Timothy's - BlogWhat I learnt at Dev Academy

Foundations: Building Core Skills

The first phase, Foundations, lasted six weeks and set the stage for everything that followed. Devoting 40 hours per week to online study, I immersed myself in the building blocks of programming. This phase was all about mastering:

• HTML & CSS: Understanding how to structure and style web pages.
• JavaScript: Developing core programming logic and interactive features.
• Git: Learning version control to manage code collaboratively and effectively.

This period solidified my fundamental skills, preparing me for the challenges ahead.

Bootcamp: Immersive Hands-On Learning

After completing Foundations, I moved into the 9-week Bootcamp. This phase was intense, with a workload of 60-70 hours per week. The learning pace was fast, but it was exhilarating. During this phase, I delved into:

• React: Building dynamic and responsive user interfaces.
• TypeScript: Writing safer, more maintainable code with static typing.
• Backend Development: Working with Node.js to create server-side applications.
• Databases: Implementing and managing data storage solutions.
• Authentication: Using Auth0 for secure user authentication.
• Testing: Writing robust tests using Jest to ensure code reliability.

Collaboration and Real-World Projects

Beyond technical skills, Dev Academy emphasized teamwork and real-world problem-solving. Through pair programming, I learned to collaborate effectively with others—exchanging ideas, debugging code, and enhancing my overall coding style.

The capstone of my journey was the final group project, where my team and I built a full-stack application from scratch. We applied an agile work method, breaking the project into manageable sprints, conducting stand-ups, and iterating based on feedback. This experience was invaluable in learning how to work in a professional development environment.

Takeaways

My time at Dev Academy equipped me with both technical proficiency and the soft skills necessary for a career in software development. I’ve gained:

1. A strong foundation in full-stack development.
2. Confidence in tackling new challenges and working under tight deadlines.
3. Practical experience in collaborative, team-based programming.

This bootcamp pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also made me realize how much I’m capable of achieving. Dev Academy has not just taught me how to code—it has transformed the way I approach problem-solving and continuous learning in tech.