Learning Paths Overview
Choose your learning path based on your goals and current skill level.
The Three Paths to AI Mastery
Path Comparison
| Path | Difficulty | Prerequisites | You'll Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1: Use AI Tools | Beginner | Basic programming | Productivity tools mastery |
| Path 2: Add AI Features | Intermediate | JavaScript, React basics | Chatbots, AI search, smart forms |
| Path 3: Build AI Products | Advanced | Full-stack development | Complete AI SaaS applications |
Path 1: Use AI Tools
Master AI coding assistants to code 2-3x faster with Cursor, Copilot, Claude CLI, and Gemini CLI.
Learning Outcomes:
- ⚡️ Code 2-3x faster with AI autocomplete
- 🐛 Debug in minutes with AI assistance
- 📚 Learn codebases rapidly
- ✨ Generate boilerplate instantly
Path 2: Add AI Features
Integrate AI capabilities into existing applications using JavaScript/TypeScript.
Learning Outcomes:
- 🤖 Build streaming AI chatbots
- 🔍 Implement semantic search with RAG
- 📝 Create AI-powered forms
- 🛠️ Use OpenAI, Anthropic, and HuggingFace APIs
Path 3: Build AI Products
Design, build, and deploy production-ready AI-powered applications from scratch.
Learning Outcomes:
- 🚀 Deploy AI apps to Edge/Workers
- 📊 Implement monitoring and observability
- 💰 Optimize costs and performance
- 🔒 Handle security and rate limiting
- 🧪 Test and evaluate AI systems
How to Choose Your Path
Start with Path 1 if...
- ✅ You're new to AI development
- ✅ You want immediate productivity gains
- ✅ You learn best by using tools hands-on
- ✅ You have limited time (1-2 weeks)
Skip to Path 2 if...
- ✅ You already use AI coding tools daily
- ✅ You want to add AI features to your app
- ✅ You're comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript
- ✅ You can dedicate 2-4 weeks
Jump to Path 3 if...
- ✅ You've built AI features before
- ✅ You're planning a production AI application
- ✅ You understand RAG, embeddings, and agents
- ✅ You need deployment and scaling knowledge
Prerequisites by Path
Path 1: Use AI Tools
- Basic programming knowledge (any language)
- Code editor (VS Code recommended)
- Willingness to try new workflows
Path 2: Add AI Features
- JavaScript/TypeScript proficiency
- React or Vue experience
- Basic understanding of APIs
- Node.js environment setup
Path 3: Build AI Products
- Full-stack development experience
- Understanding of Path 2 concepts
- DevOps basics (deployment, monitoring)
- Database experience
Learning Path Roadmap
Suggested Progression
Month 1: Path 1 - Use AI Tools
- Week 1-2: Master AI coding assistants
- Practice daily with real projects
Month 2-3: Path 2 - Add AI Features
- Week 3-4: API integration fundamentals
- Week 5-6: Build chatbot and RAG search
- Week 7-8: Advanced patterns (agents, tools)
Month 4+: Path 3 - Build AI Products
- Week 9-10: Production deployment
- Week 11-12: Monitoring and optimization
- Week 13-16: Complete AI SaaS project
Total Time to Mastery: 3-4 months (30-60 min/day)
Quick Start Recommendations
I'm a Frontend Developer
- Start: Path 1 (use AI tools to speed up React/Vue work)
- Next: Path 2 (add AI chat to your app)
- Final: Path 3 (build complete AI product)
I'm a Backend Developer
- Start: Path 1 (use AI for API development)
- Next: Path 2 (integrate LLM APIs)
- Final: Path 3 (architect AI infrastructure)
I'm a Product Manager
- Start: Path 1 (understand AI capabilities)
- Next: Path 2 (prototype AI features)
- Consider: External development for Path 3
I'm a Startup Founder
- Start: Path 2 (validate AI features quickly)
- Parallel: Path 1 (boost team productivity)
- Next: Path 3 (scale to production)
Additional Resources
Before You Start
Reference Materials
Community
- GitHub Discussions
- Contribution Guide 🚧 (Coming Soon)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I skip paths? A: Yes, but we recommend Path 1 for everyone. Mastering AI coding tools is foundational for all AI development.
Q: How much time per day do I need? A: 30-60 minutes/day is ideal. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Q: Do I need a paid AI tool subscription? A: Path 1 requires a subscription (Cursor $20/mo or Copilot $10/mo). Paths 2-3 use pay-per-use APIs (~$5-20/mo for learning).
Q: Are there assessments? A: Each path has self-assessment milestones. We'll add certification options in the future.
Q: Can I learn in a team? A: Absolutely! We encourage team learning. Pair programming with AI tools is highly effective.
Ready to start? Choose your path and begin your AI mastery journey!
- Path 1: Use AI Tools - Start here
- Path 2: Add AI Features - Integrate AI into apps
- Path 3: Build AI Products - Production AI systems