Back to Basics: A CS Student's Unconventional Journey in Backend Development
In a world where the rush to learn new frameworks and tools often overshadows the importance of foundational knowledge, one young computer science student from North East India, Precious Afolabi, has chosen an unconventional path. Aiming to build a solid understanding of backend development fundamentals, Afolabi is stepping back to strengthen his basics.
The Decision and Its Context
Having spent five months delving into backend development with Node.js, Afolabi has built functional projects such as the Chronos API and the Blog Platform. Yet, he has decided to pause his forward momentum to focus on deepening his understanding of JavaScript, Node.js, HTTP, web protocols, API design principles, database design, optimization, testing, and code quality.
The Rationale Behind the Move
While Afolabi can create working projects, he yearns for a deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanics and the ability to make informed architectural decisions. This move is not about amassing more projects, but rather about developing the critical thinking skills that employers value in potential interns.
The Focus
Afolabi's focus is on mastering JavaScript fundamentals, including closures, asynchronous patterns, and prototypes. He also aims to understand how Node.js works, the intricacies of HTTP and web protocols, and best practices in API and database design, optimization, testing, and code quality.
The Approach
Afolabi is approaching this journey systematically, following a structured roadmap and building projects that gradually increase in complexity. He is documenting his learning journey publicly with weekly updates and sharing his code, challenges, and insights to demonstrate his problem-solving approach, not just his finished projects.
The Benefits of Learning in Public
By learning in public, Afolabi aims to foster accountability and showcase his learning process, not just his accomplishments. This approach offers transparency and allows others to follow his progress, learn from his experiences, and connect with him on similar learning journeys.
Looking Ahead
Every week, Afolabi plans to share what he's learning, the projects he's building, the challenges he's facing, and the resources that are helping him. His updates will be honest, informative, and free of fluff, offering a glimpse into his real learning journey and real progress.
For those in North East India or across India who are learning backend development, working on similar goals, or just starting out, Afolabi invites you to connect with him, share your work, and join him on this unconventional yet inspiring journey.