Hackathons are intense, creative sprints that challenge developers to build meaningful solutions under pressure. For me, they’re not just competitions — they’re growth accelerators. After attending several as a solo hacker and in teams, I've built a system that helps me stay calm, focused, and productive.
🧠 Mindset First
My first step is always mindset. I treat every hackathon as a learning opportunity. Winning is great, but I focus more on:
- Creating value
- Learning something new
- Collaborating efficiently
⚒️ Tools I Set Up in Advance
Before the hackathon starts, I prepare a basic project scaffold. This might include:
- Frontend (React + Tailwind, or simple HTML/CSS/JS)
- Backend (Express.js + MongoDB or Firebase)
- Boilerplate with login/signup, routing, and a reusable UI kit
⏱️ Managing Time
Time is your real currency in a hackathon. I usually split the hours like this:
- 20% Planning: Understand the problem, brainstorm, assign roles
- 60% Building: MVP development with clear priorities
- 20% Demo Prep: UI polish, presentation slides, GitHub README
📦 Version Control & Communication
I always set up a GitHub repo with proper branches (e.g., `dev`, `master`) and push regularly. For teamwork, I use Notion, Trello, or even WhatsApp to stay synced.
🚫 Common Mistakes I Avoid
- Trying to do too much — I always simplify the idea to the smallest useful version.
- Ignoring the pitch — I treat the final 5-minute demo as seriously as the code.
- Skipping rest — Short breaks improve focus and teamwork.
💡 Final Thoughts
Hackathons are like mental gyms. They stretch your limits, connect you with amazing peers, and sharpen your creativity. If you're a developer, I highly recommend joining one — not for the prize, but for the priceless experience.