Seeking Guidance on the Path to Web Development: My Journey So Far and Next Steps

I’m taking my first steps into the world of web development and could use some guidance from those who’ve traveled this path before. If you’re an experienced developer, I’d love to hear about your journey into web development. How did you get started? Which resources or learning methods did you find most effective in your early days? Looking back, what advice would you give to someone just starting out?

As I navigate through this journey, I find myself faced with a plethora of learning resources, both free and paid. Recently, my trial version on Codecademy came to an end, prompting me to explore various beginner courses and e-learning platforms. However, I discovered that while the content was similar, the certificates lacked recognition from employers. Determined to proceed without breaking the bank, I decided to pivot towards free resources.

The abundance of free resources, though, left me overwhelmed. Hours slipped away as I scrolled through countless platforms, trying to find the best starting point. Despite the daunting task, I remained committed to my goal of acquiring valuable skills and knowledge in web development.

In my pursuit of structured learning, I narrowed down my focus to a few key resources:

Free Learning Platforms:

freeCodeCamp: Offering a comprehensive curriculum covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and beyond.

The Odin Project: With its hands-on approach, The Odin Project guids through everything from basic HTML and CSS to full-stack development.

Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) Web Docs: MDN offer reliable documentation and tutorials on web development technologies, supporting my learning journey with extensive resources.

Exploring Free Tutorials and Guides:

YouTube Tutorials: Channels like Traversy Media and The Net Ninja. I’ve settled on them for now, but I’m looking forward to hearing your recommendations

W3Schools: As a trusted source of tutorials and references, W3Schools helps me to understand more in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

I am just on my initial steps in this journey, but already want to understand waht is the best way to continue growing and learning in the field of web development. But I could use some advice on what the next steps should be. What resourses is better to use? How to built the portfolio? What is the best platform to take? Or areas of focus should I prioritize as I progress further?

Your insights and advice would mean a lot to me and other beginners embarking on this thrilling adventure. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences.