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15 Hackathon Ideas: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on 12 November, 2024

134.22K+ views
26 min read

What happens when creative minds get together to solve problems in a race against the clock? That’s a hackathon! Hackathons have changed the tech industry by bringing bright minds together to solve real-world problems in a short time. 

Every year, over 5,000 hackathons are hosted globally and tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft sponsor them to find fresh ideas and new talent. 

Here’s the best part—70% of participants say they sharpen their skills, and 50% of winning teams land internships or job offers. Hackathons are opportunities to learn, connect, and make your mark in the tech industry.

Looking to join the fun? Check out these 15 hackathon ideas and see where your creativity takes you!

What Is a Hackathon and Why Should You Join?

A hackathon is an event where developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts come together to solve problems using technology. These events usually last a day or two, and teams work to create software or hardware solutions within that limited time. It's a fun, fast-paced environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.

So why join a hackathon? First, it’s a great way to improve your coding and problem-solving skills. You get to work on real-world challenges, which gives you hands-on experience you can’t always get in a classroom. 

Plus, hackathons are a great place to meet people in the industry and show potential employers what you can do. If you’re looking to learn, network, or build something new, hackathons offer a space for all of that.

Types of Hackathons to Explore

Over the years, hackathons have become increasingly popular. The types of hackathons listed below can guide you in selecting the best path for your next software development adventure.

  • API and Language-Specific Hackathons
    Focus on specific programming languages or tools.
  • Community or Social Impact Hackathons
    Tackle social or environmental issues.
  • Startup and Innovation Hackathons
    Encourage new ideas and product development.
  • Code Sprints
    Short events to fix bugs or improve open-source software.
  • Internal Company Hackathons
    Solve business challenges and promote teamwork within a company.

Check out the Java Bootcamp from upGrad and start building your expertise today!

 

15 Fun and Innovative Hackathon Project Ideas

Each project has room for flexibility, so you can adapt it based on your experience. Try one of these three hackathon ideas to build something cool and learn along the way.

Category

Project Title

Difficulty

Creative

1. Meme Generator with AI Humor Detection

Medium

Creative

2. AR-Based Virtual Pet Game

Hard

Creative

3. Multiplayer Escape Room in VR

Hard

Music & Mood

4. AI-Powered Song Recommender for Mood

Medium

Art & Collaboration

5. Collaborative Drawing App with AI Suggestions

Medium

Smart Solutions

6. Smart City Traffic Optimization Tool

Hard

Career Development

7. AI-Driven Resume Builder and Job Matcher

Medium

Health & Wellness

8. Gamified Mental Health Tracker

Medium

E-commerce

9. Virtual Fitting Room for Online Shopping

Hard

IoT Solutions

10. IoT-Enabled Smart Office System

Hard

Social Impact

11. AI-Powered Fact-Checker for Social Media

Medium

Communication

12. Real-Time Translator with Voice Recognition

Hard

Education & Engagement

13. AR-Based Interactive Museum Tour Guide

Medium

Sustainability

14. AI-Based Recipe Generator for Leftovers

Medium

Finance

15. AI-Powered Personal Finance Assistant

Medium

Fun & Creative

16. Interactive Storytelling App

Easy

Health & Wellness

17. Step Challenge App

Easy

E-commerce

18. Simple Budget Tracker

Easy

1. Meme Generator with AI Humor Detection

Project Overview:
Build a meme generation app using NLP models like Hugging Face transformers or spaCy to analyze user input for humor or sarcasm detection with 95% accuracy. For sentiment and tone classification, the AI model will be trained on large datasets (e.g., 10M+ Twitter comments). Meme templates will be fetched dynamically from a cloud storage service like AWS S3 or integrated through a public meme API. Python's Pillow library will handle text overlay on templates with a processing time of less than 200ms per meme. The frontend will be developed using React or Vue.js for real-time interaction, supporting up to 50 concurrent users. Flask or Django will serve as the backend, managing API requests, processing data, and integrating the AI model with response times under 500ms.

Source Code: Meme Generator with AI Humor Detection

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI for Humor Detection: Use Python with libraries like spaCy or Hugging Face transformers to detect humor and sarcasm.
  • Meme Template Database: Set up a database of meme templates using cloud storage (like AWS S3) or a public meme API.
  • Frontend: Create a user-friendly interface using React or Vue.js for uploading images, inputting text, and generating memes.
  • Backend: Use Flask or Django for the server-side logic to handle requests and generate the memes.

Process:

  1. Set Up AI for Humor Detection: Train an AI model to detect humor, sarcasm, and context in user inputs. You could use datasets like Twitter comments to train the model.
  2. Design Meme Generator Interface: Build the user interface to allow users to input text and choose meme templates. Integrate with APIs to generate and display memes in real-time.
  3. Generate Memes: Use a library like Pillow in Python to overlay text on meme templates dynamically.
  4. Test and Improve: Test the AI’s accuracy in detecting humor. Fine-tune the model and improve its suggestions by adjusting datasets and inputs.

2. AR-Based Virtual Pet Game

Project Overview:
Develop an augmented reality (AR) app where users can interact with a virtual pet in real-time using ARCore (Android) or ARKit (iOS) for accurate environment mapping and rendering. The app will feature pet behaviors like feeding, playing, and training, managed with Unity’s physics engine and C# scripting for pet actions and AI-driven responses. Users will interact via their phone’s camera, with object recognition and touch gestures processed at 60 FPS to ensure smooth performance. The backend will store user progress and pet stats using Firebase, handling real-time data synchronization and push notifications to remind users of pet care activities.

Source Code: AR-Based Virtual Pet Game

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AR Development: Use Unity with ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android) for augmented reality features.
  • Game Logic: Implement the virtual pet’s behaviors, needs, and interactions using C# in Unity.
  • Backend: Use Firebase for storing user progress, pet data, and push notifications.
  • User Interface: Design an easy-to-use interface for interacting with the pet, viewing pet stats, and selecting actions like feeding or playing.

Process:

  1. Design the Virtual Pets: Create or import 3D models for different types of pets and design their animations for various interactions (e.g., playing fetch or eating).
  2. Develop the AR Experience: Use Unity with ARKit or ARCore to place the pet in real-world environments. Ensure smooth interactions where users can feed or train the pet using touch gestures.
  3. Implement Game Logic: Build the backend system for tracking the pet’s status (hunger, energy, etc.) and set up actions like feeding and playing.
  4. Test the AR Experience: Test the app in different environments to ensure smooth and responsive AR rendering. Adjust pet interactions based on user input.

3. Multiplayer Escape Room in Virtual Reality

Project Overview:
Create a virtual reality (VR) game using Unity or Unreal Engine, where players collaborate to solve puzzles in themed escape rooms. The game will feature multiplayer support via Photon Unity Networking (PUN) or Mirror Networking to synchronize actions between players with a latency of less than 100ms for real-time interaction. The VR environment will be designed for platforms like Oculus Quest or HTC Vive, utilizing Unity’s 3D physics engine for realistic puzzle mechanics, such as object manipulation and code-breaking. Puzzle difficulty and interaction will scale based on team collaboration, with up to 4 players per session, and the backend will handle session management and real-time puzzle state tracking.

Source Code: Multiplayer Escape Room in Virtual Reality

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • VR Development: Use Unity or Unreal Engine to create the virtual environment and puzzles.
  • Multiplayer Networking: Implement real-time multiplayer using Photon Unity Networking (PUN) or Mirror Networking to allow team collaboration.
  • Puzzle Mechanics: Use Unity’s physics engine to develop interactive puzzles that require teamwork to solve.
  • VR Hardware: Design the game for platforms like Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, or other popular VR devices.

Process:

  1. Design the Escape Room Themes: Choose different themes (e.g., haunted house, ancient temple) and design the layout of the rooms and puzzles within Unity or Unreal Engine.
  2. Build the VR Environment: Develop the VR world using high-quality assets and ensure players can interact with objects within the environment (e.g., pick up keys, solve riddles).
  3. Implement Multiplayer Support: Use Photon or Mirror to synchronize player actions in the game. Ensure smooth communication and interaction between players in real-time.
  4. Develop Puzzle Mechanics: Create challenging puzzles that require collaboration to solve. For instance, one player might need to read a map while another decodes a cipher.
  5. Test and Optimize the Gameplay: Run multiplayer sessions to test for bugs and balance the difficulty of puzzles. Optimize the game to ensure smooth performance on VR platforms.

