Learning Roadmap

A step-by-step path for learning to code from zero: what to learn, with what resources, and how long it takes.

C++ Track

Goal: master a demanding language that prepares you for algorithms, CS coursework and systems programming.

1
Set up your environment
1 day
Install VS Code and MinGW (or another compiler) and get Hello World running.
2
Language basics
4-8 weeks
Variables, branches and loops, functions, arrays and strings. Follow learncpp.com chapters 1-12.
3
Core C++
4-6 weeks
Pointers and references, structs and classes, the STL (vector, map, string). This is where C++ gets real — type the examples out.
4
Practice on a judge
ongoing
Start with the easiest Exercism exercises, 5-10 problems a week.
5
Build a small project
2-4 weeks
A console project of your own: a grade manager, snake game or budgeting tool — learn to organize syntax into programs.
6
Go deeper
long-term
Work through C++ Primer, then data structures & algorithms (Hello Algo) — and decide between competitive programming and engineering.

Goal: start programming fast and solve real problems around you with scripts.

1
Set up your environment
1 day
Install Python 3 and VS Code, learn to install packages with pip.
2
Language basics
2-4 weeks
Work through the official Python tutorial or CS50P, trying everything in the REPL as you go.
3
Build small tools
2-4 weeks
Rename files in bulk, scrape a webpage, automate an email — pick one real task. It teaches more than ten exercise sets.
4
Pick a direction
long-term
Data analysis (pandas), scraping (requests), web (Flask) or AI — go deep in one.

Goal: build pages and apps you can share with anyone.

1
HTML & CSS
2-4 weeks
Learn tags and styling with MDN or freeCodeCamp; recreate any page you like pixel by pixel.
2
JavaScript basics
4-8 weeks
freeCodeCamp plus the Odin Project — master DOM manipulation and modern ES6 syntax.
3
First real project
1-2 weeks
Build a personal homepage or a small game, deploy it to Vercel or GitHub Pages, and share the link.
4
Frameworks & engineering
long-term
Learn React/Next.js (this site is built with it), Git collaboration and TypeScript on the way to full projects.

Goal: solid networking and programming foundations, then real hands-on skill through CTFs and labs (always authorized).

1
The three foundations
1-2 months
Networking basics (explain TCP/IP and HTTP properly), everyday Linux commands, and Python scripting.
2
Web security basics
2-3 months
Start from the OWASP Top 10: SQL injection, XSS, CSRF. Work through the free PortSwigger Academy labs.
3
CTF practice
ongoing
picoCTF first, then HackTheBox or TryHackMe. Join a CTFtime competition every week — start with Web and Misc.
4
Pick a specialization
long-term
Web security / reversing / pwn / crypto / pentesting — go deep in one. In security, depth beats breadth.

Coding a little every day beats cramming once a week — even 30 minutes counts.
Debug for 5 minutes on your own first, then ask with a clear problem description. That's the fastest way to grow.
Watching three tutorials teaches less than typing one; typing one teaches less than modifying one.
Finish a runnable little project at every stage — it builds both skill and a portfolio.
If you're stuck for more than two days, skip it. Looking back later, things often click.