploy site on Vercel or similar free hosting, Add CI badge to README, Share demo link on LinkedIn or portfolio, Apply to at least five jobs	Live demo link, Project listed in resume and/or LinkedIn

Daily Plan

Monday

Review last week’s progress and set new week goals
Work on current week’s main tutorial

Tuesday

Build or update one project feature
Test feature and fix simple bugs

Wednesday

Continue with tutorials or docs for needed concepts
Improve or refactor project code

Thursday

Add another UI element or feature
Ask for code feedback online or from peers

Friday

Write or update README and project notes
Check all features work and push code to repo