4. AI-Powered Song Recommender for Mood Enhancement

Project Overview

Develop an AI-powered music recommendation app that uses computer vision or natural language processing (NLP) to detect a user’s mood from facial expressions or text input. The AI model, trained with datasets like FER-2013 for emotion recognition, will analyze emotions with over 90% accuracy. The app will recommend songs from a database of 1M+ tracks, categorized by emotional tone, using a collaborative filtering algorithm to enhance personalization. The frontend will be built with React Native for a cross-platform experience, while the backend, developed in Flask or Node.js, will handle real-time emotion detection and song suggestion with a response time under 300ms.

Source Code: AI-Powered Song Recommender for Mood Enhancement

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI for Mood Detection: Use OpenCV for facial recognition or NLP libraries like spaCy for text analysis to detect mood.
  • Music Recommendation API: Integrate with music APIs like Spotify or Last.fm to fetch song recommendations.
  • Frontend: Develop the interface using React Native or Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) to ensure smooth user interaction.
  • Backend: Use Flask or Node.js to handle requests, process mood data, and manage playlist suggestions.

Process:

  1. Develop Mood Detection: Use OpenCV or text-based mood detection with NLP techniques to implement facial recognition. Train the model using datasets that classify facial expressions or emotional language.
  2. Build the Song Recommendation Engine: Integrate with Spotify’s API to fetch song recommendations based on mood tags like “happy,” “sad,” “relaxed,” etc.
  3. Design User Interface: Create an easy-to-use interface where users can take a photo or input text to detect their mood, and then receive a playlist based on that.
  4. Test the App: Run tests to ensure accurate mood detection and relevant song suggestions. Fine-tune the AI to improve mood accuracy and playlist quality.

5. Collaborative Drawing App with AI Art Suggestions

Project Overview

Create a web-based collaborative drawing app where users can work together on digital canvases in real-time, utilizing WebSockets or Firebase for instant updates and multi-user interaction with less than 100ms latency. Based on the ongoing artwork, the app will use AI models like DALL·E or DeepArt to suggest drawing elements such as shapes, color schemes, and finishing touches. The frontend will be developed using React or Vue.js, with support for canvas rendering via HTML5 Canvas API. Backend operations, handled with Node.js or Flask, will manage session data, user collaboration, and AI suggestions, processing and delivering recommendations in under 300ms.

Source Code: Collaborative Drawing App with AI Art Suggestion

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • Frontend: Use React or Vue.js to build an interactive and responsive canvas interface.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Use WebSockets or Firebase for real-time updates and user collaboration.
  • AI for Art Suggestions: Implement AI using TensorFlow.js to suggest shapes, colors, or styles based on the drawing’s current look.
  • Backend: Use Node.js or Django to handle user sessions, drawing storage, and AI suggestions.

Process:

  1. Set Up Real-Time Collaboration: Implement real-time drawing capabilities using WebSockets or Firebase, allowing users to draw together on the same canvas.
  2. Integrate AI Suggestions: Use TensorFlow.js or similar tools to analyze the drawing and suggest elements like shapes or colors to enhance the artwork.
  3. Design the Interface: Create an intuitive user interface with easy-to-use drawing tools, color pickers, and options for adding AI-generated elements.
  4. Test for Smooth Collaboration: Ensure the app handles multiple users drawing at once, and test the AI suggestions to provide relevant enhancements to the artwork.

6. Smart City Traffic Optimization Tool

Project Overview

Develop a platform that uses AI to optimize traffic flow in smart cities by analyzing real-time data from IoT sensors, traffic cameras, and GPS devices. Machine learning algorithms like XGBoost or LSTM will predict congestion patterns and suggest optimal routes for public transportation and emergency vehicles, updating route recalculations every 30 seconds. The backend, built on Python with frameworks like TensorFlow and Flask, will process and analyze vast datasets in real-time. The frontend, developed with Angular or React, will visualize traffic data and recommended routes, while cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud will handle large-scale data processing and storage.

Source Code: Smart City Traffic Optimization Tool

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI for Traffic Prediction: Use Python with machine learning libraries like TensorFlow or scikit-learn to analyze traffic data and predict congestion.
  • Data Sources: Integrate data from public APIs like Google Maps, traffic cameras, or smart city sensors.
  • Frontend: Build an interactive dashboard using Angular or React to display real-time traffic information and route suggestions.
  • Backend: Use Django or Flask to manage data flow, traffic predictions, and real-time route updates.

Process:

  1. Collect Traffic Data: Use public APIs and smart city sensors to gather real-time traffic information. Ensure your data is accurate and up-to-date.
  2. Build AI Models: Train machine learning models to analyze traffic patterns and predict future congestion based on historical and real-time data.
  3. Develop the User Interface: Create a dashboard that shows live traffic conditions and provides recommended routes for public transport and emergency vehicles.
  4. Test in Real-World Scenarios: Simulate various traffic conditions and test the platform’s ability to suggest optimal routes. Adjust the AI model for accuracy and usability.

7. AI-Driven Resume Builder and Job Matcher

Project Overview

Build an AI-powered tool to assist users in creating tailored resumes and matching them with relevant job listings. The tool will use NLP models such as BERT or GPT to analyze job descriptions and extract key skills, experiences, and qualifications, suggesting the most relevant resume formats and content. A collaborative filtering algorithm will match users with job opportunities based on their resumes and job preferences, achieving a matching accuracy of over 85%. The frontend will be developed with React or Vue.js for a smooth user experience, and the backend, powered by Flask or Node.js, will handle resume generation, job matching, and API integration with job listing platforms in under 400ms per query.

Source Code: AI-Driven Resume Builder and Job Matcher

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI for Resume Suggestions: Use NLP libraries like spaCy or GPT-based models to analyze job descriptions and recommend relevant keywords.
  • Job Matching API: Integrate with job listing APIs like Indeed or LinkedIn to provide real-time job recommendations.
  • Frontend: Develop an intuitive interface using React or Angular for easy resume building and job searching.
  • Backend: Use Flask or Node.js to manage resume data, job matching, and provide personalized recommendations.

Process:

  1. Set Up Resume Builder Interface: Design an interface where users can input their personal details, work experience, and education.
  2. Integrate AI for Suggestions: Use NLP models to recommend skills and keywords based on job descriptions the user is applying for.
  3. Implement Job Matching Feature: Connect with job listing APIs to match users with relevant openings based on their resume data.
  4. Test for Accuracy and Ease of Use: Ensure the AI suggestions are relevant and the job matches closely align with the user’s profile.

8. Gamified Mental Health Tracker

Project Overview

Develop an engaging mental health tracking app that integrates gamification with self-assessment tools. Users will monitor their mental health through interactive quizzes and games, with data analytics driving personalized feedback and coping strategies. Machine learning algorithms like k-means clustering will analyze user input to identify mood patterns and recommend tailored self-care tips. The frontend will be built using React Native for cross-platform compatibility, while the backend, powered by Node.js or Flask, will process user data and track progress. Data visualization tools like D3.js will present progress insights and milestones to enhance user engagement.

Source Code: Gamified Mental Health Tracker

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • Frontend Development: Use Flutter or React Native to create a mobile-friendly app for both iOS and Android.
  • Backend: Use Firebase or Node.js to store user progress, mental health data, and quiz results.
  • Gamification Features: Implement game mechanics like point systems, badges, and progress tracking to motivate users to track their mental health regularly.
  • Mental Health Data: Use psychological research to create quizzes that accurately assess mental well-being and suggest coping strategies.

Process:

  1. Design the Gamified Experience: Create engaging games and quizzes to help users track their mental health in a fun way. Implement a reward system to encourage consistent use.
  2. Integrate Mental Health Resources: Research and integrate personalized tips and strategies based on user inputs and quiz results.
  3. Build the User Interface: Develop a simple and engaging interface that allows users to easily take quizzes, track progress, and access self-care tips.
  4. Test and Refine: Test the app with users to ensure the mental health tracking is accurate and that the gamification features motivate regular use.

9. Virtual Fitting Room for Online Shopping

Project Overview

Develop an augmented reality (AR) tool that lets users try on clothes, shoes, and accessories virtually before purchasing. Using ARCore (Android) or ARKit (iOS) for real-time body tracking, the app will overlay 3D clothing models onto the user’s image. The system will provide personalized size recommendations by leveraging machine learning algorithms like linear regression, using body measurements captured through the device's camera. The frontend will be developed using Unity or Unreal Engine for AR capabilities. At the same time, the backend will manage user data and clothing catalog integration using Flask or Node.js, ensuring size recommendations are delivered in real-time.

