This page is the source of truth for the recommended journey for navigating through all the pages in this blueprint. I promise that if you stick to it, you will be a proficient engineer in 12 months or less.

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12-month Roadmap

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0. Week Zero: Personal Foundation & Self-Optimization (1 Week)

Before diving into code, dedicate your first week to building a rock-solid personal foundation. This is about becoming the person who can succeed in this demanding journey. You will:

  • Self-Assessment & Goal Setting: Identify core weaknesses, define your ‘why’, and set clear goals.
  • Establish Your System: “We fall to the level of our systems, not the height of our goals.” Implement a daily/weekly schedule using tools like a calendar and task manager. Plan your learning, rest, and worship.
  • Optimize Physical Health: Begin improving your diet and sleep patterns for sustained energy and focus.
  • Boost Mental Resilience: Start practices to enhance focus, combat ‘social media brain-rot,’ and build mental toughness.
  • Community Engagement: Actively connect with the Code & Creed community. Share progress, seek support, and counter isolation or negative self-talk. This preparatory week is crucial. Refer to our Self Improvement Guide for detailed strategies.
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1. Gear Up: Hardware & Environment Setup (Aligns with end of Week 0 / Start of Week 1)

As you establish your personal systems in Week 0, begin setting up the right tools. This might overlap or immediately follow your foundational week.

Follow the Pre-requisites Guide to:

  • Get your Macbook (ideally rented).
  • Set up your development environment (Terminal, Node.js, Cursor, essential tools).
  • Understand the work ethic required.
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2. Lay the Foundation: Frontend Development (Months 1-4)

With your setup and personal systems in place, we can start learning. This phase focuses on building a strong understanding of how user interfaces are built.

Navigate to the Software Engineer Roadmap and complete the “Frontend Development” section.

Key activities during this phase:

  • Learn Git: Start with the “Learn Git” module to understand version control from day one.
  • Master Core Technologies via FrontendExpert: As you go through the FrontendExpert course, actively build mini-projects. Use Cursor to help you scaffold these projects (e.g., with Vite for JavaScript/React projects – just ask Cursor agent for assistance!).
  • Practice Consistently: Push each mini-project to GitHub. This will solidify your Git/GitHub skills and build your portfolio.
  • Engage with Cursor: Use Cursor AI to ask questions, clarify concepts, and get help with debugging. This active learning approach is crucial for cementing your understanding.

By the end of the FrontendExpert course, you will have a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and TypeScript as your main stack.

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3. Start transitioning to full-stack development (1 month)

Once you’ve completed the FrontendExpert course and have a good handle on frontend technologies, it’s time to start building full-stack applications.

Head over to the Titan Overview.

Pay close attention to the “Pre-requisites” section within the Titan documentation to ensure you have the necessary foundational knowledge (like basic Next.js, Databases/SQL, and system design concepts) before diving into building with the boilerplate.

If you skip the pre-requisites, you will struggle to understand, build, and prompt Cursor effectively.

Titan is designed to get you building and deploying real applications quickly by offering a template codebase that has all the necessary components already integrated (Database provider via Supabase, Authentication via Clerk, and more).

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4. Deepen Your Systems Design Knowledge As You Go

As you spend the next 3-4 months building projects with Titan, you’ll inevitably encounter concepts you want to understand more deeply.

When you feel the need to strengthen your knowledge in a specific area (e.g., animations, databases, SQL, server architecture, HTTP protocols):

This “just-in-time” learning approach, driven by the real challenges you face while building, is much more effective than just rote-learning. You’ll only learn what you need to know to solve the problem you’re facing.

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5. Launch Your Career: Agency, Job Applications, or Entrepreneurship

You should now be at the 8/9 month mark of your journey. After consistently practicing building projects with Titan and sharing your work (e.g., on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, or other social media platforms), you’ll reach a point where you’re comfortable building a wide range of applications.

At this stage, you have several paths open:

  • David’s VIP Programme (Recommended for Job Seekers): Join David @ Crushing Digital’s VIP Programme which guarantees a tech job in 6 months or less, or your money back. This accelerated path includes personalized coaching, interview preparation, and direct placement assistance from an ex-recruiter with 20+ years experience.
  • Self-Directed Job Search: Begin your job search independently, preparing for interviews. Learn more in our Application Process guide
  • Start an Agency: Leverage your skills to build products for clients. See the tools you’d need to be a High-performance Founder and run an agency, and the Parent Company Setup guide.
  • Pursue Entrepreneurship: Continue developing and launching your own product ideas.

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Why This Works

Our approach is not just practical—it’s financially and strategically superior to traditional education paths:

  • Cost-Effective: Just £2,000 total investment vs £30,000-£40,000 for a 3-4 year university degree
  • Time-Efficient: Job-ready in 12 months vs 3-4 years for traditional education
  • Industry-Aligned: Learn exactly what companies are hiring for today, not theoretical concepts
  • Expert-Guided: Direct mentorship from industry veterans including David @ Crushing Digital, an ex-recruiter and engineer with 20+ years experience
  • Results-Focused: Curriculum designed backward from job requirements
  • Job Guarantee Available: David’s VIP Programme at Crushing Digital guarantees a tech job in 6 months or less, or your money back
  • Practical: Learn by building real projects that employers actually value
  • Supportive: Personalised coaching to navigate both technical challenges and job search complexities

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Support System

  • Discord Community: Ask for help from the community
  • Project Reviews: Get feedback on your apps
  • Livestreams: Watch mentors live build apps and answer questions

Software Engineering

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