How do I become a full (MEAN) stack developer in 2018?

Becoming a full-stack developer, especially focusing on the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js), requires a combination of foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Here's a roadmap you can follow to become a MEAN stack developer in 2018:

1. Learn the Basics:

   • HTML/CSS: Understand the fundamentals of HTML for markup and CSS for styling.
   • JavaScript: Master JavaScript, as it is the core language for both front-end (Angular) and back-end (Node.js) development in the MEAN stack.

2. Front-End Development:

   • Angular: Dive into Angular, the front-end framework in the MEAN stack. Follow the official Angular documentation, tutorials, and build small projects to practice.

3. Back-End Development:

   • Node.js: Learn Node.js for server-side development. Understand concepts like event-driven programming, asynchronous code, and the Node.js runtime environment.

   • Express.js: Explore Express.js, a web application framework for Node.js. Learn how to create RESTful APIs and handle HTTP requests and responses.

4. Database Knowledge:

   • MongoDB: Get familiar with MongoDB, a NoSQL database used in the MEAN stack. Learn about document-based storage, CRUD operations, and indexing.

5. RESTful APIs:

   • Understand the principles of RESTful architecture. Practice building RESTful APIs using Express.js on the server side.

6. Version Control:

   • Learn a version control system like Git. Understand how to use Git for collaboration and versioning.

7. Build Tools:

   • Familiarize yourself with build tools like Webpack. These tools help in bundling, minification, and optimizing your front-end code.

8. Package Managers:

   • Learn package managers such as npm (Node Package Manager) for managing dependencies in your projects.

9. Database Integration:

   • Connect your Node.js/Express.js server to MongoDB. Learn how to perform CRUD operations from the server side.

10. Authentication and Authorization:

    • Implement user authentication and authorization in your applications. Understand concepts like JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for secure communication.

11. Testing:

    • Explore testing frameworks for both front-end (Jasmine, Karma) and back-end (Mocha, Chai) components. Learn about unit testing and integration testing.

12. Deployment:

    • Understand the deployment process. Learn how to deploy your MEAN stack applications to platforms like Heroku, AWS, or Azure.

13. Continuous Learning:

    • Stay updated with the latest developments in the MEAN stack and web development in general. Follow blogs, forums, and attend meetups or conferences.

14. Build Projects:

    • Apply your knowledge by building real-world projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable for mastering the MEAN stack.

15. Portfolio:

    • Create a portfolio showcasing your projects. This is essential when applying for jobs as it demonstrates your practical skills.

16. Collaboration and Communication:

    • Develop collaboration skills. Learn how to work in a team, use version control effectively, and communicate clearly with other developers.

17. Networking:

    • Join developer communities, participate in forums, and attend local meetups or conferences. Networking can open up opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Remember that becoming proficient in the MEAN stack, or any full-stack development, is a gradual process. Practice, build projects, and seek feedback to continuously improve your skills. As technology evolves, stay curious and be willing to adapt to new tools and best practices