If you're not familiar with the terminal (that black screen with commands), this might be a bit of a learning curve for you. But trust me, it's worth it. Once you get through the setup, the whole thing is pretty magical.

For those who have never touched the terminal before: don't worry, I'll explain every command step by step. Just copy-paste them exactly as shown and you should be fine. And if you mess up somewhere, you can always start fresh.

Now let's get into it.

What's OpenClaw?

OpenClaw (previously known as Moltbot/Clawdbot) is basically an AI assistant that sits on your computer and connects to your WhatsApp. You send it a message, it does things on your PC and replies back. Simple as that.

Think about this scenario: You're grabbing chai with friends and suddenly remember that PDF your colleague needs is on your desktop at home. Instead of rushing back, you just text on WhatsApp: "Find the Q4 report on my desktop." Thirty seconds later, you have it. That's the vibe.

The project has 60,000+ GitHub stars and an active community, so support is pretty solid if you run into issues.

Official Links:

• GitHub: https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw

• Documentation: https://docs.openclaw.ai

• Official Website: https://openclaw.ai

Why Do You Need an API Key?

Before we get into the setup, let me explain this part because a lot of people get confused here.

OpenClaw itself is just a bridge between your WhatsApp and your computer. It doesn't have its own AI brain. It needs to connect to an AI model (like Claude or GPT) to understand your messages and figure out what to do.

Think of it like this: OpenClaw is the body, but it needs a brain to function. That brain is the AI model, and you access that brain through an API key.

The API key is basically your access pass to use these AI models. Every time you send a message, OpenClaw sends it to the AI, the AI processes it, and sends back instructions. You pay for this usage based on how many tokens (roughly words) you use.

Which AI Can You Use?

Here's the good part: OpenClaw works with multiple AI providers. You're not locked into one.

1. Anthropic (Claude)

This is the default and honestly works the best for this kind of task. Models like Claude Sonnet or Claude Opus are available.

• Get API Key: https://console.anthropic.com

2. OpenAI (GPT)

Yes, you can use GPT-4, GPT-4.5, or even GPT-5 if you have access. If you're already paying for ChatGPT Plus, you can use the OpenAI Codex option which uses your existing subscription.

• Get API Key: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys

3. Google Gemini

Another option if you prefer Google's ecosystem.

• Get API Key: https://aistudio.google.com/apikey

4. Local Models (Ollama)

If you don't want to pay for APIs at all, you can run local models on your machine. Free, but needs a decent computer (8GB+ RAM recommended).

• Download Ollama: https://ollama.ai

5. OpenRouter

This is like a proxy that gives you access to multiple models through one API key. Pretty convenient if you want to switch between models.

• Get API Key: https://openrouter.ai

The Cost Factor

OpenClaw itself is free and open-source. The cost comes from the AI API usage:

Using Anthropic Claude:

• Light usage (few commands a day): ₹800-2,500/month

• Moderate usage (regular file tasks): ₹2,500-6,000/month

• Heavy usage (constant automation): ₹6,000-12,500/month

Using OpenAI:

• Similar pricing, depends on which model you use

• GPT-4 is cheaper than Claude Opus for most tasks

Using Local Models (Ollama):

• Completely free

• But your computer needs decent specs (8GB+ RAM recommended)

Setup Guide for Windows

Since most of us in India use Windows, let's start with that. OpenClaw runs on Windows through something called WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux). Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds.

Step 1: Install WSL2

Open PowerShell as Administrator (Right-click on Start → Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin))

Run this command:

wsl --install

This will install WSL2 with Ubuntu. Your computer might ask you to restart. Do that.

After restart, Ubuntu will open and ask you to create a username and password. Remember these, you'll need them.

Step 2: Enable Systemd (Required for OpenClaw)

Open Ubuntu from your Start menu and run these commands one by one:

sudo tee /etc/wsl.conf >/dev/null <<'EOF'
[boot]
systemd=true
EOF

Now go back to PowerShell (as Admin) and run:

wsl --shutdown

Open Ubuntu again and verify it worked:

systemctl --user status

If you see some output without errors, you're good.

