Andrei Sova is 12 years old and in grade 7. He has been studying at Under The GUI since Oct 2016.
Recently, Andrei participated in the Astro Pi annual science and coding competition. For the first time kids across Canada were invited by the European Space Agency (ESA) to launch their code into space with Astro Pi’s Mission Zero! Student-written code ran on the International Space Station (ISS) for 30 seconds. Andrei and his teammate designed a piece of code to measure the temperature in space!
He said, “I am among the first Canadian kids to run a code on the International Space Station!.”
1. Why do you like coding/programming? How many years have you been learning this?
I like how certain characters, letters, and numbers combined in a certain manner can create something new and unique – like a video game or a software program, that we use every day.
I got my first computer when I was 5, not a toy 😀
My dad is a software engineer, he codes for a living, so I have always been close to programming. My dad also teaches me about programming. When there is something interesting in his work, he says, “Hey Andrei, come and see this!”
I really start programming just before I was 9 years old. Back then I was a big Minecraft fan (I still am). There is a feature in the game called command blocks, and this is how I got started. Then, when I wanted to learn more, I came to Under The GUI.
2. What is the most interesting and the most difficult part about coding?
The most interesting and satisfying part is seeing the final product. It is really satisfying, after lots of time and hard work, seeing the final product, and seeing people enjoying your final product. The most difficult part, I have to say, is debugging. You have to find where all the errors are and fix them, but it is definitely worth.
3. What do you like best studying at Under The GUI Academy?
I really like the calm atmosphere here. And the knowledgeable instructors, they are always ready to help and support you.
4. Could you introduce the current project that you are working on?
Currently, I have a project, it’s a video games website that I have been working on for a year and a half now. At the beginning are going to be five games and later I will add more. (The screenshots are the games that Andrei is working on)
5. I have heard from your mom that you are putting up a website and selling your games! What is the plan? Why are you doing this?
Right now, three video games are in different development stages and two are completed. After they are successful I will add features that you are going to pay for. I’m doing this because I love coding, I love video games, I love having the latest technology and that costs a lot of money! In the future, I want to be like my dad, a software engineer creating software…because I love coding!
Learn more about our school coding for kids in Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. Kids learn in all technology sectors including Robotics, Engineering, Coding, and Animation.
We also have Tech summer camps happening throughout Vancouver.
Our coding & animation summer camp teaches Python and app development. This is intended for students who have no prior knowledge of Python and is a good introduction to real programming concepts and goes beyond the drag & drop coding interface. At the end of this camp, students will have created their own versions of their favorite apps that they can share online!
Our Robotics summer camp program will teach the basics of Arduinos, Raspberry Pi’s and making electronic circuit prototypes. From blinking LEDs to complex flying robots, this camp will teach students how to connect components on a breadboard and do basic Arduino programming to control them.
Our Engineering Olympics summer camp will introduce students of all ages to the exciting world of Engineering through a full week of competitions and engaging activities. Activities and challenges will include Giant Catapult, High Egg Drop, Popsicle Stick Bridge, Robotic Arm Transporter and more.