The roadmap
Tap a station to see skills, free resources, common mistakes, and time estimates. Use arrow keys to move between stations.
Your progress
Take the quiz to find your starting point
No progress saved yet. Complete stages from the map, or take the self-assessment below.
Worked example: Maya, 6 hrs/week
Maya is a career switcher studying 6 hours per week. Using each stage's midpoint estimate, here is her computed timeline.
| Stage | Estimated hours | Weeks at 6 hrs/wk |
|---|
Self-assessment quiz
Ten quick questions across the roadmap topics. Your weakest topic becomes your recommended starting station, highlighted on the map.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CS degree?
No. Many hired developers are self-taught. Employers care about demonstrable skills: projects, a portfolio, and the ability to explain your decisions. A degree helps with some large companies, but a strong portfolio plus the fundamentals on this map is a proven path.
How long until I am job-ready?
At 10 to 15 hours per week, most beginners reach a hireable level in 12 to 18 months. The persona table above shows a slower 6-hour-a-week pace. Consistency beats intensity.
Frontend, backend, or DevOps?
Pick frontend if you love visible results, backend if you enjoy data and logic, DevOps if infrastructure fascinates you. You can switch later; the first five stages are shared.
Which language should I start with?
Python or JavaScript. Both have huge communities, free resources, and jobs. Language matters far less than mastering fundamentals.