## Introduction

Programming was not static for a long time, and developers are always looking for new and better ways to improve their skills. Even though courses and textbooks are still useful, there is an interactional method that is gaining popularity – games.

Surprisingly, there are countless exciting and informative games that are developed exclusively for people who write code. These games are not as popular, but they not only let you improve your coding skills and also can be fun.

Desperate to present the best games that each programmer, from the amateur to the professional, should play, we have searched the Internet till we found them. Get ready for some mind-blowing ideas, and value changes thrown right at you!

## Shenzhen I/O

![Image by FreePik](img/couple-using-augmented-reality-smartphones_23-2148767243.jpg "Image by FreePik")

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Shenzhen I/O transports you to a bustling city in China, where you'll take on the role of an engineer tasked with designing and troubleshooting various electronic systems. Rather than relying on high-level programming languages, the game challenges you to work with the low-level assembly language, a fundamental skill for hardware engineers and embedded systems developers.

One of the unique aspects of Shenzhen I/O is its focus on the interplay between hardware and software. As you build your circuits and write the corresponding code, you'll need to consider the physical constraints and limitations of the components you're working with. This holistic approach to problem-solving can be incredibly valuable for programmers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying hardware that their software runs on.

While the game's scope may be narrower than some other titles on this list, Shenzhen I/O offers a highly immersive and rewarding experience for those with a strong interest in the engineering side of software development. The challenge lies in optimizing your solutions, troubleshooting issues, and striving to achieve the best possible outcomes within the given constraints.

## TIS-100

Like the Shenzhen I/O, TIS-100 is a game of programming which leads a lone life just like how a programmer’s life is. It has the same advantages and disadvantages as Shenzhen I/O but it cheaper, at least, 50% costs of Shenzhen I/O.

While playing Shenzhen I/O the player is taken into the middle of a big modern city, TIS-100, on the other hand, takes the player into a post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk environment with a hint of 80’s nostalgia. You are to implement a set of nodes connected and control a number of them having n-number of instructions and processing abilities to defect problems and crawl through the mystery of this mysterious world.  

Essentially, TIS-100 is best applied for the one who has prior extensive experience in assembly level programming and wants to expand his or her knowledge of parallel computing and distributed world. The focus of the game on trying to maximize code, minimize memory usage, and manage communication between nodes proves to be a great exercise or even more for anyone, who deals with the programming of the embedded systems or high-performance computing.

 Despite the potential difficulties observed in the gameplay, it is very satisfying to decode all game puzzles and to create efficient, creative, and accurate solutions. TIS-100 stands as a strong testimony of what can be achieved in the realm of art of programming where aesthetics and logic are used in synergy to achieve great and beautiful goals.

## Edabit

Edabit is a collection of standard programming challenges, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. You will be getting experience points as you solve these tasks, and at the same time, you will be introduced to new concepts or even get to compete with other users. The best part? At Edabit, you can solve problems in almost any programming language, have an opportunity to use a code editor, read clear descriptions of tasks, and find solutions.

Edabit is a great relief since it gives a relatively fun approach to the practice since you’re dealing with an abundant choice of coding problems right away. If you are at times stuck on a particular syntax or the more general attempt at finding challenges to develop your problem-solving skills then you will not be disappointed with Edabit.

However, it is flexible and provides users with a really massive number of problems to solve. The platform values are different from Quanti’s approach that supports one favorite language, at the Brook’s platform, users can learn and work in JavaScript, Python, Java, and other languages up to Rust and Elixir. This diversity helps the programmers of different bearings to find something that they can work on to suit them.

Still, Edabit is not just a site that contains numerous problems; it is a very active community. Each time you will be solving a problem, you will be able to see how other people solved it, analyze how their solution is better or worse than yours and compete with them in friendly rivalry. This collaborative aspect can be very helpful and very effective in creating a team atmosphere, as well as motivating you to learn all.

## Silent Teacher

Welcome to the world of active learning with Silent Teacher game that needs no sign up and no SMS codes – just the perfect answers! This game is ideal for anyone who types at least a line of code because the person will improve their problem-solving skills. However, the experts or the experienced developers may consider them rather basic.

In Silent Teacher you do not get any instructions on how to play it, all you can do is to sit in front of your screen, and code something, immediately. The game has a set of coding issues and the player’s objective is to give the right answer at the right time. This is especially a plus for players who would rather get down to business and apply themselves to solving problems with a less metaphorical and more visually stimulating style.  

