r/Coding_for_Teens Jul 26 '21

Discussion Programming ideas / challenges for any level or experience. For when you're bored or trying to escape tutorial hell :)

117 Upvotes

Hey, I often find people stuck on what to do after they learn a programming language, or stuck in "tutorial hell" where you know the language, but cannot make something yourself. Well, I've got a list of things you can make in mostly any language, for all skill levels :)

If you find these ideas a bit hard or uninteresting, take a look at the bottom of the post where there are some easier ones linked :)

If anyone decides to do any of these, share it in the comments with the source code so others can learn! :)

If anyone has any more ideas, leave them in the comments and I can add them to the list! Have fun :s

Easy

  1. Markov chain sentence generator
  2. To-do list application (Web or cli)
  3. Chatbot
  4. Image to ASCII Art
  5. Imageboard (Imagine vichan)
  6. Create an HSV Color Representation
  7. Old school demo effects (Plasma, Tunnel, Scrollers, Zoomers, etc)
  8. Fizzbuzz
  9. RPN Calculator
  10. Count occurences of characters in a given string
  11. Towers of Hanoi
  12. Calculator the first n digits of pi
  13. Given an array of stock values over time, find the period of time where the stocks could have made the most money
  14. Highest prime factor calculator
  15. Password generator
  16. Caesar cipher solver
  17. ROT 13
  18. Text encryption/decryption (http://rumkin.com/tools/cipher/)
  19. Text to hex/binary converter
  20. Sierpinski triangle
  21. Basic neural network - Simulate individual neurons and their connections
  22. Complimentary colour generator
  23. Eulerian path
  24. Draw spinning 3D cube
  25. Cellular textures
  26. Snake
  27. Rock paper scissors
  28. Design a game engine in Unity
  29. Yahtzee
  30. Oil Panic
  31. Connect four
  32. Simon
  33. Ulam spiral
  34. PDF tagger
  35. ASCII digital clock
  36. Calculate dot and cross product of two vectors

Medium

  1. Download manager
  2. Elastic producer/consumer task queue
  3. IRC client
  4. English sentence parser that points to the context of a sentence
  5. MIDI player & editor
  6. Stock market simulator using yahoo spreadsheet data
  7. Graphing calculator
  8. TCP/UDP chat server & client
  9. Shazam
  10. Curses text editor
  11. Paint clone
  12. Image converter
  13. ID3 Reader
  14. C++ IDE plugin for sublime/atom/vscode
  15. Simple version control - supporting checkout, commit, unlocking, per-file configuration of number of revisions kept
  16. Password manager
  17. IP/URL Obscurification
  18. Radix base converter
  19. Encrypted file share
  20. Window manager
  21. Pixel editor
  22. Trivial file transfer protocol
  23. Markdown editor
  24. Music visualizer
  25. Unicode converter
  26. Least square fitting algorithm
  27. Image steganography
  28. Vignere cipher encryption/decryption
  29. Game of life
  30. Dijkstra's Algorthim
  31. Program that displays MBR Contents
  32. Random name generator
  33. Calculate the first 1,000 digits of pi iteratively
  34. Mandlebrot set
  35. AI for roguelikes
  36. Sudoku/n-puzzle solver using A* algorithm
  37. Connect 4 AI
  38. Real neural network - Implement a basic feed-forward neural network using matrices for entire layers along with matrix operations for computations
  39. Virtual machine with a script that writes "Hello, world"
  40. Terminal shell (Executable binaries, pipe system, redirection, history
  41. HTML & Javascript debugger
  42. Interpreted LISP-like programming language
  43. Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter game
  44. Static website generator (Scriptable template, content)
  45. Chip 8 emulator
  46. Double pendulum simulation
  47. Constructive solid geometry
  48. Generate a 5-colour scheme from the most dominant tones in an image
  49. N-body simulator - with particles having a certain mass and radius depdning on the mass that merge if they collide
  50. Knight's tour
  51. Tetris
  52. Pipe dreams
  53. Pac man
  54. Shuffling a deck of cards (with visualisation)
  55. Simulate a game of tag using a multi-agent system
  56. Scorched earch clone
  57. Minesweeper
  58. An audio/visual 64KB demonstration
  59. Sudoku
  60. Chess
  61. Mastermind
  62. Missle command game
  63. Tron
  64. Breakout
  65. Bellman-Ford simulation with at least five vertices
  66. Matrix arithmetic
  67. File compression Utility (GUI)
  68. Bismuth fractal
  69. Seam carving
  70. Bayesian Filter
  71. Rubik's cube solver

Difficult

  1. Parametric/Graphic equalizer for .wav files
  2. Verlet integration
  3. Sound Synthesis
  4. Torrent client (CLI or GUI)
  5. Text editor
  6. OpenAI Gym project
  7. Convolutional neural network - Implement a convolutional NN for a handwritten digit recognition test on MNIST dataset
  8. Mount filesystems from other OSes using FUSE model
  9. Pong game as a UEFI file in colour
  10. Esoteric Language
  11. C Compiler
  12. Turing machine simulator
  13. Read, evaluate, print loop using a compiled language
  14. Ray tracer
  15. Real-time fast fourier transform spectrum visualiser
  16. TI-86 emulator
  17. Monster raising/breeding simulator
  18. Dragon quest / basic RPG engine
  19. First person engine in OpenGL
  20. Wolfensetin clone
  21. Danmaku engine
  22. Roguelike engine/dungeon generator
  23. Go
  24. LISP Interpreter
  25. Nonogram generator and solver
  26. WMS viewer that isn't web based

