Utilizing his passion for coding, Oxford Academy senior Derek Di recently released an updated version of his app Javafy, first launched in August 2024. The app, which functions as a beginner-friendly introduction to the field of coding and its foundational principles, showcases Di’s coding skills and is the product of over 300 hours of work and revision.
Di initially built Javafy as a supplemental benefit and tool for students of Coding Power, a non-profit organization in Orange County that Di is a member of. Through Coding Power, he introduces elementary school students to the fundamental aspects of coding and the field of computer science. Di intended for Javafy to be an engaging platform for these students and other beginners to study and review basic coding.
“[My goal] was to help [elementary students] get started and make them interested [in coding], and then once they get into high school, they can pursue that interest. I just made it originally for them,” Di said.
The original version of Javafy included summaries of various coding topics and practice quizzes. After submitting his project to the Congressional App challenge — a prestigious national competition for computer science students to submit personal applications — and showcasing the initial draft to his peers at Coding Power, Di realized Javafy’s potential. He revised and updated the app to include additional features such as flashcards, daily coding trivia, and a workplace to test personal code, as the app quickly expanded to cater to high school students and other intermediate learners already familiar with coding.
Though the result of Javafy is exemplary, Di had to overcome numerous obstacles during the coding process to make Javafy the app it is today. In order to publish his app on the Apple Store, he had to learn Swift, a coding language he had no previous experience with. Furthermore, Di was a junior during his coding process, and had to balance his time efficiently between Javafy, school assignments, standardized tests, and extracurriculars.
“It just took a long time and especially if you’re doing something that you’ve never done before, you kind of have to relearn a bunch of stuff and work through errors. It was a long process,” Di said.
Di’s hard work paid off, however, with Javafy currently available for free download on the App Store. Reflecting back on his experience and success with his personal project, Di advises other students who are interested in doing projects of their own to truly pursue what they are passionate about.
“Do your research and make sure you pick your topic wisely. Once you get started, it’s a waste if you erase it all and restart. Know what you’re going to make your project about, and make sure you know that you’re going to have to put a lot of time into it,” Di said.
Though Di is currently unsure about his future plans for Javafy, he hopes to major in data science in college and build additional coding projects that focus on serving his community.
