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Learning Paths Overview

Choose your learning path based on your goals and current skill level.

The Three Paths to AI Mastery

Path Comparison

PathDifficultyPrerequisitesYou'll Build
Path 1: Use AI ToolsBeginnerBasic programmingProductivity tools mastery
Path 2: Add AI FeaturesIntermediateJavaScript, React basicsChatbots, AI search, smart forms
Path 3: Build AI ProductsAdvancedFull-stack developmentComplete 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

Start Path 1 →


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

Start Path 2 →


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

Start Path 3 →


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

  1. Start: Path 1 (use AI tools to speed up React/Vue work)
  2. Next: Path 2 (add AI chat to your app)
  3. Final: Path 3 (build complete AI product)

I'm a Backend Developer

  1. Start: Path 1 (use AI for API development)
  2. Next: Path 2 (integrate LLM APIs)
  3. Final: Path 3 (architect AI infrastructure)

I'm a Product Manager

  1. Start: Path 1 (understand AI capabilities)
  2. Next: Path 2 (prototype AI features)
  3. Consider: External development for Path 3

I'm a Startup Founder

  1. Start: Path 2 (validate AI features quickly)
  2. Parallel: Path 1 (boost team productivity)
  3. Next: Path 3 (scale to production)

Additional Resources

Before You Start

Reference Materials

Community


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!