Forem: Prolayjit Biswas

My Raw First Year in Engineering

Prolayjit Biswas — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:38:10 +0000

One year ago, I started my journey as a first-year B.Tech Electronics Engineering ( VLSI Design & Technology ) student. Unlike many of my classmates, I hadn't studied computer science in Class 12, so my programming knowledge was limited.Initially, I lacked an understanding of core electronics as well. However, within the first few weeks of college, I quickly became familiar with programming languages and hardware concepts.

The Freshman Myth : Expectations vs Reality

Before starting college, I imagined engineering life as a picture-perfect, almost cinematic experience, much like the scenes from the college website.

One of my biggest fears? Semester exams. I was worried because I had heard horror stories like :

“Engineering drawing will destroy you."

“One backlog means year loss.”

However, I found the system to be quite student-friendly, with supportive teachers, internal assessments, and well-organized exams. Another pleasant surprise? The professors. Many are IIT-qualified, highly experienced, and more importantly — they are approachable and genuinely helpful.

I wasn't sure what to expect from my batchmates. Would they be serious? Disinterested? Maybe too competitive or hard to connect with? Turns out, most of them are fun, motivated, relatable, and creative in their own ways.

Despite the disappointing Tier 3 label and placement statistics, I discovered that skills are more important than the college tag.

Not going to lie, the canteen is a bit of a disappointing. But the campus itself is clean, open, and full of potential.

"College did not meet all my expectations — some disappointed me, while others surprised me.”

Academic Area

Lectures, Labs & Learning Curves

I enjoyed Mathematics and Engineering Drawing. Physics and Chemistry were okay. I studied a new subject, Basic Electrical Engineering, and revisited the horror of my life, Biology. The Language Lab helped me improve soft skills like group discussions and interviews. I gained knowledge about design thinking and also learned 3D printing. I studied Human Values and joined NSS activities. I gained IoT experience at the Idea Lab workshop. In C Programming, I discovered Linux and loved the terminal interface and commands, which opened a new world for me.

And of course, I bunked a lot of classes too …

Semester Exams & Study Struggles

To be honest, internal exams were hectic. There were days when I had three class assessments back-to-back. My strengths are strong and steady math skills, enjoying engineering drawing and 3D printing, and gaining confidence in C programming and IoT concepts. However, I need to get better at basic electronics, which I'm still not very confident about.

“Engineers study just before the exam."

The biggest surprise? In Semester I, I got a 9.2 SGPA—something I honestly didn't expect. For Semester II, while writing this blog, the results weren't out yet. I thought I did okay. And then surprise number two, my Sem II results came out while I was writing this blog, and I topped the department with a 9.63 SGPA, ending my first year with a YGPA of 9.41. It's safe to say, this first-year journey had more surprises than I could have imagined.

From Hello World to Hardware : Code & Circuit

I still remember my first code. It was back in October 2024 when I wrote it for the first time. When it ran successfully, it was such an amazing feeling. That simple print statement started a journey that gradually went from typing on a keyboard to working with a breadboard.

I began with C programming. It was tough at first, but I gradually understood the logic and structure. From there, I explored web development, diving into HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript, building simple web pages and learning how the internet works.

But things really got exciting when I entered the Arduino world—working with sensors, LEDs, and circuits. Soon, I was exploring Arduino and ESP and creating IoT projects. Over time, I wasn't just writing code,I was combining software with hardware.

It's not code or circuit; it's code and circuit.

My curiosity didn't stop there—I explored 3D design, got hands-on with 3D printing, and even tried PCB designing.

The Online Parallel World

YouTube University

YouTube, the all-in-one platform, from time pass to complex study. I've spent more time here than in the classroom. From coding help to development tutorials, from sensor basics to advanced electronics project demos, it’s all there. Even my semester labs and theory concepts were explained here. Plus, there are free mini-courses, playlists, and late-night marathons. The OG YT University doesn't disappoint.

My Digital Footprint

This year, I got into the online tech world, and I realized social media branding is crucial for growth. One can create amazing things, but if no one sees them, it doesn't help. So, I decided to share, show, and document my work so it can reach others—whether for internships, job opportunities, or collaborations.

