JetBrains Academy Course Catalog

Full-Stack JavaScript for Beginners

Understand the full web development cycle and build a portfolio-ready chat app to showcase your skills.

Advanced
20-25 hours

You'll take this course in your JetBrains IDE.
Just install JetBrains Toolbox 2.7+, and we'll handle the rest!

Advanced
20-25 hours

About

Start your full-stack web development journey by building a real-time chat app from the ground up, no prior experience needed.

In Part 1, you’ll create a complete backend with Node.js and Express: implement authentication, enable real-time messaging with WebSockets, connect a database, and test your work using a built-in demo interface.

In Part 2, you’ll design a responsive frontend with React, connect it to your backend, and deliver a smooth, interactive user experience—just like in professional web apps.

Your result: a portfolio-ready full-stack project and a clear understanding of how modern web applications are built, from backend to frontend.

Content

  1. Introduction
  1. Getting Started with Node.js
  2. Getting Started with Express.js
  3. Testing and Debugging
  4. Data Layer
  5. Routing Middleware
  6. WebSockets
  7. Authentication
  8. Database
  1. Introduction
  2. Getting Started with React
  3. Routing
  4. Backend Connection
  5. WebSockets
  6. Deleting Messages
  7. Final Touches
  1. Containerization
  1. Feedback survey

Learn with the tools developers use every day

Real-world development environment (Python)
Project-based learning journey (Python)
Collaboration via Git (Python)
Focused learning (Python)
  • Real-world development environment

    Gain hands-on experience with the same tools and workflows you'll use in your career, reducing the learning curve when transitioning to real-world projects.

  • Project-based learning journey

    Our plugin is designed to guide you through real coding projects that you can showcase in your portfolio after completion.

  • Collaboration via Git

    Easily track changes and collaborate on projects using Git — an essential tool for developers in every field.

  • Focused learning

    Enjoy fewer distractions with assignments, coding, debugging, and version control all in one window

Student? Get JetBrains IDEs & hands-on courses — free for the full duration of your studies.

What do you need to start?

1

Install the free JetBrains Toolbox App

The JetBrains Toolbox App 2.7+ makes setting up your course effortless. Already have a compatible IDE? It will launch it. If not, the app will install the right IDE for your course.

Learn more about our licenses here.

Download

JetBrains Toolbox App illustration
2

Confirm the course launch

Click Take course and then Allow to open the Toolbox App.

Select Always Allow to skip this confirmation in the future.

To return to the course later, find it in your IDE's recent projects.

Need more help? Check out our guide.

Course launch confirmation illustration
JetBrains Toolbox App illustration

The JetBrains Toolbox App 2.7+ makes setting up your course effortless. Already have a compatible IDE? It will launch it. If not, the app will install the right IDE for your course.

Learn more about our licenses here.

Download

JetBrains Toolbox App illustration

Click Take course and then Allow to open the Toolbox App.

Select Always Allow to skip this confirmation in the future.

To return to the course later, find it in your IDE's recent projects.

Need more help? Check out our guide.

JetBrains Toolbox App illustration

FAQ and troubleshooting

Yes, you will need the JetBrains Toolbox App and a JetBrains IDE.

Just click this link to install the JetBrains Toolbox App. We've taken care of all the necessary settings, and the app will handle the rest of the setup for you.

The JetBrains Toolbox App checks which IDE is compatible with your course and whether it is installed on your computer. If you have the necessary IDE installed, the app will open it. If not, JetBrains Toolbox will initiate the installation, prioritizing free community editions.

Yes, the JetBrains Toolbox App is essential, even if you already have a JetBrains IDE. It automatically prepares your IDE for studying by installing the required plugins and updating the IDE if necessary.

Please make sure you have the latest version of the JetBrains Toolbox App. To update, open the app and click Update Toolbox App, or download the latest version here.

If you’re using a Chrome-based browser, please also allow Find devices on local networks in the popup that appears on the course page. When this permission is granted, the page will detect when the Toolbox App opens on your system and you’ll be able to open the course properly.

Yes! It's 100% free and works with both the free and paid versions of JetBrains IDEs.

If you're a student, apply for the Student Pack to get full access to JetBrains IDEs for the duration of your studies. If not, check if you qualify for a free non-commercial license.

The configuration process may vary depending on the IDE you are using for the course. For detailed instructions, please refer to the Troubleshooting guide.