Getting Started with Modern Web Development

Look, I've been building web apps for over a decade, and I've seen way too many developers jump straight into React without understanding the basics. Let me save you some pain and show you the right way to get started.

Stop. Don't Touch React Yet.

I know, I know. Everyone's telling you to learn React. But here's the thing – if you don't understand vanilla JavaScript, you're going to struggle. Badly. I've mentored dozens of developers, and the ones who skip the fundamentals always hit a wall.

The Foundation That Actually Matters

Before you even think about frameworks, you need to master these three:

• HTML: Not just divs and spans – semantic HTML that actually makes sense
• CSS: Flexbox, Grid, and how to center a div (seriously, learn this)
• JavaScript: Not jQuery. Real, modern JavaScript that works in 2024

The Stack That Won't Let You Down

After you've got the basics down, here's what I actually recommend for beginners:

• Next.js: React but with batteries included. Trust me on this one.
• TypeScript: Yes, it's extra work. Yes, it's worth it. Your future self will thank you.
• Tailwind CSS: Stop writing custom CSS for everything. This will change your life.
• Vercel: Deploy in 30 seconds. No server management. Just works.

My "Learn by Building" Approach

Week 1: The Basics

Build a simple landing page. No frameworks. Just HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript. Make it responsive. Make it look good. This is harder than you think.

Week 2: Add Some Spice

Now rebuild that same page in Next.js. See the difference? Feel how much easier it is? That's the power of good tools.

Week 3: Make It Dynamic

Add a contact form. Connect it to a database. Send real emails. This is where things get interesting.

Week 4: Deploy Like a Pro

Get it live. Set up a custom domain. Add analytics. You now have a real website that real people can visit.

The Mistakes I Made (So You Don't Have To)

• Framework hopping: I learned React, then Vue, then Angular. Pick one and stick with it.
• Over-engineering: Your first project doesn't need microservices. Start simple.
• Ignoring mobile: Mobile-first isn't optional anymore. It's mandatory.
• Not using Git: Learn version control from day one. Seriously.

The Real Talk

Web development is hard. There's a lot to learn, and it changes constantly. But here's the secret: the fundamentals don't change. Master those, and you'll be able to adapt to whatever comes next.

Start building. Make mistakes. Break things. That's how you learn. And remember – every expert was once a beginner who didn't give up.