DEV Community: Atharva Salitri

Escape Tutorial Hell With Open Source

Atharva Salitri — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:33:40 +0000

Hey Everyone!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a student who is passionate about programming, content writing and open-source. I am curious about the world of technology and how it can be used to make a difference in the world. In this blog, I will be covering my journey of avoiding the vicious cycle of watching tutorial after tutorial by contributing to Open Source. This blog is a part of the " Open Source" track.

Let's Begin !!!

What is Tutorial Hell?

Well Urban Dictionary defines it as :

You must have completed numerous tutorials, courses, and bootcamps that you have found online as a self-taught programmer. Usually, as soon as you finish a tutorial, you look for another one right away because you feel the need to assimilate as much information as possible. You start to think that you are a great programmer because you can easily create the project's content.

But whenever you try to do something on your own, you have no idea where to begin! Do you know how to fix that? another tutorial! And so the vicious cycle starts...

You keep thinking that after finishing the subsequent tutorial, course, or training programme you will finally be able to construct your unique project. But you don't, instead, you slip back and stagnate your growth as a programmer.

This is Hell, Tutorial Hell !!!

All of us have been there. the pointless pausing, playing, and scrolling. All of the coding snippets were copied and pasted. It's a stagnant and anti-growth environment.

Because you're navigating through structured content, you're " learning." However, none of what you " learned" can be put into use when you leave the course.

The good thing is, you can overcome it!

How To Tackle Tutorial Hell with Open Source

As I first began learning to code, I eagerly anticipated learning everything.

I would search for "easy programming projects for beginners" and look through the first few results. I kept an eye out for tutorials because I believed they would help me succeed instead of fail. I also thought that I would learn more as I completed more tutorials and become the best quickly.

How I felt I was :

There couldn't be a worse approach to learning !

Contributing to Open Source

One way to escape "tutorial hell" when learning a new technology or programming language is to contribute to open-source projects. This allows you to work on real-world problems and gain experience with the technology while also giving back to the community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67OELGGi1wI

The open-source community is vast and incredibly supportive, providing opportunities for individuals to engage in a range of activities, from small contributions to more significant projects. By working on open-source issues, individuals can not only reinforce their existing knowledge but also challenge themselves to learn new skills and techniques.

Additionally, contributing to open-source projects offers a valuable opportunity to develop and practice social skills, as effective communication with the community is essential to making meaningful contributions.

When working on open-source projects, it is important to approach each task with a sense of curiosity and experimentation, rather than simply copying and pasting code. This approach will likely lead to encountering problems and challenges, but these can be overcome through a variety of resources like online forums such as Google, StackOverflow, Reddit etc.

My contributions as of Jan 27 :

Getting Started

To get started, you can search for open-source projects related to the technology you are interested in on platforms like GitHub. Look for projects that have "good first issue" or "beginner-friendly" labels, which indicate that the maintainers are willing to help newcomers get started. You can also look for projects that need documentation or bug fixes, as these are typically easier tasks for beginners. You can apply filters for the languages you are comfortable with.

Once you find a project that you are interested in, you can start by reading through the code and documentation to get a better understanding of how the project works. Then, you can start working on small tasks or bugs, and gradually increase the complexity of your contributions as you become more familiar with the codebase.

Example from GitHub :

It's also important to communicate with the maintainers and other contributors, ask for help if you need it, and be willing to accept feedback on your code. This will help you learn and grow as a developer, and also make meaningful contributions to the open-source community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT6M_sqAuZo

How contributing to open source will solve tutorial hell :

Hands-on experience: Contributing to open-source projects allows you to work on real projects and gain hands-on experience with the technology you are trying to learn.
Learning from experts: Open-source projects are typically maintained by experienced developers, who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Solving real-world problems: Open-source projects often aim to solve real-world problems, which can be a great way to learn about the technology and its applications.
Building a portfolio: As you contribute to open-source projects, you can build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and experience.
Giving back to the community: By contributing to open-source projects, you are also giving back to the community.

Contribute to projects and you are set !!!

Conclusion

In conclusion, escaping tutorial hell can be a challenging task when learning a new technology or programming language. However, contributing to open-source projects is a great way to overcome this challenge. By working on real-world problems and gaining hands-on experience, you can learn more effectively than simply by blindly following tutorials.

Additionally, by participating in open-source projects, you can learn from experts, build a portfolio of work, and give back to the community. Open source provides an opportunity to learn by doing, and to improve your skills and experience. So, if you are feeling stuck in tutorial hell, consider looking for open-source projects that align with your interests and start contributing. The benefits can be huge and the experience will be fulfilling.

Overall, contributing to open-source projects is a great way to escape tutorial hell.

"Contributing to open-source is the ultimate form of learning by doing. It allows you to escape tutorial hell, gain hands-on experience, and build a portfolio of real-world projects that demonstrate your skills and experience."

Go forth and make your contributions, and you'll come out stronger for it.

Happy contributing!

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Creating My First GitHub Repository! 🚀

Atharva Salitri — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:13:53 +0000

Hey Guys!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a high school student, interested in the world of development. This blog is a part of the " Open Source" track. In this blog, I will be sharing how I made my first ever (small-scale) repository on GitHub and how you can make your repository as you learn more things and are ready for the outside world.

Link to my repository: https://github.com/the-amazing-atharva/Hello-World-Program

Some Snippets :

But before we begin, make sure you have a GitHub account and Git Bash installed on your computer. If you don't have one, you can easily create an account on GitHub.com and download Git Bash here.

Let's Begin!!!

Let's start by creating our first C++ program :

Open your favourite text editor and create a new file called "hello.cpp".
Type the following code into the file:

#include <iostream>

int main() {
    std::cout << "Hello, World!" << std::endl;
    return 0;
}

Save the file in a directory of your choice.
This will be the location of your local repository.

Snippet :

Adding it to Github :

Open Git Bash in the same directory as the "hello.cpp" file.
Initialize a new local repository by running the command :

$ git init

Add the "hello.cpp" file to the repository by running the command :

$ git add hello.cpp

Commit the changes with a commit message by running the command :

$ git commit -m "Initial commit: Hello World program"

Now that our code is ready in our local repository, let's share it with the world by creating a new repository on GitHub.
Go to your GitHub account, and create a new repository.
Once the repository is created, you'll be provided with instructions on how to link your local repository with the remote repository on GitHub.

$ git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/helloworld.git
$ git push -u origin master

And that's it! Your "Hello, World!" program is now live on GitHub! 🚀

Share the link to your repository with your friends and other developers or beginners and the world. Show off your first-ever GitHub repository and let the world know that you're on your way to becoming a C++ pro! 💻

Advantages of Creating Repositories on GitHub :

Version control: GitHub allows you to track changes to your code over time, making it easy to collaborate with others and roll back to previous versions of your code if needed.
Collaboration: GitHub makes it easy to collaborate with others on projects by allowing multiple users to work on the same codebase at the same time, and track changes made by each user.
Backup: GitHub provides a secure and reliable backup of your code, so you don't have to worry about losing your work due to a computer crash or other technical issues.
Open-source contributions: GitHub is a popular platform for open-source software development, allowing developers to easily contribute to open-source projects and share their open-source projects with the community.
Showcasing your work: GitHub allows you to create a portfolio of your work and share it with others, which can be useful when looking for a job or seeking to collaborate with other developers.
Learning: GitHub is a great place to find and learn from other developers and their code. Many developers share their work on GitHub, allowing you to learn new skills, techniques and best practices.
Community Support: Having your code on GitHub means you can get support from the open-source community, which can help you to improve your code and overcome bugs, and also you can offer your help and support to others.
Accessibility: GitHub makes it easy for anyone to access your code from anywhere in the world.
Bug tracking: GitHub provides built-in issue-tracking features that allow you to track and manage bugs, feature requests and other tasks related to your code. This makes it easy to keep track of what needs to be done and who is working on it.
Integration: GitHub provides APIs and webhooks that allow you to integrate it with other tools like automated testing, code quality analysis, and deployment tools. This can streamline your development process and make it more efficient.

In short, GitHub is a comprehensive platform that offers a variety of features and tools to benefit developers, whether they are working alone or as part of a team. It offers everything necessary for efficient code management and collaboration, including version control, backup, open-source contributions, showcasing your work, learning, community support, accessibility, code review, continuous integration and deployment, bug tracking and many more features for developers to manage code and collaborate.

Learnings :

As you can see, creating and sharing a GitHub repository is a simple process. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create and share your projects with ease. And remember, the more you share your code, the more feedback you'll receive, and the more opportunities you'll have to collaborate with other developers. So don't be shy, and share your work with the world.

Happy coding! 🚀💻🌎

Conclusion :

In conclusion, GitHub is a great platform for developers to share their code and collaborate with others. By creating a repository and sharing your first C++ program, you're on your way to building a portfolio of your work and demonstrating your skills to potential employers or collaborators.

