What I’d Do Differently If I Started Learning Web Development Again

When I first began learning web development, I had no clear roadmap, no mentor, and a lot of confusion. Like many beginners, I tried to do everything at once — and ended up going in circles more often than making real progress.

If I could go back and start over, there are several things I’d do differently. This blog is a reflection of those lessons. Whether you’re just starting or stuck somewhere in the middle, I hope this helps you move forward faster and with more clarity.

1. I Would Stop Jumping Between Tutorials

One of the biggest mistakes I made was constantly switching between tutorials. I would begin a course on HTML and CSS, leave it halfway, then jump into React, and then switch again to something like Node.js or Firebase.

The problem:
This approach made me feel like I was learning a lot, but in reality, I was absorbing very little. I had knowledge scattered all over the place with no solid foundation.

What I’d do instead:
Pick a single roadmap or beginner-friendly course, and stick to it until I complete it. Learning in a structured way builds confidence and deeper understanding.

2. I Would Build Projects from the Beginning

For a long time, I focused only on consuming content. I would watch tutorial after tutorial without actually applying the knowledge.

Why this was a mistake:
Watching someone else code gives a false sense of progress. The only way to truly learn is by building your own projects — even small ones.

What I’d do instead:
Start building from day one. Begin with simple things like a personal homepage, a calculator, or a login form. The earlier you start building, the faster you understand how everything connects.

3. I Wouldn’t Avoid JavaScript

Since I started with PHP, I thought I could ignore JavaScript. I was wrong.

Why it mattered:
JavaScript is essential for interactivity on the web. Without it, I struggled to make even basic dynamic features like form validation, modals, or timers.

What I’d do instead:
Start learning JavaScript fundamentals early — especially the DOM, functions, events, and basic logic. It doesn’t have to be complex at first, but you need the basics to grow.

4. I Would Learn Git and GitHub from Day One

I used to manage my project versions manually by saving files like index_v1.php, index_final.php, or index-final-final.php. This quickly became chaotic.

Why Git matters:
Git is a version control system that tracks your changes, helps you undo mistakes, and makes collaboration possible. GitHub allows you to showcase your work and contribute to open source.

What I’d do instead:
Learn basic Git commands like git init, git add, git commit, and git push. Use GitHub to store your projects and build your portfolio early.

5. I Would Build Tools for Myself

I spent a lot of time trying to clone popular apps. While that can be helpful, I got far more value from building things that I actually needed in my daily life.

Why it works:
When you build tools to solve your own problems, you stay motivated, and you learn deeply because you’re emotionally invested.

What I’d do instead:
Create personal tools like a flashcard system, a simple planner, or a project tracker. Even if they aren’t perfect, they will teach you real development skills.

6. I Would Share My Work Publicly

In the beginning, I was afraid to share my work because I thought it wasn’t good enough. This mindset delayed my growth and kept me isolated from opportunities.

Why sharing is important:
Sharing your progress builds your confidence, attracts feedback, and helps you connect with others. It also shows potential clients or employers what you’re capable of.

What I’d do instead:
Post code snippets, share project links, write about what you’ve learned, and keep a record of your journey. You never know who might see it and offer help or opportunity.

7. I Would Learn Basic Design and User Experience

As developers, we often focus only on functionality and ignore how the application looks or feels. I used to think design wasn’t important — until people started judging my work based on appearance alone.

Why it matters:
Even basic knowledge of layout, spacing, colors, and fonts can significantly improve the user experience. A good-looking project stands out and is easier to use.

What I’d do instead:
Learn the basics of UI/UX. Use simple design systems like Tailwind CSS or Bootstrap to give your projects a clean, modern look. Tools like Figma can also help visualize your ideas.

Final Thoughts

Learning web development is a journey — one filled with excitement, confusion, breakthroughs, and setbacks. The important thing is to keep going. Mistakes are part of the process, but you can avoid many of them by learning from others who’ve been there.

If you’re starting out today, focus on building, stay consistent, and don’t compare your progress with others. Everyone’s journey is different — but success comes to those who keep showing up.

Let’s Connect

I built DeveloperShaurya.com to share my projects, experiences, and everything I learn along the way. If you have any questions, feedback, or want to collaborate, feel free to reach out.

You can check out my projects, explore my blog, or send a message through the contact page.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you avoid the mistakes I made. Keep building. Keep learning.

Check out my YouTube channel for step-by-step videos and tutorials they’ll help you learn web development faster and more effectively — Developer Shaurya