LinkedIn: Grew to 5,000+ followers
Hashnode: Wrote blogs on my journey and wins
X (Twitter): Shared projects and ideas
Discord: Joined communities and found hackathons
GitHub: 20+ repositories (and counting)
LeetCode: Still untouched (still trying)

Obviously, I have Instagram too, but I don't know why I am mentioning that.

ChatGPT Moments

College was when I truly stepped into the AI world. I’d heard about ChatGPT before, but never actually used it.Then one day, I used ChatGPT out of curiosity, it became part of my daily routine. From MCQs to complex questions, from creating Ghibli-style image to preparing exam notes, from summarizing PDFs to fixing code, it became my all-in-one problem solver.

In the meantime, I explored other AI tools too, Perplexity for research, Claude for code debugging, Gemini APIs for integrating it into one of my projects, and creative tools like Gamma and Napkin for presentations. I even tried Veo 3 for video creation.

These tools made my work quicker, my projects smarter, and helped me learn more rapidly. But remmeber one thing:

AI is most effective when you used it as an assistant. Depending too much on AI could lead to job layoffs.

Beyond the Syllabus

Clubs & Communities

The first club I discovered was Hackout — the official coding club of MAKAUT. They organized tech events during the college fest, hosted seminars, and held a few contests.

Then I discovered other communities like the Google Developer Group (GDG) on Campus. They held sessions and provided cloud credits, swag, and programs, although I wasn't very involved.

Our campus also started a GeeksforGeeks Student Chapter. There's also the Coding Ninjas 10x Club, which was pretty good. I took part in two hackathons associated with them, won one, and was a finalist (Rank 6) in the other!

But if there’s one community that really stood out for me, it was Async Devs, a student-led community started by third-year seniors Arindam da and Swapnoneel da, along with second-year seniors Tuhin da, Sounak da, and Olivia di. These weekly sessions were special. They taught us Git & GitHub, open source contribution, UI/UX design, DSA, Generative AI, and even technical writing and social media presence, guiding us step-by-step throughout the year..

Hackathon & Learnings

If there’s one thing that pushed me beyond the classroom, it was hackathons. In my first year itself, I participated in 10 hackathons , both online and offline. Out of those, I was proud to :

Win 2 hackathons

Reach the finals in 3

Clear the second round in 2

Hackathons taught me more than just coding. They weren't just competitions,they were crash courses in real-world problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Whether it was learning to work with new teammates, balancing project work with exam stress, or staying up for late-night sessions, hackathons provided valuable experiences.

First hackathon

The very first time I heard about a hackathon was during a college fest campaign. At first, I struggled to find teammates. I wasn't fully prepared and felt unsure if I fit in. Eventually, I teamed up with Debopama and Priyanka, and we decided to give it a try—just for the experience. We did our best and to our surprise, we jointly won the "Best Fresher Team" award.
💡 The first is always special.
Hackentine

Hackentine was one of those hackathons that really tested me. It happened during our semester exams, which made it harder but also memorable. I, along with my team, Debopam and Snehasish, passed the Ideation Round, created and submitted our solution for the Prototyping Round, and finally made it to the Finalist list, finishing at Rank 6 out of 250 participating teams. Initially, it was a major achievement in my journey.
Solution Challenge

This wasn't just another hackathon; it was a national-level event. Even though we knew it would be tough, my teammates Debopam, Debangshu, Tanay, and I joined the Google Developer Group India – Solution Challenge 2025. This event lasted six months, where students were asked to create AI for a better future. We spent weeks working on everything from backend logic to UI design.

We created with the Gemini 2.5 Flash API to classify raga and tala, Beethoven AI to create classical-style music, a Modern UI/UX for easy learning and exploring, and a library with a collection of ragas, talas, and artist profiles.

Our hard work paid off, and we were excited to be among the Top 105 teams in India, moving to the second round! Although we didn't reach the Top 14 finalists, the experience was incredibly rewarding.
GitHub : https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/Bugs-Fixes.git Live : https://sargamai.netlify.app/
Hack 4 Bengal 4.O Virtual Hack

Hack4Bengal 4.0 was an event I was really excited about. It's known as the biggest hackathon in Eastern India, and I was hoping for the in-person, large-scale hackathon experience.I applied as a team with Sheetal, Shreyaushi, and Debangshu, aiming to pass the virtual shortlisting round, but sadly, we didn't make it.