Source Code: Virtual Fitting Room for Online Shopping

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AR Development: Use ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android) for building augmented reality functionality.
  • Body Measurement Analysis: Implement AI to analyze body measurements and provide accurate size recommendations. Users can input measurements manually or use the camera to capture them.
  • Frontend: Build a responsive user interface using React Native or Swift (for iOS) and Kotlin (for Android).
  • Backend: Use Firebase or AWS to store product data, body measurements, and user preferences.

Process:

  1. Develop AR Try-On Feature: Use ARKit or ARCore to allow users to virtually try on items using their mobile camera, ensuring accurate fit and realistic visuals.
  2. Implement Size Recommendation System: Use AI models to analyze body measurements and recommend sizes for various products.
  3. Design User-Friendly Interface: Build a simple, attractive interface where users can choose items, see them on their virtual selves, and receive size recommendations.
  4. Test for Realism and Accuracy: Ensure that the virtual try-on feature works smoothly and that the size recommendations match the user’s actual body type. Fine-tune the app for realistic fitting and ease of use.

10. IoT-Enabled Smart Office System

Project Overview

Create an IoT-enabled smart office system that allows office managers to monitor and control the environment remotely, optimizing parameters like lighting, temperature, and energy consumption. The system will provide real-time data on office conditions using IoT sensors connected to the cloud via MQTT or HTTP protocols. Automation features, managed with Python or Node.js, will adjust settings based on predefined rules (e.g., turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied). Data visualization dashboards built with React and D3.js will allow office managers to monitor energy usage and optimize efficiency. The backend will use AWS IoT or Google Cloud IoT for large-scale data storage and processing.

Source Code: IoT-Enabled Smart Office System

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • IoT Platform: Use Raspberry Pi or Arduino for hardware control of sensors and devices.
  • Backend: Use Node.js or Python with MQTT protocol for real-time communication between devices and the server.
  • Data Visualization: Use libraries like D3.js or Google Charts to display real-time energy usage and environmental data.
  • Mobile/Web App: Build a responsive app with React or Flutter to control the office environment and view data.

Process:

  1. Set Up IoT Devices: Install sensors and actuators to control lighting, temperature, and energy usage. Connect them to a central hub (Raspberry Pi or Arduino).
  2. Develop Remote Control Interface: Create a web or mobile app where office managers can monitor and control office conditions.
  3. Implement Data Visualization: Use charts and graphs to show real-time and historical data on energy usage and environmental metrics.
  4. Test Automation and Control: Ensure that automation settings work as intended and that the app provides real-time data updates and control.

11. AI-Powered Fact-Checker for Social Media

Project Overview

Develop an AI-powered fact-checking tool that scans social media posts, detecting claims and verifying their accuracy against reliable sources. The system will leverage NLP models like BERT or T5 to identify and analyze claim statements, while APIs from fact-checking databases (e.g., Factmata or PolitiFact) provide real-time validation and cross-referencing. The frontend, built with React or Angular, will display fact-checked results and correction suggestions. The backend, developed using Flask or Node.js, will manage social media data inputs, AI processing, and verified outputs, with a response time of under 500ms per query.

Source Code: AI-Powered Fact-Checker for Social Media

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI and NLP: Use Python with libraries like spaCy or Hugging Face transformers to understand natural language and fact-check.
  • API Integration: Use social media APIs (Twitter, Facebook Graph API) to scan and analyze posts in real-time.
  • Backend: Implement a Django or Flask backend to manage fact-checking processes and store results.
  • Frontend: Build a browser extension or web interface for users to receive fact-check results and corrections.

Process:

  1. Develop NLP Fact-Checking Model: Train an AI model to detect false claims using large datasets of verified information.
  2. Integrate with Social Media APIs: Use APIs to access and analyze social media posts for factual accuracy.
  3. Create a User Interface: Develop a browser extension or web interface that notifies users when false claims are detected and provides verified information.
  4. Test and Improve Accuracy: Continuously refine the AI model’s accuracy in identifying false claims and providing appropriate corrections.

12. Real-Time Translator with Voice Recognition

Project Overview

Create a real-time translation tool that uses voice recognition and NLP models to enable seamless communication between speakers of different languages. The app will use libraries like Google Speech-to-Text or DeepSpeech for accurate voice input, and transformer models for multilingual translation with near-instantaneous processing (under 250ms). The frontend will support multiple language options and a simple interface for live translation during meetings, video calls, or conversations. The backend, built with Flask or FastAPI, will manage voice-to-text processing, translation, and output handling, supporting up to 10 concurrent users with high accuracy.

Source Code: Real-Time Translator with Voice Recognition

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • Voice Recognition: Use Google’s Speech-to-Text API or Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services for accurate voice recognition.
  • Translation API: Integrate Google Translate or Microsoft Translator API for real-time translations.
  • Frontend: Build a user interface using React or Vue.js to easily access the translator during calls or conversations.
  • Backend: Use Node.js or Flask to handle voice input, translation requests, and language switching.

Process:

  1. Implement Voice Recognition: Set up voice recognition to capture and convert spoken words into text using APIs like Google Speech-to-Text.
  2. Integrate Real-Time Translation: Use translation APIs to translate recognized speech into the target language instantly.
  3. Build the User Interface: Create a simple interface where users can select languages, view real-time translations, and switch between text and speech outputs.
  4. Test in Various Environments: Test the tool during live conversations, meetings, and video calls to ensure smooth translations and compatibility with different languages.

13. AR-Based Interactive Museum Tour Guide

Project Overview

Develop an AR app that enriches museum tours by providing visitors with interactive, real-time information as they point their devices at exhibits. Utilizing ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android) for object recognition and AR overlays, the app will present information like detailed histories, fun facts, or multimedia elements for each artifact. The frontend, designed with Unity or Unreal Engine, will support high-quality 3D renderings, while Firebase will handle user session data and exhibit data storage. The backend will manage content delivery, ensuring smooth user experience with low-latency responses, and using location-based services to tailor content to specific exhibit locations.

Source Code: AR-Based Interactive Museum Tour Guide

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AR Development: Use ARKit (iOS) or ARCore (Android) to build the augmented reality feature.
  • Content Management: Develop a backend using Node.js or Django to store and manage exhibit information and multimedia content.
  • Frontend: Build a mobile app with React Native or Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android) to provide a smooth user experience.
  • Object Recognition: Use AR technologies to recognize exhibits and trigger the display of relevant AR content.

Process:

  1. Create the AR Experience: Implement ARKit or ARCore to allow users to scan museum exhibits and trigger multimedia content.
  2. Develop the Content Database: Build a system to manage information about exhibits, including images, videos, and interactive elements.
  3. Design User Interface: Create a user-friendly app that visitors can easily navigate, with options to explore exhibits through AR and view additional information.
  4. Test in a Museum Setting: Test the app in a real museum environment to ensure smooth functionality and accurate recognition of exhibits.

14. AI-Based Recipe Generator for Leftovers

Project Overview

Develop an AI-powered recipe generator that suggests creative meals based on users' ingredients. Using NLP models and databases of recipes, the app will analyze ingredient lists and generate recipe ideas to minimize food waste. Machine learning algorithms like collaborative filtering will recommend recipes similar to user preferences, while ingredient matching algorithms (e.g., cosine similarity) ensure that all entered ingredients are utilized. The frontend, built with React Native, will allow users to input ingredients and view recipes, while the backend, developed in Flask or Django, will handle AI processing and ingredient matching with a response time of under 500ms.

Source Code: AI-Based Recipe Generator for Leftovers

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI for Recipe Generation: Use Python with NLP models to analyze ingredient lists and match them with relevant recipes.
  • Recipe Database: Create or integrate with existing recipe databases via APIs (e.g., Spoonacular or Edamam).
  • Frontend: Build a mobile-friendly user interface using Flutter or React Native for easy ingredient input and recipe display.
  • Backend: Use Flask or Django to handle recipe generation, user preferences, and ingredient inputs.

Process:

  1. Develop Ingredient Input System: Create a user interface where users can enter the ingredients they have on hand.
  2. Build the Recipe Suggestion Engine: Implement AI to analyze the ingredients and suggest relevant recipes based on a recipe database.
  3. Personalize the Experience: Add options for users to set dietary preferences, cooking time, and skill level, and integrate this into the recipe suggestions.
  4. Test and Refine: Test the app with various ingredients and preferences to ensure the AI suggests useful and creative recipes.