With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create and share your projects with ease.

Share your code, get feedback, and let the world see your work!

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Making 100 Contributions and Counting: My Journey of Making Non-Code Contributions on GitHub

Atharva Salitri — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 06:57:22 +0000

Hey Everyone!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a student who is passionate about programming, content writing and open-source. I am curious about the world of technology and how it can be used to make a difference in the world. In this blog, I will be covering my journey of making 100 contributions on GitHub and how someone with zero to limited knowledge can get involved in contributions. This blog is a part of the "Open Source" track.

Let's Begin !!!

Introduction :

Making 100 contributions on GitHub is a significant achievement for any developer. It shows dedication and commitment to contribute to the open-source community. It's a way to demonstrate that you are an active member of the community, willing to help others and passionate about the projects you are working on. This milestone brings a sense of pride and accomplishment to me that can be hard to put into words.

It's important to note that making contributions doesn't necessarily have to be only about writing code, there are many other ways to contribute to open-source projects. From improving documentation, creating graphics, logos, animations and helping with localization, answering questions on forums, and much more. Open-source projects are always in need of people with different skills, and non-code contributions are just as important as code contributions.

Don't let the fear of not knowing how to code stop you from making an impact in the open-source community.

There are many ways to contribute and make a difference.

Take the first step, start small, and grow big!

The Question That Now Arises :

But what if you're not a code wizard?

What if you don't know how to write a line of code?

Fear not, my friends. There are plenty of ways to make meaningful contributions to open-source projects without writing a single line of code. Which I will describe ahead along with my screenshots to aid you in understanding.

Ways of Making Contributions :

Improving README.md files :

The README.md file is the first thing people see when they visit a project on GitHub. It's the project's "face," and it must make a good impression. Improving the README.md file can be as simple as correcting typos, adding helpful links, or reorganizing the information more logically and in a format that looks neat and clean. By making the README.md file more user-friendly, you're helping others understand and use the project more easily and also making a vital contribution.

My first-ever contribution was making a README.md file :

Why README.md files are important :

As mentioned before, the README.md file is the first thing people see when they visit a project on GitHub. A well-written README.md file can be the difference between someone deciding to use a project or not. It should be easy to read and understand and provide all the necessary information to get started with the project.

A good README.md file should include:

A clear and concise description of the project
Installation instructions
Usage examples
A list of features
Screenshots or images
A link to the project's documentation
A well made contributions guide
A list for future updates if necessary
A list of contributors
A link to the project's license

For example, a README.md file a made :

How to improve README.md files?

Here are some tips for improving README.md files:

Make sure the information is easy to find : The most important information should be at the top of the file, and it should be easy to scan the document to find what you're looking for.
Use headings and lists : Use headings and lists to organize the information and make it easy to read. This can be done by following the markdown syntax.
Add images and screenshots : Images and screenshots can help explain how to use a project, and they can make the README.md file more interesting to read.
Use links : Include links to the project's documentation, issue tracker, and other resources.
Keep it up-to-date : Make sure the README.md file is kept up-to-date with the latest information about the project.
Make it visually appealing : Use markdown features such as bold and italic text, code blocks, and headings to make the document more visually appealing.
Be friendly : Use a friendly tone and avoid using technical jargon that might be difficult for new users to understand.

By making small improvements to README.md files, you can help make open-source projects more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience. And as you continue to improve README files and explore other ways of contributing, you'll be on your way to making 100 contributions on GitHub.

Making graphics and logos for projects :

Open-source projects are often in need of good graphics and logos. If you're a designer or artist, you can use your skills to help a project stand out. You can create a logo, design an icon set, or even make a video to explain how to use the project.

These contributions can be extremely valuable to a project, as they can help attract new users and give the project a more professional look, and also demonstrate the features of the project to users and contributors.

My first-ever logo contribution :

Types of Graphics and Logos :

Here are some examples of graphics and logos that you can create for a project:

Logo : A logo is a symbol or emblem that represents a project. It should be simple, memorable, and easy to recognize.
Icon set : An icon set is a collection of icons that can be used in a project's interface. Icons can help make a project more visually appealing and make it easier to use.
Screenshots : Screenshots can be used to show what a project looks like and how it works. They can also be used in the README.md file to give a visual representation of the project.
Infographics : Infographics can be used to explain complex information in a simple and visually appealing way. They can be used in the README.md file or the project's documentation.
Animations : Animations can be used to explain how a project works or to show off its features. They can be used in a video or on the project's website.

Tips for Making Graphics and Logos :

Here are some tips for making graphics and logos for open-source projects:

Keep it simple : Simple designs are usually more memorable and easier to recognize.
Use a consistent style : Use a consistent style throughout the project's graphics and logos to give it a cohesive look.
Use colours that match the project's theme : Use colours that match the project's theme to make the graphics and logos fit in with the project.
Make it scalable : Make sure the graphics and logos can be scaled up or down without losing quality.
Use vector graphics : Use vector graphics instead of bitmap graphics to make sure the graphics and logos can be scaled without losing quality.
Communicate with the project's team : Before creating graphics and logos for a project, make sure to communicate with the project's team to make sure the graphics and logos fit in with the project's theme.
Do not copy: Copying of logos and graphics is not tolerated as they can lead to infringement and copyright issues for the projects.

By making graphics and logos for open-source projects, you can help make the projects more visually appealing and increase their chances of success. And as you continue to make graphics and logos and explore other ways of contributing, you'll be on your way to making awesome contributions on GitHub.

Finding Projects to Contribute To :

The first step in making non-code contributions is to find a project that needs help. One way to do this is to look for projects that have issues labelled "good first issue" or "help wanted." These are usually simple tasks that are well-suited for new contributors. You can also search for projects that are related to your interests or skills, such as design or writing.

Another way to find projects to contribute to is to look at the organizations or individuals you follow on GitHub or Twitter. Many organizations have a list of their open-source projects on their website, and you can often find a link to their GitHub page there.

Following individuals who work on open-source projects can also be a great way to find interesting projects to contribute to and make meaningful connections.

Communicating with the Project's Team :

Once you've found a project you're interested in contributing to, it's important to communicate with the project's team. You can do this by opening an issue or sending a pull request. Make sure to include a clear and concise explanation of the changes you want to make and be prepared to answer any questions the team might have.

It's also a good idea to read the project's contributing guidelines before making any contributions. These guidelines will usually explain the project's code of conduct, how to open issues and pull requests, and any other information you need to know before contributing.

Making a Difference :

Making non-code contributions to open-source projects can be incredibly rewarding. Not only are you helping the project, but you're also learning new skills and making connections with other like-minded individuals. And who knows, your contributions might just inspire someone else to start contributing to open-source projects too.

This is what a repository author said to me :

So don't be afraid to take that first step and make a contribution. You never know, it might just be the start of a beautiful journey. And, who knows, one day you might look back and realize that you've made 100+ contributions and you did it all without writing a single line of code.

A quote that has influenced me a lot :

"The best way to predict the future is to create it"

Abraham Lincoln

This quote by Abraham Lincoln highlights the power of taking action and creating the change you want to see in the world.

I know it sounds crazy but It applies well to the concept of open-source contributions, where developers can actively shape the future of a project by creating new features, fixing bugs and improving documentation.

By taking the initiative and creating something new, open-source contributors can make a meaningful impact on the projects they work on and on the open-source community as a whole.

Conclusion

Reaching 100 contributions on GitHub is a great achievement, and there are many ways to get there. Whether you're a designer, artist, or just someone who likes to help out, there's a place for you in the open-source community. So don't be afraid to dive in and make your mark. The world needs your contributions, and you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish with a little bit of effort and a lot of heart.

Making contributions is not just a numbers game, it represents the impact that you have made in the open-source community, the differences you have created and the community that you have built. It's an indicator of the time and effort you have put into making a positive impact.

Remember, the best way to achieve 100+ contributions is to start small and build upon it. Do not be discouraged if you don't see immediate results, great things take time.

In the end, it's not about the number of contributions, it's about the impact you make, the difference you create and the community you build.

As Ernest Hemingway once said,

"The world breaks everyone, and afterwards, some are strong in the broken places."

Go forth and make your contributions, and you'll come out stronger for it.

Happy contributing!

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2022 Wrap Up : The Story of a Budding Programmer

Atharva Salitri — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 08:22:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a high school student who is passionate about programming, content writing and open-source. I am curious about the world of technology and how it can be used to make a difference in the world. I love learning new things and pushing myself to be the best that I can be. I am an avid learner, and I am always looking for new ways to improve my skills. I am constantly on the lookout for new challenges , whether it is learning a new programming language or taking on a new content writing project.

I am excited to share my journey with you through this blog, and I hope that you will join me on this journey as we explore the world of programming, content writing and open-source together. In this blog, I will be sharing what I learnt in 2022.

Let's Begin !!!