Step 3: Install Node.js

Inside Ubuntu, run these commands:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

Verify installation:

node --version

(Should show v22 or higher)

Step 4: Install OpenClaw

Still inside Ubuntu:

curl -fsSL https://molt.bot/install.sh | bash
exec bash

Step 5: Run the Setup Wizard

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

This opens an interactive wizard. Follow the prompts:

1. When it asks for AI provider, choose based on what API key you have

2. When it asks for WhatsApp, select it and scan the QR code with your phone

For different AI providers, you can use these specific commands:

For Anthropic (Claude):

openclaw onboard --auth-choice token

For OpenAI:

openclaw onboard --auth-choice openai-api-key

For OpenAI with ChatGPT subscription:

openclaw onboard --auth-choice openai-codex

For Google Gemini:

openclaw onboard --auth-choice gemini-api-key

Step 6: Connect WhatsApp

When the QR code appears on your screen:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone

2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices

3. Tap "Link a Device"

4. Scan the QR code on your screen

Done!

Setup Guide for Mac

Mac setup is actually simpler since it runs natively.

Step 1: Install Homebrew (if you don't have it)

Open Terminal and run:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Install Node.js

brew install node

Verify:

node --version

(Should show v22 or higher)

Step 3: Install OpenClaw

curl -fsSL https://molt.bot/install.sh | bash
exec bash

Step 4: Run the Setup Wizard

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Follow the same prompts as Windows setup.

Step 5: Grant Permissions

This is important for Mac users. Go to: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access

Add your Terminal app (or iTerm if you use that).

Without this, OpenClaw won't be able to access your files when you're away.

Step 6: Connect WhatsApp

Same as Windows:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone

2. Go to Settings → Linked Devices

3. Tap "Link a Device"

4. Scan the QR code

Setup Guide for Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Step 1: Install Node.js

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

Step 2: Install OpenClaw

curl -fsSL https://molt.bot/install.sh | bash
exec bash

Step 3: Run Setup Wizard

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Step 4: Connect WhatsApp

Same process as above.

Useful Commands After Setup

Once everything is set up, here are some commands you'll use often:

Check if OpenClaw is running:

openclaw gateway status

Restart the service:

openclaw gateway restart

Stop the service:

openclaw gateway stop

Start the service:

openclaw gateway start

View available AI models:

openclaw models list

Switch to a different model:

openclaw models set openai/gpt-4.5-preview

Check for issues:

openclaw doctor

What Can You Actually Do With It?

Here are some real examples of messages you can send:

Find Files Remotely

• "Find that screenshot I took yesterday in my Downloads folder"

• "Search for the project proposal PDF on my desktop"

• "Where is my resume file?"

Get System Info

• "How much disk space do I have left?"

• "What's running on my computer right now?"

• "Show me my CPU and RAM usage"

Run Commands

• "Create a new folder called 'Project X' on my desktop"

• "Compress all the images in my Downloads folder"

• "Delete all .tmp files from my Downloads"

Automate Tasks

• "Check my calendar for tomorrow"

• "Search my notes for meeting minutes from last week"

• "Send me a summary of files modified today"

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

1. Security: This tool has access to your terminal, so be careful. The docs recommend using a separate WhatsApp number for the assistant instead of your personal one.

2. Keep your PC running: Obviously, your computer needs to be on and connected to the internet for this to work.

3. API costs can add up: If you're using it heavily, keep an eye on your API usage. Consider using local models (Ollama) if cost is a concern.

4. WSL2 for Windows users: Remember, on Windows, OpenClaw runs inside the Linux environment (WSL2), so your files will be accessed through that. The path structure might look different (/mnt/c/Users/YourName/ instead of C:\Users\YourName\).

Troubleshooting

OpenClaw not responding?

openclaw doctor

This will check for common issues and try to fix them.

WhatsApp disconnected?

openclaw gateway restart

Then re-scan the QR code if needed.

Commands not working? Make sure the gateway is running:

openclaw gateway status

Need to start fresh?

openclaw reset

Final Thoughts

I've seen a lot of AI tools lately, but OpenClaw feels different because it's actually solving a real problem. Not everything needs to be a fancy app with a subscription, sometimes you just need to find that one file while you're not at home.

The setup might look intimidating at first (especially if you're new to terminal commands), but once it's running, it's basically magic. Text your computer, get things done.