The button alternatives, which Silent Teacher employs, have a great advantage of being informative yet easy to understand at the same time. This is a game that does not necessitate downloading or the creation of an account or other such formalities as do some games in this list. The big advantage of it is that no installation is needed, and as soon as you are on the website you are ready to start coding. It actually has a very low threshold to get into, therefore, it would be a perfect option for the programmers who wish to get a few rounds of practice in between tasks or during their working breaks.

Although Silent Teacher does not contain the gamification depth and rich possibilities of the other games listed, it is an excellent tool for developing coding skills and increasing your competence. The fact that some of these questions are fired at a considerably fast pace may just be valuable because it can make you find out how to apply your mind faster, work on your syntax knowledge and generally, find out how best to solve problems.

## else Heart.Break()

In this game, code has the power to reshape the world. Think about a realistic city of the future with cyberpunk aesthetics during the gameplay, citizens and objects exist in reality and the cyber space. In else Heart. As an independent expansion to Break(), you will play as the programmer who accidentally gains to control the fundamental aspects of the surrounding world with coding as the primary interactor’s activity.

The second level of complexity builds up while unraveling plot: the characters of the game are numerous and each of them has their own experience and hardships. With your programming skills you will be able to gain information that others can’t, break into various secured systems and modify the structures existing in the city to help you in your quest.

What sets else Heart. Break() apart is its focus on the creativity of coding. Although the original game is solving the problem or continuously optimizing an algorithm, the game forces you to think beyond the possibilities of programming. You will be able to play the game and fiddle with the code and source more through the game and gain new paths and experiences.

## Elevator Saga

![Image by FreePik](img/new-app-development-desktop_23-2148684987.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik

Elevator Saga relates to a set of fascinating and rather simple tasks that can be solved without learning any programming language. The goal is to establish the machine’s capability to interpret incoming data, forecast the traffic patterns, and then build the procedural sequences required to regulate the movement of the elevator. On the syntactic level it is quite obvious, yet the game engages you in the analysis part.

Suppose that you are managing a crowded business-like tall building, a vital component to order and traffic pattern around the building is the elevators. Elevator Saga places you in the shoes of the control system engineer of a building where you are expected to design the best algorithms to help control the movement of the elevatories and make the passengers’ experience as smooth as possible.

The game puts you against a scenario for which you have to solve different problems within the given constraints. Whether it’s regulating the flow of passengers during the rush hour, incoming flights, or extra luggage for specific passengers, you will need to use critical thinking and data analysis to come up with reasonable and logical solutions for efficient operation of the infrastructure and at the same time solve a common fairy-tale-like problem with extra attention to the passengers.  

As with most games created in the dynamic visual programming environment of Scratch, no actual coding is needed to complete Elevator Saga; however, it is a fantastic way to flex one’s algorithmic muscles. It presents you with the cases that require sophisticated analysis, where you need to figure out the main factors and then create simple and efficient algorithms. Amalgamated, these are critical skills for a programmer whether as a novice or an expert since they provide the ground work in software programming.

Furthermore, Elevator Saga fosters game design that makes an appeal to solving a particular problem full of experiments and with using trial and error. While running your algorithms and analyzing its results you will also be able to tweak the algorithm and thus enhance your analyzing and deciding capacities.

## Conclusion

From simulations to logic-based challenges, these games provide a fresh and captivating way for programmers to expand their skills, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and have fun in the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these hidden gems and discover a new dimension to your programming journey. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a budding coder, these games have something to offer for everyone. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and captivated as you explore the thrilling world of programming through the lens of interactive entertainment.

Discover a more engaging way to improve your skills - through games! 

Code & Play: 10 Underrated Games That Challenge Your Code

Discover a more engaging way to improve your skills - through games!  

## Introduction

The business environment is characterized by the desire to become an entrepreneur is greater than ever. Whether it is the desire to be a boss, the idea of addressing an existing need that has not been met adequately, or the quest for financial independence, the process of starting a business from an entrepreneur’s perspective is filled with opportunity and risks. When beginning this fulfilling process, it is important to pay particular attention to the following phases and do so methodically.

In this detailed reference source, you will discover the main factors, approaches, and ideas that will assist in taking your business dreams from a mere idea to a successful venture. ranging from registering the right business enterprise to drawing and preparing a good business plan, you will be well equipped with adequate tools and knowledge to turn your new venture into successful venture.

