For National Coding Week, we’re highlighting the curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving that make coding such a rewarding skill to learn. From building a movie ticketing application to developing a CPR education app for the FDNY, Nirav Patel shares what first sparked his interest in software development, the projects that have shaped his experience, and why the best way to learn to code is to start building.
What got you into coding?
Honestly, I got into coding because I was always curious about how technology worked behind the scenes. I would use different websites and apps and wonder how they were actually built. So I started learning how to code, and once I began creating things myself, I realized I really enjoyed the problem-solving part of it. That’s what really got me interested in software development.
What do you enjoy most about being a developer?
I think what I enjoy most is solving problems and being able to build something from an idea. I like taking a problem, breaking it down, and figuring out how to make everything work together. It’s also rewarding knowing that something you built can actually make someone’s life a little easier.
What was your first coding project?
My first coding project was CineSpot, a movie ticketing application. I built it so users could browse movies, choose showtimes, select their seats, and purchase tickets. It was one of my first projects where I had to think about how all the different parts of an application work together. It was a great learning experience and gave me a better understanding of how applications are built.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on?
My favorite project was a mobile app designed for the FDNY to help people learn CPR. The app taught users proper CPR techniques, including the correct compression rhythm, and helped them find nearby automated external defibrillators, or AEDs. I really enjoyed working on this project because it was my introduction to mobile app development. It gave me the opportunity to learn something completely new while also building something that could potentially make a difference in an emergency.
What advice would you give someone learning to code?
Start building! 🚀 Don’t wait until you feel like you know everything, because there will always be something new to learn. Find something you’re genuinely interested in and turn that idea into a project. You’ll make mistakes, get stuck, and probably Google things a hundred times—but that’s where the real learning happens. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The best way to learn to code is to code!
National Coding Week is a reminder that coding is about more than writing lines of code. It’s about curiosity, creative thinking, and turning ideas into something useful. Whether you’re building your first application or developing technology that could help someone in an emergency, every project is an opportunity to learn something new.
Interested in putting your skills to work on meaningful technology projects? Explore opportunities to grow your career with Acuative.