I'm a first-year student gearing up for my first hackathon, and I'm curious about the project expectations at these events. I notice that many projects showcased online tend to be web apps, which leads me to wonder if that's the only option. Can I submit other types of software, such as desktop applications or system-focused programs, or does it have to be web-related?
3 Answers
You don't have to limit yourself to web applications! Hackathons embrace a wide variety of projects. People submit everything from games to CLI tools and even some quirky stuff like potato sorting machines. The main thing judges are looking for is a functional project done in 24-48 hours, not the specific tech stack you choose.
Desktop apps, CLIs, mobile apps, hardware projects - they’re all totally acceptable! Web apps are just popular because they're easy to demo in a browser, which makes it simple for judges to check them out. But what really matters is that you solve a genuine problem effectively. Go with whatever you're quickest at! Remember, shipping something that works is better than trying to make it perfect.
It really depends on the hackathon. Some have specific themes or restrictions, while others are more open-ended. Web apps are trendy because they're quick to set up, but you can definitely explore other formats. Just be sure that whatever you choose is easy to demo and works!

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