15. AI-Powered Personal Finance Assistant

Project Overview

Create a personal finance assistant that uses AI to help users manage budgets, track spending, and identify savings opportunities. The app will analyze transaction data to understand spending habits and use predictive algorithms like time-series analysis to forecast expenses and offer personalized budget recommendations. NLP techniques will categorize expenses, and clustering algorithms (e.g., K-means) will analyze spending patterns. The frontend, developed with Flutter for a cross-platform experience, will display spending insights, savings goals, and budget tips. The backend, using Python with Flask or FastAPI, will process user data securely, with data encryption and real-time budget updates for improved financial management.

Source Code: AI-Powered Personal Finance Assistant

Tech Stack and Tools:

  • AI for Financial Analysis: Use Python with machine learning libraries like TensorFlow to analyze transaction data and detect spending patterns.
  • Bank API Integration: Use financial APIs such as Plaid to securely connect to users’ bank accounts and retrieve transaction data.
  • Frontend: Build a mobile app using React Native or Swift/Kotlin to provide an intuitive interface for managing finances.
  • Backend: Use Flask or Node.js to process financial data, analyze transactions, and offer personalized recommendations.

Process:

  1. Set Up Bank Account Integration: Use Plaid or a similar service to securely connect to users' bank accounts and retrieve transaction data.
  2. Develop Budgeting and Analysis Tools: Build AI models that analyze transaction data to categorize spending and suggest budget adjustments.
  3. Design the User Interface: Create a clean and simple interface where users can view their spending, set budgets, and track progress toward their savings goals.
  4. Test and Improve Recommendations: Test the app with users to ensure the AI provides accurate budgeting advice and savings strategies based on individual financial habits.

How Hackathons Can Kickstart a Tech Career

Hackathons can help you grow in the tech world as they give you the chance to work on real projects that can make a difference. You can build your skills and create something you can show to future employers. For example, you might create a web app or a game during the event.

You also get to use new tools and technologies, which helps you stay updated. Plus, you meet a lot of interesting people. At hackathons, you can connect with professionals, mentors, and other tech fans. Many companies come to find new talent. You could even meet someone who helps you get an internship or a job. It’s a great way to make a name for yourself in the tech field!

  • Build your portfolio with projects you’re proud of.
  • Work with cool, new technologies.
  • Meet industry professionals who can help you.
  • Get noticed by companies searching for new talent.

How to Choose the Perfect Hackathon Idea

What’s the key to a successful hackathon project? It starts with finding an idea that matters to you. Think about a problem you want to solve. If you love cooking, maybe you could create an app that helps people find recipes or plan meals.

Next, think about what you can complete in the time you have. If you have just 24 hours, pick a project that is simple enough to finish. It’s better to have a small, complete project than a big idea that you can’t finish.

Also, think about your team’s strengths. If your team is good at web development, focus on a web project instead of a mobile app. Also, look for hackathon ideas that can help people in real life. Projects like a budgeting tool or a local event finder can be useful and grow later.

  • Pick a problem that excites you.
  • Make sure you can finish the project in time.
  • Match the project to what your team is good at.
  • Look for ideas that can help people in real life.

How to Prepare for a Hackathon

Getting ready for a hackathon? Here are a few things that can make a big difference:

  • Get Comfortable with the Tools: Before the event, familiarize yourself with the tech you’ll use. If you know you’ll be working with something like React or Python, dive in beforehand. 

For example, if your hackathon project idea involves AI, spend a few hours beforehand playing around with TensorFlow or a similar tool. It’ll save you loads of time during the hackathon.

  • Build a Solid Team: A well-rounded team is key. Find people with different skills—someone great at coding, someone who can design, and maybe someone with good problem-solving skills. 

For instance, if you’re building a health app, having someone who understands UX/UI design and a strong backend developer will give your project a better chance of standing out.

  • Practice Quick Prototyping: Hackathons move fast, so practice creating quick versions of your ideas. Don’t aim for perfection—focus on getting a basic version up and running. 

For example, if you’re making a mobile app, build the core functionality first (like a login page or main feature), then worry about polishing it up later.

Must-Have Events for a Successful Hackathon

A great hackathon needs events to keep things moving and participants engaged. These events help teams generate ideas, present their work, and feel appreciated.

  • Start with brainstorming sessions. Let teams discuss and share ideas freely.
  • Give each team the chance to present their hackathon project idea to the judges.
  • End with an award ceremony to celebrate all participants, not just the winners. Small tokens of appreciation can go a long way.

How to Organize a Virtual Hackathon That Engages Participants

A virtual hackathon can be as exciting as one in person if you plan it well. The platform you choose is important for keeping participants connected and engaged.

  • Use platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for video calls and Slack or Discord for team chats.
  • Make sure the platform can handle a large number of participants without any issues.
  • Offer virtual networking and mentorship sessions. Set up spaces where participants can connect with mentors or chat with peers.

Advance your career with online Software Engineering Courses from top universities. Choose from Executive PG, Advanced Certificate, or Masters Programs to get started!

 

How upGrad Can Help You Ace Hackathons

Did you know? Over 70% of hackathon winners say hands-on skills is one of the reasons of winning. 

upGrad’s courses in coding, data science, and full-stack development get you ready for hackathons with practical training.

1. Hands-On Learning
Work on real projects that prepare you for the challenges hackathons throw your way.

2. Industry-Relevant Projects
Build a portfolio with real-world projects that mirror what’s happening in the industry right now.

3. Expert Mentorship
Get guidance from experienced professionals who help you solve tough problems.

4. Job Assistance
upGrad’s job support ensures you’re ready not just for hackathons but for your career too.

5. Teamwork Skills
Learn to work with others, just like you’ll need to do in hackathons.

Enroll in upGrad’s courses today and get ready to win your next hackathon!

Explore our popular tutorials on various technologies, including JavaScript, SQL,DBMS, Data Structure, JQuery, HTML, Cyber Security, C++, Deep Learning, and Agile Scrum.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose the right hackathon for my skill level?

Look at the type of challenges the hackathon offers. If you’re new, choose hackathons focused on learning or creativity, such as those hosted by schools or beginner-friendly events. For those with more experience, pick tech-specific hackathons in areas like AI or cybersecurity. Check out past projects to see if the difficulty matches your skills.

2. Do hackathons offer mentorship during the event?

Yes, many hackathons provide mentors. They often come from the tech industry and help teams with coding, design, or pitching ideas. Some mentors focus on technical issues, while others guide you on making your project market-ready. If mentorship is important to you, ensure the hackathon mentions it in detail.

3. How can I create a winning hackathon presentation?

Start by explaining your problem, then quickly show how your solution works. A live demo is key—show your project in action. Make sure to point out how your solution can be used in real life. Practice your pitch to fit within the time limit, and be ready to answer questions about how your project stands out or could grow.

4. What tools and platforms are commonly used in hackathons?

Most teams use GitHub to share code, Figma to design, and Postman to test APIs. For virtual hackathons, Slack or Discord are popular for team communication, and platforms like Zoom or Google Meet are used for video calls. Some hackathons may also suggest specific tools, depending on the event theme.

5. Can non-coders participate in hackathons?

Yes, non-coders play an important role. They can help with design, project management, marketing ideas, or pitch handling. Many teams need skills beyond coding to make their project stand out. Hackathons often look for a mix of talents to create well-rounded solutions.

6. How do virtual hackathons differ from in-person ones?

In virtual hackathons, everything happens online. Communication is through video calls and chat tools instead of in-person meetings. If team members are from different locations, you may need to manage time zones. Networking and socializing can be harder, but often, virtual hackathons create online spaces for participants to connect.

7. What are the best ways to find hackathon teammates?

Most hackathons have channels or groups where you can find teammates. Platforms like Devpost also let you search for people looking for teams. Attending pre-event meetups or team-building sessions is a great way to meet potential teammates. Social media groups or hackathon forums can also help.

8. How long do hackathons typically last?

Hackathons usually run between 24 and 48 hours. Some weekend events might stretch to three days, while others might be shorter one-day sprints. Always check the event schedule to know how much time you’ll have.

9. Can I reuse a project I’ve worked on before?

It depends on the hackathon. Some require projects to be built entirely during the event, while others allow you to improve or build on existing projects. Always check the rules before you start working.