My Journey :

Looking back at the year 2022, I cant help but reflect on all the things Ive learned and accomplished as a high school student, patiently waiting to join a college, that has been diving into the world of programming and content writing.

Learning C/C++ :

Just like any other beginner, I started coding with C, followed by C++. My journey into the world of C and C++ programming was like a symphony , a beautiful and intricate composition of code, logic, and creativity. Each note was a new challenge, each melody a new lesson. And, as I played, I discovered that learning to code was not just about mastering the technical aspects, it was also about mastering my creativity.

Like many young artists before me, I was immediately enchanted by the possibilities that this language held. But, like any great journey, mine was not without its challenges and obstacles.

I had heard tales of a powerful wizard known as the compiler who could turn the simplest of spells into a maddening array of error messages. I had also heard stories of a powerful curse known as debugging that could leave even the most experienced programmers feeling lost and bewildered.

But, I was determined to master this language and unlock its full potential. I knew that the path to mastery would not be easy, but I was willing to put in the hard work and dedication that was required.

I found that the key to success was to learn in public , to share my code and my learnings with others and to ask for feedback and advice. It was like playing in an orchestra, listening to the other musicians and making adjustments. And, as I shared my code, I discovered that the community was like a conductor, always there to guide and support me. I was not afraid to show my mistakes and admit when I needed help. And, I quickly realized that this was the only way to truly master these languages.

I also discovered that practice makes perfect, so I spent countless hours working on projects, experimenting with different codes, and honing my skills. We know that the key to success was to practice, practice, practice. I spent countless hours working on projects, experimenting with different codes and debugging my programs. I knew that the more I practised, the better I would become. It was like a musician, practising the same piece over and over again until it becomes second nature. And, as I practised, I discovered the power of project-based learning , as I was able to apply what I had learned in a meaningful way, and I saw the impact that my code was having on the world around me.

But, just like in any symphony, there were moments when the clock was ticking and time was running out. As a student, I had to balance my studies with my coding and it was not an easy task, but I learned to manage my time effectively by breaking down my goals into smaller tasks and prioritizing my time.

Earlier, I used to find myself jumping from one YouTube tutorial to another, never really committing to one and completing it. I would start a tutorial and get bored or lose interest after a few minutes. This not only wasted my time but also made it difficult for me to retain the information and make progress in my learning journey. However, I realized that this approach was not effective and decided to change my approach. I started to stick to one tutorial and committed to completing it before moving on to the next. This helped me to stay focused and motivated, and I was able to retain the information better. It also helped me to build a solid foundation of knowledge and make progress in my learning journey. This small change in my approach made a big difference in my learning and I'm glad I took the time to reflect on my methods and make the necessary adjustments.

I also found that using documentation was a powerful tool for learning. After watching youtube tutorials, I found that diving deeper into the documentation helped me to understand the concepts better and to solidify my knowledge.

Using documentation is extremely helpful when learning a programming language. It provides detailed information about the language's syntax, functions, and libraries. It serves as a reference guide that you can consult as you write your code, and it can help you understand how to use the language's features effectively.

Additionally, documentation often includes examples of how to use the language, which can be especially helpful for beginners. By reading through and experimenting with the examples, you can learn how to apply the language's features in a practical setting. Documentation also includes information about common errors and how to troubleshoot them, which can save you a lot of time and frustration. It can also help you to understand best practices and conventions for writing clean and efficient code.

Furthermore, reading and understanding the documentation can also help you to understand the big picture of the language, and how it fits in the larger ecosystem of programming languages and its real-world applications. This can help you to become a more well-rounded programmer and to make more informed decisions about when and how to use the language.

Thus, I mastered the art of C and C++ programming. But, just like in any symphony, the performance never truly ends, and there is always room for improvement. And, as I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new notes and new melodies. I know that there is still so much more to learn and so much more to discover, but I am ready to take on the challenge and keep playing the symphony of code. I have learned that learning to code is not just about mastering the technical aspects, it's also about mastering your creativity and learning to think outside the box.

I have learned that the key to success is to be open to new ideas and to be willing to learn from others. I discovered that the community was an essential part of my journey, and I am grateful for the support and guidance that I received along the way. And, as I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new ideas and discover new ways of thinking. I am ready to take on the challenge and continue to play the symphony of code.

Diving into Open Source :

As I dove deeper into the world of programming, I found myself particularly drawn to the idea of open source. For those who may not be familiar, open source refers to a type of software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.

My journey into the world of open source was like a journey to a new land, a land full of possibilities, where collaboration was the currency and communities were the backbones. Each step was a new adventure, each interaction a new lesson. And, as I explored, I discovered that open source was not just about code, it was about people and the power of bringing them together.

One of the things that initially drew me to open source was the sense of community and collaboration that it promotes. In the world of programming, it can often feel like youre working in a vacuum, but with open source, you have access to a whole community of people who are working towards the same goal. This sense of community was incredibly motivating and helped me push through the times when I felt stuck or frustrated.

I found that the key to success was to collaborate with others, to share my ideas and to learn from others. It was like a traveller, discovering new places and meeting new people. And, as I shared my ideas, I discovered that the open-source community was like a guide, always there to support me and to show me the way.

I also discovered the importance of communities, and how they can be a powerful force for good. I found that by joining a community, I was able to learn from others and gain new perspectives. It was like a traveller, finding a new home in a new land. And, as I joined communities, I discovered the power of non-code contributions, and how they can be just as important as code contributions.

I finished 2022 by joining the SheBuilds Hackathon . For preparation, I researched the different ways to contribute to Open Source without having much technical knowledge and found that "Documentation" plays a big role in any project. On the surface level, documentation appears to be insignificant compared to the code like an invitation compared to the main event. However, without an invitation, we cannot have access to the event let alone contribute to it

In conclusion , my journey of learning about open source and making non-code contributions has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have explored the vast and exciting world of open-source, and I have made meaningful observations. And, as I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new opportunities and to continue to make a difference in the open-source community. I know that there is still so much more to learn and so much more to discover, but I am ready to take on the challenge and continue to be an active member of the open-source community.

Content Writing :

It was around November that I decided to start my blog on Hashnode, to document my journey of understanding C++ and to share my thoughts and learnings with others. I had always been interested in writing, and I found that blogging was a great way to combine my passion for programming with my love of writing.

Blogging and writing are like a warm hug on a cold day, a sanctuary where I can be myself and share my thoughts and ideas with the world. It's a place where my words come to life, where my thoughts take shape and where my imagination runs wild. It's a place where I can express myself freely, without fear of judgment or criticism. It's a place where I can make a difference and a place where I can grow. Writing and blogging are not just a hobby, it's a passion, and it means the world to me. It's a way to let my creativity flow and express myself in a way that I never thought possible. It's a way to connect with others, learn and improve. It's a way to make a difference in the world, one word at a time.

I find that writing and blogging is a form of self-expression that is both therapeutic and empowering. It allows me to explore my feelings and thoughts, process my emotions and make sense of the world around me.

Additionally, blogging and writing have also been a way for me to connect with others, and to share my journey with others. It's a way to reach out to people who can relate to my experiences, learn from their perspectives, and build a community of like-minded individuals.

Furthermore, writing and blogging have also been a way for me to develop my skills as a writer. It's a way for me to learn about different writing styles, experiment with different formats and improve my grammar and vocabulary. It's a way to hone my craft and become a better writer.

Additionally, blogging has also been a way for me to learn about the latest trends, technologies and advancements in my field of interest, as well as to be part of a community of people who share the same interest. I had to learn about the Markdown Editor :

As I started writing my blog, I realized that one of the things that I enjoyed most about it was the sense of connection that it brought. Through my blog, I was able to connect with other programmers and developers who were also on a similar journey. This sense of connection was incredibly valuable and helped me to stay motivated and focused.

My journey into the world of blogging was like a journey into a new dimension, a world where words were the bricks and my thoughts were the mortar. Each post was a new chapter, each comment was a new lesson. And, as I wrote, I discovered that blogging was not just about sharing my journey, it was about connecting with others and learning from them.

I found that the key to success was to read multiple blogs and take note of important points. It was like a treasure hunt, searching for gems of wisdom in the vast ocean of content. And, as I read, I discovered that the blogging community was like a compass, always pointing me in the right direction.

I also found it important to appreciate other bloggers for their content, by commenting and leaving feedback on their blogs, it was a way to show that I was paying attention and to encourage them to keep blogging.

As I continue on my journey, I am excited to explore new ideas and connect with new people. I know that there is still so much more to learn and so much more to discover, but I am ready to take on the challenge and keep exploring the world of blogging.

Resources I Followed for Tech Blogging and Writing in General:

Conclusion :

Looking back on the year, I am proud of all that I have accomplished. I have a deeper understanding of C++, I have been able to collect info to contribute to open source projects even with limited coding knowledge but with my ability to come up with strings of letters perfectly arranged to make a difference to the project, and I have been able to share my journey with others through my blog.

