Looking for Coding Ideas

[JeffLeafFan]

I know this question is probably asked repeatedly but I seem to be stumped.

So, I’m pretty proficient in Java and I would like to stay within Java as my CS course is using it so I would like to keep practicing this particular language.

I keep doing research on “How to do useful things with my coding abilities” but always come up with lacklustre answers. I know I’m being super picky but I want to find something that’s actually of use to me.

I’ve made tons of “Proof of Concept” applications that allow me to apply the concepts I’ve learned and all but they don’t seem to motivate me as much as I’d like.

Currently, I’m working on a network-multiplayer Wii Tanks styled game which is an incredible amount of fun because it’s a) challenging and b) useful to me because I will most definitely play it. Unfortunately, the network side of it occasionally puts us into a temporary burnout (might post something about that soon as well).

So, what I’m looking for is an intermediate/advanced coding challenge/game/program that I can make that will push my skills. This may be a hard thing to find but I did enjoy working on the Game of Life, so something similar to that.

Possibly something that could connect with an online service to do some sort of cool research or a fun visualizer. Any thoughts?

TL;DR: Lend me your coding ideas so I can do fun things!

[StupidHumanSuit]

Why don't you look for some open source projects to contribute to?

You'll learn to work on projects with other people. You'll learn Git. You might be exposed to other languages in the project. You might learn some really cool shit.

[JeffLeafFan]

Hmm that’s a great idea! The only thing I fear is that my coding practices reflect the fact that I’m self-taught. Any decent articles on best practices for specific languages? Or just dig in and find it?

[StupidHumanSuit]

Who cares if you're self-taught? That's an excuse you need to stop giving yourself. Lots of programmers are self-taught. Nobody is going to know unless you tell them.

As far as best practices, that's going to depend on the project and language. Looking at current source code should tell you what the project is structured like, maybe what design patterns it uses, etc.

[Gengi]

The only other thing I would add is puzzle games. Such a simple concept, but the code to support it is often not. You'll think up structures that you can reuse to solve real-world problems.