10. What should I pack or prepare for an in-person hackathon?

For in-person hackathons, pack your laptop, charger, and any gadgets you might need (headphones, mouse, etc.). Bring snacks, a water bottle, and maybe a hoodie for those long hours. Some also bring power banks, notebooks, and comfortable clothes. Being organized helps you stay focused.

11. What are the common mistakes participants make during hackathons?

Common mistakes include trying to take on too much, poor time management, and neglecting the presentation. It's important to keep your project simple and achievable within the time frame. Also, don’t forget to rehearse your pitch—how you present your project can make a difference.

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5.27K+

How to Become a Full-Stack Developer: Part 2

This is the second in a series of posts on teaching yourself programming and full-stack development. If you haven’t checked out the first part, on learning CS Fundamentals, Algorithms, Design Principles and Front-end Development, you can do so here. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition Motivation You now know how to build static websites using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Although the Internet was originally designed to share static web pages, the capabilities (and expectations) of a modern web app have increased gigantically. Almost every app requires that you authenticate users, respond to them and replicate real-world scenarios as closely as possible. To do the aforementioned, you need to get data from a user (or an API), process it and produce an output. You also need to save this data and have a mechanism to identify the user the next time s/he returns to use your app. To perform these functions, our present stack isn’t enough. Interview with Ankit Tomar, Co-Founder & CTO, Bizongo Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in Blockchain Servers are required to process user data, store files, convert it into HTML/CSS/JS. Then, these servers serve it to the browser in a form that can be presented to the user. A database is required to store data important to your app. To program the server, we require a server-side scripting language and for the database, we require a database (duh) and a language to communicate with it. This is exactly what we’re going to do in the next steps. For the first seven, refer to the earlier post!  Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. Step 8: Server Side Scripting Languages As mentioned before, to program and communicate with your server, you will need to know a language it understands. Unlike front-end where Javascript is the only choice, there are a plethora of options available for you to program on the backend. The most popular ones are Java, PHP, Python, JavaScript and Ruby. PHP has its shortcomings, but it has the gentlest learning curve out of all the languages and frameworks I’ve used so far. And PHP is about coding quick (and dirty) solutions. So, in an extremely short period of time, you can build a web app to be extremely proud of. Java is a general-purpose programming language and probably the most popular language of all time. It is extremely popular for building mobile apps (on the Android platform) and used extensively in most major tech companies. Head First Java is an excellent place to learn this ubiquitous language. Explore Our Software Development Free Courses Fundamentals of Cloud Computing JavaScript Basics from the scratch Data Structures and Algorithms Blockchain Technology React for Beginners Core Java Basics Java Node.js for Beginners Advanced JavaScript Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in DevOps  To learn Python, I’d strongly recommend Zed Shaw’s Learn Python the Hard Way and Albert Sweigart’s Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. If you’ve decided to go with PHP, you can learn the basics of the language on Codecademy. You already know enough JavaScript syntax to get your hands dirty with the Node and backend JS frameworks (such as Express). I’ll cover Ruby later in conjunction with Rails as it is rarely used as a standalone language. Step 9: Learn SQL For the next step, you should probably pick up a little SQL (Structured Query Language). It is the language databases communicate with. And although you might not use it directly when you switch to using frameworks, it still helps to know how to directly communicate with your database. The good news is that SQL is incredibly easy to learn. You should be able to get a good grasp of it in a matter of hours. Head First SQL is a great resource for this purpose. How to Become a Full Stack Developer: Part 1 upGrad’s Exclusive Software Development Webinar for you – SAAS Business – What is So Different? document.createElement('video'); https://cdn.upgrad.com/blog/mausmi-ambastha.mp4   Step 10: Learn a ‘Conventional’ Full-Stack Web Framework Now is a good time to experiment with web frameworks that can do most of the lower level work for you. There isn’t a shortage of great frameworks that could cater to every purpose imaginable. Rails (written in Ruby), Spring (written in Java) and Django (written in Python) are among the popularly used frameworks today. You could take a look at Michael Hartl’s The Rails Tutorial – available for free. As far as Django is concerned, the tutorial on the official website is a good place to start. Once you feel you’re comfortable with the basics of the framework, do give Two Scoops of Django a read. It’s one of the best technology books ever. If you’ve decided to go the Spring route, I’d strongly suggest signing up for UpGrad & IIIT-B’s Software Development program. The program gives you a very holistic overview of the framework and helps you build a robust and scalable backend. Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses Master of Science in Computer Science from LJMU & IIITB Caltech CTME Cybersecurity Certificate Program Full Stack Development Bootcamp PG Program in Blockchain Executive PG Program in Full Stack Development View All our Courses Below Software Engineering Courses Step 11: Javascript Full-Stack Frameworks and the MEAN Stack Not very long ago, Backend Development used to be based on the concept of the request-response cycle. For example, the browser sent a request and the server responded by spitting out a webpage in HTML. However, since early 2010, more and more applications have become real time. The structure of an entire web page changes without refreshing and behaves dynamically based on user input and interaction (Think chat, liking, commenting, live videos and reactions, etc.). In such a scenario, a simple request-response cycle simply isn’t enough. Therefore, there has been a recent surge of interest towards asynchronous programming and making AJAX requests the norm. Javascript Frameworks tend to excel at this. So, it makes sense to get acquainted with one of the major JS frameworks available in the market. The two most popular ones are the MEAN Stack and MeteorJS. Interview with Farooq Adam, Co-Founder, Fynd Learning MEAN is slightly more complicated due to its asynchronous nature and the callback hell Node usually tends to unleash. But now that you’re a seasoned developer, you are mature enough to deal with its idiosyncrasies. Meteor is a full-stack JS framework I’m currently experimenting with. The concept of Meteor is absolutely delightful – one framework in one language that takes care of all the components of an application (front-end, back-end, and database). However, this comes at the cost of customisation freedom. Once you’ve built something in Meteor, it is virtually impossible to change the database or the backend framework should you choose to do so. Though, I still think this is a worthwhile technology to learn. Meteor is known to be extremely powerful. It’s capable of doing things in hundreds of lines of code where other conventional frameworks would’ve required a thousand. In-Demand Software Development Skills JavaScript Courses Core Java Courses Data Structures Courses Node.js Courses SQL Courses Full stack development Courses NFT Courses DevOps Courses Big Data Courses React.js Courses Cyber Security Courses Cloud Computing Courses Database Design Courses Python Courses Cryptocurrency Courses Conclusion This is the end of part 2. In this post, we’ve covered resources concerning backend development and the various full-stack technologies available. You can now proudly call yourself a full-stack developer. Congratulations! But the story of full-stack web development doesn’t end here. With the introduction of the iPhone, there has been a smartphone revolution around the globe. More and more people are shifting towards using smartphones in place of desktops. In such a scenario, it is imperative that you learn to build apps for two of the most popular platforms out there: Android and iOS. We shall be covering this in the next and final part of this series. Additionally, we shall also look into frameworks that allow us to build native apps using Javascript (Ionic, React Native, etc.). Until then, it’s goodbye. 🙂 Your comments and suggestions are welcome! Read our Popular Articles related to Software Development Why Learn to Code? How Learn to Code? How to Install Specific Version of NPM Package? Types of Inheritance in C++ What Should You Know?
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by Rounak Banik