At first, it was disappointing. But it helped me understand my current level and where I needed to improve, from the idea to the details of our prototype. Even my personal profile and project portfolio need a lot of improvement.
Project-A-Thon

Organized by Robocrae, Project-A-Thon was a milestone for me as it was my first hardware hackathon and also my first solo one. The theme was open, and I decided to make a Smart Blind Stick,a tech-assisted walking aid to help visually impaired people move around safely.

I used a GPS module for real-time location tracking, a GSM module for emergency texts, ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, and a vibration motor with a buzzer for feedback. The stick could detect objects, alert the user with vibrations and sound, and send their location via text if needed.
Summer Hack 1.O

I discovered Summer Hack 1.0 through our college’s Coding Ninjas 10x Club. It was a solo hackathon, and I almost quit because the deadline was the next day. Luckily, the deadline was extended, motivating me to continue. I developed the Campus Connect platform for organizing college activities, featuring sections for clubs, communities, student profiles, announcements, and more.

GitHuB
Live

Two days later, I got a call from the organizers asking for my photo. I assumed maybe I was in the Top 3. But then the email came — I had actually won the entire hackathon. The prize? A DSA book by Coding Ninjas, a cool t-shirt, a bottle, and a backpack!

Makathon

Among all the hackathons and events I've joined so far, MAKATHON, organized by the MAKAUT Institution Innovation Council, has been the best experience.

The event began with a call for innovative ideas, and my team submitted our concept for a women’s safety wearable device. 11 teams were shortlisted, and we were excited to be one of them. After receiving mentorship and presenting our idea, we passed the round and moved on to the prototype and final pitch. We made it to the Top 5 finalist teams, which was very rewarding.

With my amazing teammates Arghya and Ankan, we created a smart wearable safety device to help women in emergencies. Our device includes GPS for live location sharing, Bluetooth connection with a mobile app, automatic Call/SMS alerts with a Google Maps link, and a self-defense shock feature.

I developed the companion Android app using MIT App Inventor, featuring Bluetooth communication and GPS integration. I tested GPS accuracy, worked on Bluetooth logic, contributed to the shock module prototype, assisted with CAD design, and created the presentation deck.

We had a working prototype ready for the finals, and as soon as we presented it, the judges, guest audience, and fellow participants applauded loudly. Then came the biggest surprise: we received an immediate offer for funding from the college. The next 6 months will be intense as we work with an officially approved budget to complete this final device.

`Projects & Mini Wins`

Beyond assignments and exams, my first year was filled with small experiments, passion projects, and practical learning. Each one taught me something new and boosted my confidence to create.

Personal Portfolio Page

Amid coding and exams, I started building my personal portfolio website from a blank screen with a few lines of HTML and CSS, aiming to share my work with the world.

But the truth is, it’s still a work in progress.

I've been trying out different layouts to find what truly represents me. I've added sections like about, skills, and contact, but I still want to include more of my projects, achievements, and experiences before I press the Publish button.
GPS Tracking with Email Alert

One of my proudest first-year projects was a real-time GPS tracker using the ESP32 and a GPS module, which evolved from a simple location trigger into a full IoT system with email alerts, map previews, and a live dashboard.

I built the system using the Arduino Cloud IDE. I used CircuitDigest’s GeoLinker for live maps and Google SMTP for HTML email alerts with dynamic map previews from the LocationIQ API. The system updates to the cloud every 30 seconds and sends an email every 5 minutes.

GitHub Documentation
Arduino Sketch File

From coding and connecting hardware to syncing with the cloud and using APIs, this project taught me how different technologies can come together to solve real-world problems.
Smart Agriculture Monitoring

As part of our Idea Lab & Innovation course in Semester I, we were assigned a team project to design a smart agriculture solution. Our group was tasked with developing a system to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and humidity using Arduino. We worked on the project report, made a circuit diagram, and built an online simulation on TinkerCAD to show how it works.

> But I didn’t want it to end at theory.

Right after the final semester exams, I decided to build the physical version of the system myself. I used an Arduino Uno R3, DHT11, and soil moisture sensor, along with basic parts like relays and a water pump model. After some debugging and trial-and-error, I got the system working. Seeing the project go from paper and simulation to real hardware was very satisfying. It was my first real experience with IoT and using technology to solve real-world problems.

