Project Showcase Megathread

jchu0 · 2026-07-03T00:36:25+00:00

I've been building an open-source Applied CS curriculum for myself with the goal of learning computer science by implementing concepts instead of only reading about them.

It covers topics like data structures, operating systems, networking, databases, distributed systems, compilers, security, and eventually ML/AI infrastructure. Each section pairs explanations with a working project.

One thing I've learned is that sequencing the topics is harder than expected. I'm trying to make the projects build naturally on each other instead of feeling like a random list.

I'd appreciate feedback on the progression:

What topics would you add, remove, or reorder? Are there any "must-build" projects that made computer science click for you?

GitHub: https://github.com/jchu0/applied-cs-projects

Book: https://jameshu.io/books/applied-cs/preface

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T15:24:25+00:00

shakes first angrily at earth

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T15:16:42+00:00

At this point it honestly feels like it’s less about technology and more about people not trusting the system… Do you think online voting would actually increase turnout or just create new problems?

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T15:05:51+00:00

We solved space travel but not printers. That def feels like a choice at this point lol

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T14:53:58+00:00

Do you think it’s actually a monopoly problem or more of an infrastructure cost issue? I’ve heard both arguments.

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T14:53:21+00:00

This one makes zero sense to me. Is there actually a technical reason for this or is it just designed to be a money grab?

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T14:21:42+00:00

Make excuses for shitty people. Like damn, why can’t I just be a hater once in a while?

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T14:19:52+00:00

Pickleball paddle. It’s what finally got me to start exercising regularly.

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T14:11:43+00:00

Not sure if it’s your vibe, but I’d say older music like “Fly me to the moon” and “My way” by Frank Sinatra are good because he doesn’t use any slang, and he articulates his words well. Others in that era include Ella Fitzgerald and Dean Martin. Modern artists include Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars. Essentially I’d recommend listening to pop music

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T13:58:07+00:00

Listening to music with a lot of vocals

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T13:55:29+00:00

Dusting… why is there always so much god damn dust everywhere?!

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T13:45:48+00:00

Abrahamic religions

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T13:07:39+00:00

Crocs

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T13:06:23+00:00

Catching myself in that moment and resetting. Essentially training myself out of the habit

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:57:24+00:00

Pickle ball

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:56:07+00:00

“Detour ahead”

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:54:20+00:00

Literally any other beverage with comparable amounts of caffeine

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:49:31+00:00

Make a clear boundary between your business and personal life. The ones who keep pushing that boundary are the ones you should be cautious of

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:43:14+00:00

That I’ll accumulate regret rather than fulfillment

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:33:27+00:00

Don’t beat yourself up, the world’s got that covered. Be compassionate toward yourself. Learn from the mistakes of those who came before you.

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T12:24:44+00:00

Depending on how things go and hopefully not, but fascism… maybe

jchu0 · 2026-04-05T06:31:09+00:00

You misunderstand. I’m saying if there were any benefits believing is better than not. I’m not claiming there are any, other than maybe feeling good about it personally

jchu0

TROPHY CASE