My Hackathon: a Learning Experience

#mlhacks #devchallenge #hackathon

This is a submission for the MLH x DEV Writing Challenge

What I Built

I took the time this hackathon to do something I've always wanted to learn - graphics programming!

I created a new OpenTK project in VSCode, and then proceeded to explore the possibilities of the library, follow some tutorials, and read up on how GPU programming and architectures work.

Without the aim of any particular goal, I was free to explore and learn as much as I could to prepare for next time I would find it convenient to use this as an application medium. Along the way, I ventured into...

VAOs and VBOs
GLSL syntax
Vertex and Fragment shaders
...and more!

Demo

Here is an example of one of the programs I created, combining shader code and real-time interactivity:

GraphicsExplorationDemo.mp4 - Google Drive

drive.google.com

Partner Technologies

One partner technology I found particularly useful in my foray into graphics programming was GitHub, or more specifically, GitHub Copilot. it was a very effective tool during all parts of my process, helping educate me on the finer points of syntax, enriching the debugging process, and suggesting good practices. I think my favorite part about it is how I was able to still keep creative and exploratory control to better myself, letting it take the best supportive role it could.

Hackathon Experience/Conclusion

As for the specific hackathon, it was the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's HackRPI, a yearly event I got to participate in for the first time as a freshman. The atmosphere was incredible, with good food and fascinating projects everywhere I looked. The staff were also very supportive, and the organizers did an impeccable job curating an environment like those you would see in the companies of tech-fi movies.

That is to say, I will definitely be attending next year, ideally getting the opportunity to use what I've learned from this one!

And finally, of course, feel free to ask any questions about what I learned/was able to achieve in the comments! I would be happy to answer them

DEV Community