Another important lesson that I have learned is the importance of perseverance. Programming can be incredibly challenging, and there were many times when I felt like giving up. But, I have learned that the key to success is to keep pushing through, even when things get tough. This is something that I have been able to apply to other areas of my life as well, and it has helped me to become a more resilient and determined person.

Lastly, I want to talk about the power of community and collaboration. As I mentioned earlier, one of the things that initially drew me to open source was the sense of community and collaboration that it promotes. This sense of community has been invaluable to me throughout the year. When I have been stuck on a problem, I have always been able to turn to the community for help. And, when I have been able to help others, it has been incredibly rewarding.

To summarise , the year 2022 has been a year of growth and learning for me as a high school student who is learning programming and content writing. I am excited for the new year and all the opportunities that it will bring, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a programmer, writer and open-source contributor.

Stay determined, stay focused and keep pushing forward !!!

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Communities in Tech and their Importance

Atharva Salitri — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 04:54:57 +0000

Hey Guys!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a high school student, interested in the world of development. This blog is a part of the " Communities" track of CoCode Blogs. In this blog, I will be sharing what communities in tech are and how you can benefit from them as you learn more things and are ready for the outside world.

"So unlock the doors to a world of endless possibilities with a single read. Step into a realm of inspiration and innovation. Let me be your guide as we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of ideas, uncovering the brilliance of the new and the timelessness of the old, delving into the depths of the unknown, unravelling hidden truths, and discovering the magic of everyday."

Let's Begin!!!

Introduction

In the context of technology, a community refers to a group of people who are connected by a common interest or goal related to tech. This can take the form of online forums where individuals discuss and share information about their field, meetup groups where tech professionals come together to collaborate and learn from one another, or open source projects where volunteers work together to build and improve upon software.

Tech communities can be found in a variety of settings and serve a variety of purposes. Online forums, for example, provide a space for individuals to connect and discuss topics of mutual interest, while meetup groups offer the opportunity for professionals to network and collaborate in person. Open source projects, on the other hand, provide a platform for volunteers to contribute their skills and knowledge to the development of a project.

But what draws these techies together, you may ask? Perhaps it is the allure of tapping into the collective knowledge and expertise of their peers, or the opportunity to work on projects that have the potential to make a real impact in the world. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: tech communities are a vital part of the tech landscape, and their importance should not be underestimated.

Simply put, an online community is a digital platform for a group of people with a common interest, passion or goal that connect and communicate with one another.

The Benefits of Tech Communities :

Tech communities offer a range of benefits to their members, including support and mentorship for individuals, collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and opportunities for networking and career growth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piVDXDefsts

One of the key benefits of tech communities is the support and mentorship they provide to individuals. By connecting with others who are passionate about the same subject, individuals can get help with problems they are facing, receive feedback on their work, and receive guidance on their career path.

In addition to providing support, tech communities also facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among their members. By working together on projects and sharing their expertise, individuals can learn from one another and make progress faster than they would on their own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZrfXATxJ38

Finally, tech communities offer opportunities for networking and career growth. By participating in these communities, individuals can make connections with others in their field and potentially open up new job or collaboration opportunities. Tech communities can also be a great way for individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field, which can be beneficial for career advancement.

Why You Should Join a Community?

1. Network like a Pro: Tech communities provide an opportunity to network and build relationships that can benefit your career. By interacting with others who share similar interests and goals, you can gain insight into the tech industry, collaborate on projects, and learn from different perspectives.

These connections can help to stimulate competition and encourage personal and professional growth. Additionally, participating in tech communities can help to foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration with fellow developers.

2. Build Your Personal Brand: Joining a tech community can provide valuable opportunities to promote yourself and your brand. By giving back to the community and making a positive impact, you can gain recognition and potentially attract job offers or recommendations.

Developing a strong personal brand as a developer is especially important, as it can serve as an asset when seeking new job opportunities.

For Example

3. Mentorship from the Pros: Mentorship and guidance can be crucial for anyone looking to turn their tech ideas into reality and expand their knowledge and skills. Tech communities provide a supportive environment for learning and growth and can serve as a bridge between experts and those just starting in the tech industry.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, joining a tech community can offer valuable mentorship and support.

For example, check this podcast hosted by CoCode :

https://open.spotify.com/show/4Do8vcmbO8QKy1gXqnWGSV

4. Communication Skills: Tech communities can provide opportunities to improve your communication skills, including your presentation skills and confidence when speaking to an audience. Strong communication skills are important for success in many areas of life, and being part of a tech community can help you develop and hone these skills.

Being able to effectively communicate your knowledge and ideas can make a big impact and set you apart in your career.

5. Making a Massive Impact: Tech communities provide the opportunity to make a positive impact on others and contribute to the greater good. By giving back to your community and sharing your knowledge, education, and motivation, you can create a ripple effect that helps others to grow and thrive. It is often through giving our time and resources, rather than money, that we can create the most impact and find meaning in our actions.

Don't miss the opportunity to make a difference by getting involved in a tech community and giving back.

Getting Involved in Tech Communities

If you are interested in getting involved in tech communities, there are a few key steps you can take to find the right fit for you and make a positive contribution.

First, it's important to identify your interests and goals. What do you hope to gain from participating in a tech community? Are you looking for support and mentorship as you start your tech career, or are you more interested in collaborating on projects and sharing knowledge with others? Knowing what you hope to get out of a tech community will help you find the right fit.

You can start by checking this tweet :

Once you have a clear idea of your interests and goals, you can start looking for tech communities that align with them. There are many online resources for finding tech communities, including online forums, meetup groups, and open source projects. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, colleagues, or mentors in the tech industry.

Here's how I found the CoCode Community :

Once you have found a tech community that interests you, it's important to follow best practices for participating in the community and making a positive contribution. This may include being respectful and considerate of others, following the community's guidelines and rules, and being willing to give back to the community by sharing your knowledge and expertise.

The OG of CoCode (Pooja Sanwal ) has laid down some definitive rules for members to follow

By following these steps and actively participating in tech communities, you can make valuable connections, learn new things, and make a positive impact in the tech industry.

Me attending a tech community call :

Conclusion :

There are many different types of tech communities out there, and it's important to find the right fit for your interests and goals. Once you have found a community that aligns with your interests, it's important to actively participate and make a positive contribution.

I recommend finding and participating in tech communities that align with your interests and goals. By getting involved, you can make a positive contribution and impact in the tech industry. There are many different types of tech communities available, and there is a place for everyone, regardless of their level of experience. Take the opportunity to join and get involved in a tech community today.

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."

- Helen Keller

This quote speaks to the power of teamwork and community. When we come together and work towards a common goal, the combined efforts of all individuals can achieve great things that would not be possible alone. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cooperation, and how those things can lead to greater success and progress. This quote encourages us to see the potential in working together and to strive for unity to accomplish something truly impactful.

Join a Community now!

There's no need to wait any longer to join a tech community and start learning new skills and grabbing opportunities. Investing in yourself and perfecting your skills through a community that motivates growth is crucial. Not only will you benefit from the experience and resources, but you never know who might be watching and considering you for future opportunities. Building sustainable relationships within a tech community can also lead to long-term success. Your local tech community also relies on the contributions and input of its members, so don't hesitate to get involved and make a difference.

Go make a difference and keep pushing forward !!!

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Productivity and Tips for Developers(based on research by a fellow newbie)

Atharva Salitri — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:07:12 +0000

Hey Everyone!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a high school student, interested in the world of development. This blog is a part of the " Productivity" track of WeMakeDevs Blogs. In this blog, I will be sharing how I truly understood productivity as a student, some facts about productivity and tips on how to be more productive. I will be providing multiple links and media(photos/videos) of the research I have done regarding this topic so that the readers get to know how they can implement the techniques.

Let's Begin !!!

What is Productivity?

Productivity: the state or quality of producing something, typically in a manner that is efficient and well-organized.

As students, productivity is key to our success. We are constantly juggling assignments, projects, and exams, all while trying to stay on top of the latest technologies and programming languages. So, how do we stay productive and make the most of our time?

In this blog, we'll explore the meaning of productivity, some tips and do's and don'ts for programmers, and real-world examples of how to stay productive as a computer science student.

Productivity is about getting things done, but it's not just about working harder or longer hours. It's about working smarter, not harder. It's about setting clear goals, managing your time effectively, and staying focused on what's important.

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort."

-Paul J. Meyer.

So, how do we stay productive as computer science students?

Here are some tips and dos and don'ts to help you stay on track:

Dos:

💻 Set clear goals for yourself: What do you want to accomplish? What is your end goal? To begin with, to be productive as a student and programmer, it is important to establish specific and well-defined objectives. Identify what you want to accomplish, whether it's completing a particular project, excelling in an exam or mastering a new programming language. Having a clear idea of your goals will aid in keeping you motivated and focused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOfl2sbgPhk

📚 Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks : Once you have identified your objectives, it's crucial to divide them into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will facilitate your ability to focus on one task at a time, and enable you to make steady progress towards your goals.
🎉 Prioritize your tasks: Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency.

