Bug: Learning path progress doesn't enforce prerequisites, allowing users to skip foundational material

[anshul23102]

Problem Statement

DevPath's learning path progress tracking does not properly handle skipped content, allowing users to claim completion of paths without actually learning prerequisite material. This leads to users being unprepared for advanced topics.

Root Cause Analysis

Progress calculation likely sums completed lessons without verifying prerequisites. No dependency tracking between courses. No validation that all required material was reviewed before marking path complete.

Solution Overview

1. Implement prerequisite tracking and enforcement
2. Require sequential completion of foundational content before advanced topics
3. Implement progress validation: verify all required sections completed
4. Add content review time tracking to prevent instant completion cheating
5. Implement checkpoint assessments that must pass before advancing
6. Add visual progress indicators showing prerequisite status

Type of Change

• Bug fix (learning integrity)
• New feature
• Breaking change
• Documentation update

Testing Done

Environment

• Course progress tracking system
• Prerequisite validation engine

Manual Testing Steps

Test Case 1: Skip prerequisites

1. User skips "JavaScript Basics" course
2. Attempt to start "Advanced React" which requires basics
3. Check if progression allowed

Expected: Progression blocked, user directed to prerequisites
Actual: User allowed into advanced course despite missing basics

Related Issue

Ensures users build proper foundational knowledge.

Suggested Labels

bug, level:intermediate, gssoc26, learning-paths, prerequisites, progress-tracking

[amritbej]

@komalharshita ,

I'd like to work on this issue.

I reviewed the problem statement and understand that the current progress tracking allows users to bypass prerequisite content, which can result in incomplete learning paths being marked as completed.

My approach would be to:

• Analyze the existing learning path progress calculation logic.
• Implement prerequisite validation before allowing access to dependent courses/modules.
• Ensure path completion requires all mandatory prerequisite content to be completed.
• Add appropriate validation checks to prevent incorrect progress states.
• Include tests covering prerequisite enforcement and progress calculation scenarios.

Could you please assign this issue to me?