Getting started in the development area (practical guide)

Entering the development field may seem challenging at first. With technical terms, multiple programming languages, tools and frameworks constantly emerging, it's natural to feel lost. However, software development is a career full of opportunities, exciting challenges, and possibilities for growth.

In this post, we will share a practical and accessible vision for those just starting out in the development field, based on almost a decade of experience in Frontend and Fullstack development. Our goal is to help you understand what it takes to start your journey, the first steps you should take, and how to stay motivated along the way.

But where to start?

If you are thinking about entering the world of development, the first step is to understand the different areas within this career. This helps you decide where to focus your efforts initially. Let's explain it in a practical and clear way:

Frontend: The “face” of the software

The Frontend is the visible part of a website or application, everything that the user directly interacts with. It's like “functional design”, where you create beautiful and intuitive buttons, menus, animations and layouts.

What does a Frontend developer do?
It turns designs (in tools like Figma or Photoshop) into functional code, using languages ​​like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Practical examples:

• Create the “buy” button in an online store.
• Make a page automatically adjust to mobile screens (responsiveness).
• Add animations, such as images that appear smoothly as you scroll.

If you like combining logic with creativity, Frontend can be a great starting point.

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Backend: The brain behind the application

The Backend is what happens “behind the scenes”. It takes care of everything the user doesn't see, like logic, databases and servers.

What does a Backend developer do?
It ensures that data flows correctly, that business rules work and that the system is fast and secure. Languages ​​like Python, Java, Node.js and PHP are common here.

Practical examples:

• Save form data in a database.
• Process payments in an e-commerce.
• Implement logic to recommend movies or products based on the user profile.

If you like solving logical problems and working with data, Backend could be the way.

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Fullstack: The best of both worlds

A Fullstack developer is like a programming “Swiss Army knife”. It works on both Frontend and Backend, connecting both sides.

What does a Fullstack developer do?
He understands enough of both worlds to build a complete system, from the interface to the logic to the database.

Practical examples:

• Create a blog from scratch: from the home page to storing posts.
• Build an application that shows products and allows you to buy them, handling design and payment.

Being Fullstack is ideal for those who like to learn a little bit of everything and seek flexibility.

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Which one to choose first?

Frontend: If you like design, visual interaction and seeing quick results.
Backend: If you prefer logic, working “behind the scenes” and dealing with data.
Fullstack: If you want to explore everything and have a broad view (ideal for those who don't know where to start).

Regardless of the path, the important thing is to take the first step! The next topic will bring the essential tools and languages ​​for each area. ?

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JavaScript: The Foundation of the Web and Beyond

If there is one programming language that every beginner should consider, it is JavaScript. Extremely versatile, JavaScript (or simply JS) is one of the most used technologies in software development. It started as the “language of the web”, but today it is much more than that, being a powerful tool for both Frontend, Backend and even areas beyond traditional development.

Why learn JavaScript?

Ubiquity on the Web:
Almost every website you visit relies on JavaScript. It is responsible for adding dynamism and interactivity to pages, such as menus, animations and forms that “respond” to the user.

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• Versatility: With JavaScript, you can develop for different platforms:

Frontend: Create visual interfaces with frameworks such as React, Vue.js or Angular.

Backend: Build robust servers using Node.js.

Mobile Applications: Develop apps for Android and iOS with React Native.

Desktop Applications:
Create cross-platform software with Electron.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science:
Yes, even areas like AI are being explored with JS libraries like TensorFlow.js.

• Community and Resources:
  JavaScript has a huge global community. This means you will find lots of tutorials, videos, forums and free tools to learn and resolve questions.

• High Employability:
  JS is an essential skill for Frontend developers and highly valued by Fullstack and Backend. Companies of all sizes, from startups to giants like Google and Facebook, use JavaScript in their projects.

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The Potential of JavaScript

Imagine you want to build a complete system. JavaScript allows this with the following tools:

Frontend: With frameworks like React, you can create modern and dynamic interfaces, like the ones we see on social networks or e-commerce.

Backend: Using Node.js, it is possible to create servers that process millions of requests per day. Example? Netflix uses Node.js for part of its platform.

Database: JavaScript works well with modern databases like MongoDB, which uses the same object structure as JS (JSON).

API and Integrations: You can build systems that connect with other services, such as payment gateways, social networks or internal systems.

Creative Projects: With libraries like Three.js, you can create 3D experiences for the web. Want to make games? Try Phaser.js.

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Getting Started with JavaScript

Here's a starter plan for exploring JS:

1. Learn the basics: Understand variables, functions, loops and events.
2. Explore the DOM: Discover how to manipulate elements of a web page.
3. Create small projects: A simple game, a timer or a to-do list.
4. Advance to frameworks: Try React for the Frontend and Node.js for the Backend.
5. Dive deeper with APIs and databases: Connect your applications to the real world.

JavaScript is the gateway to many areas of development and continues to be one of the most sought after languages ​​on the market. In the next topics, we will talk about practical tools and tips for you to delve even deeper. Your future in technology can start here!

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We have reached the end of this practical guide, and I hope you felt inspired and more prepared to take the first step in your developing career. Technology is a dynamic field, full of challenges and opportunities, and the most important thing is to get started, even if it seems challenging at first. Every line of code written is a step towards a future full of possibilities.

Whether exploring the Frontend, the Backend or venturing into Fullstack, remember: curiosity and constant practice are your greatest allies. And, as we've seen, JavaScript is a powerful tool to start this journey, connecting you to the many possibilities of programming.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for trusting this practical vision of someone who has already experienced the challenges and achievements in this area. Now it's your time to shine!

? Share your ideas! Have questions, want to share your experience or even suggest other topics for us to explore? Leave a comment! I'd love to know what you think and help you on your journey.

Welcome to the development area! The world of technology needs people like you. ?

Until next time...

Authors: Felipe Oliveira and ChatGPT!

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