If you run into issues, the community is pretty active on GitHub. Don't hesitate to open an issue or check existing discussions.

Have you tried any remote PC control tools before? Would love to know what you're using.

So that's it. Happy Coding!

Tags: #OpenClaw #AITools #WhatsAppAutomation #ProductivityHacks #TechForEveryone #RemoteWork #Windows #Mac #Linux

cursor (agentic flow) is amazing

– agentic cursor is powerful when you set up your .cursorrule around the project. it really follows that base and delivers way better output.

– cursor + claude 3.5 always works for me when generating code—I get cleaner, more accurate snippets than with gpt-4o.

– cost-wise it’s the priciest: credits disappear fast if you let it run wild through agentic mode. and blindly accepting every change without checking which files got updated will literally be a nightmare :)

for enterprises: cursor ships with SOC 2 certification and a privacy mode so your code never gets stored remotely, plus you can swap between models (OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, custom) and even bring your own API key [if needed].

windsurf

– crazy fast. even when i compare windsurf + claude 3.5 vs cursor + claude 3.5, windsurf spits out code way quicker (maybe it’s my illusion 😂, but the speed difference is legit).

– cost = $15/mo. cursor is $20/mo (or $16/mo on a yearly plan).

– simpler setup—less “magic” under the hood, so fewer surprises with unwanted errors. it offers on-prem for enterprise and zero-data-retention if you care about IP.

– windsurf’s cascade agent can write changes directly to disk so you see live updates before accepting diffs.

so here’s my final thought:

– cursor wins on complex, multistep tasks and context-heavy flows; windsurf wins when you just need quick, reliable code without a ton of config.

– both run inside vscode—they’re basically vscode clones under the hood, so the UI and feel are nearly identical.

– both support AI terminal commands, inline edits, auto-generated commit messages, and full extension compatibility via the VS Code marketplace.

TL;DR

both tools only really perform if you know the fundamentals & how to use them; otherwise it’s just another piece of software.

so that’s it.

Whether you want to use TypeScript or just plain JS is entirely dependent on your use case.

But before choosing one, I can give some tips that worked for me:

Firstly, if you are working with a team or on a decently large project, then it's better to use TypeScript instead of plain JS as it helps you reduce the time spent debugging and finding the correct spelling of the props 😉.

But if you are a solo developer or a hobby project maker just like me :), then I would say TypeScript won't be very useful in your projects as it is just you developing and using the project, right? So, no confusion as to what to use in the project.

As a final note:

Learning and trying new tech is always good, and if you don't know TypeScript yet, join my 100+ hour course on Mastering TypeScript. Link in bio. [Just kidding bro 😂]

#typescript #js #webdeveloper #freelancedeveloper

So what does it mean by "strongly typed"?

To explain that, we can imagine a scenario where we want to write a function in both JavaScript and TypeScript to add two numbers together

In JS the function will look like this :
// function add(a, b) { return a + b; } console.log(add(5, 10)); // Output: 15 console.log(add("5", "10")); // Output: "510" (concatenation instead of addition) ///

In this , the add function doesn't specify the types of its parameters. That means we can pass a string or number to the function and if both parameters are numbers then it will add otherwise it will concatenate with each other. this is the scenario in JS.

but in Typescript, The same function will look like this :
// function add(a: number, b: number): number { return a + b; } console.log(add(5, 10)); // Output: 15 console.log(add("5", "10")); // Error: Argument of type '"5"' is not assignable to parameter of type 'number'. //

[for getting the below point, just compare both the function in JS and TS ]

In this, When we created the function we already added a type annotation to the parameters (: number) and for the return value ( after the parameter, there is another ": number" that says that the function should return a number ). So In whatever scenario the function will only accept numbers. If you pass a string value to it just like you do it in JS, It won't concatenate each other instead it will give you an error.

So this is the Main difference between JS & TS. In JS , we don't explicitly set the type of parameters and what type of result the function will return and all , but in TS we explicitly set the type for each and everything just like we did in older days in JAVA and C++ ( int numb = 1 ( this only accept number)).

So you guys may ask, then why we should use Typescript??

we can discuss that in the next post 😉 .

