so confused with leash training

Hi, 2.5 weeks in with my lab puppy. first time pet owner. Been focused on basics like potty, crate, sit/stay so now i am trying to do some reading on leash training and I am totally confused.

so I am supposed to teach her to walk right next to me without pulling and start by rewarding her when she isnt pulling and checks on me it seems like. but how about the sniff walks around our quiet street (it is a small crescent in a suburb so i think it is pretty safe)? the sniff walks have helped tire her out when she is overactive and she seems happy to do it. and how about potty breaks where i let her wonder near my front porch until she decides on a spot to go. dont think she should walk next to me during those times.

i feel like if im confused and try to train her, she will be confused too. so am i supposed to have 3 different types of walks? how is she gonna understand that? or i shouldnt do sniff walks at all and focus on the 2 types of going out? potty and walk next to me