## Selecting the Optimal Business Structure

![Image by FreePik](img/happy-freelancer-with-computer-home-young-man-sitting-armchair-using-laptop-chatting-online-smiling-vector-illustration-distance-work-online-learning-freelance_74855-8401.jpg "Image by FreePik")

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Undoubtedly, one of the critical steps that unestablished venture owners experience is the choice of the legal form of their enterprise. The decision you will make will determine so many aspects, for example, the extent to which directors are shielded from legal procedures and taxation laws among others. Let's delve into the primary options:

Sole Proprietorship: This is the most prevalent type of business ownership and in this form of business ownership, everything belongs to you-the owner and you are also responsible for all the business’s bills. I can also state that the benefit of this structure is that it is easy to set up and quite flexible although you stand to be personally liable to a larger extent.

Partnership: If you are going into this venture with one or more individuals a partnership may be feasible. In this structure, the revenues and expenses, and risks are divided among partners and everyone is involved in the management of the business entity. The selection of partners and formulation of the relations between the partners should be done with a lot of precision to prevent legal future problems.

Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC is more of a blend shaped from various features of a corporation, as well as a sole trader or partnership with some aspects of the partnership also being borrowed. This option has a legal dimension but at the same time remains controlled by managers, which makes it attractive for many startup businesses.

Corporation: However, for the firm that prefers the proper structure of the business, forming the business as a C-corporation or S-corporation is suitable. Corporations are regarded as separate legal personalities and, therefore, the owners of the firm cannot be held legally responsible for the company’s liabilities and responsibilities. Still, it is aligned with increased administrative and tax responsibilities.

Consider those options most suitable to the company based on possible legal responsibility, taxation, decision-making powers, or the company’s overall planned growth. There are times, where it would be best to consult with a legal or financial expert to understand what type of business structure would work best for your new venture.

## Crafting a Comprehensive Business Plan

A well-implemented business plan is one of the prerequisites for any successful startup. A strong business plan proves you are ready for the challenge of establishing a business, assists in fundraising attempts, and serves as a roadmap due to your business’s dynamic nature.

When you develop a business plan, be sure to include the following key elements:

* Executive Summary: Develop a short and engaging business pitch that captures the essence of your business, including your products/services’ selling proposition, your target customer base, and the business’s scalability.
* Company Description: Write a managerial summary that gives information about the business such as its history, its objectives, and main skills.
* Market Analysis: Invest time in research to get the insights on your industry and the competitors, as well as the customers. Find out what is popular, problematic, and possible so that your enterprise will be capable of successfully contemplating those areas.
* Products and Services: You should describe in detail the goods or services that you will provide, giving points on their specifics and how they will benefit your targeted consumers.
* Operations Plan: Describe the business activities and how it will be managed on daily basis as well as the producing processes and the sources of supply and demand of resources.
* Management Team: Present the important people in your business; their experience, and skills about your business and how they will impact your business.
* Financial Projections: Prepare pro-forma finite cash flow, income, and balance sheets to show your plans for the feasibility and expansion of the business.
* Marketing and Sales Strategy: Explain how you will obtain customers; explain how you will sell your products/services, advertise, produce, and price them.
* Funding Requirements: In case you need external financing, state the amount of money necessary for the creation and functioning of the business venture, and how it will be spent.

A good business plan becomes the document to which a business owner refers in making key decisions and course corrections as the venture evolves. In the same way, it is crucial to update your plan periodically to be in tune with the general business objectives and market conditions.

## Securing Funding and Financial Considerations

Another important step that has to be taken to make the entrepreneurial dream come true is the identification of the necessary funding. Depending on the scale and capital requirements of your business, you may explore a variety of funding sources, including:

* Personal Savings and Loans: Business owners have the advantage of using their own money putting their own money into the startup or through personal loans or credit lines.
* Friends and Family: Friends and family funding can be great especially if you know them because they can offer you funds in form of an investment or a loan and the conditions that they put across are usually more flexible as compared to a bank.
* Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists: The common source of funding for a start-up is to liaise with experienced angel investors or venture capital houses which can provide massive funding but they are always attracted by well-written business plans and good track records.
* Crowdfunding Platforms: Businesses need to use the crowdfunding facilities available online to help them connect with different investors both small and large investors.
* Small Business Loans and Grants: You must consider approaches like small business loans, microloans, grants from the government, etc. as they offer the opportunity to get the necessary amount of money with beneficial terms.

