Over the summer I realized something. I realized how big the impact that computers make on the world is. After that, I realized that I can use a computer, but I have no idea how they work. So much realization for me. This prompted my head-first dive into the world of computer science. I had always loved the entrepreneurial spirits of men like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk. This led to yet another realization, I have the opportunity to be just like these men. The only thing holding me back is my relatively small knowledge of anything concerning computer programming. With these things being said, I have decided to jump on the exponentially growing bandwagon of computer science and engineering. Since this magical realization over the summer, I have been slowly teaching myself how to code. It’s definitely not easy, and I have developed an even bigger respect for the people who do this professionally. However, the goals I have set for myself are in no way impossible. I’m sure that the skill of computer programming is completely reasonable. Anything, if done with care and repetition, can be learned or mastered. This isn’t really a matter of “if” I will learn anymore, the question I have for myself is “when.” With well over a staggering ten hours of basic experience, and a fun idea, I have started the great conquest of “Flappy Buggia.” It is, at its core, the hit game “Flappy Bird” with the twist of a flying Mr. Buggia head and sounds. The game is coming along, but a majority of the time I find myself guessing and checking what code I may have written minutes before. I’m sure that you, the reader, are totally stoked reading this right now, and for that, I will attach a few images of the game below. Wish me luck, and check back soon for more updates!
-Charlie
It definitely isn't the app you wanted, but it's the app you needed.
Charlie, I am fairly confident that you know who I am. Your post made me think about how often I use computers every day. Whether it be a desktop computer, laptop or a smartphone. While thinking of this, I wondered what life would be like if computers were never invented. Honestly, I think it would be awful because of how many tasks are easier to complete with the assistance of computers. How do you think life would be if computers were never invented?
Thanks for your comment random Charlie! Living in a world without computers would be crazy. We would still have to use long division! Gross. I don't think that's a world I would want to live in for longer than a week.
Reply
Benji
11/20/2014 09:18:34 pm
Hey Charlie, it's really neat that you're trying to learn about coding by yourself. While I agree that coding is becoming more and more important by the day, it can definitely be a struggle to learn. Personally, I could barely get the basics down in Python before I ended up quitting due to my frustrations, despite Python being one of the easier languages to learn. It is seriously an impressive feat that you can get so far making a game, even if it's a Flappy Bird clone with different sprites. Just wondering, what language are you using for your game?
P.S Nice reference in the title.
Reply
Charlie
11/20/2014 09:36:25 pm
Thanks for picking up on the reference Benji! I'm currently using Java to program the game, but I have found that I have the most knowledge in JavaScript. I think the biggest reason that people don't do things like this is the overwhelming nature of it. It's kind of like a big boulder on top of a hill, it may be hard to start, but it gets easier along the way!
Reply
Daniel
11/20/2014 09:23:36 pm
Charlie,
I find your progression from knowing almost nothing about computers, to being able to code a game inspiring. I have never been great with computers, and I would not know how to begin to code something. Being able to figure something out that quickly shows you must be dedicated and good at picking up information quickly. What do you do to code a game? Also you said that over the summer you realized computers had a large impact on the world. What caused to to come to this realization over this summer? Also you mentioned how you were inspired by men like Bill Gates. Do you think you will go into a career involving computers? If so, how will you prepare?
Reply
Charlie
11/20/2014 09:41:43 pm
Thanks for the comment Daniel! I threw myself into the game programming by a nice Google search of "Flappy Bird source code." From there, I read code for about an hour and felt like an idiot. I didn't know what anything meant. About an hour later, I started to recognize patterns and redundancies in the code. Even later (I had a free afternoon) I searched for more concise code. I found a Java program that ran a clone of Flappy Bird in 50 lines and did my best to recreate that. It was a great way to dip my toes in the world of programming. With this experience, my idea of a career went from solely engineering to adding computer science. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to solve problems!
Reply
Audrey
11/20/2014 09:32:39 pm
Charlie, you have my respect. That is a very challenging endeavor, and I wish you luck. I have no doubt that with perseverance, you can do something really cool with that programming knowledge. I agree that computers are very important to society and will probably only get more important from here. And great job on the app by the way. Computer programming seems really interesting, but personally I've never taken to it enough to study seriously. I'm a fan of cryptograms, myself. That might be similar in some ways. Like I said, I wouldn't really have a way of knowing.
Reply
Charlie
11/21/2014 06:29:39 am
Thanks Audrey! That's really cool that you're into cryptography, I did a lot of "Caesarian shift" research over the summer! It's amazing how much of our world relies on computers, and even more amazing when thinking about the future. Will we buy groceries in the future using BitCoins? Regardless, it (the future) will probably amaze me. I would love to be on the side of people that understand the ins and outs of computing and technology. It's only going to get bigger!
Reply
Leave a Reply.
Author
Just another kid, doing another class blog assignment. There's nothing too special here, unless if you're my teacher. In that case, I pour my heart and soul onto these digital pages.