01 Dec'17
How to Become a Full-Stack Developer: Part 3

5.3K+

How to Become a Full-Stack Developer: Part 3

This post is the third and final in the series on becoming a full-stack developer. This article talks specifically about mobile app development. Read here for more on frontend and backend development. When Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in 2007, it ushered the biggest revolution the world had witnessed since the printing press. Smartphones have managed to penetrate almost every country on the globe. Even the most impoverished seem to be in possession of one so much so that life without them seems inconceivable. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition Motivation There are certain apps which make sense only when running on a phone. Take Uber, for instance. Uber needs to know your exact location through GPS. An Uber app for desktop wouldn’t make much sense. Another issue is that a majority of your audience will open your app through a phone, even if it is one that has been built for browsers. In such cases, it is imperative that you ensure the experience is seamless and too much data isn’t consumed. Finally, there are subtle differences between interacting using mouse-clicks and touch. Your app must ensure that it behaves well in both scenarios. Keeping all these considerations in mind, it makes good sense to venture out of the browser and build mobile apps. This ensures that you make maximum use of the functionalities a typical smartphone has to offer while at the same time making the user experience a delight. Below are the steps to acing mobile app development. For the first part to become a full stack developer on frontend and backend development. Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in Blockchain Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. Interview with Ankit Tomar, Co-Founder & CTO, Bizongo Step 12: Choose a Platform The first step would be to choose a platform where you would like to build your application. Unless you’re part of a reasonably big team, it is extremely unlikely that you will build apps from scratch on all major platforms. The more likely scenario is that you will be coding on your favourite platform and will then simply port it over to the others. The major smartphone platforms today are iOS, Android, and Windows. They use drastically different languages and IDEs. For instance, iOS uses Swift and XCode, Android uses Java and the Android Studio and Microsoft operate with C# and Visual Studio. upGrad’s Exclusive Software Development Webinar for you – SAAS Business – What is So Different? document.createElement('video'); https://cdn.upgrad.com/blog/mausmi-ambastha.mp4   Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in DevOps  The market today is dominated by Android and iOS, so the choice really comes down to these two. Some things you may need to consider before making a choice is the audience share for your app. I believe it makes good business sense to build iOS apps if you’re in a First World country as Apple Devices are extremely popular there. In contrast, in a country like India, Android would be a more obvious choice as the market share for iPhones is extremely small owing to its exorbitant price. If you plan on making money from your app, keep in mind that iOS users are more likely to open their wallets for in-app purchases than their Android counterparts. This may be because iOS users usually tend to have more disposable income as compared to third world markets where Android dominates. iOS development requires you to have a Mac Development machine. Also, Apple App Store licenses retail at $99/year compared to Google Play’s one time $25 fee. In other words, iOS development is considerably more expensive. In this post, I shall cover how mobile app development is done today: Native Android Apps, Native iOS Apps and Hybrid Mobile Apps. Explore Our Software Development Free Courses Fundamentals of Cloud Computing JavaScript Basics from the scratch Data Structures and Algorithms Blockchain Technology React for Beginners Core Java Basics Java Node.js for Beginners Advanced JavaScript Step 13: Java and XML Java is the most popular language for Android Development (Google has recently introduced support for the Kotlin Programming language too). The founders of Android thought Java to be an appropriate choice and they have stuck to it since its inception. And if their trajectory is anything to go by, it has been nothing short of an amazing decision. The best resource to learn Java would be Head First Java. Reading this book will give you a thorough introduction to the language as well as Object Oriented Programming Principles. As far as XML is concerned, I do not think you need a concentrated tutorial on the subject. You’ve already worked extensively with a subset of XML (HTML) and you will be able to figure it out pretty quickly, even if you were to jump directly into Android development. I cannot say the same for Java. Ensure you have a good grasp of the language before venturing into Android. Step 14: Android You now have the technical know-how to build Android apps. It is time to dive deep into this revolutionary OS. Be wary though that certain Android practices differ from what you usually see on the web. The resources I’ve suggested below will ensure that your learning is not hindered by these differences. Android Programming- The Big Nerd Ranch Guide 2nd Edition is a good place to start if you know Java already. Make sure you pick up the second edition as that is the one that uses Android Studio, which is the industry standard now. The practice of building apps in Eclipse is largely outdated. Interview with Farooq Adam, Co-Founder, Fynd Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses Master of Science in Computer Science from LJMU & IIITB Caltech CTME Cybersecurity Certificate Program Full Stack Development Bootcamp PG Program in Blockchain Executive PG Program in Full Stack Development View All our Courses Below Software Engineering Courses Step 15: iOS If you are more of an Apple aficionado and/or have decided that iOS apps make more sense to your business/career aspirations. The first step would be to acquire a Mac. XCode works only on Mac and in order to publish on the app store, you need a Mac. Sorry, VMWare. The resource I’m going to suggest for iOS is exactly the same as that for Android. Nerd Ranch has its own publication – iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide which deals with Swift and XCode, so that is a good place to start. Step 16: Hybrid Mobile Apps If you’re a solo developer or are working in a small team, you probably do not have the time or the resources to separately build and maintain Android and iOS Apps. To alleviate the developer’s pain of building for multiple platforms, the concept of Hybrid Mobile Apps was introduced. The concept is extremely simple and revolutionary. If you know Javascript, you already know how to build web apps. Therefore, should you have an app in JS, there must exist a framework that automatically ports your application into Android, iOS, and Windows. Incredible but true. Most hybrid frameworks achieve this using Cordova or React Native. You can think of Cordova as the bridge between browsers and the smartphone’s native hardware. It establishes a connection between the two solely using JS and helps in creating the build scripts in the native languages of each platform. Cordova based frameworks, however, are rapidly being overshadowed by Facebook’s powerhouse, React Native. The power of React Native lies in the fact that while Cordova constructs WebViews, React Native lets you build native apps that you’d build using either Java (for Android) or Swift (for iOS). In other words, Cordova is a website disguised as a mobile app, but React Native lets you build the real thing. In-Demand Software Development Skills JavaScript Courses Core Java Courses Data Structures Courses Node.js Courses SQL Courses Full stack development Courses NFT Courses DevOps Courses Big Data Courses React.js Courses Cyber Security Courses Cloud Computing Courses Database Design Courses Python Courses Cryptocurrency Courses In my opinion, you can give Cordova a miss and learn React Native instead. It is an extremely great career investment to make. UpGrad & IIIT-B’s Software Development program is a great place to start your journey with this revolutionary library which has already been used by companies like Facebook, Netflix and AirBnB to design their apps. Interview with Farooq Adam, Co-Founder, Fynd Conclusion With the conclusion of hybrid apps, we come to an end of this series. In summary, these are the things we’ve covered: Computer Science Fundamentals. Data Structures and Algorithms UI/UX HTML, CSS, JS Front-End Frameworks Server-Side Scripting and Databases Full Stack Frameworks Android and iOS Hybrid Mobile Apps Read our Popular Articles related to Software Development Why Learn to Code? How Learn to Code? How to Install Specific Version of NPM Package? Types of Inheritance in C++ What Should You Know? I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this series as much as I have enjoyed writing it and more importantly, found at least some parts useful. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome!
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by Rounak Banik

01 Dec'17
Why Companies are Looking to Hire Full Stack Developers

7.11K+

Why Companies are Looking to Hire Full Stack Developers

It’s no secret that companies today are looking to hire young and talented software developers. But with so many smart developers out there, how can you set yourself apart from everyone else applying for these coveted roles? The best way to do this is to master the skills companies demand: a wide variety of programming skills. When you are learning how to develop software, you can improve your odds of getting a job by learning full stack development. In fact, Indeed ranked the Full Stack Developer role as the #1 job in 2017. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. There are three main reasons why companies love to hire young full stack developers: Full stack developers can solve many problems Companies look to hire people based on what problems the candidates can solve for the company. By definition, full stack developers can work on both backend, frontend, and the protocols that connect the two; being able to create a software product end to end and independently. When you learn full stack development, you have an advantage over other job seekers as you can solve many more problems than other developers. For example, think about working at a high growth startup. Startups need developers who can work on a variety of programming projects. From user interfaces to server-side programming, to database applications, and everything in between. With only a small team, startups want to hire full stack developers who can work on many of the different software projects. As a full stack developer, you build many types of software projects that most other developers cannot. Check out upGrad’s Full Stack Development Bootcamp (JS/MERN) Even at a larger company, hiring developers with the knowledge to work on many different projects gives a manager flexibility to move people between teams as businesses constantly need change. One year, you can have a developer work on a frontend project and then you can move him to a backend project the very next year. The added flexibility makes the manager’s job much easier so they like to work with developers with a wide variety of skills. Check out upGrad’s Java Bootcamp.   How to Become a Full Stack Developer Companies love full stack developers because they can solve many different problems for the business. Companies like to hire young developers who are generalists The main reason is that companies hire young developers based on their potential rather than deep domain knowledge. Companies like to teach young developers what they want them to know. As a full stack developer, you have a broad set of technology skills that the company can help you expand further. As an entry-level developer, they don’t need you to understand every algorithm. But you need to have core programming knowledge so the company can teach you what is specific to their business. Let’s go back to the example of working at a startup. When the company is starting out, they need full stack developers to work on all layers of the development stack, but as the company grows, the developers will need to specialise. It’s easy for a full stack developer to start as a generalist and then become a specialist later as the company can hire more employees. On the other hand, it’s very difficult for a specialist to join a startup and learn to be a generalist when the company is small. Full stack developers can grow with their companies more easily than specialists can. In-Demand Software Development Skills JavaScript Courses Core Java Courses Data Structures Courses Node.js Courses SQL Courses Full stack development Courses NFT Courses DevOps Courses Big Data Courses React.js Courses Cyber Security Courses Cloud Computing Courses Database Design Courses Python Courses Cryptocurrency Courses Once you know the basics and get the job, the company will invest time and money to help you expand your knowledge further. Full stack developers can become great managers and executives Companies love to promote people with a wide variety of experiences in the business. As a full stack developer, you will get a chance to work on frontend software, backend software, and all of the architecture that connects them. Through that variety of experience on different projects, you get the opportunity to learn much more than your solely backend and frontend peers. They only get a chance to learn one part of the company’s technology architecture, but you learn the whole architecture and understand how it all fits together. That puts you in a great opportunity to rise through the technology ranks of the company and get promoted. If you work at a startup, your experience as a full stack developer can help set you apart from your peers as the company grows. Where some developers only know how one part of the technology stack works, you understand how all aspects of the technology fit together. As more developers are hired and new technology teams form, you are more likely to manage those new teams because of your wide knowledge. At a large company, you may also get more chances for promotion. When companies look to promote from within, they need people who can manage cross-functional software teams. As a full stack developer, you will know how to talk to developers from both frontend and backend teams. How to Succeed in Your First Software Development Job Of course, technology skills are not the only ones needed to get you a promotion. You will also need to learn business skills to be a manager. But if you do that you can climb high up the corporate ladder. Looking to become a full stack developer? This article does a great job explaining how to get started: How to become a full stack developer. Explore Our Software Development Free Courses Fundamentals of Cloud Computing JavaScript Basics from the scratch Data Structures and Algorithms Blockchain Technology React for Beginners Core Java Basics Java Node.js for Beginners Advanced JavaScript Enroll in Software Engineering Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs, or Masters Programs to fast-track your career.
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by Gopi Vajravelu

