Practical Guides for Junior Devs
Two concise volumes for the AI era. Drafting now — join early readers for launch updates.
What this is
Start & Ship
Your first 90 days, done right.
This is the survival and success manual for junior web developers stepping into their first role or team project. It covers exactly what you need to get set up, write production-ready code, and work effectively in a real team—with AI tools integrated throughout.
Perfect for you if you want to:
- Avoid rookie mistakes that cost you credibility
- Learn clean code habits from day one
- Understand how to fit in and thrive in your first dev team
- Ship work you're proud of—without burning out
Promise: By the end, you'll not just "know code"—you'll know how to deliver it in the real world.
Grow & Thrive
From solid junior to unstoppable pro.
This is the career acceleration plan for developers who've got their footing and want to grow, get noticed, and open new opportunities. It shows you how to build a professional presence, land the right jobs, and stay relevant in a fast-changing industry.
Perfect for you if you want to:
- Build a network that brings you opportunities
- Land interviews and negotiate better offers
- Move up or pivot into new roles without losing momentum
- Stay sharp with a learning routine that fits your life
- Future-proof your skills against industry shifts and AI disruption
Promise: By the end, you'll have a clear map for the next 3–5 years of your career—one you can adapt as you grow.
What you'll learn
Start & Ship
- Set up your development environment like a pro
- Write clean, maintainable code from day one
- Navigate team dynamics and communication
- Master code reviews and collaborative development
- Avoid common junior developer pitfalls
Grow & Thrive
- Build a professional network that opens doors
- Ace technical interviews and salary negotiations
- Plan your career progression strategically
- Stay current with evolving technologies
- Future-proof your skills against AI disruption
Is this for you?
These books are opinionated and practical. Here's how to know if they're right for you.
This is for you if...
- You're a junior developer (0-5 years) wanting to level up fast
- You're a bootcamp grad or self-taught dev entering your first job
- You want practical advice you can apply immediately
- You want to learn how to work effectively with AI tools
- You want to avoid the mistakes that hold most juniors back
- You're ready to invest in your professional growth
This is NOT for you if...
- You're looking for a coding tutorial or technical deep-dive
- You want theory without actionable steps
- You're a senior developer with 10+ years of experience
- You think AI will do all the work for you
- You're not open to changing how you approach your career
- You're looking for a silver bullet—these books require action
Read before you buy
Not sure if this book is for you? Read a free sample chapter on Leanpub — no email required.
Read Free Sample: Start & ShipClick "Read Free Sample" on the Leanpub page
Complete Chapter Breakdown
Every question answered with practical examples and actionable advice
Vol. 1 — Start & Ship (16 chapters)
Getting Started Right
- • How do I start in web development?
- • What if coding feels hard at first?
- • How do I set up my development environment?
- • How do I pick which technologies to learn?
- • What should I think about when choosing tools?
- • Should I focus on one area or learn many?
Writing and Shipping Quality Code
- • What are the main rules for good coding?
- • How do I write clear and easy-to-read code?
- • What common coding mistakes should I avoid?
- • Why are code reviews important?
- • What should I look for when checking others' code?
- • How can I get better at testing my code?
Thriving in Your First Team
- • How can I communicate better with my team?
- • How can I give and receive helpful feedback?
- • How should I handle disagreements at work?
- • How can I fit in with different team cultures?
Vol. 2 — Grow & Thrive
Building Your Professional Presence
- • Why is personal branding important?
- • How do I find someone to guide me in my career?
- • How can I meet other developers for job opportunities?
- • How can being part of the community help my career?
Landing the Right Opportunities
- • How do I prepare for and handle job interviews?
- • How do I know when it's time to change jobs?
- • How can I move up in my web development career?
- • How can I switch to tech from another job?
- • What should I think about before working for myself?
- • How can I ask for a better salary?
Staying Sharp and Sustainable
- • How do I keep up with changing tech?
- • How can I keep learning and improving?
- • How can I manage my time well?
- • How do I balance my work and personal life?
- • What activities can help me outside of work?
- • Will AI replace developers, and how can I stay valuable?
Frequently asked questions
What format will the books be in?
Both volumes will be available as PDF and ePub downloads with clean, readable formatting optimized for both screen reading and printing. No DRM, so you can read them on any device.
When will the books be available?
Volume 1 (Start & Ship) is targeting Q1 2026, with Volume 2 (Grow & Thrive) following at the end of Q1 2026. Join our notification list to be the first to know when they're ready, plus get exclusive early-bird pricing.
Who is this for?
Junior developers (0-3 years experience), career changers entering tech, bootcamp graduates, and self-taught developers who want to level up their professional skills beyond just coding.
Do I need both volumes?
Volume 1 focuses on immediate survival and success in your first role. Volume 2 is about long-term career growth. Most people benefit from both, but you can start with whichever matches your current needs.
Does this book cover AI tools for developers?
Yes! AI-assisted development is woven throughout every chapter—not as a separate topic, but integrated into real workflows. You'll learn when to leverage AI tools like GitHub Copilot, Claude, and ChatGPT, when to code yourself, and how to stay valuable as a developer in an AI-augmented world.
About the author
David Dias
With 15 years in web development and leadership roles at companies like BBDO, Kijiji, and several successful startups, David has seen what separates thriving developers from those who struggle.
He's mentored over 100 junior developers, create the front-end community in Mauritius, led engineering teams through rapid growth phases, and helped countless developers navigate career transitions internationally. His practical, no-nonsense approach comes from real experience in the trenches.
David believes that technical skills are just the foundation—the real career accelerators are the professional skills that most developers learn by trial and error.
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