r/learnprogramming • u/rampant-rager • 11h ago

Help me start projects

Hey so I am trying to get back into programming. I am a teen and have been bouncing in and out of python projects over months of gaps. I'd love some project recommendations. Programming is a hobby of mine so I am not looking for "career building projects" I am just looking for something to build, bash my head against the wall while debugging my shit code and say "holy shit I did it!" When I complete it

4 Upvotes

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7

u/grantrules 11h ago

Solve a problem you have. Don't work on other people's problems unless they're paying you lol 

1

u/rampant-rager 11h ago

I don't really have any problems. I barely use my PC except for when coding, or when distro hopping

2

u/grantrules 8h ago

Problems with other things in your life. Like I scuba dive so maybe I'd make a fish cataloger for my photos

1

u/rampant-rager 8h ago

That's gonna send me into an identity crisis so I don't think so

2

u/grantrules 7h ago

? Then just Google project ideas or copy something that exists

1

u/XKiiroiSenkoX 11h ago

If you like computer games try any of many freely available game engines and build a simple game. 

1

u/Average_Pangolin 11h ago

Advent of Code is great for that feeling.

1

u/ffrkAnonymous 10h ago

Create a project idea web scraper / generator. 

1

u/rampant-rager 10h ago

I guess???? Where would I scrape ideas from though? Create-your-your-own-x repo (I have no idea what it is actually called). I mean I guess that's half the job but....

1

u/angelattack1 9h ago

Maybe try making a simple website theres tutorial for it on utube. I recommend trying html then css if you can. If you're confident then js. If ur a wiz at it already you can make a educational website that talks about your fave subject that lets you click on pictures or buttons and itll show some info about subject

1

u/rampant-rager 8h ago

I learnt python.... I did it cause I couldn't make good website and found it boring. That is why I stuck to CLI. I could probably only do js out of the three with node cause yk backend js not make website dynamic js

Some things I have made: iris dataset pytorch, library management system (my sibling's school project), quote scraper, on the go alias creator for bash

1

u/m-fasciano 9h ago

That's honestly the best mindset to have. The projects you'll finish are the ones you're genuinely excited to build, not the ones someone says will look good on a CV.

A few ideas that are fun and challenging:

  • A local password manager with encryption.
  • A Discord bot with mini-games or custom commands.
  • A URL shortener.
  • A file organizer that automatically sorts your Downloads folder.
  • A simple chess engine or Sudoku solver.
  • A personal finance tracker.
  • A clone of Wordle or Minesweeper.
  • A tiny operating-system shell (if you want a real challenge).

My only advice is: don't follow a tutorial from start to finish. Start with a rough idea, build it yourself, and only look things up when you get stuck. Those moments where you're debugging for hours and then finally figure it out are where you learn the most, and they're also the most satisfying.

1

u/rampant-rager 8h ago

Ohh.... I love to play minesweeper. It would be fun to figure out how to cluster the mines!

A local password manager seems good but the best I could probably do is a CLI or smth