Elixir · LANGUAGE PATH

Elixir from scratch

Thirty-one short lessons move through Scratch, Foundation, Intermediate, and Project. Run a complete example first, then unpack the syntax, change an input, and practice. Foundation is enough to enter the BEAM path; the rest builds a single-language project.

31short lessons
IExhands-on starting point
Before you begin

First, make sure you can open IEx

Enter the command in your terminal. Seeing the interactive prompt is enough. You do not need to create a project yet.

  • You can open a terminal. If you cannot yet, follow the installation page one step at a time.
  • You do not need experience with another programming language.
  • Set aside 15–35 minutes and study only one lesson at a time.
KNOWLEDGE SPINE

Each stage earns the next one

The language path makes sequential code solid first. Processes, supervision, and distribution belong to the BEAM mainline. Java, Python, and JavaScript comparisons appear only where an old mental model can mislead you.

  1. 01 · Values and shapesRead types, collections, patterns, and control flow.
  2. 02 · Functions and modulesSplit work into named, testable steps.
  3. 03 · Boundaries and toolsHandle errors, files, type contracts, and project commands.
  4. 04 · One-language projectMove from a brief to tests, packaging, and acceptance.
  5. 05 · Hand off to BEAMThen ask when work needs processes, messages, supervision, and capacity.
Four stages

From the first run to a finished project

Each lesson still begins with a concrete task and a complete example in IEx. Scratch builds confidence, Foundation builds independent modules, Intermediate handles real input, and Project combines the pieces.

01
SCRATCH · FIRST RUNS

Get the code running

Read inputs and results. Finish one 5–15 line task.

9 short lessons
02
FOUNDATION

Write a module on your own

Build fluency with collections, functions, control flow, modules, and basic tests.

8 short lessons
03
INTERMEDIATE

Handle real input

Work with files, error boundaries, type contracts, and project tools.

8 short lessons
04
PROJECT

Combine the pieces into a project

Move from a small requirement and tests to a runnable, packaged program.

6 short lessons
After this path

Next: understand a BEAM process

You have worked with modules, files, tests, and a command-line project. Skip the repeated setup check and see when a plain function should become a state-owning process with a mailbox.

Enter processes and mailboxes →