Besides the Financial aspect of the funding, it’s important to remain rather tight with the handling of the finances. Set a strong accounting structure, maintain all the expenses and revenues in the most effectual manner, and also regularly analyze your balance sheets. Always anticipate the amount of tax that would be paid to the state, how inventories should be stocked, and the different ways through which cash would be saved to help the startup remain financially healthy in the long run.

## Conclusion

![Image by FreePik](img/smiling-man-with-daily-routines-icons-flat-style_24908-58938.jpg "Image by FreePik")

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Entrepreneurship is therefore an exciting and fulfilling process; however, it is also a process that entails several challenges, and this is especially true when you are developing a business from the ground up. As highlighted above, from choosing the type of business that is going to be registered and the legal-entity that is going to be formed, to raising capital, developing a market-oriented sales plan and putting the customer first, you will be ready to embark on a successful business.

Take up the opportunities, whatever you encounter in your daily practice, and try to stay flexible to the new conditions in the competitive environment. It is high time you stay focused, expand your business horizons, and embrace change because a startup can and should be sustainable and make an actual difference in people’s lives if you invest in it and make it your mission.

Ready to start your entrepreneurial journey? Let's go!

Launch Your Dream: First Steps and Mistakes in Starting a Business

## Introduction

Starting a business can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right niche. The market keeps changing fast in 2024, so you need to pick a niche that matches what you like and has a potential to grow. Here are five key steps to help you find the ideal niche for your company.

## Assess Your Interests and Skills

![Image by FreePik](img/people-starting-business-project_23-2148864320.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik

The first step in selecting a niche is to reflect on your personal interests and skills. Ask yourself what your hobbies are, what subjects you enjoy learning about, and what activities make you lose track of time. Identifying what you are passionate about can guide you toward a niche that not only excites you but also allows you to leverage your strengths. When you're invested in your work, you're more likely to keep going through challenges, making it crucial to choose a niche that resonates with you.

Next, assess your existing skills and knowledge. Consider what you are particularly good at, in which areas you have specialized knowledge, and what professional skills you already possess. By evaluating your skills, you can identify unique opportunities for monetization. For example, if you have a background in graphic design, starting a design consultancy could be a perfect fit. Additionally, consider your education and past experiences, as they can also inform your niche selection.

To further clarify your strengths and weaknesses, consider conducting a SWOT analysis. This method helps identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, providing valuable insights into your potential for success in a given niche.

## Research Market Trends

Once you know your interests and abilities better, it's time to look at market trends. Recognising current trends can help you choose a popular area to focus on. Some lucrative sectors in 2024 include health and wellness, sustainable living, and online education. Products related to fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being are increasingly in demand, while eco-friendly products and services are popular due to growing environmental awareness.

There are several online tools that can help you identify trending areas. Google Trends lets you analyse the popularity of search terms over time, while Trendwatching.com and Trendhunter.com highlight emerging business trends and innovations. Monitoring popular products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon can also give you insights into what customers want.

Understanding your competition is crucial for finding a profitable niche. Make a list of potential competitors, both big and small, and look at their strengths and weaknesses. Consider their products, pricing, and marketing. Studying your competitors will help you identify gaps in the market that you can fill.

## Know Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is key for any business. Develop a detailed profile of your ideal customer, including their age, gender, location, income, and interests. A well-defined customer profile will guide your marketing strategies and product development.

To create a product or service that resonates with your audience, you must understand their needs and pain points. Conduct research through surveys, interviews, and social media to gather insights directly from potential customers. Monitoring discussions in relevant groups and forums can also provide valuable information about consumer preferences. Additionally, utilizing keyword research tools can help you explore popular search queries related to your niche.

## Evaluate Niche Profitability

Before starting your business, make sure there's enough demand for your product or service. There are several good ways to check market demand, such as keyword research, test advertising, and creating landing pages to gauge interest. Use tools like Yandex.Wordstat or Google Keyword Planner to see how many people are searching for related keywords. You could also run small-scale ad campaigns or make a simple landing page to collect emails and see how much potential demand there is.

To figure out if your niche is profitable, think about things like the average price of products in your niche, how urgent customer needs are, and how much competition there is. High competition can mean there's demand, but you'll need to make your offerings stand out. Researching market trends and consumer behaviour will help you decide how profitable your niche could be.

