by Robin Wieruch

The Road to Next

Master Full-Stack Web Development with Next.js 15 and React 19
Enroll Now
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As a full-stack developer there are so many opportunities out there. Whether you are launching a profitable startup, making a career in an enterprise company, or freelancing for a well paid contract job, full-stack web development is a skill that gives you the freedom to take any of these paths.

The Road to Next with its two learning journeys as video courses teaches you more than just a framework. You will get prepared to think in well structured code, how to apply your craft in larger applications, and how to execute with precision. It teaches you to perform like a senior software engineer: managing multiple terminals and services simultaneously, including payment gateways, message queues, database inspectors, and email servers.

It's not just a video course either. Step by step you'll create your own starter kit project to put your learning into immediate practice. Build and deploy a SaaS product, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used by industry professionals. I put all my knowledge that I have learned from the last years being employed and being a freelancer into this course and hope you will do great afterwards too.

This is for people who want to climb to a senior level, those looking for an advanced React or backend course, those aiming to transition from frontend to full-stack development, and those who want to build real-world SaaS products. It's perfect for aspiring developers seeking to deepen their understanding of complex engineering principles and anyone passionate about mastering advanced React and Next.js concepts in the context of full-stack development.

So are you ready to become a full-stack developer with me?

Let's get started :)
Embrace a new Paradigm

React Server Components

Discover a new perspective on building full-stack web applications with Server Components.

  • Database Read Access in Components
  • Streaming Components to the Browser
  • Awaiting Components Asynchronously
  • Partial Prerendering for increased Performance
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Embrace a new Power

React Server Functions

Access the Server from React Components for writing to the database or calling APIs.

  • Access Server Logic in Components
  • Operate on the Database from the UI
  • Use Web Standards with Forms
instructor
Meet your Instructor

Robin Wieruch

Robin is a software engineer who has authored several books and courses about JavaScript and React. He has been a developer for more than a decade and has experience in building web applications and consulting for startups and companies across the world.

During his freelance tenure, Robin collaborated with diverse entities like MakerDAO in blockchain, TRUMPF in high-precision laser technology, and the US government, among other ventures.

  • Bestselling JavaScript Book Author
  • 3.000.000+ Blog Visits per Year
  • 80.000+ Book Readers and Course Students
  • 50.000+ Newsletter Readers
  • 23.000+ Twitter Followers
  • 10.000+ LinkedIn Followers
  • 8.000+ GitHub Followers
  • 6.000+ GitHub Stars
  • Awarded GitHub Star (Multiple Times)
  • Technical Co-Founder of CloudCamping
  • Dad of two wonderful Boys
Startup Tech Stack

The Tech Stack

Next.js 15
The most popular full-stack React framework
Used by some of the world's largest companies, Next.js enables you to create high-quality web applications with the power of React components.
React 19
The most popular frontend framework
React lets you build user interfaces out of individual pieces called components. Create your own React components and combine them into entire screens, pages, and apps.
Prisma
Next-generation TypeScript ORM
Prisma provides the best DX for your team to work and interact with databases. Even complex topics like connection pooling, caching, real-time subscriptions become possible.
Supabase
Serverless Postgres
Supabase is an open source Firebase alternative. Start your project with a Postgres database and add more services as you need them.
TypeScript
Type-safe JavaScript as industry standard
Unlock the Power of TypeScript: Dive into a world where strong typing leads to more reliable code. Embrace the confidence to tackle complex projects.
Zod
TypeScript-first schema validation
Zod ensures safer TypeScript-based schema validation, reducing bugs and enforcing data integrity with concise syntax and seamless TypeScript integration.
Oslo
Zero Vendor Lock-in Authentication
Oslo.js is a lightweight, typed auth library offering JWT, OAuth2, password hashing, WebAuthn verification, and cryptographic tools for secure authentication.
Vercel
The best deployment platform for Next.js
Vercel is a cloud platform for rapidly deploying and scaling modern web projects. Offering a seamless integration with Next.js, it is the best fit for this tech stack.
Tailwind
Industry standard for CSS Styling
Tailwind CSS is a highly customizable utility-first CSS framework that streamlines the styling process by providing an extensive set of pre-built classes.
Shadcn/UI
Popular reusable components library
Discover a collection of exquisitely crafted components ready for seamless integration into your applications. Accessible, fully customizable, and proudly open source.
The Road to Next