Hope you learned something from this post! comment down if you already worked on Typescript and share the most interesting thing that you found on Typescript 😁[

#we](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=javascript&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7188128279118123008)bdeveloper #jsvsts #js #javascript #typescript #softwareengineer #malayalam

That’s why if any of the main features of your application entirely depend on any third-party API, in the long run, it’s not a good idea to continue with that.

If you really want to use a third-party API, then surely implement a backup plan that can support the API if it goes down.

There are other reasons as well for not trusting a third-party API:

• There will be updates in the API, and there is a high chance that the response JSON format can also change.

• If it’s a commercial API, then there is a chance that they increase their API pricing on a yearly basis, which could increase the expenses for the application.

• If the API is directly integrated into a main feature of your application and unfortunately, the API service goes down, then it’s your worst day for sure.

Just listed some of the circumstances that you may face if you 100% depend on a third-party API, so what you can do is surely implement a backup plan and add another API that also provides a similar kind of service. If the main API fails to fetch the data, then it should retrieve the data from the secondary API (for sure, it will increase the expenses for the application).

So, that’s it.

So, What’s Medplum? What features does it provide?

Medplum is open source healthcare developer platform that helps you build, test, and deliver any healthcare product or service. Medplum is based on the FHIR API (FHIR is a standard for healthcare data exchange ).

Key Features of MedPlum:

1. Interoperability and Standards Compliance: MedPlum ensures that different healthcare systems can communicate seamlessly, just like ReactJS components working together. It follows industry standards, like FHIR, making sure that medical data flows smoothly between various parts of the healthcare ecosystem.

2. Data Security: Security is paramount in healthcare, and MedPlum acts as a guardian. It applies security measures to ensure that sensitive patient data remains confidential and protected also including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), safeguarding patient information and maintaining the highest standards of data security

3. Developer-Friendly APIs: Provides APIs that are developer-friendly. These APIs empower you to interact with healthcare data effortlessly, speeding up the development process.

4. Scalability and Performance: It Ensures that healthcare applications can grow without losing performance. It's equipped to handle the increasing complexity of healthcare projects.

5. Patient-Centric Design : Emphasizes creating applications with a user-friendly design. It helps developers build interfaces that make healthcare interactions smooth and enjoyable for users.

6. Documentation and Support : Provides guides and support to navigate the healthcare development to ensure that you have the resources to make the most of the platform.

MedPlum is more than code; it's a bridge connecting the tech world with the Healthcare. You can get a clear picture from the Medplum GitHub repo ( link in the comment). Have you worked with any products in the healthcare industry? If yes share your experience in the comment section

Also attached is the screen recording of the Medplum Charting application for those who want a glance at the platform

So that’s it, Happy Coding 😄

#MedPlum #HealthTechDev #OpenSourceDev #ReactJS #NodeJS #MedTechInnovation #HealthcareCoding #FHIRDeveloper #OpenSourceHealthcare #MedicalCoding #DeveloperLife #HappyCoding

There are actually 6 steps I follow whenever a new client approaches:

1. Initial Discussion

In the initial discussion, my main goal is to understand the exact requirements of the client, understand the client's business, targeted audience, and their unique selling points (USPs), and note these down in a Google Docs or Google Form for future reference.

1. Share the Detailed Proposal with Estimated Cost & Time

After the initial discussion, I research the client's industry and plan the project, considering the number of unique pages, features and the time required for the solution. If I have any queries during this process, I discuss them with the client to ensure I have a clear idea of their expectations. After working out different solutions, I finalize the technologies to be used and estimate the project's time. Following this, I create a detailed proposal for the client and submit it to them.

1. Design & Prototype

Upon approval of the proposal, I start working on the design, usually hiring one or two people to provide different perspectives. The design is crucial as it forms the first impression of the solution presented to the client. After the design phase, we work on the prototype, a mockup of the entire solution. This gives the client a clear picture of what we are building and how it will look in the end. Sometimes, additional features or pages requested by the client emerge during this phase, and we work on incorporating them.

