There’s an ongoing debate in the tech community surrounding cloned coding projects or projects that are heavily inspired by the work of others.

Some people say this is a form of copying, similar to how you can trace the work of an illustrator, leaving these projects short on creativity and largely a waste of time. I’ve read plenty of comments from industry professionals who are quick to criticize or dismiss these types of projects entirely.

There are valid reasons why this stigma exists:

• Originality. Innovation is highly valued in the tech industry, and many people believe that original projects are the best way to stand out.

• Plagiarism. Passing off a project as your own without proper permission or attribution is unethical.

• Laziness. Some people see cloned projects as a sign of indolence or lack of effort, believing that it’s easier to simply copy someone else’s work than to put in the time and effort to come up with original ideas.

However, it’s important to note that creating cloned projects can be a valuable learning experience, and can serve as a starting point for developing your skills. The structure of a project may be dictated by the language or framework but there are numerous ways to inject your own style. Whether it be through design, documentation, or the functionality you choose to include, there are many ways to make a coding project uniquely yours.

Creative Ideas for Personalizing a Coding Project

Customize the design. One way to make a coding project stand out is to make the design your own. This could involve creating a custom color scheme, choosing different typography, or adding personalized graphics. I’ve taken this step with each of my coding projects which have not only allowed me to create something unique but also yielded some very specific edge cases that required independent troubleshooting. Turning this Wes Bos project into my very own plant-based pizza shop called “Earth’s Crust” was an incredibly fun way to learn Gatsby!

Create useful documentation. The names you choose for your variables, functions, and other code elements can add personality to your project. Make an outstanding README that outlines all of the changes you made while giving credit to the source. Does the project require user input? Create a step-by-step guide that helps users better understand your application.

Add functionality. Consider adding functionality to the project that sets it apart from others. This could be something as simple as extra features, more buttons, multimedia, or interactive elements. Go crazy with complex features like machine learning or AI. If the project involves working with data, consider using an API that’s different or meaningful to you.

Photo by Hg Creations on Unsplash

Embrace the Opportunity to try New Things and Push Boundaries

Trying new things is an important part of the learning process. I found myself lost many times when I was getting started as a developer. Sometimes you simply don’t know what you don’t know. Building a project that was created by someone with years, or decades of experience will open up many doors for you to explore. By trying new things, you are exposed to a wider range of ideas and approaches. This can help you find new and innovative ways to solve problems in ways you never even considered.

Taking risks can be challenging, but it’s one of the best ways to grow. You’ll likely make mistakes, get stuck, and feel frustrated but these experiences will be invaluable throughout your career. Overcoming obstacles not only builds confidence but creates opportunities for you to share these triumphs during interviews and with your teammates.

Overall, embracing the opportunity to try new things and push boundaries can be an essential part of making a project your own. It can help you explore new ideas, learn and grow, and achieve better outcomes, all while expressing your individuality.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them — the key is to have fun and enjoy the process of adding your own unique touch. Just as a piece of fine art is self-expression for the artist, a coding project can be a way for a developer to express their ideas and personality. By identifying your interests, experimenting with features, incorporating your style, and taking risks, you can come up with creative ideas to personalize any project!