3D Model of Raspberry Pi 5

As part of my Digital Fabrication Lab coursework in Semester II, we were assigned a mini-project under an open-ended theme. My team chose a technical project: designing a microcontroller model. Specifically, I took on the challenge of building a 3D CAD representation of the Raspberry Pi 5; not the actual PCB or electronics, but a visual model created using Fusion 360.

 [CAD Model](https://a360.co/4lk56E0)

The Other Side : Friends & Fest Nights :

Now comes the fun part: campus life and friends. From mass bunks to college tours, fest nights to decorating the campus, we enjoyed every moment to the fullest. We often skipped physics class to play badminton and missed biology and chemistry lectures to play cricket on the field. Along the way, I made some really amazing friends, not just from my department, but from others too, and met some great seniors who became our mentors. Beyond the fun, we also teamed up for hackathons, studied for birthday celebrations, had late-night practice sessions together, and just hung out in the canteen, making memories together.

Breaking Down : Challenges & Setbacks

The first big challenge I faced was deciding what to focus on: should I stick to my core domain, Electronics, or switch to CS/IT and focus on software?

I decided to explore different things, and I explored a lot. That's when I realized I can't just code all the time, nor can I only draw circuits all the time. I realize that I feel excited at the intersection of hardware and software, where I get to work with both code and circuits.

At first, learning new subjects was hard. Some topics seemed to be tough, but I got used to them and managed to overcome them. Honestly, there weren’t any major setbacks in my first year. The whole year felt like a learning journey — no regrets, just knowledge gained.

Tech I Touched

In my first year, I explored many technologies. I started with C programming, then learned HTML/CSS for web development, and gained knowledge about IoT. I learned the basics of PCB and CAD design, then started learning and experimenting with ESP and Arduino, and used simulation software to design circuits. I also attempted to learn MATLAB, but it remains a work in progress.

Along the way, I started writing blogs to document and share my journey. I also explored different AI tools for productivity and, yes, did some “vibe coding” too.

It wasn't a long list of technologies I learned this year, but what I learned was fully in my grasp.

Tech I Still Fear

As much as I’ve explored different areas of tech, there are still areas that scare me:

DSA

I know DSA is important, especially for job interviews, and I've seen many friends working hard on LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks. I want to learn it, I really do, but I haven't found the confidence or routine for it yet. Coming from an electronics background, it's already hard to balance software development and hardware skills, and adding DSA sometimes feels tough.
AI

Another area I'm not fully into is AI development. I enjoy using AI tools for productivity, design, and debugging, but AI development isn't my focus. I'm more interested in data science, analytics, or smart applications that use AI as a tool. While I'm not deeply involved in AI development, I remain part of the ecosystem.

Looking Ahead : Version 2.O

Stepping into my second year, my plan is clear. The main electronics subjects are here, so I'll need to work harder than ever. Besides my studies, I'm also starting to prepare for GATE.

For the next six months, I'll focus on our Women Safety Project, which is now officially funded by the college. This is a great chance to use both my hardware and software skills.

I'm planning to go deep into IoT and embedded systems, build a solid foundation in VLSI, and master PCB design and circuit connection at a pro level. On the software side, I've planned to start learning DSA in C++ and will continue to improve my skills in that area. I'm also focusing on app development and continuing with the remaining part of web development, specifically the backend.

Tools & Productivity Stack

Generalized content: Chat GPT, Gemini
Research: Perplexity, IEEE Journal, Research Gate
CAD: Fusion 360, AutoCAD
PCB: Fusion 360, KiCad, Altium, Proteus
Coding: GitHub, VS Code, Arduino IDE, Arduino Cloud, Claude
Simulation: Tinkercad, Circuit Diagram, Woki
Learning: YT, ChatGPT, NPTEL
Presentation: Canva, Napkin, Gamma
Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Discord
Blog: Hashnode, Dev.to, Medium, Daily.dev

Final Note

Let’s wrap it up. It took me almost 7 days to complete this blog, writing, rewriting, adding memories, and flashbacking. This blog captures my journey with wins, challenges, experiments, friendships, technology, and lessons, filled with curiosity, creativity, fun, and surprises, from hackathons and exams to learning AI tools and coding all night long.

