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Jessica Hunter
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 13,097 PointsHelp choosing a techdegree
Hello, I need help choosing a tech degree track. I am deciding between Front End Web Dev and Full Stack Javascript. I would like to be able to build a website where the users can join groups and make posts to certain groups as well as comment on those posts (if that makes sense). I plan on looking for a job after finishing the track so that is a factor too.
I've been thinking about starting with full stack javascript and then doing the front end web dev next, or vice versa so that way I am competent in both. Can a MOD or someone please help me decide? Thank you for reading this!
2 Answers
Brandon White
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Graduate 35,771 PointsHi Jessica,
I first want to second Steven Parker by saying that you may gain some insights at the upcoming Treehouse Festival, so you may consider registering for that if you haven't done so already.
That said, what you're describing in regards to the web app would seem to rely on some server side programming. Specifically the parts about joining groups and commenting on posts. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking you'll probably have a database to store all the data necessary to make that happen. Those are some of the things you would learn in the Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree.
If you're more into the design of the user interface for the web app (and maybe you'd rather have someone else code the functionality for the server that stores the comments and users and groups in a database), then you might prefer the Front End Web Development Techdegree.
No matter which option you choose (assuming you choose either), you'll have access to enough of the Treehouse content to supplement your knowledge.
So say you really are more interested in Front End design and development, you could still take the following courses from the Treehouse Library: (Node.js Basics, Express Basics, REST APIs with Express, Using SQL and Node.js with Sequelize), which are all courses that would help you on your path to coding the backend functionality your app would need.
And if you're more interested in Server Side development, you can still take the following courses from the Treehouse Library: (HTML Tables, HTML Forms, CSS Flexbox Layout, Sass Basics, CSS Grid Layout) which would help you on your path to creating a kickbutt User Interface to match your server side code.
Jessica Hunter
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 13,097 PointsThank you so much Brandon! This was really helpful. I just signed up for the festival. Iām not sure which side I am more interested in, I feel like front end might be easier but everything I want to do has to do with the back end haha Iām thinking maybe doing both, front end first and then the Fullstack.
Lee Vaughn
Treehouse TeacherHey Jessica,
You have probably already seen it but you can click the Explore button on this page to check out exactly what is in each TD as far as courses and projects.
You might also consider doing the 7-Day Free Trial that way you can actually check out each TD first hand (you could do a couple of days in one and then switch to the other for the rest of the week). Since you are an existing student you would need to reach out to help@teamtreehouse to set that up but they would be happy to help.
Whichever direction you decide to go, break a leg!
Jessica Hunter
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 13,097 PointsThat's a good idea! To try one for a few days and then try the other. Thanks Lee!! I'm excited to start learning =) So far I'm leaning towards the front end TD first and then doing the fullstack after because I think it will be easier to ease into the front end, especially since it's been so long since I've coded. I'm afraid that if I jump into fullstack it'll be too hard and I'll get discouraged. Anyways, thanks so much for the encouragement!!
Steven Parker
231,269 PointsSteven Parker
231,269 PointsIf you're not in a hurry, you might get some insights on making a choice at the upcoming Treehouse Festival.