Gen AI

This 16 Year Old Coder Will Blow Your Mind! [Must Watch For Students]

TLDR Rexen Wong, a 16-year-old coding prodigy from Hong Kong, has developed successful apps like Video Fast and Text Behind Image, gaining thousands of users. He highlights the importance of sharing progress on social media, particularly X, to build a supportive community while leveraging AI tools for app development. By winning multiple hackathons and using platforms like Product Hunt for launches, Rexen balances school and coding, encouraging peers to showcase their work online.

Key Insights

Start with Education and Passion

Begin your coding journey by enrolling in a coding class or utilizing online resources. Passion is a key ingredient in becoming skilled in any field, and coding is no exception. Discover your interests by experimenting with different programming languages and tools. This foundational knowledge will serve as the bedrock of your development path, allowing you to create more complex applications later on. The journey from novice to proficient coder takes time and dedication, so approach it with an enthusiasm for learning.

Leverage Social Media for Networking

Utilize platforms like Twitter (now X) to share your progress and connect with others in the coding and startup communities. Being active online enhances your visibility, which can impress potential employers and colleges. Sharing your passion and insights can also help you build a following and open doors to new collaborations. Interacting with like-minded individuals and influencers on these platforms fosters a supportive network that can provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback on your projects.

Utilize AI Tools Effectively

Incorporate AI tools into your coding projects to streamline your workflow and enhance your product features. Familiarize yourself with tools like Cursor for backend development and V0 for creating UI components. However, remember that while AI can assist you, having a solid understanding of programming concepts is crucial for effective collaboration with these tools. By breaking down your projects into manageable parts and using AI to handle specific tasks, you can increase your productivity and focus on creativity.

Promote Your Creations Strategically

When launching a new application, choosing the right platform for promotion can drastically influence your visibility. Consider launching your app on Product Hunt, where high traffic and user engagement can help build social proof for your product. Share personal stories and engage with your audience on social media to attract attention and support. Direct Messages can also be a valuable tool for gaining individual endorsements. Creating excitement around your launch will foster community interest and lead to a wider reach.

Balance Your Time Wisely

Effectively managing your time is vital to balance academics and your coding projects. Dedicate specific hours after school to focus on your passion for app development. Creating a schedule can help you prioritize tasks, ensuring that both your education and coding initiatives receive adequate attention. By striking this balance, you remain committed to your studies while simultaneously pursuing creative endeavors, which enhances both areas of your life.

Inspire and Build Community

Aim to create and nurture a community around your coding journey by encouraging others to share their own projects. Promoting a hacker culture—especially among youth—can foster collaboration and innovation. Sharing knowledge and resources helps not just you, but others in the community to grow and succeed. Celebrate achievements together and provide support where needed; when you uplift others, you create a cycle of inspiration that benefits everyone.

Questions & Answers

Who is Rexen Wong and what is his background?

Rexen Wong is a 16-year-old from Hong Kong recognized for his coding skills. He developed multiple applications, including Video Fast and Text Behind Image, and started coding two years ago after a class in school.

What notable achievements has Rexen Wong accomplished in coding?

Rexen has won awards in various hackathons, including the Apple Swift Student Challenge, and has competed against university students.

How has Rexen utilized social media in his journey?

Rexen uses X (formerly Twitter) to share his progress on building startups, connect with others, and enhance his online presence for college and job applications.

What tools does Rexen use in his development process?

Rexen uses AI tools like Cursor for backend logic and V Seral AI by Vercel to create UI components for his applications.

What is Rexen's strategy for launching his products?

He emphasizes launching on Product Hunt for visibility and social proof, promotes his launch on Twitter, and shares personal stories to attract attention.