1. Development

After the approval of the Design & Prototype, I start the development. In my opinion, development usually takes less time (depending on the project, sometimes projects take a long time also 😅) compared to the design and prototype phase. This is because both the client and I have a clear idea of what we are going to develop after going through the design and prototype phases . In the development phase, I share the development server link with the client, allowing them to regularly check the progress of the application and ensuring they don't feel ghosted in the process.

1. Hosting & Delivery

After development and testing, I move to the hosting part, where we host the application on the right server for the client, connect the domain (the client has to buy their domain, Of course, I assist them 😉), and deliver the full project.

1. Support

Usually, I provide one or two months of support for the client, depending on the project. This allows the client to understand how the solution works, and during this time, if any issues arise or additional features are requested, I address them.

So, there it is, the entire process. It's a common practice I follow, subject to change depending on the project. If you have any queries, feel free to raise them in the comment section.

Also, if there are any projects, you can always shoot me in the mail : ahmadswalih777@gmail.com (it's always open) 😄.

So that's it, Happy Coding!

Here's the tech side:

In the earlier days, JavaScript was primarily designed for client-side scripting within web browsers, and browsers provided a JavaScript runtime environment but lacked the necessary APIs and capabilities for server-side operations like file I/O, network access, and system interactions.

In 2009, Node.js was introduced. It was a breakthrough as it introduced a standalone server-side JavaScript runtime, enabling JavaScript to be used outside the browser environment. But how? How is Node.js able to run on the server side?

Node.js enables server-side execution by providing a standalone runtime environment (meaning it gives JavaScript the ability to run on a server or computer without needing a browser) by leveraging the V8 JavaScript engine (developed by the Chromium project for the Google Chrome browser). The V8 engine compiles JavaScript into machine code, enabling efficient server-side execution. Also, Node.js operates on an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, allowing for the concurrent handling of multiple requests. This enables JavaScript to run on the server in a scalable and effective manner.

This is how JavaScript is able to run on the server side. Hope you got an idea. So happy coding 😀.

The moment I saw it, I thought what?? these guys still use class-based components, even from the official reactjs documentation don’t have those class-based components but these guys still use them . Then I got a meeting with the developer and he told me that when he was in the stage of developing this project ( 2018-19 ) the class-based components were in the market and he used them but didn’t get any time to update the project.

But after that meeting, I got into research and looked for why everyone uses functional-based components these days and why class-based components are not in the trend. So here is the research output.

with the release of reactjs 16.3, They introduced Hooks, which are functions that allow functional components to manage state, side effects, and other features that were mainly associated with class components. With the intro of Hooks, developers could use features like useState, useEffect, and others directly in their functional components, making them more powerful and expressive. The move to using functional components and Hooks was motivated by wanting code to be cleaner, and more modular, and to enhance the experience for developers.

Also, Functional components are lightweight and perform better than class components.

So that’s it, and if you are still using the class components, comment why you use them.

• 1) There are plenty of resources and templates available online, so utilizing them is the best way to create stunning websites.

• 2) It's better to start the project with what you already know.

• 3) There are thousands of programming languages and frameworks available to build websites, including no-code platforms. Utilizing these frameworks and no-code platforms will reduce the time in major scenarios.

• 4) Not all no-code platforms are subpar; some of them are gems.

• 5) It's better to have a Figma file or any prototype of the website that you are building. This will surely reduce the time of building the website and give you an exact idea and correct content alignment for the website.

Here is a website I built last Sunday:

It's a website for an application (just a demo). The website is created using Next.js with TypeScript and designed using Tailwind CSS.

Website Link: hilink-demo.ahmadswalih.com

What are your go-to resources for building websites? Share your thoughts below! 👇

Exploring the World of Open Source

At the event, I immersed myself in the world of open source projects working tirelessly to safeguard our privacy and enhance our daily lives. The event provided a platform to discover fantastic initiatives and get hands-on with swags, stickers, and more.

Enlightening Talks that Redefined "Open"

The heart of India FOSS 3.0 was a series of enlightening talks. "What Do We Mean When We Say Open Source AI?" by Tarunima Prabhakar delved into the true meaning of "open" in the realm of AI, offering fresh perspectives on the terminology. Anupam Guha's session on "The Political Roots of AI Policy" uncovered the profound implications of AI in our society. These talks challenged conventional wisdom and opened new horizons.

