The Best Thing I Ever Coded: From Classic Games to Automation and Beyond
Over the years, I've had the privilege to code some fascinating projects, ranging from classic games to practical automation scripts. Each of these projects has contributed to my journey as a programmer and has left a lasting impact on my career. In this article, I'll share five of my favorite coding achievements in various programming languages.
Finding Joy in Simple Games
Games have always held a special place in my heart, so I couldn't resist creating a terminal-based version of Minesweeper. My version of this classic game was unique in that it featured an autoplay mode. This mode recursively flags trivially countable squares, leaving only the puzzles for the player to solve. The result is a lightning-fast experience, perfect for those seeking a quick mental challenge.
Creating Solutions with Python
Python has always been my go-to language for anything related to Rosetta Code tasks. Specifically, I contributed a solution to the Honeycomb problem, which is an excellent puzzle to solve. Along with the main code, I included doctests to ensure that the solution works as intended. This not only saved me a ton of time but also provided a useful tool for others seeking to solve similar challenges.
Understanding the Hough Transform
One of the projects that taught me the value of creativity and persistence was my exploration of the Hough transform. This technique for detecting lines in a grayscale image was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It was a pivotal moment in my learning process, as it taught me that mathematical concepts have practical applications far beyond their theoretical existence.
A Career Boost with FORTRAN
Practicing FORTRAN (yes, even the older version) turned out to be a game-changer for my career. Writing code in a language that is no longer widely used helped me stand out during the job application process. It demonstrated my ability to work with diverse languages and technologies, which ultimately led to job opportunities in industries that prioritize versatile skills.
Automating with a Browser Script
One of the most satisfying but also most practical coding achievements was an automation script I wrote to clean up my prime music library on an iPod touch. Years earlier, I had built up a sizable music library, but my mother wanted to use her Prime Music subscription again. Instead of manually checking and deleting each song, I wrote a snippet that could run in the browser console.
The script monitored for a keydown event for the delete key and automatically clicked each checkbox, allowing me to remove hundreds of songs in a few minutes. This not only saved me a significant amount of time but also demonstrated the power of automation in real-world scenarios.
Exploring Unique Programming Languages
In the spirit of fun and exploration, I also attempted to write a 2D program on a doughnut shape using SNUSP (SuＮUS Perforated Paper). It was an interesting challenge, with its own unique set of rules and limitations. This project was proof that sometimes, programming for the sake of creativity can lead to some of the most memorable and enjoyable coding experiences.
Contributing to Rosetta Code
Contributing to Rosetta Code isn't just about solving problems; it’s about sharing knowledge and helping others learn. I've contributed to several tasks on the platform, including the Honeycombs and Hough transform tasks, as well as writing solutions in Python. These contributions not only helped me improve my skills but also allowed me to interact with a community of passionate programmers.
Exploring Favorite Programming Languages
Lastly, I'd like to share that programming languages are a personal preference, and there's no one perfect language for everyone. My journey through different languages like Python, FORTRAN, and even though it’s not a language per se, SNUSP, has shown me that each language offers unique perspectives and skills that can be applied to various projects. If you’re looking for language recommendations, consider your project needs, learning goals, and community support. Each language has its own charm and can enhance your programming journey in its own special way.
From simple games and puzzles to practical scripts that save time, these coding achievements have made a significant impact on my career and personal development. Each of them serves as a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that comes with unleashing creativity through code.