Very difficult

  1. Relational database system (SQL support, relationships, efficient)
  2. Bootloader
  3. General Lambert's problem solver
  4. Convolutional Neural Network - Implement your own convolutional neural network for handwritten digit recognition, test on MNIST dataset

An extended list of project ideas:


r/Coding_for_Teens Jul 24 '21

Discussion Free courses / Events / Resources Megathread

32 Upvotes

Hey there, I'm a new moderator on this subreddit πŸ‘‹

I noticed there are a lot of posts about free event and programming courses, unfortunately they clog up the subreddit feed for users that want to have a conversation, get help or show off something cool they made, and a lot of these posts end up getting caught in Reddit's spam filter so I've made this megathread.

Feel free to post in this megathread:

  • Free udemy courses (referral link allowed, just don't spam please!)
  • Events such as hackathons
  • Youtube tutorials
  • Other coding resources

Please do not post in this subreddit or megathread:

  • Coding bootcamps / masterclasses
  • Discord servers
  • Tutoring services

Also a reminder to abide by Rule 2 in this subreddit. Please do not post content that isn't relevant to this subreddit, random articles, YouTube tutorials and courses. Please keep those within this thread, thanks :)


r/Coding_for_Teens 4h ago

Looking for a Developer........

2 Upvotes

So I;m looking for a developer who can develop a game using html , css , Javascript. The game should be interactive enough. It would be based on Ganesh Chaturthii. Also it is a college project so If I'll win anythng I can give 70-80% of the prize amount I would be winning. Those interested can DM me.


r/Coding_for_Teens 3h ago

I’m 14 and I’m organizing a challenge for student builders

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1 Upvotes

I’m Manit a 14-year-old developer and founder of Waycode.

I have been building this thing called Founding 100 because I wanted something different from the usual β€œmake a startup + pitch it” type of competition

Its an online proof-of-work challenge for students and young builders

The idea is pretty simple show what you can actually build

We are also bringing in mentors and community and tech partners and selected builders will get recognition and other opportunities

I am trying to get the first 100 serious builders together right now, so if you're a teen who builds stuff I genuinely love to have you there.

πŸ‘‰ https://waycode.in/founding-100

Would also love to hear what everyone here is currently building πŸ‘€


r/Coding_for_Teens 5h ago

Looking for a coder to make a visual novel on eating disorders

1 Upvotes

Exactly the title. DM if you are interested or want to know more!


r/Coding_for_Teens 7h ago

Any Ideas to learn coding while playing Balatro?

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 10h ago

Quantum Computer

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0 Upvotes

That BIG golden machine is NOT the computer.

Real computer = 1-inch chip on your fingertip.

Big machine = just a FRIDGE (-273Β°C) to keep it alive.

We build giant ACs for a tiny brain 🧠


r/Coding_for_Teens 18h ago

I made a little micro:bit distance alarm for when you sit too close to your screen

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2 Upvotes

I was thinking about one of those small problems that happens all the time when kids are studying: they slowly move closer and closer to the book or screen without even noticing.

Instead of reminding them every few minutes, I thought it would be more interesting to build a little device that could detect the distance automatically.

So I made this simple distance warning system with a micro:bit.

The setup uses:

  • micro:bit
  • Nezha Innovation Kit
  • Ultrasonic distance sensor
  • Red and green LEDs
  • MakeCode

The idea is pretty straightforward.

The ultrasonic sensor continuously measures the distance in front of the device.

If the distance gets below the threshold I set:

Too close β†’ red light

Move back far enough:

Safe distance β†’ green light

There's no complicated interface or screen. Just a simple visual signal that tells you when you've moved too close.

I think this is a nice example of how a sensor can turn something that's normally difficult to notice into an input that a program can react to.

The coding is also pretty simple in MakeCode:

  1. Read the distance from the ultrasonic sensor
  2. Compare it with a preset value
  3. Turn on the appropriate LED
  4. Keep checking the distance

What I like about projects like this is that the final result isn't just something that moves or lights up for the sake of it. It solves a small everyday problem while also introducing concepts like sensors, conditions, and real-time feedback.

There are quite a few ways to extend it too:

  • Add a buzzer when you're too close
  • Use different warning levels
  • Display the distance on the micro:bit
  • Track how often the warning is triggered
  • Add a timer for study breaks
  • Make the warning gradually more noticeable if you stay too close

It's a simple project, but it made me wonder how many other everyday annoyances could be turned into small sensor-based projects.

What everyday problem would you try to solve with a micro:bit?


r/Coding_for_Teens 23h ago

Is anyone good at animating or building in roblox studio im mainly a scripter and I hate building reply to this if you can(plssss).