Inspiring Speakers and Their Insights

The event featured an array of incredible speakers, including Mujeeb Rahman, Shreya Malvia, Subin Siby, and many more. Each shared their unique insights and contributions to the open-source community, leaving an indelible mark.

The recorded version of the Conference can be found here: https://sovran.video/c/indiafoss_3.0/videos

Join the Open Source Movement and Make a Difference

India FOSS 3.0 ignited my passion for open-source projects and underscored their crucial role in our society. It's not just about technology; it's about creating a positive impact. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the India FOSS team and the incredible speakers for this enriching experience.

The journey doesn't end here; it's only the beginning. Let's continue this expedition together and work towards making a substantial difference in the world of open source and technology.

Establishing Your Online Presence

Think of your website as the glowing signboard that beckons people to your business, even when your physical doors are closed. Picture this: You're strolling down the street, hungry for some good food. Two restaurants stand side by side. One has an inviting website where you can browse their delicious menu, read rave reviews, and even reserve a table. The other? Well, it's like a mystery box; you have no idea what awaits inside.

A charming local bakery managed to attract customers not only from their neighbourhood but also from neighbouring towns, all thanks to their eye-catching website. They showcased their delectable pastries and speciality bread, enticing dessert lovers from far and wide.

Accessibility and Convenience

The power of a website lies in its accessibility and convenience. Imagine being able to visit your favourite store anytime, from anywhere, with just a few clicks. That's the magic of a website. Your potential customers can explore your products, services, or offerings from the comfort of their homes, on their lunch break, or even during midnight musings.

Consider a boutique clothing store that offers an online catalogue. Shoppers can leisurely browse through the latest arrivals, check sizes, and make purchases at their convenience, whether it's the crack of dawn or the dead of night. This accessibility can significantly boost your sales and enhance customer satisfaction.

Building Trust and Credibility

A professional-looking website can work wonders in building trust and credibility for your small business. Think about it: In this digital age, customers often turn to the internet to research a business before making any commitments. A well-designed website gives off an air of reliability and experience.

Take the example of a local photography studio. After revamping their website to showcase their stunning portfolio and glowing customer reviews, they witnessed a remarkable surge in bookings. People felt more confident in their services because of the strong online presence.

Online Sales and Revenue

If your small business deals in products or services, a website can be a game-changer. You can set up an online store, allowing customers to make purchases directly from you over the internet.

Consider a local bookstore that decided to expand its reach by offering an online store. Readers could now order books from the comfort of their homes, and deliveries would arrive at their doorsteps. This strategic move not only boosted sales but also widened their customer base far beyond their immediate locality.

Cost-Effective Marketing

Compared to traditional advertising methods, website marketing is incredibly cost-effective. It allows you to reach a broader audience at a fraction of the cost. You can reallocate your advertising budget to online strategies that deliver tangible results.

Imagine a small gardening and landscaping business that shifted its advertising budget from flyers to online campaigns, including Google Ads and social media promotions. The result? A surge in inquiries and bookings, all while spending less on marketing.

Analytics and Data Insights

Here's the icing on the cake: Having a website gives you access to invaluable analytics and data insights. These tools help you understand customer behaviour, preferences, and emerging trends. Armed with this data, you can make informed decisions to further grow your business.

Picture a local art gallery that used website analytics to discover which types of art were most popular among online visitors. With this knowledge in hand, they curated more exhibits in line with their audience's tastes, leading to increased foot traffic and sales.

In conclusion, every small business needs a website in today's digital age. It's not a luxury but a necessity for success. Consider it your digital storefront, welcoming customers around the clock. So, if you're a small business owner, it's time to embrace the digital era, invest in a professional website, and watch your business flourish like never before. Your website isn't a choice; it's the cornerstone of your journey to success in the modern business world.

GITEX Global 2023: A Tech Enthusiast's Paradise

GITEX Global is the world's largest tech event, and it's a must-attend for any tech enthusiast. With over 4,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, there's something for everyone at GITEX.

This year's GITEX was focused on the theme of "The Year to Imagine AI in Everything." This theme reflected the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in all aspects of our lives, from the workplace to the home.

Some of the most exciting AI innovations on display at GITEX included:

• AI-powered robots that can perform tasks such as surgery and manufacturing with greater precision and accuracy than humans.