Web Developer Journey

React Server Components (RSC)
Asynchronous Components
RSC vs Client Components
Client-Server Composition
Component Directives
Data Fetching
Streaming
Suspense
Fallback Loading
CRUD Operations
Create a Record
Read a Record
Update a Record
Delete a Record
Rendering Strategies
Client-Side Rendering
Server-Side Rendering
Static Site Generation
Incremental Static Regeneration
Database
Domain Modeling
Schema Definition
Seeding
Migrations
UI Database Exploration
Database Indexing
ORM
Partial Selection
Joins (Relation Queries)
Upserts (Insert or Update)
Transactions
Server Actions
Declaration
Usage Client Components
Usage Server Components
With and Without Forms
Authentication
Roll your own Auth
Independent of Paid Services
Sign Up, In & Out
Get Current Session
Exclude Sensitive Data
Authorization
Conditional UI Components
Protected Routes
Protected Server Actions
Real World Business Cases
Currencies
Deadlines
Algorithms
Pages, Layouts, Templates
Static vs Dynamic Pages
Shared and Nested Layouts
Stable Template
Route Handler
New Hooks
useTransition
useFormStatus
useActionState
File Conventions
Pages
Loading, Error, Not Found
Route Groups
Private Folders
Navigation
Router & Link Components
Header & Sidebar
Tabs & Breadcrumbs
Redirects
Caching
Full Route Cache
Request Memoization
Data & Router Cache
generateStaticParams()
Client-Side Cache
Validation & Feedback
Server-Side Validation
Form-Field Feedback
Toast Feedback
Feedback after Redirect
Unblocking the UI
Cookies
User Preferences
Authentication
User Feedback
Progressive Enhancement
Works without JavaScript
Fallback with <noscript>
Project Structure
General Folder Structure
App Router Structure
Feature Folders
Shared Folders
Styling
Light & Dark Mode
Utility-First CSS
Animations
Theming
Component Patterns
Reusable Components
Component Composition
Controlled Components
Mediator Components
React
useState, useEffect, useRef
cache, Suspense
cloneElement
useImperativeHandle
Custom Hooks
Prop Drilling
TypeScript
Inference & Assertions
ReturnType & Awaited
Type Merging
Generics
CSS
Vertical & Horizontal Layouts
Animations
Conditional Classes
Responsive Design
Server-Side Operations
Sorting
Searching & Filtering
Offset-Based Pagination
Cursor-Based Pagination
Search Params
useRouter, usePathname, useParams
useSearchParams vs Search Params
URLSearchParams & Typed Params
URL State & Default State
Data Fetching Patterns
Sequential Data Fetching
Concurrent Data Fetching
React Query
Prefetching in Server Components
Initial State in Client Component
Client-Side State Management
Refetching & Invalidation
Infinite Scrolling
Intersection Observer
Software Craftsmanship
Premature Optimizations
DRY with Abstractions
Happy & Unhappy Paths
Design Patterns
Configuration over Composition
Inversion of Control
Sliding Window
Singleton
Composite Key
Layers
UI Layer
Action Layer
Query Layer
Public API Layer
Active Terminals
Terminal 1: Dev Server
Terminal 2: Git
Terminal 3: DB Studio
Testimonials

Former Students

"This book truly simplifies the journey of learning React! The author expertly navigates the ever-evolving React ecosystem, distilling the crucial concepts from the constantly changing developer toolchain. Thanks to this approach, I found myself seamlessly immersed in the core essence of React without the need to sift through outdated sources or waste time on irrelevant information. It's a comprehensive guide that ensures you stay focused on what truly matters in mastering React."
Batty13
Phenomenal Guidance on React
"The Road to React stands out as an exceptional resource for anyone delving into React development. The book's brilliance lies in its comprehensive approach, making it the best companion for React enthusiasts at any experience level. Beginners will appreciate its clear explanations and structured progression, while seasoned developers can benefit from its in-depth insights into advanced concepts. What sets this book apart is its author's commitment to keeping the content current – regularly updated to align with the latest developments in the React ecosystem, ensuring readers stay ahead in their learning journey."
Alex Sanyukovitch
Best React Book
"I'm an experienced backend software engineer/machine learning engineer (Google, Microsoft, startups, etc) but less familiar with web development. I purchased a pile of React books to learn everything, and The Road to React stood out as the best of the bunch. I spent part of my holiday break working through the bulk of the book. It includes practical coding exercises and bonus questions, with code solutions in the form of github commits that are linked in footnotes. All in all, a very straightforward way to learn this material rapidly in a self-study way."
Eric Nichols
Excellent React Resource
The Road to Next