First year was Version 1.0: Exploring, trying out, making mistakes, learning.
Now it’s time for Version 2.0: More focused, going deep, aiming for bigger goals.

The journey doesn’t end here. It’s just getting started. One part is done, now three more to go.

Introduction to Git & GitHub

Prolayjit Biswas — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:33:29 +0000

Introduction :

Git and GitHub are powerful tools for version control and collaboration. They are essential for modern software development. Git and GitHub are indispensable tools for developers, providing version control, collaboration features and community support. They have revolutionized software development.

What is Git ?

Git is a version control system designed to handle everything from small to very large projects with speed and efficiency. It allows multiple developers to work on a project simultaneously without interfering with each other's work. It also helps developers track changes in their code and revert to previous versions when needed. It is used locally on a computer.

Repository : A storage space where project files and their history are stored.
Commit : A snapshot of repository at a specific point in time.
Branch : A separate line of development. Branches allow you to work on different features or fixes without affecting the main codebase.
Merge : Combining changes from one branch into another.
Clone : Creating a copy of a repository from a remote server to local machine.
Pull : Fetching and integrating changes from a remote repository to local repository.
Push : Sending local changes to the remote repository.

What is GitHub ?

GitHub is a cloud-based platform for hosting Git repositories. It enables collaboration, code sharing, and open-source contributions. It provides a web-based interface and additional features such as :

Collaboration Tools : Issues, pull requests, and project management tools for teamwork.
Social Coding : You can follow other developers, star repositories, and watch projects to stay updated.
Documentation : Markdown support for README files, wikis, and project pages.
Pull Requests: Propose changes and review code.
Issue Tracking: Manage bugs and feature requests

Workflow : Using Git with GitHub

Initial Setup :

Git Installation :

First, click on this link to download git on the system : https://git-scm.com/downloads

Pre-requisite :

Having an IDE like VS Code , if not download from here : https://code.visualstudio.com/

After the instalation run the below command on git bash to ensure that the installation is done successfully.

git --version

GitHub Setup :

Git Configuration : `git config`

After creating an account on GitHub, use the same Username and Email adress in the bash to configure the Git. Actually, it a process of linking git with GitHub.We use git config command for this :

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

To check the configuration settings :

git config --list

Cloning of a Git Repository : `git clone`

To see a copy of a GitHub repository in our local system, we use the command git clone :

`git clone https://github.com/username/repository.git`

For example, in the code below:

Username : Prolayjit-B14

Repository Name : is C_Programming

git clone https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/C_Programming

git clone “GitHub Repository URL”

Initializing a Git Repository : `git init`

After creating a repository on GitHub, use the git init command to initialize Git in local directory :

git init

Change Directory : `cd`

The cd command is used to navigate between directories in the command line.

cd folder-name

Example: This moves into the Documents folder.

cd Documents

Adding Files : `git add .`

The git add . command is used to add files to Git repository, use the this command. This stages changes, making them ready for commit :

git add <file-name>

For adding all files at a time :

git add .

Track Changes : `git status`

The git status command is used to tract the files in the repository in the local system :

git status

Commit Message : `git commit`

This git commit command records changes to the repository after adding files. It saves a snapshot of the current project state :

git commit -m "Commit message"

For an example, when the commit message is initial commit, the command would be :

git commit -m "Initial commit"

A Git commit message should be clear, concise, and descriptive.

Commit History : `git log`

The git log command shows the commit history of the current active repository :

git log

**Push Changes : `git push`

The git push command pushes Changes from a Specific Branch to a Remote Repository :

git push <remote-name><branch-name>

For an example :

git push origin main

Here’s what each part means :

git push → Pushes changes to the remote repository.

origin → Refers to the remote repository (GitHub, etc.).

main → The branch name that is pushing to.

Download Changes : `git fetch`

This command downloads changes from a remote repository but does not merge them into your local branch :

git fetch origin

Switch Branch : `git checkout`

The git checkout command is used to switch branches, restore files, create new branches in Git :

git checkout branch-name

Combines Changes : `git merge`

The git merge command combines changes from one branch into another :


git merge branch-name

Pull Changes : `git pull`

Thi git pull command is used to download and merge the latest changes from the remote repository into local branch :

git pull <remote-name><branch-name>

For an example :

git pull origin main

Here’s what each part means :

git pull → Fetches and integrates changes from the remote repository.

origin → Specifies the remote repository (usually GitHub, GitLab, etc.).

main → The branch you want to update from the remote.