• AI-powered chatbots that can provide customer service and support 24/7.

• AI-powered medical diagnostic tools that can help doctors identify diseases and recommend treatments more effectively.

In addition to AI, GITEX also featured a wide range of other innovative technologies, including:

• Cloud computing solutions that can help businesses save money and improve efficiency.

• Cybersecurity solutions that can help businesses protect their data and systems from cyberattacks.

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices that can connect to the internet and collect data, which can then be used to improve efficiency and productivity.

GITEX is more than just a tech showcase. It's also a great opportunity to network with other tech enthusiasts and learn from the experts. There are a variety of networking events and workshops held throughout the event, so you can learn about the latest trends and developments in the tech industry and meet new people who share your interests.

If you're a tech enthusiast, I highly recommend attending GITEX Global next year. It's an experience you won't forget.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of GITEX Global:

• Plan ahead and make a list of the exhibitors you want to visit. This will help you make the most of your time.

• Attend the networking events and workshops. This is a great way to learn about the latest trends and developments in the tech industry and meet new people who share your interests.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions. The exhibitors are there to help you learn about their products and services.

• Take advantage of the free demos and trials that many of the exhibitors offer. This is a great way to try out new technologies before you buy them.

• Have fun! GITEX Global is a great opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest in tech innovation.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

So, What is a website?

A website is a collection of web pages. So, what is a web page? A web page is a digital document that can be accessed through a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and others. In simple words, it's like a virtual sheet of paper. These pages come together to form a website, much like chapters in a book. Each web page can contain various elements such as text, images, videos, links, and interactive features. Hope you got an idea of what a website is.

Websites are majorly classified into two: Static Websites and Dynamic Websites.

A static website is a type of website where the content of the website remains fixed and unchanged unless manually changed by a developer. We can compare a static website with a printed brochure or notice. Just as a brochure has information that doesn't change once it's printed, a static website has fixed content you can see on the internet. Just like you read a brochure, people use a web browser to look at a static website. The information on both stays the same unless someone changes it manually.

Now, let's look at the Dynamic website. Dynamic websites are like digital shape-shifters – they transform based on what you do. Imagine it as a website with a magical wand! Unlike static sites that stay the same, dynamic ones react to your actions. Think of it like a game that changes its challenges as you play. For example, imagine a website that suggests movies similar to the ones you've watched. Dynamic websites are like tech wizards that give you exactly what you want. So, they're basically your web pals that adapt to your moves and make things exciting!

Why Should We Care About Websites?

In a world brimming with futuristic technologies, understanding websites might seem like stepping into the past. However, our journey into the world of websites is an essential one. Just like ChatGpt, the conversational AI, uses a website to connect with you, websites are the heart of our digital interactions. Whether it's exploring a static webpage like a brochure or experiencing the dynamic marvels that adapt to your every click, websites shape our online adventures. So, before we dive deeper into crafting and unleashing websites of our own, let's peel back the layers and discover the wonders they hold. Are you ready to unravel the secrets of the digital realm? Join us on this exciting journey as we demystify the world of websites and set the stage for creating our own web presence.

No, I am not talking about the mythical one-horned animal (🦄). I am talking about Byjus,Nyka, etc.

In business terms, a unicorn is a privately held startup company valued over $1 billion Dollar.

India has 108 unicorns and it’s a good number for a growing economy like ours. but most of these companies are not profitable. For example, take buyjus, at one point it was one of India’s most valued startups, The GOLDENEYE Boy of the unicorn club. but in this last year, it has seen a dramatic downturn, investors no longer believe in its potential, employees are being laid off and its owner Bayju Ravindran is no longer a billionaire.

So, What exactly went wrong? Our Indian Startups are highly overvalued and Is this summer turning into a funding winter? more importantly, why should you care?

image from businessToday

Byjus was founded in the year 2011, the founders were Bayju Ravindran and Divya Gokulnath .So that’s where the name byjus comes from. So the company started with online videos. learning programs and preparations for competitive exams. But things took a turn in 2015, and that’s when Bayjus launched its learning app by the end of 2018 the app had more than 15 million subscribers and Byjus became a UNICORN. But the boom really happened during the pandemic. Everyone was at home, they were learning on their devices so Buyjus saw a meteoric rise there was exponential growth, and it became the growing star of the edtech market what did the company do next?

