🛠 Software Engineer Roadmap (With Explanations)
Phase 1: Foundations (0–3 months)
👉 Goal: Build a strong base in programming and computer science fundamentals.
- Learn Core Programming Language:
- Start with Python or JavaScript (since you already know PHP/HTML/CSS, JS will feel natural).
- Learn variables, loops, conditions, functions, arrays, OOP (Object-Oriented Programming).
- Start with Python or JavaScript (since you already know PHP/HTML/CSS, JS will feel natural).
- Version Control:
- Learn Git & GitHub → helps in managing code, contributing to open-source.
- Learn Git & GitHub → helps in managing code, contributing to open-source.
- Problem Solving:
- Practice coding problems on HackerRank, LeetCode, or CodeStudio.
- Focus on basic data structures (arrays, stacks, queues, strings).
- Practice coding problems on HackerRank, LeetCode, or CodeStudio.
✅ Why? → This phase builds your “brain muscles” for coding and problem solving, which is what interviews and real-world software engineering demand.
Phase 2: Web Development (3–6 months)
👉 Goal: Become job-ready for entry-level web/software engineering roles.
- Frontend Development:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript (deep dive).
- Responsive design, Flexbox, Grid.
- Framework: React.js (most in-demand).
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript (deep dive).
- Backend Development:
- Node.js (JavaScript runtime) OR stick with PHP (since you know it) and expand.
- Learn REST APIs – how frontend talks to backend.
- Node.js (JavaScript runtime) OR stick with PHP (since you know it) and expand.
- Databases:
- SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
- NoSQL (MongoDB basics).
- SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
- Projects to build:
- Blog platform
- E-commerce mini app
- Prompt-sharing app (like your idea)
- Blog platform
✅ Why? → Employers look for portfolio projects and the ability to build end-to-end applications.
Phase 3: Advanced Concepts (6–12 months)
👉 Goal: Move from web developer → software engineer.
- Computer Science Fundamentals:
- Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA).
- Time & Space Complexity (Big-O Notation).
- Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA).
- System Design Basics:
- How large apps like YouTube, Instagram work.
- Concepts: load balancers, caching, databases, scalability.
- How large apps like YouTube, Instagram work.
- Testing & Deployment:
- Unit Testing (Jest, PHPUnit, PyTest).
- CI/CD pipelines.
- Cloud platforms: AWS, GCP, Azure.
- Unit Testing (Jest, PHPUnit, PyTest).
✅ Why? → These concepts differentiate a coder from a software engineer.
Phase 4: Career Growth (1–3 years)
👉 Goal: Land higher-paying roles or freelance successfully.
- Specializations:
- Full-stack Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Mobile App Developer (React Native / Flutter)
- AI/ML Engineer (if interested in AI).
- Full-stack Engineer
- Build a Strong Portfolio + GitHub:
- Contribute to open-source projects.
- Maintain your personal projects live (using Netlify, Vercel, AWS).
- Contribute to open-source projects.
- Job Prep:
- LeetCode (intermediate problems).
- Mock interviews.
- LeetCode (intermediate problems).
Networking on LinkedIn (which you already focus on).
Phase 5: Mastery (3–5 years)
👉 Goal: Become senior-level software engineer.
- System Design Mastery: Architecting complex systems.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Guide juniors, write blogs, build a personal brand.
- Continuous Learning: New languages, frameworks, AI integration, etc.
🚀 Example 90-Day Plan for You
(Since you said you want to study ~2 hrs daily, 4 hrs on Sundays)
First 30 Days:
- Python (basics + OOP).
- Git & GitHub.
- Solve 50 beginner DSA problems.
Next 30 Days:
- JavaScript advanced (ES6+, DOM, Async, Fetch API).
- React.js basics.
- Small project: Task Manager or Notes App.
Next 30 Days:
- Backend (Node.js + Express OR PHP advanced).
- REST APIs + MySQL.
- Project: Prompt-sharing app with login/signup.
Keep on working, great job!
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