    > "The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!"
    > 
    > \- Marvin Phillips

    *By following these six steps of the Ivy Lee Method, you will be able to stay focused on the most important tasks and make steady progress towards your goals.*

    %[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9xZvAmEQIY] 

    ## Why Does This Method Work?

    The method being discussed is straightforward and effective. It can be argued that it doesn't account for unexpected events. However, the author believes that complexity can be a weakness and it is better to focus on a simple set of priorities. Unexpected interruptions should be handled quickly and not allowed to derail the overall plan. The strategy is to use basic guidelines to navigate more complex situations. The method requires making difficult decisions, and while the specific number of tasks per day may not be significant, the concept of setting limits is beneficial. The key is to eliminate non-essential tasks and focus on what is truly important. Imposing constraints can improve performance.

🔥 Use a planner or calendar: Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. This will help you stay organized and on top of your work.
💡 Take regular breaks: Productivity is not about working non-stop, it's about working sustainably. Take regular breaks to rest your mind and body and avoid burnout. Your brain is like any other muscle in your body it needs to take rests for it to perform to its full potential.
🤩 Take care of yourself physically and mentally: Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. A healthy body and mind will help you stay focused, motivated, and energized.
📷 Use time management techniques: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Get a to-do list and a timer.
Set your timer for 25 minutes, and focus on a single task until the timer rings.
When your session ends, mark off one Pomodoro and record what you completed.
Then enjoy a five-minute break.
After four pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break.
Form New and Beneficial Hobbies: To utilise my free time and avoid wasting it on social media or other forms of attention-craving passaging of time, I decided to start small-scale design templates/banners on Canva. Using this skill, I create blog posters myself. Now I know it ain't much, but it is surely something to cheer about. For example, the cover for this very blog is created by me on Canva :
Using Background Music: Listening to Lofi music can help to create a more productive environment by enhancing concentration, improving mood, increasing creativity, and creating a sense of routine. However, it's important to note that different people have different preferences, so it's best to find the type of music that works best for you and your work style. Using Lofi background music can help increase productivity in several ways.

DON'Ts:

Avoid multitasking: Multitasking is a myth, and it can decrease productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. The human brain is not designed to multitask effectively. Additionally, multitasking can lead to errors, mistakes, and a lack of focus. It can also be detrimental to your mental and physical health, leading to increased stress and burnout.
Avoid procrastination: Procrastination should be avoided because it can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in stress. When we put things off until later, we often find ourselves running out of time, which can lead to rushed and subpar work. Additionally, procrastination can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings, such as guilt and self-doubt.
Avoid getting bogged down in details: Keep your focus on the big picture.
Get sidetracked by social media or other distractions: Technology can be a double-edged sword when it comes to productivity. While it can increase efficiency and make it easier to complete tasks, it can also be a major distraction. Stay focused on your goals.

A Special Poem I Would Like To Highlight :

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is often interpreted as a metaphor for decision-making and the choices we make in life. The speaker in the poem comes across a fork in the road and must choose which path to take. The road less travelled represents the choice of taking the path that is not the most common or easy, but rather the one that is true to oneself and one's goals.

In terms of productivity and avoiding procrastination, the poem can be interpreted as a reminder that the choices we make have a significant impact on our lives. The speaker in the poem chooses the road less travelled and implies that this choice has led to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Similarly, when it comes to productivity and avoiding procrastination, choosing to work towards our goals, rather than procrastinating, can lead to a sense of fulfilment and success.

The poem also has a message of not fearing the unknown, as the speaker chooses the road less travelled despite not knowing where it leads. This can be applied to productivity as it may encourage us to take action, even if we are uncertain of the outcome because it is through taking action that we can achieve our goals.

Additionally, the poem also encourages us to not regret the choices we make, as the speaker in the poem says "And that has made all the difference" which implies that even if the choice was not the easiest or the most convenient, it was still the right one. This can be applied to productivity as it may remind us that even if we make mistakes or face obstacles, it is important to keep moving forward and not dwell on regrets.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, productivity is a key aspect of success for students. By setting clear and specific goals, breaking them down into smaller tasks, using time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique and Ivy Lee Method , and avoiding multitasking and procrastination, developers can increase their productivity and achieve better results. Additionally, using tools such as lofi background music , and taking care of their mental and physical well-being can help to create a more conducive environment for productivity. It's important to remember that productivity is not just about working harder but working smarter, by focusing on the most important tasks and utilizing techniques such as Time Blocking and tools that work best for you. Remember that productivity is a journey, not a destination, and it requires consistent effort and self-reflection to maintain.

Stay determined, stay focused and keep pushing forward !!!

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💻 Twitter
📚 Hashnode
🎉 Medium
📝 GitHub
🔥 LinkedIn

Documenting My CPP Journey Part #5

Atharva Salitri — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 01:28:35 +0000

Introduction :

Welcome to my first series on #Hashnode where I will be documenting my journey of learning C++ from scratch to advance to develop my programming skills and later make some interesting projects. In this blog, I will be sharing what I learnt in C++ since I wrote my previous blog. In this tutorial, we can study Functions withinside the C++ language. Do check out my previous blog to be up to date with what I will be sharing in this one.

Functions :

A function is a group of instructions that accepts inputs, performs a certain calculation, and outputs the results. The concept is to group similar or often performed actions into a function so that we may call the function rather than writing the same code again for various inputs. A function is a section of code that executes only when it is called , to put it simply.

There are two types of functions:

Standard Library Functions: Predefined in C++
User-defined Function: Created by users

The syntax to declare a function is:

returnType functionName (parameter1, parameter2,...) 
{
    // function body   
}

Here's an example of a function declaration.

// function declaration
void print() 
{
    cout << "Hello World";
}

Here,

the name of the function is print()
the return type of the function is void
the empty parentheses mean it doesn't have any parameters
the function body is written inside {}

Calling a Function

In the above program, we have declared a function named print(). To use the print() function, we need to call it.

Here's how we can call the above print() function.

int main() {

    // calling a function   
    print(); 

}

Example 1: Display a Text

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

// declaring a function
void print() 
{
    cout << "Hello there!";
}

int main() 
{
    // calling the function
    print();

    return 0;
}

Output :

Hello there!

Why Are Functions Required?

Functions assist us in minimising redundant code. If a software feature needs to be performed in several places, we build a function and call it everywhere rather than writing the same code repeatedly. This aids in maintenance as all changes must be made in one location should the functionality change in the future. Code is made modular using functions. Think of a large file with numerous lines of code. If the code is broken up into functions, it becomes incredibly easy to read and utilise. Abstraction is offered via functions. For instance, we don't have to worry about how library functions operate inside when we use them.

Topics You Should Cover In Functions

Function Parameters
return statement:
Function Prototype : The function declaration code should appear before the function call in C++. However, we must utilise the function prototype if we want to define a function after the function call.
C++ Library Functions : In C++ programming, library functions are equivalent to built-in functions. Instead of writing their functions, programmers can use library functions by calling them directly. The C++ library functions sqrt(), abs(), isdigit(), etc. are some examples.
Recursion : Recursion is a method in C++ which calls itself directly or indirectly until a suitable condition is met. In this method, we repeatedly call the function within the same function, and it has a base case and a recursive condition.

Congratulations!

You just learnt about Functions in C++ !!!

Thank you for joining me in my quest to conquer C++. In the next blog, well be talking more about Arrays in a C++ program, see you there, till then keep coding and keep learning.

Credit To The Following Resource I Referenced :

My First Ever (Non-Code) Open Source Contribution

Atharva Salitri — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:43:57 +0000

Hey guys!!!

My name is Atharva and I am a high schooler learning to code. I spent the last few weeks of December 2022 learning C++ and open source in general. Ever since I came across the term " Open Source Contribution" I was intrigued and my interest levels peaked and my curiosity to know more led to me participating in my first-ever Hackathon and Open Source Contribution. In this blog, I will be sharing how I got into a team for the SheBuilds Hackathon and provided my creative insights for our project.

This blog is written for the Open Source track of CoCode Blogs - Pooja Sanwal

Introduction

Open Source : Open source refers to a type of software whose source code is available to the public , meaning that anyone can view, modify, and distribute the code. This approach to software development comes with various advantages such as the accessibility and usability of the software by a wide range of users, the ability for a community to collectively improve the software , and the flexibility to tailor the software to suit a variety of requirements.

There are many ways to contribute to open source projects, including writing code, fixing bugs, and improving documentation. However, non-code contributions, such as writing documentation, creating graphics, or organizing events , are also important for the success of open source projects. Which is exactly what I did!

