How was your experience as a student at BITS Pilani, Goa? Did you choose Computer Science because of the high packages, or were you genuinely interested in the field?

I was drawn to BITS Pilani primarily because of its flexible academic policies. Computer Science has always been my field of interest; I have been programming and freelancing since school. In retrospect, I wouldn't have thrived as much in another discipline or at a college that didn't offer the same level of freedom as BITS.

What inspired you to create Codedamn? How did it transition from a YouTube channel to the platform it is today?

I've always enjoyed consuming content that deepens my understanding of various programming concepts and frameworks. After my 10th-grade exams, I had to focus on preparing for the JEE Examination, which meant dedicating most of my time to studying and putting programming on hold. As an escape from this regimented lifestyle, I started Codedamn. Initially, the goal was to summarize what I had learned over the years, creating an archive for my future self and ensuring I stayed connected with programming.

While creating content for my channel, I realized that I learned much better by implementing concepts rather than just consuming content. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a platform that excelled at providing great content and a great interactive experience. This led me to create Codedamn, the platform. It began as a side project in my second year and remained so until November 2020, when I officially registered Codedamn as a company. Shortly after, I graduated early and started working at Codedamn full-time.

As a first-generation entrepreneur, what advice do you have for college students with the 'startup bug' inside them?

If you're passionate about exploring and creating, entrepreneurship can be the perfect outlet to fuel that fire. During college, you can take bold risks and pursue your dreams without the weight of adult responsibilities.

Suppose you're already on the path of building your startup and faced with the decision to either take a job or continue your entrepreneurial journey; take a moment to reflect on your goals and aspirations before making a decision. Remember, this is your chance to pursue something meaningful and make a difference.

If you embark on the startup journey, I highly recommend starting with a team of like-minded college peers. Finding great collaborators in college is much easier than in the outside world. You'll be surprised how just one or two individuals with a shared vision can make your startup journey significantly easier.

How did you balance your academic responsibilities at BITS Pilani, Goa, while actively developing Codedamn and managing your YouTube channel?

Balancing academics with personal projects was indeed challenging. I prioritized learning new skills and working on projects over traditional academics. BITS Pilani's flexible academic structure environment allowed me to focus on my passion. I often could take out time to pursue my passion for coding and content creation, ensuring I stayed productive in areas that mattered most to me.

What are your thoughts on the debate between development and competitive programming for aspiring software engineers?

While competitive programming sharpens problem-solving skills, real-world coding abilities hold more value in the industry. Many roles prioritize practical development skills over competitive programming accolades. It's essential to recognize the diverse opportunities available and not feel confined to a single path, like competitive programming, to achieve success.

For students from non-computer science backgrounds interested in web or Android development, what advice would you offer?

Your academic background shouldn't deter you from diving into development. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and much knowledge comes from self-learning. Start with online resources, follow industry leaders, and immerse yourself in building projects. Practical experience and continuous learning are key, regardless of your formal education.

How do you perceive the future of cross-platform technologies like Flutter and React Native? Do you have a preference?

Cross-platform technologies are promising, allowing developers to reach a broader audience with a single codebase. While native development has its merits, frameworks like React Native enable developers to efficiently target both iOS and Android platforms. I favor React Native due to its flexibility and integration with the JavaScript ecosystem.

Could you share your experience attending Apple's WWDC in 2019? How did it influence your journey?

Attending WWDC 2019 as a scholar was a transformative experience. It gave me insights into Apple's ecosystem and connected me with like-minded individuals passionate about technology. The exposure reinforced my commitment to creating impactful tech solutions and inspired me to further develop platforms like Codedamn.