Step-by-step plan to become a Software Development Engineer 1

Follow this simple 8-week plan to learn programming, build real projects, and prepare for an entry-level software development job.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Foundations: Programming Basics

Start learning programming with clear concepts. Practice basic coding and problem-solving every day.

2 weeks

Understand programming logic basics
Write simple programs using variables and loops
Solve basic coding problems (calculator, temperature converter)
Learn to use a code editor

Variables and types (numbers, strings)
If-else statements (decision making)
Loops (repeat actions)
Input and output (user data)

Beginner Programming Course
Code Practice Website
Intro to Programming Book

Complete 10 code exercises with solutions by end of week 2
Show a working calculator program to a peer

Web Development Essentials

Learn how websites work. Create simple web pages using HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript. Start to understand building interactive sites.

2 weeks

Build simple web pages (portfolio, contact form)
Understand HTML and CSS basics
Add basic interactivity with JavaScript
Host a web page online

HTML for structure (headings, lists)
CSS for styling (colors, spacing)
JavaScript basics (click buttons, show/hide text)

Basic Web Development Course
Online HTML/CSS/JS Tutorial
Free Web Hosting Platform

Publish a basic portfolio website with at least 2 pages
Add one interactive feature (e.g., button to show message)

Project Deep Dive: Task Tracker App

Build a personal project—a simple Task Tracker web app. Apply your coding and web skills. Add features like forms, save tasks, and filter tasks.

3 weeks

Plan and design the app (list tasks, mark as complete)
Build main screens (tasks, add task form)
Manage app state (track list of tasks)
Test app features and fix errors

App planning (draw simple wireframe on paper)
Forms (user input for adding tasks)
State handling (remember tasks added)
Testing (check that 'mark complete' works)

Beginner JavaScript Book
Project Tutorial (Task Tracker)
Basic Testing Guide

Deploy your Task Tracker app online and share the link
Document steps with screenshots of key features
Show tests passing (screenshot of testing tool)

Deployment & Collaboration Basics

Share your project, learn to use collaborative tools, and ensure code quality. Use version control and free hosting services.

1 weeks

Use version control (Git) for your project
Deploy your app online (Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages)
Write a simple project README (about, usage)
Check for code and style quality

Version control basics (Git: commit, push)
Online hosting (upload project for all to see)
Writing basic documentation

Online Git Tutorial
Free Hosting Service Docs
Sample Project README

Project is public on GitHub with a readable README file
Deployed app has visible link in your README

Interview Preparation & Final Review

Get ready for job applications. Practice sharing your project, solving coding questions, and answering common interview topics.

1 weeks

Practice explaining your project clearly
Solve beginner-level coding interview questions
Prepare simple resume focused on your app skills
Review feedback from peers or mentors

Project demo (show your app live)
Simple coding problem solving
Resume basics (list project, skills, contact info)

Common Coding Questions List
Entry-level Resume Template
Peer Review Checklist

Complete 10 mock interview questions with written answers
Have a live project demo ready for interviews
Resume ready with Task Tracker project included

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Programming Basics: Get comfortable with code	You need to understand how code works before building bigger things.	Set up code editor (VS Code), Learn variables and types (string, number in JavaScript), Write simple calculator script, Try problems on Code Practice Website	Five coding exercises completed, Calculator script shared in a file
2	Control Flow & Practice	Learn how code makes decisions and repeats actions.	Write if-else examples (even/odd checker), Practice loops (for, while over a number list), Solve 2 new problems (temperature converter, guess game), Share code for review	Two working programs (converter, guess game), Document feedback received
3	Web Basics: Build and style pages	Web apps need strong, simple web pages as a base.	Make a two-page site (Home, About) in HTML/CSS, Add page navigation (links), Style pages with CSS colors and layout, Publish site online (GitHub Pages)	Live site link (two pages, basic style), Code in online repo
4	Add Interactivity with JavaScript	Sites become useful when users can interact with them.	Add a show/hide button with JavaScript, Make a simple form (contact form), Test form with example data, Write basic JavaScript explanations	Contact form on your live site, JavaScript file showing button/task logic
5	Project Start: Plan and Setup Task Tracker	Starting a real project shows your skills to employers.	Draw app plan on paper (homepage, add task form), Set up new code repo for Task Tracker, Create basic project structure in code editor, Push first version to GitHub	Wireframe drawing uploaded, Initial repo with files online
6	Build Task Tracker Core Features	Main features show what your project can really do.	Code form to add new tasks (JavaScript), Display tasks in a list, Allow marking tasks complete, Test all actions and fix simple bugs	Live app link (add, list, mark tasks), Screenshots of working features
7	Testing, Documentation, and Deployment	Testing and docs prove your project is ready for sharing.	Write tests for add and complete task features (Jest or similar), Write project README (steps, usage, features), Host live app (Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages), Check project quality and fix formatting	Project README file completed, Live deployed app unique link
8	Project Demo & Interview Practice	Showcasing your project and skills gets you ready for jobs.	Rehearse demo of your Task Tracker app, Record short screen-share explaining your features, Write answers to 10 practice coding interview questions, Update resume with your project and skills	Video or document explaining app features, Updated resume file ready for job search

Daily Plan

Monday

Review goals for the week
Study new topic (course or tutorial)
Write small code example

Tuesday

Do hands-on coding (practice or project task)
Test code and fix errors
Take brief notes on what you learned

Wednesday

Continue main project task for the week
Ask for feedback or help if stuck
Update project files

Thursday

Review and refine code
Try extra practice problem or coding exercise
Share code with peer or online community

Friday

Summarize what you learned this week
Check all deliverables are done
Plan next week (set goals)