My Reason To Contribute: I was motivated to make my first non-code contribution to an open source project because I wanted to get involved in the open source community and make a meaningful impact on a project that I cared about. I also saw it as an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience working on a team. Participating in open source projects can provide an opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and build a professional network.

Making a Non-Code Contribution:

The process of making a non-code contribution to an open source project typically involves the following steps:

Identifying a project: The first step in making a non-code contribution is finding a project that aligns with your interests and skills. This may involve searching for projects that are actively seeking non-code contributions or reaching out to a project maintainer on Github or any other site to inquire about opportunities. In my case, I was invited to a team by one of the members of the hackathon through DM, who was kind enough to allow a beginner to contribute to his project.
Identifying a specific need: Once you have identified a project, the next step is to identify a specific need that you can help with. This may involve reviewing the project's documentation or reaching out to the project maintainer to ask about areas where help is needed. In my case, as I did not have much tech experience, I was allowed the role of making the README file. My thorough knowledge of the Markdown editor used in Hashnode helped in creating an efficient README.
Researching and understanding the contribution guidelines: Most open source projects have specific guidelines for contributions, which may include details on the process for submitting contributions, the type of welcome contributions, and any requirements or standards that must be met. It is important to thoroughly review these guidelines before beginning work on a contribution. In my case, I joined a Discord server managed by the owner of the repository, who helped me a lot while contributing.
Contributing: Once you have identified a need and reviewed the contribution guidelines, you can begin working on your contribution. This may involve writing documentation, creating graphics, or organizing events, depending on the needs of the project. In my case, as stated earlier, I began writing the description of our project.
Submitting the contribution: Once your contribution is complete, you will need to submit it to the project for review. This may involve creating a pull request on GitHub or reaching out to the project maintainer to submit your work.

Once you have identified a need and reviewed the contribution guidelines for an open source project, the next step is to contribute.

This will typically involve one of the following types of activities:

Writing documentation: Many open source projects need clear and accurate documentation to help users understand how to use the software. You can contribute to this effort by writing or improving documentation, such as user guides, installation instructions, or API references.
Creating graphics: Graphics can be a useful tool for explaining concepts, illustrating examples, or adding visual interest to a project. If you have design skills, you can contribute by creating graphics such as diagrams, charts, or screenshots. In my case, I made a logo for our project and added it to the README and the website :
Organizing events: Many open source projects have a community of users or developers who meet regularly to discuss the project and work on it together. You can contribute to the community by organizing events such as meetups, hackathons, or workshops. In my case, a discord call and chat were arranged to discuss our contributions.
Fixing bugs: All software has bugs, and open source projects are no exception. If you have programming skills, you can contribute by fixing bugs and submitting the fixes as pull requests. In my case, I fixed a very small bug in the contributor's section of our site to essentially dissolve a few grammatical errors and inaccuracies
Adding new features: If you have a good idea for a new feature that would be useful to the project, you can contribute by implementing it and submitting it as a pull request. In my case, I suggested the coders add a "Quotes" section to our website. (check alt for translation)

Challenges and lessons learned :

Making a non-code contribution to an open source project can be a rewarding experience, but it can also present some challenges. Some common challenges that may be encountered during the contribution process include:

Learning new tools: Depending on the project and the type of contribution you are making, you may need to learn new tools or technologies. This can be a challenge, especially if you are not familiar with the tools or if the documentation is limited. In my case, I learned the following technologies
Coordinating with team members: If you are working on a large project with multiple contributors, coordinating your efforts with others can be a challenge. It may be necessary to communicate with team members to ensure that your contribution fits in with the overall direction of the project and does not conflict with the work of others. In my case, my teammates and I established specific roles to avoid confusion early on.
Managing time: Contributing to an open source project can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are balancing it with other commitments such as work or school. It is important to manage your time effectively and set realistic goals for what you can accomplish.

Some tips and advice for others looking to make non-code contributions :

Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you are having trouble with something, don't be afraid to ask for help. The open source community is generally very welcoming and willing to assist newcomers.
Start small: If you are new to open source, it can be intimidating to tackle a large project. Consider starting with a small contribution, such as fixing a typo in documentation or creating a simple graphic, to build up your confidence and experience.
Stay organized: Use tools like project management software or a task list to help you keep track of your progress and stay organized.
Be patient: Making a non-code contribution can take time, especially if you are learning new skills or coordinating with others. Be patient and persistent, and don't be discouraged if you encounter setbacks along the way.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, making a non-code contribution to an open source project can be a rewarding experience. The process typically involves identifying a project and a specific need, researching and understanding the contribution guidelines, and making the contribution.

The impact of a non-code contribution on a project can vary depending on the nature of the contribution, but it can be significant. For example, well-written documentation can make a project easier to use and understand, while graphics can help to illustrate concepts and make the project more visually appealing.

I found the experience of making a non-code contribution to be very rewarding. In addition to the satisfaction of helping out with a project I cared about, I also learned new skills and gained valuable experience working on a team.

I would encourage others to consider making non-code contributions to open source projects. It is a great way to get involved in the community, make a difference, and learn new skills. Even small contributions can have a big impact, and there is always a need for non-code contributors in the world of open source. So, don't hesitate to take the first step and make your first contribution today!

Get Started With Contributing To Open Source Now !!!

Documenting My CPP Journey Part#4

Atharva Salitri — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 14:00:02 +0000

Introduction :

Welcome to my first series on #Hashnode where I will be documenting my journey of learning C++ from scratch to advance to develop my programming skills and later make some interesting projects. In this blog, I will be sharing what I learnt in C++ since I wrote my previous blog . In this tutorial, we can study the control statements withinside the C++ language. In our last lesson, I mentioned the different Data Types, Header Files and Operators in ++. Do check it out to be up to date with what I will be sharing in this one.

Control Statements

A C++ control statement redirects the flow of a program to execute additional code. These statements come in the form of conditionals (if-else, switch) and loops (for, while, do-while). Each of them relies on a logical condition that evaluates to a boolean value to run one piece of code over another.

C++ if, if...else and Nested if...else

In computer programming, we use the if...else statement to run one block of code under certain conditions and another block of code under different conditions.

There are three forms of if...else statements in C++.

if statement
if...else statement
if...else if...else statement

C++ if Statement

The syntax of the if statement is:

if (condition) {
  // body of if statement
}

How if Statement Works :

The if statement evaluates the condition inside the parentheses ( ).

If the condition evaluates to true, the code inside the body of if is executed.
If the condition evaluates to false, the code inside the body of if is skipped.

Note: The code inside { } is the body of the if statement.

C++ if...else

The if statement can have an optional else clause. Its syntax is:

if (condition) {
  // block of code if condition is true
}
else {
  // block of code if condition is false
}

The if..else statement evaluates the condition inside the parenthesis.

How if...else Statement Works

If the condition evaluates true,

the code inside the body of if is executed
the code inside the body of else is skipped from execution

If the condition evaluates false,

the code inside the body of else is executed
the code inside the body of if is skipped from execution

C++ if...else...else if statement

The if...else statement is used to execute a block of code among two alternatives. However, if we need to choose between more than two alternatives, we use the if...else if...else statement.

The syntax of the if...else if...else statement is:

if (condition1) {
  // code block 1
}
else if (condition2){
  // code block 2
}
else {
  // code block 3
}

How if...else if...else Statement Works

Here,

If condition1 evaluates to true, the code block 1 is executed.
If condition1 evaluates to false, then condition2 is evaluated.
If condition2 is true, the code block 2 is executed.
If condition2 is false, the code block 3 is executed.

Note: There can be more than one else if statement but only one if and else statements.

C++ Nested if...else

Sometimes, we need to use an if statement inside another if statement. This is known as nested if statement.

Think of it as multiple layers of if statements. There is a first, outer if statement, and inside it is another, inner if statement. Its syntax is:

// outer if statement
if (condition1) {

  // statements

  // inner if statement
  if (condition2) {
    // statements
  }
}

Notes:

We can add else and else if statements to the inner if statement as required.
The inner if statement can also be inserted inside the outer else or else if statements (if they exist).
We can nest multiple layers of if statements.

Loops :

In computer programming, loops are used to repeat a block of code.

For example, let's say we want to show a message 100 times. Then instead of writing the print statement 100 times, we can use a loop.

That was just a simple example; we can achieve much more efficiency and sophistication in our programs by making effective use of loops.

There are 3 types of loops in C++.

for loop
while loop
do...while loop

For Loop

A for loop allows for a block of code to be executed until a conditional becomes false. For loops are usually used when a block of code needs to execute a fixed number of times. Each loop consists of 3 parts, an initialization step, the conditional , and an iteration step. The initialization is run before entering the loop, the condition is checked at the beginning of each run through the loop ( including the first run ), and the iteration step executes at the end of each pass through the loop, but before the condition is rechecked. It is usual practice to have the iteration step move the loop one step closer to making the condition false, thus ending the loop, but this does not need to be the case.

