Learning Paths
Each journey is designed to be completed in a single sitting (22-40 minutes). Paths are recommended sequences of journeys for different goals.
All Journeys at a Glance
| Journey | Duration | Exercises | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core: Foundations | ~38 min | 24 | Beginner |
| Core: Error Handling | ~30 min | 20 | Intermediate |
| Core: Advanced Patterns | ~26 min | 16 | Advanced |
| Effect API | ~65 min | 15 | All Levels |
| Optics: Lens & Prism | ~40 min | 30 | Beginner |
| Optics: Traversals & Practice | ~40 min | 27 | Intermediate |
| Optics: Fluent & Free DSL | ~37 min | 22 | Advanced |
| Optics: Focus DSL | ~22 min | 18 | Intermediate |
Recommended Paths
Path A: Effect-First is the recommended path for most users. It teaches the primary user-facing API of Higher-Kinded-J and gets you productive quickly.
Path A: Effect-First (Recommended)
The modern approach: start with the user-friendly Effect API.
| Session | Journey | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core: Foundations | ~38 min |
| 2 | Effect API: Fundamentals | ~35 min |
| 3 | Effect API: Advanced | ~30 min |
| 4 | Optics: Lens & Prism | ~40 min |
Total: 4 sessions, ~143 min across sessions
Best for: New users who want the recommended learning experience.
Path B: Quick Start
Get productive with Higher-Kinded-J quickly.
| Session | Journey | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core: Foundations | ~38 min |
| 2 | Effect API: Fundamentals | ~35 min |
Total: 2 sessions, ~73 min across sessions
Best for: Developers who want to use the library immediately without deep theory.
Path C: Practical FP
Core functional patterns for everyday use.
| Session | Journey | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core: Foundations | ~38 min |
| 2 | Core: Error Handling | ~30 min |
| 3 | Effect API: Fundamentals | ~35 min |
| 4 | Optics: Lens & Prism | ~40 min |
Total: 4 sessions, ~143 min across sessions
Best for: Developers building production applications who want solid foundations.
Path D: Core Types Deep Dive
Master the theoretical foundation.
| Session | Journey | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core: Foundations | ~38 min |
| 2 | Core: Error Handling | ~30 min |
| 3 | Core: Advanced Patterns | ~26 min |
Total: 3 sessions, ~94 min across sessions
Best for: Developers who want to understand the FP theory deeply before applying it.
Path E: Optics Specialist
Master immutable data manipulation.
| Session | Journey | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optics: Lens & Prism | ~40 min |
| 2 | Optics: Traversals & Practice | ~40 min |
| 3 | Optics: Fluent & Free DSL | ~37 min |
| 4 | Optics: Focus DSL | ~22 min |
Total: 4 sessions, ~139 min across sessions
Best for: Developers working with complex immutable data structures who want to master optics.
Path F: Full Curriculum
Everything, done properly over multiple sessions.
| Session | Journey | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core: Foundations | ~38 min |
| 2 | Core: Error Handling | ~30 min |
| 3 | Core: Advanced Patterns | ~26 min |
| 4 | Effect API: Fundamentals | ~35 min |
| 5 | Effect API: Advanced | ~30 min |
| 6 | Optics: Lens & Prism | ~40 min |
| 7 | Optics: Traversals & Practice | ~40 min |
| 8 | Optics: Fluent & Free DSL | ~37 min |
| 9 | Optics: Focus DSL | ~22 min |
Total: 9 sessions, ~298 min across sessions
Best for: Those who want comprehensive mastery of Higher-Kinded-J.
Combined Journeys
For longer learning sessions, these combinations work well together and stay under 60 minutes:
Error Mastery (~56 min)
Combine Core: Error Handling + Core: Advanced Patterns
Focus: Complete the error handling and advanced FP patterns in one sitting.
DSL Power (~59 min)
Combine Optics: Fluent & Free DSL + Optics: Focus DSL
Focus: Master both the Free Monad DSL and the Focus DSL together.
Effect API Complete (~65 min)
Combine Effect API: Fundamentals + Effect API: Advanced
Focus: Master the complete Effect Path API from basics to advanced contexts and annotations.
Tips for Success
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One journey per sitting: Each journey is designed to be completed without interruption. Taking breaks between journeys helps consolidation.
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Don't skip the struggle: When an exercise is hard, that's where learning happens. Consult solutions only after genuine effort.
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Run the tests: The red-to-green feedback loop is essential. Don't just read the exercises.
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Revisit earlier journeys: After completing later journeys, earlier concepts often make more sense. Circle back.
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Apply immediately: After each journey, try using what you learned in your own code.
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