Frontend Developer Path
From zero to hireable. The exact tools, skills, and portfolio that get frontend devs hired.
Your Path
VS Code
FreeHTML, CSS, JavaScript. VS Code is what every frontend team uses. Get comfortable with it, extensions, shortcuts, debugging. This is your home now.
React / Next.js
Free · Open SourceReact is in 80%+ of frontend job listings. Next.js is the most popular React framework. Learn both, start with React fundamentals, then graduate to Next.js.
Cursor
$20/mo · Free tierBuild projects faster. Understands your whole codebase. Worth every penny for job prep, you'll ship portfolio projects in half the time.
Figma
FreeYou don't need to be a designer, but you need to speak Figma. Every team uses it. Learn to inspect designs, export assets, and understand spacing.
GitHub
FreeYour GitHub IS your CV. Pin your best projects. Write good READMEs. Contribute to open source. Hiring managers check this before anything else.
Vercel
FreeLive URLs impress hiring managers. Deploy everything you build. Push to GitHub, get a live link. It takes 30 seconds and separates you from 90% of applicants.
Framer / Custom Next.js
Free tierShowcase 3-5 projects with live demos. This is what gets you the interview. Framer for speed, or build a custom Next.js site to flex your skills.
Your Complete Stack
VS Code
Code editor. Free
React / Next.js
Framework. Free
Cursor
AI editor, $20/mo
Figma
Design tool. Free
GitHub
Version control. Free
Vercel
Deployment. Free
Framer
Portfolio. Free tier
What Hiring Managers Actually Look For
GitHub before your CV
Hiring managers check your GitHub profile before reading your resume. Green squares, pinned repos with good READMEs, and real commit history matter more than a cover letter.
Build 3 real projects (not todo apps)
Clone a real product you use. Build a dashboard. Create something with an API integration. Deployed, working projects with live URLs are what get you shortlisted.
Contribute to open source
Even one meaningful PR to a popular repo shows you can work with existing codebases, follow contribution guidelines, and collaborate, exactly what the job requires.
Learn TypeScript now
TypeScript is in 70% of frontend job listings now. It's not optional anymore. Start using it in your projects, hiring managers filter for it.
Average Salary Range
£35-65K UK / $70-130K US
Mid-level frontend developer. Senior roles and FAANG companies pay significantly more. Remote roles from UK companies often match US ranges.
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