Switch from Frontend Developer to Full-Stack Engineer

A simple roadmap to gain backend and full-stack skills through a web app project.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Get Started with Backend Basics

Start learning how web servers, databases, and APIs work. Build a foundation by connecting simple data to your frontend.

2 weeks

Understand server-client relationship
Learn basic database operations
Explore REST APIs
Set up backend project environment

Write HTTP server (Node.js Express)
Connect to database (MongoDB sample data)
Create simple API routes (GET/POST)

Intro to Backend Course
Express Getting Started Guide
MongoDB Official Tutorials

Server runs and returns data (demo output visible in browser)
Simple API tested (shows sample JSON response)

Build and Connect Full-Stack Features

Add deeper backend features. Link your frontend to backend using API calls.

2 weeks

Handle multiple API routes
Use CRUD operations
Connect client forms to backend
Store persistent data

Write POST/PUT/DELETE API routes
Save and read items from database (e.g., user records)
Connect fetch requests from frontend

Express Routing Docs
Frontend-Backend Integration Videos
CRUD Basics Tutorials

Client submits form, data shows in dashboard (demo & test cases)
Data saved to and read from database (test result visible)

Implement Routing, State, and Validation

Add navigation, manage app state, and check data before saving. Make the app feel smooth and correct.

2 weeks

Add frontend routing
Handle global app state
Validate input on client and server
Show error messages

Use React Router for multiple pages
Manage state (React hooks or Context)
Write data validation (backend + frontend)

React Router Docs
State Management Guide
Form Validation Tutorials

App has at least 3 routes (working navigation test)
Invalid input gets error on form (visible message, tested)

Test and Deploy the Full-Stack App

Make sure the app works using automated tests, then put it online to share.

1 weeks

Write backend and frontend tests
Automate CI/CD process
Deploy app to public server
Add basic documentation

Write API tests (Jest)
Write frontend component tests (Testing Library)
Use simple CI tool (GitHub Actions)

Jest Quick Start
Testing Library Docs
Deployment Guides

Tests for APIs and UI pass in CI (CI badge in repo)
App is live and viewable online (deploy link in docs)
README includes install and usage steps (checked by reviewer)

Showcase and Reflect

Prepare your finished app as a showcase piece. Review what you learned and plan your next steps.

1 weeks

Polish and document project
Publish code and demo link
Write summary of your process
Gather feedback

Prepare project readme with screenshots
Share code with clear instructions
Reflect on learning (document lessons/learnings)

Portfolio Project Examples
GitHub README Templates

Project published with docs and demo (link shared)
Process summary written (1 page, in repo)

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Backend basics and API setup	Foundation for all full-stack work.	Read intro to backend concepts (Express docs), Set up Node.js and Express project, Create basic HTTP routes, Return sample JSON data from server	Server responds to GET with sample JSON data
2	Database and API integration	Learn to store and return real data.	Install and start MongoDB locally, Connect Express app to database, Create POST/GET API routes, Test APIs using Postman	Data saved and fetched from database through API
3	Link frontend with backend	Connect full-stack parts together.	Update frontend to fetch data (fetch/axios), Make form submit data to API, Show database data in the UI	Frontend displays and submits live data
4	Full CRUD actions	Enable creating, updating, and deleting entries.	Add PUT and DELETE routes, Handle frontend actions (edit/delete), Update UI based on changes	User can add, edit, delete items from UI
5	Routing and navigation in frontend	Improve app structure and user experience.	Install and set up React Router, Add routes for list, detail, form views, Test navigation between pages	App has working routes for 3+ pages
6	Input validation and error handling	Prevent bad data and show helpful feedback.	Add validation on backend (input checks), Add validation on forms (frontend checks), Show clear error messages, Test with invalid inputs	Form blocks invalid data and shows errors
7	Testing and automation	Check app works through code tests and automate checks.	Write API tests (Jest), Write UI tests (Testing Library), Set up CI workflow (GitHub Actions)	All core tests pass automatically in CI
8	Deployment, showcase, and reflection	Finish by sharing your project and noting what you learned.	Deploy app online (Render/Netlify/Heroku), Update README with demo, install, usage steps, Write a 1-page reflection, Ask for feedback from peer or mentor	Live app link and polished project docs, Reflection doc in repository