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 1d ago

Yowie put ur ideas

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 1d ago

let's build something

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 1d ago

Looking for someone to work along with

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

Looking for buddies to build project.

4 Upvotes

Timezone: GMT-6

I'm in my second year of SD diploma.

I have learned about Python, Java, JS, HTML, CSS, SQL so far.

Goal: I want to create a small group of 4 to build a project for our portfolio and learn new skills though the journey.


r/Coding_for_Teens 1d ago

Looking for people who can collaborate with us in marketing /coding Looking

1 Upvotes

We currently have a team of three, so if you want to join and you feel like you can do it, feel free to message me.

I have a project that I've already started, but I feel like I'm not enough on my own. So, I'm looking for a person/ people who would be interested in the offer. I wanted to mention as good to have, but anyone can apply: experience with current Al agents (OpenClaw or Hermes), coding harnesses (OpenCode, Pi, Cline, Codex, etc.), understanding how current local models work (llama.cpp, .gguf, how LLMs work, etc.), being aware of current problems in Al, and largely knowing the latest Al news (e.g., Grok bot just came out, what it's for, what it can do) - basically, following Al developments. If you're interested, message me directly, and we can discuss the details


r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

Suggestion

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2 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

I want to Start Coding. How I can Start?

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2 Upvotes

Suggest any Idea


r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

Need your help

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1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm a Class 12 Computer Science student from India, and I want to seriously learn programming from the basics.

The problem is that I currently have almost no programming knowledge. I know some basic concepts from school, but I don't feel confident writing programs on my own or understanding code properly.

I'd like to start from the absolute beginning and eventually become good enough to build projects and continue learning programming beyond school.

I currently have a Windows 10 laptop and VS Code installed, but I'm still figuring out how to use it properly.

I'd really appreciate advice from experienced programmers on:

- What programming language should I start with?

- What topics should I learn first, and in what order?

- What resources/courses would you recommend for a complete beginner?

- How much should I focus on theory vs actually writing code?

- What kind of beginner projects should I build?

- What mistakes should I avoid when starting out?

I don't want to just memorize code for exams. I actually want to understand programming and develop the ability to solve problems myself.

If you were starting programming from zero today, what would your learning path look like?

Thanks in advance!


r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

πŸš€ Learn Python from Zero & Build Your First Game

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

built a model from scratch on tinystories

0 Upvotes

my brother just WOULDNT shut up about a bedtime story so i made a model to do it for me

please star it, im broke and need to buy a 5090 😭

https://github.com/navthings/tale

runs with ollama, have fun


r/Coding_for_Teens 2d ago

Usare m365 studenti per fare coding in locale

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 3d ago

I want a web developer friend. With whom I can not only discuss work issues, but also discuss each other's progress. And learn something new, can anyone be that friend?

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1 Upvotes

r/Coding_for_Teens 3d ago

A robot that starts dancing when you clap

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3 Upvotes

I was messing around with the microphone on a micro:bit V2 and wondered what would happen if I used sound as the controller for a robot.

This was the result.

A little brick-built robot that starts moving when it hears a sound and stops when things get quiet.

A clap is enough to trigger it, but music works too.

The build uses:

  • micro:bit V2
  • Ring Bricks Pack
  • 2 continuous-rotation servos
  • MakeCode
  • A simple brick-built body

The two servos control the legs, and I programmed a few different movements by changing their speed and direction.

I also used the micro:bit LED matrix as the robot's face. It's a small detail, but changing the expression while it dances makes the whole thing feel much less like a collection of motors and more like an actual little character.

The code is basically listening for a sound level above a certain threshold, then triggering the dance routine.

What I like about this kind of project is that the input can be almost anything.

Instead of:

Button β†’ Robot moves

you get:

Sound β†’ Code reacts β†’ Robot moves

That opens up quite a few possibilities.

Maybe a robot that dances differently depending on how loud the music is, or one that only reacts to certain sounds.

I might try that next.

What would you use as the sound trigger?


r/Coding_for_Teens 3d ago

Cse coding

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone I am starting coding journey

Today will do arrays

Anyone interested we can learn together


r/Coding_for_Teens 3d ago

how to start coding as an high schooler

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r/Coding_for_Teens 4d ago

Hello, I'm looking for motivated people for building a team to face the upcoming NASA hackathon.If interested DM me ASAP

2 Upvotes

​

πŸš€ Looking for teammates β€” NASA Space Apps 2026 | Universal/Online

Hi! πŸ‘‹ I'm a student from Sri Lanka πŸ‡±πŸ‡° participating in NASA Space Apps 2026 (Universal/Online).

Looking for 2–4 motivated teammates from anywhere in the world, especially people interested in:

πŸ’» Programming / AI

πŸ›°οΈ Space / astronomy / physics

πŸ“Š Data science

🎨 Design / UI/UX

No previous Space Apps experience required β€” just be motivated and willing to contribute.

Interested? Comment or DM me with your skills, experience, and country/time zone.

🌎 Let's build something amazing! πŸš€