The syntax of for-loop is:

for (initialization; condition; interation) {
    // body of-loop 
}

Here,

initialization - initializes variables and is executed only once
condition - if true, the body of for loop is executed

if false, the for loop is terminated
iteration - updates the value of initialized variables and again checks the condition

Example: Printing Numbers From 1 to 10

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
        for (int i = 1; i <= 10; i++) {
        cout << i << " ";
    }
    return 0;
}

Output

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

While Loop

A while loop is a simple loop that will run the same code over and over as long as a given condition is true. The condition is checked at the beginning of each run through the loop ( including the first one ). If the conditional is false for the beginning, the while loop will be skipped altogether.

The syntax of the while loop is:

while (condition) {
    // body of the loop
}

Here,

A while loop evaluates the condition
If the condition evaluates to true, the code inside the while loop is executed.
The condition is evaluated again.
This process continues until the condition is false.
When the condition evaluates to false, the loop terminates.

Example: Display Numbers from 1 to 10

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int i = 1; 

    // while loop from 1 to 10
    while (i <= 5) {
        cout << i << " ";
        i++;
    }

    return 0;
}

Output

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Do-while Loop

A do-while loop acts just like a while loop, except the condition is checked at the end of each pass through the loop body. This means a do-while loop will execute at least once.

The syntax for Do-while loop is:

do {
   // body of loop;
}
while (condition);

Here,

The body of the loop is executed at first. Then the condition is evaluated.
If the condition evaluates to true, the body of the loop inside the do statement is executed again.
The condition is evaluated once again.
If the condition evaluates to true, the body of the loop inside the do statement is executed again.
This process continues until the condition evaluates to false. Then the loop stops.

Example: Display Numbers from 1 to 10

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int i = 1; 

    // do...while loop from 1 to 10
    do {
        cout << i << " ";
        i++;
    }
    while (i <= 10);

    return 0;
}

Output

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Break Statement

Break is a useful keyword that allows the program to exit a loop or switch statement before the expected end of that code block. This is useful in error checking or if the outcome of a loop is not certain.

The syntax of the break statement is:

break;

Example: break with for loop

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
        // break condition     
        if (i == 4) {
            break;
        }
        cout << i << endl;
    }

return 0;
}

Output

1
2
3

Continue Statement

In computer programming, the continue statement is used to skip the current iteration of the loop and the control of the program goes to the next iteration.

The syntax of the continue statement is:

continue;

Example: continue with for loop

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    for (int i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
        // condition to continue
        if (i == 3) {
            continue;
        }

        cout << i << endl;
    }

    return 0;
}

Output

Switch Case Statement

The switch statement allows us to execute a block of code among many alternatives.

The syntax of the switch statement in C++ is:

switch (expression) {
    case constant1:
        // code to be executed if 
        // expression is equal to constant1;
        break;

    case constant2:
        // code to be executed if
        // expression is equal to constant2;
        break;
        .
        .
        .
    default:
        // code to be executed if
        // expression doesn't match any constant
}

How does the switch statement work?

The expression is evaluated once and compared with the values of each case label.

If there is a match, the corresponding code after the matching label is executed. For example, if the value of the variable is equal to constant2, the code after case constant2: is executed until the break statement is encountered.
If there is no match, the code after default: is executed.

Notice!! that the break statement is used inside each case block. This terminates the switch statement.

If the break statement is not used, all cases after the correct case are executed.

Example: Create a Calculator using the switch Statement

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    char oper;
    float num1, num2;
    cout << "Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): ";
    cin >> oper;
    cout << "Enter two numbers: " << endl;
    cin >> num1 >> num2;

    switch (oper) {
        case '+':
            cout << num1 << " + " << num2 << " = " << num1 + num2;
            break;
        case '-':
            cout << num1 << " - " << num2 << " = " << num1 - num2;
            break;
        case '*':
            cout << num1 << " * " << num2 << " = " << num1 * num2;
            break;
        case '/':
            cout << num1 << " / " << num2 << " = " << num1 / num2;
            break;
        default:
            cout << "Error! The operator is not correct";
            break;
    }

    return 0;
}

Output 1

Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): +
Enter two numbers: 
2.3
4.5
2.3 + 4.5 = 6.8

Output 2

Enter an operator (+, -, *, /): -
Enter two numbers: 
2.3
4.5
2.3 - 4.5 = -2.2

Congratulations!

You just learnt about control statements in C++ !!!

Thank you for joining me in my quest to conquer C++. In the next blog, well be talking more about arrays and pointers in a C++ program, see you there, till then keep coding and keep learning.

Credit To The Following Resource I Referenced :

Baby Steps Into The World Of Development : "Dev Retro 2022"

Atharva Salitri — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 03:51:32 +0000

Introduction :

This Blog is a part of the "Dev Retro 2022" initiative by Hashnode and is related to the theme of reflecting on my journey as a beginner developer.

Everyone has a hobby or activity they are enthusiastic and passionate about and can engage in without getting bored ; for me, that activity is programming and coding. Having learnt the basics of Java in 9th and 10th Grade and understanding the syntax of C and C++ through YouTube, I stand as of today still a beginner, scratching just the surface of Software Development. Reflecting on what I learned while understanding the aforementioned programming languages I am certain that my interests lie in the vast ocean of development that lies ahead. In this blog, I will be sharing the little things I have learnt in 2022, the challenges I faced and some general tips for those who would like to learn to code.

Why do I want to become a developer?

This one is rather easy to answer - because it combines my interests in technology , problem-solving, and working with people - the basic roles of a software developer. I would have the chance to work on a range of projects as a software engineer, utilising various tools and programming languages. Additionally, I would be able to work with other developers to create and enhance new applications.

Passion is an important force in our lives that helps us in many ways. It is passion that helps us achieve great success in life, achieve great things in life, innovate and solve life's core problems. It's not what we see, it's what we feel. It forces us to do what we love and it drives us to do our best.

It is obvious that we can no more explain a passion to a person who has never experienced it than we can explain light to the blind.

T. S. Eliot

I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.

Albert Einstein

To me, being a software engineer is using creativity, intelligence, and art to bring life to the code and create apps that solve practical problems. Working with semi-colons and words that aren't described in a dictionary to give them a meaning that both robots and people can understand is what drives me to pursue development. In plain terms, it is like using your creativity on a canvas (IDE) like an artist, except that we create software instead of painting. We don't simply develop code; we also build user-friendly, scalable systems and software.

In my opinion, software engineering or development is largely misunderstood by those who haven't experienced the joys of coding. Many people think of it as engineering ; some say it's like art ; a few think of it as a flawed creative process. Even though they may look different, software engineering is akin to painting in more ways than we think. Both need discipline, repetition, and knowledge of the principles and require the use of our hands.

Similarly, Programming resembles playing with Legos in certain ways. However, you construct things with your thoughts rather than actual physical materials. The things you create are digital, which also makes them eternally flexible. You can shape and reshape! - them limited only by your imagination. When components come together to create a useful tool or product , it feels incredibly great. It gives one a strong sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

In a way "Programming" is empowering. This is how we feel when we code successfully ...

Challenges One Faces While Learning To Code And How To Overcome Them :

Many people believe that learning to code is too difficult to even begin with. Do you belong to them? Coding has many difficulties, but anyone can learn it with time and effort. Having said that, learning to code can come with several common obstacles. Let's investigate them and come up with ideas to make our learning curve as frictionless as possible.

Focusing too much on syntax and not on problem-solving skills

Irrespective of what programming language you choose, in the end, what matters is your ability to solve given problems. We tend to focus mostly on the syntax of the language and not on problem-solving methods while learning. You may learn (and later forget) how to write syntax, but if you dont know how to solve a simple question, all your coding knowledge will go in vain and your efforts will be wasted.

First, solve the problem. Then, write the code. John Johnson

Lack of energy or the hunger to code

Sometimes it pays to stay in bed on Monday, rather than spending the rest of the week debugging Mondays code. Dan Salomon

Where do I begin?
You dont know what you should be learning and how

How do you select topics to study? This is a common question. The first thing you probably do when confronted with such a query is Google. Additionally, you may have created a substantial developer roadmap. Following such a substantial roadmap is certain to sap your enthusiasm for learning. You will be frustrated if You force yourself to learn information that you are not yet prepared for or willing to learn. To begin, you must abandon the idea of a roadmap and concentrate on what you want to learn. This gives you the confidence to learn without trouble.

Simplicity is the soul of efficiency. Austin Freeman

Follow one mentor/blog and learn one thing at a time

Congratulations On Finishing The Blog!

Thank you for joining me in my quest to share my experiences on learning to code and get a head start in the process of learning. Do react to my blog and share it with those who you think will benefit from this blog !!! Do follow me to read more blogs in the future. To Be Continued ...