31 Jan'18
What is Test-driven Development: A Newbie’s Guide

5.53K+

What is Test-driven Development: A Newbie’s Guide

Programmers and bugs have been in a never-ending fight for supremacy since time unknown. It’s unavoidable – even the best programmers fall prey to bugs. No code is truly safe from bugs, that’s why we perform testing. Programmers, at least the sane ones, test their code by running it on development machines to make sure it does what it was meant to do. Traditionally, test cases were written after writing the code, but in Test-driven Development, an automated test case is written before writing any piece of code so that the execution and testing can be checked simultaneously. In this article, we’ll be talking about Test-Driven Development in depth and why is it better than the traditional methods! Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition   What is Test-Driven Development? Test-Driven Development was created as part of the Extreme Programming (XP) methodology and was called the ‘Test-First’ concept. Test-driven development allows you to test your code thoroughly, and also enables you to retest your code quickly and easily since it’s automated. In essence, before writing any piece of code, the programmer first creates a unit-test. Then, the programmer creates just enough code to satisfy the unit-test. Once the test is passed and the code refactored, the programmer can go ahead with making further improvements. Test-driven development makes sure that the code is thoroughly tested which leads to a modularized, extensible, and flexible code. Each time a new feature is to be added, it needs to undergo what is called the “lifecycle” of TDD. Let’s talk more about this lifecycle. Check out upGrad’s Advanced Certification in DevOps How to Become a Full Stack Developer Explore Our Software Development Free Courses Fundamentals of Cloud Computing JavaScript Basics from the scratch Data Structures and Algorithms Blockchain Technology React for Beginners Core Java Basics Java Node.js for Beginners Advanced JavaScript Test-Driven Development Lifecycle The test-driven development lifecycle covers everything from writing the initial unit-test to reworking the code. Add a test: Every new feature needs to undergo a test before its implemented. The essential requirement for writing a test is to have a clear understanding of all the requirements. This is accomplished using use-cases and user-stories.   Run all tests and check the net test: This is done to ensure the correct working of our test. Basically, this phase aims to check that the test is not passed by any code that doesn’t meet the requirements. By doing so, this step eliminates the possibility of having a faulty test at hand.   Write code: Now that you have your test in place, the next obvious step is to write a code that clears the test. This code need not be perfect in all aspects, but it needs to clear the test. Once we’re sure this code clears the test, it can be modified as per the requirements.   Run the tests: Having written the code, now it’s time to see if the code passes the test or not. If your code passes the tests, it means that your code meets the requirements – till now.   Refactor the code: This is essentially done to clean up the code. Refactoring doesn’t cause damage to any of the functionalities; it is just for cleaning the code by removing duplication between test code and production code.   Repeat: This cycle is now repeated with a fresh test to add more functionalities. Each functionality undergoes the same cycle. Essentially, the size of steps should be not more than 1-10 edits between each test run. If a code doesn’t pass the test rapidly, the developer must revert and not debug excessively. Check out upGrad’s Full Stack Development Bootcamp (JS/MERN)  Why Companies are Looking to Hire Full Stack Developers Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses Master of Science in Computer Science from LJMU & IIITB Caltech CTME Cybersecurity Certificate Program Full Stack Development Bootcamp PG Program in Blockchain Executive PG Program in Full Stack Development View All our Courses Below Software Engineering Courses The Pros and Cons of Test-Driven Development Test-driven development has some definite pros over traditional methods of testing – which were mostly manual. However, it’s not infallible. Just like any other technology, the test-driven development also has a set of cons. Let’s have a look at what are the benefits of TDD in detail: Writing small tests ensures modularity of your code. Practicing TDD helps you understand the underlying principles of good modular design.   TDD provides clarity during the implementation of your code which enables a safety-net during the refactoring phase.   With TDD, collaborating is a lot easier as now people can edit the code with confidence because the test will inform them if their changes are not up to the mark of the test.   The base of TDD is unit-tests. Because of that, refactoring is a whole lot easier and faster. Refactoring an old code is a pain, but if the code is backed by unit tests, it becomes so much easier.   It helps in clarifying all the requirements before you begin the coding part. This way, a lot of ambiguity that can arise later on is avoided.   Test-driven development focuses on testing while writing. This forces the programmer to make their interfaces clean enough to pass the test. It’s hard to understand this advantage until you work on a piece of code that hasn’t undergone TDD.   Silly mistakes are caught almost immediately. It helps in removal of those mistakes that would waste a lot of time if found in QA. In-Demand Software Development Skills JavaScript Courses Core Java Courses Data Structures Courses Node.js Courses SQL Courses Full stack development Courses NFT Courses DevOps Courses Big Data Courses React.js Courses Cyber Security Courses Cloud Computing Courses Database Design Courses Python Courses Cryptocurrency Courses Now, let’s have a look at what are the limitations of test-driven development: The test suite that’s used for testing needs to be maintained else the tests may not be fully deterministic.   The tests are hard to write – especially beyond the unit-testing phase.   TDD does slow down the pace of development, at least initially.   Like with any form of development, there’s a big difference between just doing it and doing it well. Writing good unit tests requires a level of specialty.   It’s difficult to apply this approach to your legacy(existing) code.   TDD requires you to perform routine housekeeping. It’s necessary to refine the tests to make them run more quickly.   It’s easy to get distracted by the fancy features in any unit-testing framework, but it should be kept in mind that simple tests tend to give the best results.   Unless everyone on the team correctly maintains their tests, the whole system can quickly degrade. How to Succeed in Your First Software Development Job Read our Popular Articles related to Software Development Why Learn to Code? How Learn to Code? How to Install Specific Version of NPM Package? Types of Inheritance in C++ What Should You Know? In Conclusion… Test-driven development is the way forward as far as future of application development goes. There are a number of automated testing frameworks like PHPUnit, Serenity, Robot, RedWoodHQ, and many more. Pick the one that fits your need and get started with building better maintainable applications in no time!  Enroll in Software Engineering Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs, or Masters Programs to fast-track your career.
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by Arjun Mathur

