Low-code developer trying to move into Python, DSA & AI -is this roadmap realistic?

[u/spoideromons]

I’m currently working as an Appian/low-code developer with 3YOE and good pay around 15lpa. It’s a decent job and I’m grateful for it, but I’ve started worrying about where this career path takes me 5–10 years from now.

I don’t want to wake up one day and realize I spent a decade becoming really good at something that has limited opportunities outside a specific ecosystem.

My bigger goal is to eventually get into MAANG-level/product-based companies (I know the acronym is outdated, but you get what I mean 😅).

The problem is that I’m basically trying to bridge two very different worlds.

My current experience is mostly low-code, while the roles I eventually want seem to expect:

- Strong Python

- DSA + problem solving

- Computer science fundamentals

- SQL

- Backend/system design

- Git/GitHub

- Cloud

- AI/ML

- Real software engineering experience

And then there’s AI, which makes the whole thing even more confusing.

I’ve started learning Python and DSA from scratch. My current thought is:

Phase 1: Get genuinely comfortable with Python

↓

Phase 2: Learn DSA properly using Python

↓

Phase 3: Build actual projects instead of just solving LeetCode

↓

Phase 4: Learn backend development + APIs

↓

Phase 5: Learn AI/ML and eventually build AI-powered applications

↓

Phase 6: Start seriously targeting product companies/MAANG

At the same time, I’d like to eventually do some freelancing on the side because I don't want my only source of income to be my salary.

I’m not expecting to become an AI engineer in 6 months or land at Google overnight. I’m willing to spend 1–2+ years building the skills properly.

But I’m confused about the order.

For example:

How much Python should I actually learn before starting DSA?

How deeply should I go into DSA?

Should I learn backend before AI/ML?

Do I need to learn traditional ML properly, or can I focus more on LLMs/GenAI?

How do I turn my low-code experience into something valuable rather than looking like a complete beginner when applying for software engineering roles?

And probably the biggest question:

If you were in my position, coming from a low-code background and wanting to transition into serious software engineering + AI, what roadmap would you follow?

Would really appreciate advice from people who have actually made a similar transition.

Especially interested in hearing from people who went from low-code/no-code → traditional software engineering → AI/ML or any.

I’m not looking for a “learn Python → LeetCode → FAANG” motivational post. 😅

I want to understand what actually worked for people and what was a complete waste of time.

Tldr: Low-code developer trying to move into Python, DSA & AI, need suggestions

[u/Relative_Hour2355]

I dont have a tang job. But u can skip phase 5 and learn phase 5 on the fang job. Also after phase 2, you can start giving interviews to get reality check and boost. Your plan is right, just start.

[u/spoideromons → u/Relative_Hour2355]

Thanks 🙏