Overhaul Start Here learning path for UI-to-M beginners

[kyleamueller]

Summary

• Restructured the 8-step learning path into a 10-step beginner-first sequence, starting with hands-on exposure before theory
• Added Getting Started with M Code (Step 1) — opens the Advanced Editor, reads generated code, makes a first edit
• Added From the UI to M Code (Step 2) — side-by-side translation of 10 common UI operations to their M equivalents
• Moved The M Paradigm from Step 1 → Step 3, with a new opening paragraph that acknowledges UI background before introducing functional concepts
• Promoted Structured Data (Records, Lists & Tables) from optional to Step 5 — foundational for any Power BI user
• Added Control Structures (if/then/else) as Step 9 — was missing from the path entirely
• Demoted Custom Functions and Query Folding to "What's Next" — these are important but not beginner-critical
• Added Common M Errors reference page (6 most frequent errors, causes, and fixes) to "What's Next"
• Added /publish slash command for this repo

Why

The sub-agent evaluation found the previous path scored F on entry point, UI-to-M connection, and learning sequence — it opened with F#/Haskell references and had no bridge from the UI experience the target user actually has. This restructure meets the beginner where they are.

Files affected

• src/app/learn/page.tsx — new STEPS array (10 steps), updated NEXT_STEPS, updated metadata
• src/content/concepts/getting-started.mdx — new
• src/content/concepts/ui-to-m-bridge.mdx — new
• src/content/concepts/common-errors.mdx — new
• src/content/concepts/m-paradigm.mdx — softened opening paragraph
• .claude/commands/publish.md — new /publish command

Test plan

• Navigate to /learn — confirm 10 steps render in order with correct titles and times
• Click Step 1 → /concepts/getting-started renders with all sections
• Click Step 2 → /concepts/ui-to-m-bridge renders with all 10 operations and code blocks
• Click Step 3 → /concepts/m-paradigm — new opening paragraph visible, no F#/Haskell as first sentence
• Check "What's Next" section — Custom Functions, Query Folding, Common Errors all present
• Navigate to /concepts/common-errors directly — all 6 error entries render
• npm run build — no errors, all new slugs included in static params

🤖 Generated with Claude Code

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Project	Deployment	Actions	Updated (UTC)
pqm-guide	Ready	Preview, Comment	Mar 11, 2026 6:29pm