12 Mar'18
A Beginner’s Guide to MVC Architecture in Java

35.67K+

A Beginner’s Guide to MVC Architecture in Java

If you’re related to web development scene, you’ll most certainly have come across the acronym “MVC” hundreds of time, if not more. MVC is one of the most talked about design patterns in the web programming world today, and rightly so. In this article, we’ll take you through the world of MVC Architecture. We’ll talk about the basics of MVC, its advantages, and finally, a simple code that will help you understand the implementation of MVC in Java in a clearer way. What exactly is the MVC architecture? Before we get into the technicalities of it, let’s make some things clear – MVC is NOT a design pattern, it’s a way to structure your applications. In recent years, the web applications are extensively using the MVC architecture, and hence it’s natural to confuse it for a design pattern exclusive for web applications. However, let’s tell you that MVC was first described way back in 1979 – before the WWW era when there was no concept of web applications. The architecture used today for web applications is an adaptation of the original pattern. In fact, this architecture was initially included in the two major web development frameworks – Struts and Ruby on Rails. These two environments paved the way for a majority of web frameworks that came later – and thus the popularity of this architecture kept rising. Learn to build applications like Swiggy, Quora, IMDB and more MVC architectural pattern follows an elementary idea – we must separate the responsibilities in any application on the following basis: Model: Handles data and business logic. View: Presents the data to the user whenever asked for. Controller: Entertains user requests and fetch necessary resources. Each of the components has a demarcated set of tasks which ensures smooth functioning of the entire application along with complete modularity. Let us have a look at each of these components in further detail. Check out our free courses to get an edge over the competition. Explore Our Software Development Free Courses Fundamentals of Cloud Computing JavaScript Basics from the scratch Data Structures and Algorithms Blockchain Technology React for Beginners Core Java Basics Java Node.js for Beginners Advanced JavaScript upGrad’s Exclusive Software and Tech Webinar for you – SAAS Business – What is So Different? document.createElement('video'); https://cdn.upgrad.com/blog/mausmi-ambastha.mp4   Controller The controller is the like the housekeeper of the application – it performs coordination between model and view to entertain a user request. The user requests are received as HTTP get or post request – for example, when the user clicks on any GUI elements to perform any action. The primary function of a controller is to call and coordinate with the model to fetch any necessary resources required to act. Usually, on receiving a user request, the controller calls the appropriate model for the task at hand. Check out upGrad’s Full Stack Development Bootcamp (JS/MERN) Model The model is quite simply the data for our application. The data is “modelled” in a way it’s easy to store, retrieve, and edit. The model is how we apply rules to our data, which eventually represents the concepts our application manages. For any software application, everything is modelled as data that can be handled easily. What is a user, a book, or a message for an app? Nothing really, only data that must be processed according to specific rules. Like, the date must not be higher than the current date, the email must be in the correct format, the name mustn’t be more than “x” characters long, etc. Check out upGrad’s Java Bootcamp Whenever a user makes any request from the controller, it contacts the appropriate model which returns a data representation of whatever the user requested. This model will be the same for a particular work, irrespective of how we wish to display it to the user. That is why we can choose any available view to render the model data. Additionally, a model also contains the logic to update the relevant controller whenever there is any change in the model’s data. Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses Master of Science in Computer Science from LJMU & IIITB Caltech CTME Cybersecurity Certificate Program Full Stack Development Bootcamp PG Program in Blockchain Executive PG Program in Full Stack Development View All our Courses Below Software Engineering Courses View As the name suggests, the view is responsible for rendering the data received from the model. There may be pre-designed templates where you can fit the data, and there may even be several different views per model depending on the requirements. Any web application is structured keeping these three core components in mind. There may be a primary controller that is responsible for receiving all the requests and calling the specific controller for specific actions. Let’s understand the working of a web application under the MVC architecture better using an example. Let’s See an Example Let’s take an example of an online stationery shop. The user can view items, buy, add items to cart, add items to current order, or even add/remove items (if he’s the admin). Now, let’s see what will happen when a user clicks on the title “Pens” to see the list of pens. Our application will have a particular controller to handle all the queries related to pens. Let’s say it’s called “pens_controller.php”. We’ll also have a model that will store the data regarding the pens we have – let’s call it “pens_model.php”. Finally, we’ll have several views to present the data – a list of pens, a table displaying pens, a page to edit the list, etc. The following figure shows the complete flow of control right from the moment a user clicks on “pens”, to when the result is rendered in front of him: First, the “pens_controller.php” handles the user request (1) as a GET or POST request. We can also have an “index.php” which is the central controller which will call the “pens_controller” whenever needed. The controller then examines the request and the parameters and calls the required model – in this case, “pens_model.php”. The controller asks the model to return the list of available pens (2). Now, the model searches the database for the necessary information (3), applies logics if necessary, and returns the data to the controller(4). The controller then picks an appropriate view (5) and presents the data (6 and 7). If a request comes from a handheld device, a view suitable for it will be used, or if the user has a particular theme selected, its view will be picked – and so on. How to Become a Full Stack Developer The Advantages of the MVC Architecture A common problem faced by application developers these days is the support for different type of devices. The MVC architecture solves this problem as developers can create different interfaces for different devices, and based on from which device the request is made, the controller will select an appropriate view. The model sends the same data irrespective of the device being used, which ensures a complete consistency across all devices. The MVC separation beautifully isolates the view from the business logic. It also reduces complexities in designing large application by keeping the code and workflow structured. This makes the overall code much easier to maintain, test, debug, and reuse. In-Demand Software Development Skills JavaScript Courses Core Java Courses Data Structures Courses Node.js Courses SQL Courses Full stack development Courses NFT Courses DevOps Courses Big Data Courses React.js Courses Cyber Security Courses Cloud Computing Courses Database Design Courses Python Courses Cryptocurrency Courses A Simple Implementation of MVC using Java We will have the following three: StudentObject : the model.   StudentView: view class to print details on the console.   StudentController: a controller that stores data in studentObject and updates StudentView accordingly Step 1: Create the Model public class Student {   private String rollNo;   private String name;      public String getRollNo() {      return rollNo;   }      public void setRollNo(String rollNo) {      this.rollNo = rollNo;   }      public String getName() {      return name;   }      public void setName(String name) {      this.name = name;   } } The code is self-explanatory. It consists of functions to get/set roll number and names of the students. Let’s call it “student.java”. Step 2: Create the View public class StudentView {   public void printStudentDetails(String studentName, String studentRollNo){      System.out.println("Student: ");      System.out.println("Name: " + studentName);      System.out.println("Roll No: " + studentRollNo);   } } This is simply to print the values to the console. Let’s call this “studentView.java”. Step 3: Create the Controller public class StudentController {   private Student model;   private StudentView view;   public StudentController(Student model, StudentView view){      this.model = model;      this.view = view;   }   public void setStudentName(String name){      model.setName(name);   }   public String getStudentName(){      return model.getName();   }   public void setStudentRollNo(String rollNo){      model.setRollNo(rollNo);   }   public String getStudentRollNo(){      return model.getRollNo();   }   public void updateView(){      view.printStudentDetails(model.getName(), model.getRollNo());   } } Call this “StudentController.java”. A cursory glance will tell you that this controller is just responsible for calling the model to get/set the data, and then updating the view. Now, let’s have a look at how all of this is tied together. Step 4: Create the main Java file public class MVCPatternDemo {   public static void main(String[] args) {      //fetch student record based on his roll no from the database      Student model  = retriveStudentFromDatabase();      //Create a view : to write student details on console      StudentView view = new StudentView();      StudentController controller = new StudentController(model, view);      controller.updateView();      //update model data      controller.setStudentName("John");      controller.updateView();   }   private static Student retriveStudentFromDatabase(){      Student student = new Student();      student.setName("Robert");      student.setRollNo("10");      return student;   } } This is called “MVCPatternDemo.java”. As you can see, it fetches the student data from the database or a function (in this case we’re using a function to set the values) and pushes it on to the Student model. Then, it initialises the view we had created earlier. Further, it also initialises our controller and binds it to the model and the view. The updateView() method is a part of the controller which updates the student details on the console. Step 5: Test the Result If everything goes right, the result should be: Student: Name: Robert Roll No: 10 Student: Name: John Roll No: 10 If you get this as the output, congratulations! You’ve successfully implemented the MVC architecture using Java, albeit for a simple application. However simple, this application is enough to demonstrate the powers of the MVC architecture. 15 Must-Know Spring MVC Interview Questions Wrapping Up… After so much said and done, it’s hard to emphasise more on the power of the MVC architecture in any web/desktop application these days. It provides an altogether new level of modularity to your code which makes it a lot more readable and maintainable. So, if you want to scale to new heights in your career as an application developer, getting hold of the MVC architecture and its working should be your top priority. Read our Popular Articles related to Software Development Why Learn to Code? How Learn to Code? How to Install Specific Version of NPM Package? Types of Inheritance in C++ What Should You Know? Enroll in Software Engineering Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs, or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. Do drop by a comment and let us know how you like this article!
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by Arjun Mathur

09 Apr'18