Delete Files : `git rm`

The git rm command is used to remove files from the Git repository and working directory :

git rm filename

Conclusion

Git and GitHub have revolutionized software development by enabling seamless collaboration, efficient version control, and secure code management. While Git provides the core version control functionalities, GitHub enhances it with cloud-based tools for teamwork and continuous integration. Together, they form an essential ecosystem for developers and open-source contributors.

GitHub Cheat Sheet

Here are few of my repositories :

Event Management Website : https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/Hackentine
Project Showcase Website : https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/Project-IoT
Education Platform : https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/Data-Daynamos
Indian Classical Music : https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/Bug-Fixes

If you like it, connect with me here :

First Hackathon Experience

Prolayjit Biswas — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:47:09 +0000

Introduction

So, finally I am writing my first blog and it is about my first hackathon experience. Joining college and adjusting with the new atmosphere and then the annual tech fest comes. Though i am a newbie to tech but i was passionate to participate in the upcoming program. Let's rewind to the moment when I decided to take the plunge. The tech fest was buzzing with excitement.I was a bit nervous, but my passion for technology and the thrill of being part of Hackathon kept me going.

The Begining : Finding Teammates

As a first year student, finding teammates was difficult. Our college has just started two months ago and to find a intrested team member in the short time was quite challenging. Since we were all still adjusting to college life, most students were either unaware of hackathons or hesitant to participate. However, I was determined to take part, so I started looking for teammates through college group chats, networking in class, and asking friends if they knew anyone interested in coding and development.

Eventually, I found a small group of equally passionate individuals who were as excited about the hackathon as I was.After a few discussions and rejections, I finally managed to form a team with Debopam Sarkar and Priyanka Mistrey.

The Challenge : Ideation

Then came the main challenge: coming up with an idea to present and turning it into a working prototype. We knew that our idea had to be innovative yet feasible within the limited time frame of the hackathon. Finally, we decided to made a Library Management System.

The Process : Late Nights & Hardwork

After finalizing our theme, we plunged headfirst into the intense and exhilarating process of bringing our idea to life.Each team member took on specific roles based on their strengths and interests. We had to quickly get familiar with new tools and technologies.There were moments of frustration when things didn’t go as planned, but those challenges only strengthened our resolve.

As the submission deadline approached, the pressure was at its peak. We were testing, fixing errors, and ensuring everything worked seamlessly.We learned to communicate effectively, support one another, and leverage our diverse skill sets to overcome obstacles.

Amidst the hard work, there were also moments of fun and camaraderie. We shared laughs, celebrated small victories, and kept each other motivated. Those late-night sessions, filled with both challenges and triumphs, became some of the most memorable parts of our hackathon experience.

class Library {
    private List<Book> books;

    public Library() {
        books = new ArrayList<>();
    }

    public void addBook(Book book) {
        books.add(book);
    }

The Struggles : Learning by Failing

We created a demo, but we couldn't shake off the feeling that it lacked innovation and didn't stand out from the crowd. We weren’t satisfied because it didn't feel like it had the fresh perspective we wanted to bring to the table.

At this point, exhaustion and frustration started creeping in. We had spent countless hours coding, and now we felt like our project wasn’t innovative enough.

Even I questioned, "Did we make the right choice?”

This struggle taught us a valuable lesson—failure isn’t the end, it’s an opportunity to improve. Every mistake we made helped us think better, code smarter, and innovate faster.

Outcome : More than a project

Yeah! We did it—we won the Fresher Team Prize! 🎉

Though we weren’t the overall winners, this recognition meant everything to us. As first-year students, stepping into a hackathon with zero prior experience, building a working prototype, and getting acknowledged for our efforts was a huge achievement.

But more than just a prize, the hackathon was a transformative experience. It was about pushing our boundaries, learning through challenges, and experiencing the power of teamwork.

The friendships we built, the skills we gained, and the lessons we learned were invaluable. This hackathon was not just a project; it was a milestone that marked the beginning of our journey in the tech world.

