Node.js Learning Path

Master these topics, and you'll be ready to take on your first job as a Node.js Back End Developer!

Let's go through them

JavaScript and Node.js fundamentals

This probably doesn't come as a surprise, but this is the first place to start.

Become familiar with:
- JavaScript ES6+ syntax
- Node.js 10+ fundamentals

JavaScript ES6+ syntax

You should be comfortable with:
- Arrow functions
- Promises (async/await)
- Modules

Node.js 10+ fundamentals

You should understand:
- The non-blocking I/O model
- Node event loop
- Asynchronous programming

Testing Frameworks

You should be able to test your Node.js application.
I suggest you look into these:

- Jest (test runner)
- Chai (assertion library)
- Sinon (stubs & mocks)

Node.js Frameworks

When you're comfortable with Node.js, you move on to pick up a Node.js Web Application Framework.

These are the two that you should focus on:
- Express.js
- Koa.js

Express.js

Express.js is a minimalistic Node.js framework for writing Web Applications, and it's by far the most popular and most widely used.

Koa.js

Koa.js is the next generation of Express.js.
It's developed by the same team and is widely used as well.

MongoDB & Mongoose

MongoDB is a document-oriented database system.
It is widely used with Node.js Application and is a part of the popular MEAN and MERN stack.

Mongoose is a library that makes the interaction between MongoDB and Node.js more smooth.

Alright! Let's just do a small stop here.

When you can master the above topics, you're already fit to take up your first job as a Node.js Back End Developer.

You can start applying now

Meanwhile, advance your skills further in the below topics

AWS Lambda

Become familiar with the concept of Serverless Applications, and start practicing using Node.js to write Lambda Functions for AWS.

This is highly useful both as a Back End Developer and a DevOps Engineer.

Node.js Microservices

Become familiar with the concept of Microservices, and become familiar with Docker and docker-compose.

Practice your HTTP skills by creating small, individual Express.js apps that communicate with each other.

Kubernetes

Kubernetes is a Container Orchestrator.
As an addition to the above, practice how to manage your Node.js Microservices using Kubernetes.

TypeScript

This is optional.

However, adding TypeScript will radically increase the quality and maintainability of your code.
Also, given the drastic rise in popularity, it'll certainly look nice on your CV!

Let's sum it up:

JavaScript and Node.js fundamentals
Testing Frameworks
Node.js Frameworks
MongoDB & Mongoose
AWS Lambda
Node.js Microservices
Kubernetes
TypeScript

Of course, in the world of Software Development, you'll never run out of new things to learn.

But this is a GREAT start.

When you master these topics, you are guaranteed a lot of interest in the job market

Make sure to add these skills to your LinkedIn profile, and let all the recruiters know that you are a valuable and skilled Node.js Back End Developer.

Don't hold yourself back.

I hope you enjoyed reading