We recently talked to Harsh Priye, a recent BTech graduate from NSIT, Delhi, who embarked on his web development journey in 2022.
His story is about exploring new paths, facing challenges, and growing as he moved from uncertainty about his career to becoming a dedicated web developer.
One of the best takeaways from his journey are his projects, especially CodeLabs, which he built using JDoodle’s APIs.
Have you too faced apprehension in your career or life choices? Read Harsh’s story to feel seen!
Discovering the world of web development
Harsh began his journey with some hesitation, unsure whether to pursue machine learning, app development, or web development. After some encouragement from friends, he decided to dive into web development.
“A few of my friends told me, yeah, there’s not a very high entry barrier in web development, and if you want to implement whatever you have learned academically, so you can go with web dev. I enjoyed it.”
And web development is where he found his true passion. Starting with basic HTML, CSS, and vanilla JavaScript, Harsh gradually built his skills and confidence.
One of Harsh’s biggest challenges was transitioning from C++ to JavaScript, particularly in competitive coding.
“The switch from C++ to JavaScript while doing competitive coding rounds was a bit tricky, but once I got used to it, I found it very easy to go with JavaScript.”
This transition set the stage for his journey into front-end development.
Learning front-end frameworks
React became Harsh’s first front-end framework, and he quickly transitioned to Next.js, a more powerful and efficient version of React.
“React was the first front-end framework that I started with, and I’m still working with React, but now, mostly, I do things in Next.js. That is also React, but better.”
While Harsh acknowledges that he’s not a designer by nature, he is inspired by those who create stunning web interfaces. He often finds himself paying close attention to the intricate details of web designs, trying to understand the thought process behind them.
Harsh candidly shares his thoughts on the gap between college education and the skills needed in the real world. He acknowledges that while his engineering college provided a competitive environment and foundational knowledge, it did not equip him with the practical skills required in the industry.
Harsh’s journey was one of self-learning, where he had to seek out resources and tools on his own to build real-world projects.
“No engineering college, be it government or private, provides you with the skills that are really required in the real world. They give you the environment and the concepts, but you have to figure out how to apply them in real projects on your own.”
Despite this, Harsh made the most of his college years by surrounding himself with peers who excelled in various domains, from development to competitive coding. This environment pushed him to explore development further, creating projects that would later define his career.
Harsh’s project came to life with the JDoodle API
Throughout his journey, Harsh has worked on several projects that he is particularly proud of. One of his standout projects is a code collaboration platform built using JDoodle’s APIs. Harsh has worked on several side projects that he is particularly proud of, including his work with JDoodle. He utilized JDoodle’s APIs to create a project that is both practical and user-friendly.
“One project I’m very proud of is the code lab I made using JDoodle. It’s very usable to people—they can save their code templates, boilerplate, and even compile and run them without setting up an entire compiler on their system.”
Here’s a demo of CodeLabs:
Another notable project is an online multiplayer game with an in-game chat functionality. This project, which required implementing WebSocket connections for real-time communication, showcases Harsh’s growing expertise in web development.
“I made an online multiplayer game with in-game chat functionality using WebSocket connections. It’s something I’m really proud of because it was technically challenging and also very fun to build.”
Harsh has also explored deep learning and machine learning, creating a deepfake detection project during his college years. While the project may not have the highest accuracy, it demonstrates Harsh’s willingness to tackle complex challenges and learn new technologies.
JDoodle became an essential tool for Harsh as he progressed in his development journey. The platform allowed him to experiment with code, test new ideas, and save his work without needing a local setup.
Future plans and aspirations
Looking ahead, Harsh has already secured a position at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). While he is currently waiting for his joining letter, he continues to explore freelance opportunities and internships to further enhance his skills. His long-term goal is to either pursue a master’s degree abroad or secure a position at a top-tier tech company like Google or Facebook.
Harsh is also keen on expanding his knowledge in areas such as UI/UX design and technical writing. He believes that continuous learning and exploring new fields are essential in the ever-evolving tech industry.
Harsh’s advice for aspiring developers
Harsh’s journey is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring developers. His advice is simple yet profound:
“You have to start early because technology is changing very rapidly. And you will be lost in the race if you don’t start early. And never stop exploring—technology evolves quickly, so you have to keep up with it.”
Whether you’re just starting or looking to switch tracks, Harsh believes that it’s crucial to stay curious and continuously seek out new learning opportunities.
Share your story with us!
Like Harsh, you can also inspire other developers with your development journey. If you wish to share your story, email us at hello@jdoodle.com or zahwah@jdoodle.com.