Our first hackathon experience ignited a fire within us. We now know that hackathons are not just about winning—they are about challenging yourself, collaborating with others, and creating solutions that make an impact.

And next time? We aim to come back stronger, smarter, and even more innovative! 🔥

Takeaways : Beyond coding

Winning the Fresher Team Prize was amazing, but what truly mattered were the lessons we took away from this experience. Hackathons aren’t just about coding—they're about collaboration, creativity, and pushing limits.

One of the biggest wins was meeting like-minded people—mentors, experienced developers, and fellow participants.

We got the opportunity to network with seniors and industry experts who shared valuable insights.
We learned about new technologies, best practices, and real-world problem-solving.
We made friends with other teams, exchanging ideas and discussing future collaborations.

Hackathons teach more than just technical skills—they shape how you think and work under pressure.

Time Management: Balancing coding, debugging, and presentations within a tight deadline.
Resilience: Overcoming failures, debugging issues, and improving our approach on the go.
Teamwork: Understanding how to work efficiently as a group and trust each other’s skills.

Conclusion :

Participating in my first hackathon was a transformative experience. From struggling to find a team to ideating, building, failing, learning, and finally winning the Fresher Team Prize, every moment was a lesson in perseverance and innovation. Hackathons aren’t just competitions—they are learning experiences that shape me as a developer and innovator.

But most importantly, this is just the beginning. With this newfound confidence, I’m eager to explore more hackathons, more challenges, and more opportunities to innovate.

To anyone hesitant about joining a hackathon—just go for it! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.

Achievement Unlocked 🎉 | Prolayjit Biswas

Achievement Unlocked 🎉 Hey LinkedIn Connections, I am thrilled to share that our team 'Helium' successfully got the "Best Freshers Team Award" (Jointly) in our very first #Hackathon at Anweshan Hackathon 2024, organised by HACKAUT | MAKAUT, WB . Through out the process, i have gone through a great experience of team work, collaboration and much more. I thanked our team leader Priyanka Mistry for her exceptional leadership throughout the journey. Debopam Sarkar the hard working dedicated guy, without him the campaign will not become successful. As it was our first Hackathon, we were nervous and panicking. But, some how we presented it with a good note. Priyanka Mistry Debopam Sarkar #Anweshan #Hackathon #MAKAUT Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal formerly WBUT HACKAUT | MAKAUT, WB | 12 comments on LinkedIn

linkedin.com

Forem: Prolayjit Biswas

My Raw First Year in Engineering

The Freshman Myth : Expectations vs Reality

Academic Area

Lectures, Labs & Learning Curves

Semester Exams & Study Struggles

From Hello World to Hardware : Code & Circuit

The Online Parallel World

Beyond the Syllabus

First hackathon

Hackentine

Solution Challenge

Hack 4 Bengal 4.O Virtual Hack

Project-A-Thon

Summer Hack 1.O

Makathon

Projects & Mini Wins

Personal Portfolio Page

GPS Tracking with Email Alert

Smart Agriculture Monitoring

The Other Side : Friends & Fest Nights :

Breaking Down : Challenges & Setbacks

Tech I Touched

Tech I Still Fear

DSA

AI

Looking Ahead : Version 2.O

Tools & Productivity Stack

Final Note

Introduction to Git & GitHub

Introduction :

What is Git ?

What is GitHub ?

Workflow : Using Git with GitHub

Initial Setup :

Git Configuration : git config

Cloning of a Git Repository : git clone

Initializing a Git Repository : git init

Change Directory : cd

Adding Files : git add .

Track Changes : git status

Commit Message : git commit

Commit History : git log

*Push Changes : `git push`*

Download Changes : git fetch

Switch Branch : git checkout

Combines Changes : git merge

Pull Changes : git pull

Delete Files : git rm

Conclusion

GitHub Cheat Sheet

Here are few of my repositories :

First Hackathon Experience

Introduction

Conclusion :

Achievement Unlocked 🎉 | Prolayjit Biswas

`Lectures, Labs & Learning Curves`

`Semester Exams & Study Struggles`

`First hackathon`

`Hackentine`

`Solution Challenge`

`Hack 4 Bengal 4.O Virtual Hack`

`Project-A-Thon`

`Summer Hack 1.O`

`Makathon`