Software Engineer Journey

Domain
Buy a Domain
Email DNS Records
Website DNS Records
Business Emails
Vercel
Custom Domain
Environment Variables
System Variables
Integrations
Message Queue
Sending & Receiving Events
Typed Events
Async Events
Retries
Delayed Events
Background Jobs
E-Mail Integration
Transactional Emails
Custom Domain
DKIM, SPF, DMARC
Templates & Previews
Organizations
User:Organization (M:N)
Memberships
Email Invitations
Roles & Permissions
Advanced Authentication
Email Verification
Password Forgot
Password Change
Password Reset
Bearer Authorization
TypeScript
Type Guards
Function Overloads
Conditional Types with Generics
File Upload
AWS S3
AWS IAM
AWS SDK
File Upload & Download
Presigned URLs
Stripe Billing
Pricing Plans
Products & Prices
Customer, Customer Portal
Taxes & Invoices
Stripe Subscriptions
Subscriptions & Webhooks
Cancellation & Change Plan
Product Provisioning
Trials & Discounts
UI
Render Prop Components
Refactoring UI
Isomorphic Components
Performance
N+1 Problem
Client-Side Caching
Time Uncritical Operations
Optional Requests
Bugs
Downtime Monitoring
Error Tracking
Bug Reporting
Software Craftsmanship
Planning, Implementing, Refactoring
User Experience
Edge Cases
Hot Fixes
Race Conditions
Design Patterns
Idempotence
Compound Key
Composite Key
Error Handling
Rollback
Transactions across Services
Error Bubbling
Custom Error Classes
Real World Business Cases
Ticketing System
Organizations with Users
Memberships and Roles
Invitations & Notifications
Billing & Subscriptions
Model Relations
One-to-One
One-to-Many
Many-to-One
Many-to-Many
Self-Relations
One-Way Relations
Database Concepts
Aggregations
Referential Actions
Non-Nullable Relations
External DB References
Polymorphic Relationships
Referential Integrity
Security
Server Only Code
Enumeration Attack
Timing Attacks
Rate Limiting
E-Mail Throttling
Sanitization
Injection
Layers
Service Layer
Data Access Layer
Protected API Layer
DTOs
Active Terminals
Terminal 1: Dev Server
Terminal 2: Git
Terminal 3: DB Studio
Terminal 4: Email
Terminal 5: Message Queue
Terminal 6: Stripe
Find Your Perfect Fit

Enroll in a Journey

Join 1098 students on this journey to learn full-stack web development.

Web Developer Journey

$299
$199

Your developer journey that covers more than the fundamentals of Next with React.

  • Developer Journey as Video Course
  • 18 Quizzes
  • 5 Challenges
  • React Primer Mini-Course
  • Discord Community Access
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 14-day refund guarantee
  • Lifetime Access
Enroll (Early Access)

Software Engineer Journey

$499
$299

Going beyond the web developer journey with the engineering journey to get a fully functional SaaS application up and running.

  • Engineer Journey as Video Course
  • Includes "Developer Journey"
  • Additional 50 and more Quizzes
  • Additional 40 and more Challenges
  • React Primer Mini-Course
  • SaaS Starter Kit from the Course
  • 2 Launch Goodies (Only during Launch)
  • Discord Community Access
  • Certificate of Completion
  • 14-day refund guarantee
  • Lifetime Access
Enroll (Early Access)

My students come

from these places

Who is this course for?

Your Background

I want to learn advanced React

While many beginner-friendly React courses are available, they often fail to address the crucial topics needed for advanced, real-world applications. Drawing from years of daily experience with React through various freelance projects, I've developed a deep understanding of what truly matters in practical applications.
In this comprehensive course, you'll learn to create custom components and hooks, clone elements, attach imperative handlers, and use composition to balance the client/server boundary. You'll also master component abstraction for reusability, seamlessly switch between client- and server-driven applications, and develop custom form validations. The course spans everything from beginner to advanced topics, including infinite scrolling and more, covering both client- and server-driven applications.

