5 Programming Side Quests to Escape Web Dev

Highlights

• Game development provides a way to build virtual worlds using JavaScript game frameworks or the Godot engine.

• Embedded programming controls physical devices like treadmills and washing machines using hardware such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico.

• Systems programming utilizes languages like C, Rust, and Zig to handle memory management and build complex software like operating systems or databases from scratch.

• Capture the flag challenges on platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and PicoCTF allow security testing through hacking puzzles.

• Machine learning models can run locally on laptops using tools like Ollama or be trained using Python and PyTorch.

Timeline

1. 00:23 - 01:04

   Game Development

   Web development often consists of processing data and displaying text and boxes, leading developers to seek alternatives like game development. The Godot engine provides an accessible entry point with support for 2D and 3D projects, bringing back school-level math concepts in a practical environment.

   • Game development offers an alternative to web development through virtual world creation.
   • JavaScript game frameworks allow developers to build games directly in the browser.
   • The Godot engine handles both 2D and 3D graphics for rapid prototyping within a weekend.
2. 01:04 - 01:50

   Embedded Programming

   Connecting sensors and wires to physical hardware lets code react to real-world stimuli. Beginners can start using microcontroller boards like the Arduino or Raspberry Pi Pico to understand low-level device control.

   • Embedded programming involves writing code that directly controls physical hardware devices.
   • Everyday appliances like treadmills and washing machines rely on code inside tiny computers.
   • Hardware options like Arduino and Raspberry Pi Pico provide accessible entry points for physical computing projects.
3. 01:50 - 02:43

   Systems Programming

   Systems programming operates entirely on laptops without requiring physical hardware purchases. Constructing complex software like databases, web servers, or operating systems gives programmers total control over hardware resources.

   • Systems programming requires languages like C, Rust, and Zig for low-level memory and resource control.
   • Building a tiny web server from scratch reveals what happens behind the scenes before requests reach frameworks like Express.
   • This path presents significant technical challenges but explains computer mechanics under the hood.
4. 02:43 - 03:54

   Security and Capture the Flag

   Security challenges simulate hacking scenarios safely. Understanding basic vulnerability types prevents early frustration and abandonment during capture the flag exercises.

   • Capture the flag challenges provide legal hacking puzzles with deliberately vulnerable websites.
   • Platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and PicoCTF host security challenges for finding hidden flags.
   • Web developers possess transferable skills regarding forms, cookies, and databases that help identify system vulnerabilities.
5. 03:54 - 05:08

   Machine Learning

   Machine learning enables projects ranging from local chat applications to custom image classification models. Developers can choose any of these five side quests to build diverse technical competencies outside of standard web applications.

   • Machine learning models run locally on personal laptops using tools like Ollama without external API costs.
   • Python combined with libraries like PyTorch enables training custom models for specialized tasks.
   • Starter guides and resource links assist developers in selecting and launching their first side quest.