What you are feeling right now is incredibly common, and it actually has a name: Imposter Syndrome.

When you spend two years learning Fullstack development, you spend a lot of time learning how to connect different pieces (databases, APIs, front-end frameworks). Because modern tools and frameworks are designed to be smooth, it can make building web apps feel "too easy," leading you to think you aren't doing "real programming."

First, give yourself credit: Fullstack development IS real programming. Managing state, securing routes, optimizing database queries, and deployment require a massive amount of skill. You are definitely not a bum!

If you want to break out of this comfort zone and truly test your skills to feel like a "moderate to advanced" programmer, here are three things you should try next:

1. Build something without frameworks: Instead of relying on React, Next.js, or Express, try building a web app using pure vanilla HTML, CSS, and raw JavaScript/Node.js. Try writing your own basic router or handling raw HTTP requests. You will quickly see how much complex logic these frameworks handle for you, which will make you appreciate your own skills.

2. Dive into Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA): Web development hides a lot of computer science theory. Try solving challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Implementing binary search trees, sorting algorithms, or graph traversals from scratch will instantly push your logical thinking and give you that "hardcore programming" feeling.

3. Learn a Lower-Level Language: If JavaScript or Python feels too high-level, spend a few weeks picking up a language like C++ or Rust. Managing your own memory, dealing with pointers, and understanding how code compiles down closer to the machine level will completely rewrite how you view programming.

You haven't hit a wall because you're bad; you've hit a wall because you're ready for the next level. Pick a harder problem, break it, and you'll realize just how much you actually know. Keep your head up!!!!