There is a misconception in everyone’s mind that hackathon is basically to hack something (due to the word hack) or it is only related to coding but it is basically to build a prototype for your idea and problem statement in an innovative way in given time. The word “hackathon” is a portmanteau of the word “hack” and “marathon”, where “hack” is used in the sense of exploratory programming, not its alternate meaning as a reference to computer security. A hackathon is an event, usually hosted by a tech company or organization, where programmers, students and sometimes even professors get together for a short period of time to collaborate on a project. The participants work rapidly and often work without sleep to achieve their task, as the events generally only last 24 hours or take place over a weekend. Here, you don’t have to invent something but rather you have to give an alternative approach to solve the real-world problems in an innovative way keeping in mind the basics requirements of the user who is going to use it. It is all about learning and teaching, solving problems, meeting like-minded people, building something innovative, collaboratively pushing the limits of technology.
To conduct or participate in a hackathon online, there are many platforms available where you can conduct or participate. Some examples of hackathon platforms are: datahack, codechef, hackerearth, mettl, etc., where all upcoming hackathons and current on-going events are shown. In hackathon there are two rounds, one is idea phase round and second is actual hackathon (Online and offline both). All you have to do is read their problem statements carefully and answer their questions. Afterwards if they like your idea then they will inform you via email and then actual hackathon begins. Sometimes colleges and companies organize their own hackathons so visit their websites independently to take part in. Also, there are rewards for those who participates and outperform with his skills and different rewards according to the positions they achieved at the end of the event, where reward is generally a cash prize and some goodies too with various other opportunities.Some types of hackathons:
- For an application type- Some hackathons focus on a particular platform such as mobile apps, a desktop operating system, web development or video game development.
- Using a specific programming language, API, or framework- There have been hackathons devoted to creating applications that use a specific language or framework, like JavaScript, Node.js, HTML5 and Ruby on Rails. Some hackathons focus on applications that make use of the application programming interface, or API, from a single company or data source.
- For a cause or purpose- There have been a number of hackathons devoted to improving government, and specifically to the cause of open government.
- For a demographic group- Some hackathons are intended only for programmers within a certain demographic group, like teenagers, college students, or women. Hackathons at colleges have become increasingly popular.
- For internal innovation and motivation- Some companies hold internal hackathons to promote new product innovation by the engineering staff. For example, Facebook’s Like button was conceived as part of a hackathon.
- Code sprints- In some hackathons, all work is on a single application, such as an operating system, programming language, or content management system. Such events are often known as “code sprints”, and are especially popular for open source software projects, where such events are sometimes the only opportunity for developers to meet face-to-face.
The most popular form of a hackathon is a physical or offline one. For the participants, a hackathon platform is perfect platform to explore new technology, work on a project they are passionate about, and build it in a short span of time. Anyone who can contribute to building a product can participate this. Organizations conduct hackathons to encourage creative problem solving, drive innovation, and build brand awareness. Many companies conduct internal hackathons within their organization to engage their employees and promote a collaborative work environment. Additionally, external hackathons help companies in finding and recruiting talented professionals at a lesser cost than traditional recruiting methods. Companies can assess potential candidates by their performance in a hackathon instead of going through tedious rounds of interviews.
In today’s digital world, the success of a business depends on its ability to sustain innovation. To meet growing customer expectations and beat the competition, companies must innovate fast and build new features to improve their product or service. The biggest advantage a hackathon offers is a structure to scale innovation and build new features. Concrete ideas derived from hackathons can help companies provide better customer experience and thus improve revenue.
Traditionally, the only way to be part of a hackathon was to be physically present at the venue. This meant that you’d miss all the fun and action if you couldn’t make it to where the hackathon was being held. Thanks to the internet, things have changed.
The emergence of the digital world and crowdsourcing platforms has made the concept of online hackathons possible. Hackathons can now be conducted online or offline, or as a hybrid. You can participate in an online hackathon from anywhere in the world.
In an online or virtual hackathon, all participants are remotely connected. Irrespective of their location, hackathon enthusiasts can participate and show their skills on an online hackathon platform using various tools. Thus, gives everyone the opportunity to participate, showcase their skills, and have fun.
For a company, these are the advantages of hosting a hackathon
- Crowdsourcing business ideas and solutions
- Increasing API adoption
- Internal engagement
- Engaging with developer community/ branding
- Putting data to better use
- Identifying tech talent
Engaged employees pursue ways to innovate, which can translate to improved quality, enhanced customer experience, brand building, increased profitability, or more creativity. They go the extra mile, align their career goals with the organization’s goals, steer better business outcomes, and boost workplace happiness and creativity. Thus, they are a great way to learn, make innovations, show your creative skills, to collaborate with external partners and get rewarded.
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