## Make a Decision and Develop a Strategy

![Image by FreePik](img/people-starting-business-project-illustrated_23-2148865214.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik

Now it's time to analyse and compare what you've found. Look at which niches are popular, where there are gaps in the market, and what your competitors' strengths and weaknesses are. This will help you make the best decision and develop a good strategy.

Identify 5-10 potential niches and rank them based on your research. Assess each niche for its viability and profitability, creating a checklist of criteria to evaluate market demand, your level of expertise, required startup capital, and scalability potential. Once you’ve chosen a niche, outline a business strategy that includes your unique selling proposition, marketing plan, and sales goals.

Your strategy should define how you will differentiate yourself from competitors, outline your marketing tactics to attract customers, and set realistic sales targets to guide your growth.

## Conclusion

Choosing the right business niche is a key step for success in 2024. Start by thinking about your interests and skills—this will keep you motivated. Next, research the market to understand trends, competitors, and opportunities. Knowing who your audience is and what they need is also crucial. Ensure your niche has the potential to be profitable by checking demand. Finally, create a flexible plan, as markets change and you’ll need to adapt. A well-chosen niche boosts your chances of building a sustainable and rewarding business.

Head to our article for practical tips and guidance on how to turn your vision into reality!

How to Choose the Perfect Niche: A Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

## Introduction

The elevated level of competition in the modern world when it comes to jobs has led to employers setting extraordinary questions to guess how creative the candidate is, his or her problem-solving abilities, and also whether he or she will fit in the organizational culture of the employer organization. Such questions which may include imaginary cases, brainers, etc. force candidates to come up with something on their own and prove some of the aspects that typical questions can fail to reveal.

## The Rise of Unconventional Interview Questions

Large-scale technology corporations such as Google and Microsoft were the first to start introducing wacky questions as part of their interviews which offered a direct attempt to assess the applicants not only as machinery for implementing technological solutions but as individuals capable of handling the environments and challenges they would face. The reasoning behind these questions is simple: as important as qualifications and hard skills, work experience, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to conform to the company’s culture are equally important. These questions explore how a candidate thinks, works under conditions of uncertainty, and deals with other people – things that can be traced in their performance over years at the position.

## Why Employers Use Unconventional Questions

![Image from FreePik](img/team-leader-teamwork-concept_74855-6671.jpg "Image from FreePik")

Image from FreePik

Employers increasingly rely on unconventional interview questions to assess candidates' problem-solving abilities, creativity, and cultural fit. For instance, a question like "How many flowers would it take to fill a stadium?" reveals how a candidate tackles complex, open-ended problems. Meanwhile, questions such as "If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?" test creativity and the ability to apply abstract thinking to job-related scenarios. These unconventional questions help interviewers see beyond rehearsed answers and gain insight into a candidate's true capabilities and potential fit within the company.

## Examples of Unconventional Interview Questions

In interviews, employers often use unconventional questions to assess a candidate's analytical skills, creativity, and cultural fit. For instance, brain teasers like "Why are manhole covers round?" test logical thinking, while hypothetical scenarios such as "If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three items would you bring and why?" evaluate adaptability and problem-solving. Personality-driven questions, like "If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?" provide insight into self-perception, and cultural fit is gauged through quirky questions like "What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?" These unconventional questions offer a deeper understanding of how candidates think and react in various situations, revealing qualities that traditional questions might miss.

## Preparing for Unconventional Interview Questions

When faced with unconventional interview questions, it’s important to stay calm and take a moment to think before responding. These questions are meant to surprise you, so it’s perfectly fine to pause and gather your thoughts. As you work through your answer, think aloud to share your thought process with the interviewer—this can be as valuable as the answer itself. Don’t hesitate to be creative; original responses can leave a lasting impression. Lastly, whenever possible, link your answers back to the role you're applying for to demonstrate your ability to connect ideas to practical applications.

## Сonclusion

While interview questions that seem odd can cause some stress, they have a feature of helping the interviewer evaluate your ability to think, and be creative, and how you will fit in the company. Understanding the rationale behind these questions and when you prepare, you can utilize them as a strong weapon for spotlighting yourself in the next job interview you shall attend.

Expect the unexpected and your name will be sure to appear next to the word ‘hiring’ many times over.

Check out our latest article for tips on acing even the wildest interview questions!

Think Fast: Top 10 The Most Interesting Questions on Job Interview

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