I want to become a full-stack developer

As a frontend developer, I often felt frustrated by the limitations of relying on backend developers to create APIs and waiting for their work to be completed. This dependence made me eager to take control and build full-stack applications myself.
My goal was to enhance my skills as a developer and offer greater value to my freelance clients by creating more complex and comprehensive applications, handling everything from the user interface to the database. With Next.js, I can now seamlessly bridge the gap between frontend and backend development, creating UI components and managing the data layer to access the database in one cohesive process.

I want to learn backend development as a frontend developer

Many backend courses are tailored for traditional backend developers familiar with backend technologies and programming languages, leaving frontend or JavaScript developers with limited options. This course bridges that gap by offering a backend learning experience specifically designed for those with a frontend background, using Next.js, a framework perfectly suited for frontend developers. You'll learn to create APIs, manage the data layer, and access databases, all while utilizing the same language and tools you already use for frontend development.
This comprehensive course will empower you to implement vertical features from UI to database. You'll explore essential topics such as email integrations, authentication and authorization, event-driven architectures, database migrations, multi-terminal development, and various backend layers, including service and data access layers. By mastering these skills, you'll become proficient in backend development, enhancing your capabilities as a frontend developer.

I come from a different programming language

As a freelance developer, I have collaborated with many other developers who transitioned from different programming languages to JavaScript/TypeScript. Through these collaborations, I have gained insights into the challenges they faced and the solutions that worked best.
If you are already familiar with programming, you'll find this course easy to follow. It is designed to be beginner-friendly, covering all the essential topics you need to know about JavaScript, React, and Next.js. Whether you are coming from C#, PHP, Ruby, or Java, this course will provide you with a robust foundation.

I want to become a senior web developer

Moving into a senior web developer position demands a strong grasp of both frontend and backend technologies (along with effective leadership abilities). My experiences have highlighted the necessity of mastering advanced React concepts and knowing how to create scalable applications that address real-world needs. This course is specifically crafted to provide you with the essential skills to confidently advance into a senior role from a technical perspective.
You'll not only gain technical proficiency in areas like component abstraction, server-side rendering, and database management but also learn about code architecture and software craftmanship. By the end of this course, you'll be able to mentor junior developers and contribute effectively to a project, positioning yourself as a valuable asset in any team.

I want to become a software engineer

Becoming a software engineer involves more than just coding; it requires a solid foundation in architecture, design patterns, and problem-solving. My journey from a self-taught developer to a software engineer has taught me the importance of understanding the underlying principles of software development.
You will learn to think critically about software problems and design solutions that are not only functional but also maintainable. By mastering both frontend and backend skills, you will be well-equipped to approach software engineering challenges with confidence, making you a strong candidate in the tech industry.

I want to become a freelance developer

Achieving success as a freelance developer relies heavily on strong technical skills. Throughout my journey, I've discovered that mastering programming languages like JavaScript and frameworks such as React/Next is essential for delivering high-quality products. This course is designed to provide you with the technical knowledge necessary to excel in a freelance setting (from a technical perspective), empowering you to confidently tackle a range of client projects.
You'll gain practical experience in developing robust applications. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to manage various freelance projects, whether that involves mentoring developers transitioning from different programming languages or creating an MVP for a client. This foundation will enable you to deliver outstanding results and position yourself for success in the competitive freelance market.

I want to become a technical founder

To become a successful technical founder, it's essential to have a strong understanding of software development principles combined with an entrepreneurial mindset. My experiences have demonstrated that grasping both technical and business elements is vital for building a successful startup. This course is designed to provide you with the technical expertise needed to create innovative solutions.
Throughout the course, you'll learn how to transform your ideas into functional applications using React and Next.js. By establishing a solid foundation in technical skills, you'll be better equipped to launch successful projects and tackle the challenges that come with being a founder in the tech industry.
instructor
What is this course about?

Summary

"The Road to Next" is a video course for developers who want to build real-world applications with Next.js. Whether you're a beginner or a frontend developer looking to transition to full-stack, this course equips you with the skills to create modern web applications using cutting-edge technologies.

