Step Up from Core PHP to Fullstack Developer

This plan helps you grow from a PHP backend developer to a fullstack developer by 2026. You will learn modern frontend tools, polish backend skills, build full projects, and work on teamwork basics.

Weekly Hours: 25
Estimated Weeks: 19

Phases

Modern Backend Fundamentals

Review PHP basics, databases, and learn RESTful services. Strengthen your ability to build and maintain robust backend systems.

3 weeks

Refresh core PHP and backend concepts
Understand relational and document databases
Learn API basics and HTTP methods
Set up a personal development environment

PHP error handling
Database design
API creation
Troubleshooting

PHP language documentation
Backend tutorial guides
API introduction articles

Build a simple REST API that returns data from a database
Document and explain your backend project setup

Frontend Foundations

Gain essential frontend skills needed for fullstack projects. Focus on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then move to basic frameworks.

5 weeks

Practice HTML5 structures and accessibility
Style pages using CSS and modern layout methods
Write interactive scripts using JavaScript
Explore one modern frontend framework

HTML page building
UI layout creation
Functional JavaScript
Component design basics

HTML tutorials
CSS how-to guides
JavaScript practice exercises
Frontend framework quickstarts

Build a responsive webpage with forms and validation
Create an interactive user interface with a frontend framework

Connecting Frontend and Backend

Combine backend and frontend skills to make end-to-end web applications. Learn how to send and receive data in real time and structure projects properly.

5 weeks

Practice making API requests from the browser
Handle user authentication basics
Understand application structure
Debug fullstack projects

Data flow understanding
API consumption and response handling
Authentication workflows
Troubleshooting fullstack code

Fullstack project walkthroughs
REST API usage examples
Authentication step-by-step guides

Build a login feature using your backend and frontend
Connect a frontend app to your own API

Fullstack Project Building

Apply what you have learned. Plan, build, and test a real, end-to-end project. This phase also strengthens project habits and code quality.

4 weeks

Plan a small fullstack project
Develop with clear commits and code comments
Write basic unit and integration tests
Present your project clearly

Project planning
Version control basics
Testing fundamentals
Technical communication

Project planning checklists
Simple testing frameworks guides
Presentation basics

Complete your first real fullstack app with features and tests
Demo your app and explain your design decisions

Teamwork and Continued Growth

Prepare to work effectively on teams. Learn about code reviews, feedback, and how to keep your skills sharp after this plan.

2 weeks

Understand teamwork roles in projects
Practice clear code documentation
Get and use feedback
Set up a future learning habit

Documentation writing
Code review techniques
Feedback handling
Continuous learning

Teamwork best practice articles
Code review checklists
Learning habit tips

Try a peer code review or self-review
Create a short future learning plan

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Review PHP and backend concepts	Knowing the basics helps you learn more advanced ideas faster.	Read PHP basics and error handling guide, Try database design tasks, Write a summary of REST API principles	PHP script with database access, Simple API endpoint
2	Practice database integration and error handling	Backends often fail due to bad database use or errors.	Build PHP scripts for adding, reading, and deleting data, Handle errors clearly and log them, Explain your database setup aloud	Codebase with CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, Short documentation on setup
3	Make and document a personal REST API project	Real practice helps you remember better.	Design a basic API for a simple tool, Write clear API documentation, Test the API using simple tools	Working demo API, API documentation file
4	Learn HTML and page structure	Building pages is the starting point of frontend skills.	Create several pages with HTML tags, Practice semantic and accessible markup, Test in two web browsers	Multi-page website, Accessibility checklist
5	Master CSS basics and layouts	Good layouts make your pages usable and attractive.	Style different elements with CSS, Build layouts using grid and flexbox, Tweak designs for small and big screens	Responsive webpage, Styled component set
6	Learn and use core JavaScript	JavaScript gives life and interaction to pages.	Write scripts for button clicks and validation, Try JavaScript quizzes for loops and arrays, Debug scripts in the browser console	Interactive web page, Quiz score report
7	Explore a frontend framework	Modern apps use frameworks for easier development.	Read docs for a popular framework, Build a simple single-page app, List differences from plain JavaScript	Basic single-page app, Comparison notes
8	Build a small form-based app	Forms collect and show real, useful data.	Create a form with validation, Style with CSS, Write scripts for submit actions	Styled form app, Validation guide
9	Practice using AJAX to connect frontend and backend	Dynamic apps fetch data in real time.	Send requests from frontend to your API, Handle responses and errors, Explain each step to a friend	Working AJAX demo, API call diagram
10	Implement basic user authentication	Most apps need login and user identity.	Add signup, login, and logout routes, Securely store user info, Test response for wrong passwords	Auth-enabled demo app, User flow notes
11	Plan your fullstack mini project	Planning saves time when building bigger apps.	Write a project brief, List features and pages, Sketch basic UI on paper	Project plan document, UI wireframes
12	Start backend and frontend integration	Connecting both sides creates real fullstack experience.	Set up project folders for backend and frontend, Write connection code for data, Track progress in a task list	Connected fullstack project skeleton, Updated task checklist
13	Develop core features for your project	Adding main features moves your project forward.	Build create and view features, Write code comments for all sections, Review against plan weekly	Core feature demo, Commented source code
14	Add feedback, edit, and delete options	Users expect to update and fix information.	Implement edit and delete actions, Test for errors and unusual use cases, Collect feedback from a peer	Project with edit and delete, Bug report list
15	Implement basic testing and fix bugs	Testing means fewer mistakes and better code.	Write test cases for major features, Run tests on backend and frontend, Fix reported issues	Test report, Bug-free release
16	Document your project and deployment process	Clear documentation helps you and others understand your project.	Write setup and usage instructions, Add a system diagram, Practice giving a walkthrough	Project README file, Project workflow chart
17	Demo and get feedback on your project	Getting input makes your work much stronger.	Show project to a peer or mentor, Ask for feedback and note changes, Record a short video demo	Demo recording, Feedback summary
18	Learn about teamwork and code review basics	Working in teams and reviewing code is essential in fullstack roles.	Study code review process, Do a self-review of your code, Practice giving and receiving feedback	Self-review notes, Practice code review report
19	Plan future self-study for continuous growth	Career growth requires regular learning and reflection.	Write list of next skills to learn, Schedule regular study time, Summarize lessons learned in this plan	Personal learning plan, Reflective summary