NextDeveloperv1.0.0
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  2. Getting Started
  3. Your first lesson

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Getting Started

Your first lesson

A step-by-step walkthrough of opening a lesson, running code, and passing tests.

Last updated 2026-07-30

Your first lesson is a short, hands-on coding activity inside the browser. You do not need to install anything.

What you will see

When you open a lesson, the screen is split into a few areas:

  • Instructions on the left: what you need to build or fix.
  • Editor in the center: a Monaco code editor where you write or edit code.
  • Run button above the editor: runs your code and checks it against tests.
  • Console / Preview tabs below the editor: read test output or see a live preview.

A typical flow

  1. Read the instructions carefully.
  2. Look at the starter code in the editor.
  3. Make the requested change.
  4. Press Run.
  5. Check the console for test results. If a test fails, read the message — it usually points to the exact line.
  6. Press Hint if you are stuck, or peek at a solution hint when one is available.
  7. When all tests pass, click Next to continue.

Example

A JavaScript lesson might show:

function double(x) {
  // your code here
}

// tests
console.assert(double(2) === 4)
console.assert(double(5) === 10)

If you type return x * 2; and press Run, the tests pass and your progress is recorded.

What happens behind the scenes

Pure JavaScript and TypeScript run in an in-browser iframe sandbox. HTML/CSS/JS lessons render a live preview. Node.js and backend lessons run in WebContainer, a browser-based Node.js runtime.

Next steps

  • Try a lesson from the Dashboard.
  • Learn about content types in Content types & difficulty levels.
  • Read Practice problems to understand feedback.

Related articles

Welcome to NextDeveloper

A quick overview of the platform and how to run your first lesson.

Code editor overview

How the in-browser editor, sandbox, and WebContainer execution work.

Practice problems overview

How lessons, challenges, instant feedback, hints, and NextGrowth help you learn faster.

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to help. Send us an email or visit the community forum.

CommunityOpen a support ticketEmail support

On this page

  • What you will see
  • A typical flow
  • Example
  • What happens behind the scenes
  • Next steps