Credit To The Following Resource I Referenced :

5 Signs of Highly Passionate Programmers

Top 5 Challenges in Learning to Code

Overcoming 7 main problems of learning to code for people who dont have a developer job

Challenges of learning to code

My first blog on Hashnode

Documenting my CPP Journey Part #3

Atharva Salitri — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 04:06:39 +0000

Introduction :

Welcome to my first series on #Hashnode where I will be documenting my journey of learning C++ from scratch to advance to develop my programming skills and later make some interesting projects. In this blog, I will be sharing what I learnt in C++ since I wrote my previous blog . In this tutorial, we can study the Data Types, Basic Input/Output, header files and Operators withinside the C++ language. In our last lesson, I mentioned the different variables (their syntax and types), and comments in a C++ program. Do check it out to be up to date with what I will be sharing in this one.

Data Types :

All variables use data type during declaration to restrict the type of data to be stored. Therefore, we can say that data types are used to tell the variables the type of data they can store. Whenever a variable is defined in C++, the compiler allocates some memory for that variable based on the data type with which it is declared. Every data type requires a different amount of memory.

C++ supports the following data types:

Primary or Built-in or Fundamental data type : These data types are built-in or predefined data types and can be used directly by the user to declare variables. example: int, char, float, bool, etc.
Derived data types : Derived data types that are derived from the primitive or built-in datatypes are referred to as Derived Data Types like Function, Array etc
User-defined data types : These data types are defined by the user itself. For example class, structure, enum etc.

In this blog, we will be focusing on Primitive Data Types.

Primitive Data Types

Integer : The keyword used for integer data types is int. Integers typically require 4 bytes of memory space and range from -2147483648 to 2147483647.
Character : Character data type is used for storing characters. The keyword used for the character data type is char. Characters typically require 1 byte of memory space and range from -128 to 127 or 0 to 255.
Boolean : Boolean data type is used for storing Boolean or logical values. A Boolean variable can store either true or false. The keyword used for the Boolean data type is bool.
Floating Point : Floating Point data type is used for storing single-precision floating-point values or decimal values. The keyword used for the floating-point data type is float. Float variables typically require 4 bytes of memory space.
Double Floating Point : Double Floating Point data type is used for storing double-precision floating-point values or decimal values. The keyword used for the double floating-point data type is double. Double variables typically require 8 bytes of memory space.
void : Void means without any value. void data type represents a valueless entity. A void data type is used for those function which does not return a value.

Basic Input and Output in C++

C++ language comes with different libraries, which help us in performing input/output operations. In C++ sequences of bytes corresponding to input and output are commonly known as streams. There are two types of streams:

Input Stream: If the direction of flow of bytes is from the device(for example, Keyboard) to the main memory then this process is called input.
Output Stream: If the direction of flow of bytes is opposite, i.e. from main memory to device( display screen ) then this process is called output.

Header files available in C++ for Input/Output operations are:

What Are C++ Header Files? These are those files that store predefined functions. It contains definitions of functions that you can include or import using a preprocessor directive #include. This preprocessor directive tells the compiler that the header file needs to be processed prior to the compilation.

iostream : iostream stands for standard input-output stream. This header file contains definitions of objects like cin, cout, cerr, etc. The two instances cout in C++ and cin in C++ of iostream class are used very often for printing outputs and taking inputs respectively. These two are the most basic methods of taking input and printing output in C++. To use cin and cout in C++ one must include the header file iostream in the program.

Standard output stream (cout): Usually the standard output device is the display screen. It is used to produce output on the standard output device which is usually the display screen. The data needed to be displayed on the screen is inserted in the standard output stream (cout) using the insertion operator( << ).
standard input stream (cin): Usually the input device in a computer is the keyboard. C++ cin statement is used to read input from the standard input device which is usually a keyboard. The extraction operator( >> ) is used along with the object cin for reading inputs. The extraction operator extracts the data from the object cin which is entered using the keyboard.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main()
{
    int a; //integer data type
    cout<<"Enter a number \n"; //output stream
    cin>>a; //input stream
    cout <<"Value of a is = "<<a;
    return 0;
}

Operators :

An operator is a symbol that tells the compiler to perform specific mathematical or logical manipulations. C++ is rich in built-in operators and provides the following types of operators

Arithmetic Operators : These operators are used to perform arithmetic or mathematical operations on the operands. For example, + is used for addition , - is used for subtraction * is used for multiplication, etc.
Relational Operators : These operators are used for the comparison of the values of two operands. For example, > checks if one operand is greater than the other operand or not, etc. The result returns a Boolean value, i.e., true or false.
Logical Operators : These operators are used to combine two or more conditions or constraints or to complement the evaluation of the original condition in consideration. The result returns a Boolean value, i.e., true or false. Eg.
Bitwise Operators : These operators are used to perform bit-level operations on the operands. The operators are first converted to bit-level and then the calculation is performed on the operands
Assignment Operators : These operators are used to assign value to a variable. The left side operand of the assignment operator is a variable and the right side operand of the assignment operator is a value. The value on the right side must be of the same data type as the variable on the left side otherwise the compiler will raise an error.

Congratulations!

You just learnt about Header files, Basic Input/Output and Operators in C++ !!!

Thank you for joining me in my quest to conquer C++. In the next blog, well be talking more about the different control statements in a C++ program, see you there, till then keep coding and keep learning.

Credit To The Following Resource I Referenced :

w3schools
geeksforgeeks

Documenting My CPP Journey Part#2

Atharva Salitri — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:21:04 +0000

Introduction :

Welcome to my first series on #Hashnode where I will be documenting my journey of learning C++ from scratch to advance to develop my programming skills and later make some interesting projects. In this blog, I will be sharing what I learnt in C++ since I wrote my previous blog . In this tutorial, we can study the variables and comments withinside the C++ language. In our last lesson, I mentioned the primary shape of a C++ program, in which we understood the operation of the C++ code line through the line. Do check it out to be up to date with what I will be sharing in this one.

Variables in C++ :

Variables are containers for storing data values.

In C++, there are different types of variables (defined with different keywords), for example:

int - stores integers (whole numbers), without decimals, such as 123 or -123
double - stores floating point numbers, with decimals, such as 19.99 or -19.99
char - stores single characters, such as 'a' or 'B'. Char values are surrounded by single quotes
string - stores text, such as "Hello World". String values are surrounded by double quotes
bool - stores values with two states: true or false

Syntax for Declaring Variables in C++

Data_type Variable_name = Value;
Ex: int a=10; char ch = p;
Ex: float a= 1.1 , b=6.5;

Rules For Declaring Variables in C++

Variable names in C++ can range from 1 to 255 characters.
All variable names must begin with a letter of the alphabet or an underscore(_).
After the first initial letter, variable names can also contain letters and numbers.
Variable names are case-sensitive i.e it is treated differently depending on whether it is in capital or lower-case text.
No spaces or special characters are allowed.
You cannot use a C++ keyword (a reserved word) as a variable name.

Scope of Variables in C++

In general, the scope is defined as the extent to which something can be worked with. In programming also the scope of a variable is defined as the extent of the program code within which the variable can be accessed or declared or worked with. There are mainly two types of variable scopes:

Local Variables: Variables defined within a function or block are said to be local to those functions.
Global Variables: As the name suggests, Global Variables can be accessed from any part of the program.

For example, consider this code snippet --- it shows an example of a variable " sum" taken as an integer variable, which will store a value 5, and writing sum after the " cout" statement will show us the value of "sum" on the output window i.e 5.

#include<iostream>
using namespace std;

int global_variable = 2; 

int main(){
    int local_variable = 3;
    int sum = 5;
    cout<< "The value of variable int sum is "<< sum;
    return 0;
}

Comments in C++ :

A well-documented program is a good habit for a programmer. Programs are easier to read and easier to debug. Comments are an important part of good documentation.

In computer programming, comments are programmer-readable explanations or annotations in the source code of a computer program.
Comments are statements that are not executed by the compiler and interpreter.

There are two ways to write comments :

Single-Line Comments: 1^st way is to use" //" before a single line of text to make it unparsable by the compiler.
Multi-Line Comments: 2^nd way is to use "/*" as the opening and "*/" as the closing of the comment. We then write text in between them. It includes multiple statements in the form of non-executable texts for better readability.

For example :

This program consists of both single-line and multi-line comments that do not affect the outcome of the code. Compiling and executing this program will just print the statement - "Comments are easy".

#include<iostream>
using namespace std;
// This is a single line comment 
/* this
is 
a 
multi
line 
comment */
int main(){
   cout<< "Comments are easy"<< sum;
    return 0;
}

Congratulations!

You just learnt about variables and comments in C++ !!!

Thank you for joining me in my quest to conquer C++. In the next blog, well be talking more about the different Data Types in a C++ program, see you there, till then keep coding and keep learning.

Credit To The Following Resource I Referenced :