In this video series, you'll learn to set up your development environment and deploy applications to production. The course covers advanced React concepts, backend development, and essential full-stack skills, giving you a solid foundation in the development process.

By the end of the course, you'll have the tools and expertise to confidently tackle complex projects. You'll enhance your technical skills and gain access to a supportive community, setting yourself up for success in the competitive tech industry.

  • Transform into a Full-Stack Developer
  • Break Free from Frontend Limits
  • Dive into Backend Mastery
  • Craft Real-World Applications
  • Launch Your Applications Live
  • Master Advanced React Techniques
  • Become Part of a Thriving Community
  • Boost Your Technical Expertise

Have any questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this offering a video course or a starter kit project?

It's both. It's a comprehensive course on Next.js covering all aspects. Upon completion, you'll have a fully operational starter kit to get started with any project.

Is this course self-paced or cohort-based?

It's both. It's self-paced, so you can decide when to start and finish. But it's also cohort-based, so you can join the community and learn together with others. That's why there is a limited time offer to join the course.

How do I progreess through the course?

You progress linearly through the course. The Software Enginner Journey builds up on the Developer Journey. So you take the Developer Journey first and only then progress to the Software Engineer Journey.

How many projects are included in the course?

The course is focused on building a single project, but it's a comprehensive project that covers all aspects of full-stack web development.

Is this course for beginners or advanced developers?

It's for both, because it should level you up from junior to senior.

The course is too expensive. Can I get a discount?

If you're employed, consider asking your employer to cover the course cost, as many companies include this in their annual learning budget. I understand the course may seem costly, but if it helps you secure a new job or a raise, it will be a worthwhile investment. In my recent years as a freelance developer, my daily rate was on average $1,200 — meaning the course would have paid for itself in no time. But I understand that not everyone is in the same situation, so I offer discounts where possible. So please explore the discount options listed in the remaining FAQ.

Are all journeys of this course finished?

The whole course is not finished yet. But you can already access more than 20 hours of content packed with knowledge. My highest priority is to finish the course as soon as possible in Q1/2025.

Are there subtitles available?

Yes, subtitles are available in English.

Is this course optimized for mobile?

No — and there's a good reason for that. In this course, we're building a real-world application, where it's essential to keep the full code context visible without losing focus. This can be challenging on a small screen. For the best learning experience, I recommend following along on a larger display, where you can code comfortably and see everything clearly.

Do I need to know JavaScript / TypeScript / React / Next?

JavaScript: Yes, you should have a basic understanding of JavaScript to follow along with the course. If you are coming from a different programming language though, you should be fine as well.
TypeScript: Basic knowledge is beneficial, but overall not needed. You will pick up TypeScript along the way.
React: There will be a primer on React. If you are completely new to React, you can check out The Road to React which you can perfectly use on the side to get up to speed with React.
Next.js: No, you do not need to know Next.js. The course will teach you everything you need to know about Next.js.

Why did you use X instead of Y as a technology?

While the technologies used are chosen to provide the best learning experience for Next.js, you are free to substitute them with your preferred technologies. If you already have a substitute in mind, you should be advanced enough to just use your preferred technology.

If I don't like the course, is there a refund policy?

Yes, there is a 14-day money-back guarantee, if you're not satisfied with the course.

Can I buy a team license for multiple people?

Yes, you can buy a team license for multiple people. We will provide you with a discount based on the number of people in your team up to 20% off. Please reach out to us for more information.

Can I gift the course to somebody else?

Yes, you can gift the course to somebody upon purchase.

Will there be a certificate of completion?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the course.

Is there a student discount?

Yes. As a student you are eligible for a 20% discount. Please reach out to us with a valid student ID to receive your discount.

Will there be Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)?

It's not available on the course platform yet, but you can connect with me on LinkedIn so I can confirm your place of residence for country-specific pricing.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, you can pay in installments (i.e. payment plan) but without a discount unfortunately. Please reach out to us for more information.

Can I buy the modules individually?

No, the course is only available in the packages listed here.

What if I get stuck? Can I ask questions?

Absolutely! You can post comments on the course platform or ask questions in our Discord community.

Do I get an invoice for my purchase?

Yes, you will receive an automatic invoice. Please make sure to enter your company name and VAT ID if you need it for your business.