They decided to expand. They went on an acquisition spree. They acquired the company called WHITEHAT JR, another startup in the edtech and this acquisition was for 300 million dollars. Then they bought a tutorial chain called AAKASH and this was for 950 million dollars and it did not end here. Byjus kept adding more companies to the shopping cart like the topper, epic, Great Learning etc. they came at a hefty price. we’re talking about more than 2 billion dollars. but expansion was not the only thing on their mind the company scaled up it’s marketing too. It poured millions into promotions. Byjus became the main sponsor of the Indian cricket team, it was the official sponsor of the FIFA world cup,it robbed the Bollywood star Sharukhan and football legend “Lionel Messi “ all to promote the brand .

This was the dream run for Byjus but like most good things these too came to an end. you see Byjus was depending on students to learn online. They were expecting them to stay at home. but soon the world opened up, students returned to schools. but byjus kept spending, it kept growing, investors kept pouring in money and they did not expect or predict a downturn which brings us to 2021. that’s when the first signs of trouble emerged. Byjus posted a loss of 327n million dollars this was 17 times more than 2020 ( based on this article on BBC ) and this was just the beginning. Since then bayjus has only gone from one scandal to another. First, there were complaints by parents. They said Bayjus sales executives were forcing them to buy courses. Some of these parents could not even afford them, but the byjus executive did not care about that. they only care about hitting their sales targets ( an article was published on The Economic Times based on the similar issues) . Then came the financial troubles, the company tried to cost cutting, not by reducing expenditure but by firing hundreds of employees ( Economic Times). The troubles continued though!

So You get the drift, The one celebrated company is now mired in debts and Scandals. In 2022, its valuation was worth 22 billion dollars, this year it has been slashed to 5.1billion dollars

It’s an extraordinary unravelling and also a cautionary tale because this is not the story of just one company, this is the story of most of India’s Unicorns like Swiggy, Zomato, Paytm, Bharatpe . I am sure you’ve heard of these names, perhaps even used most of them. These are all highly valued companies but they all are burning money. You see Valuations no longer have any relation to success and profits. It’s actually a huge problem in the Indian startup ecosystem. One report says most early startups in India are overvalued and this hyper valuation is now coming back to bite them (read the report here ). I have some numbers 55 of India’s most valued startups remain in a loss. So here is the full picture, Indian startups are burning money they no longer have unlimited access to unlimited money. It may look like a downturn to but basically, this is a reset. These companies grew unprecedentedly until 2021, they were valued at sky-high levels and now they’re finally being valued at a more realistic level. Does that mean that the Indian startup economy is failing? Well No! It’s just the bubble is bursting like I said this is the reset, Indian Startups have immense potential but valuations need to be based on reality not illusions. you can say that Indian startups are at a crossroads, they need some course corrections and growth will follow

Yeah, it's true. I've been attending a lot of tech and community events. There, I meet so many techies who claim that they only code in JavaScript. They say JavaScript is like their lifeblood and whatnot. But I can't help but wonder, is it really necessary to limit yourself to just one programming language? Why are people so fixated on programming languages instead of focusing on solving problems?

Beginners starting out in the world of programming often get confused, and it's only natural. There are around 8,945 programming languages out there (both active and inactive as of now), and this number is only going to increase in the future, for sure. So, beginners often find themselves in a dilemma, not knowing which programming language they should study or which one has more scope in the future. They may even wonder if learning a particular language, like 'C/C++', will be beneficial in the long run and all.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that programming languages are just tools. Yes, you heard it right—they are just tools for solving problems. And secondly, every language has its own advantages and disadvantages, so don't think that studying 'C' or 'C++' won't be useful in the future, okay?

Now, here's the most important thing I want to say: if you're studying or planning to study programming and you're at that point where you're confused about which language to choose, here's a tip for you:

Think about what you want to be after studying programming. For example, do you want to become an app developer or a web developer who creates amazing web applications, just like me? 😄

Once you've made that decision, just do some research on Google, read some blogs, or connect with other programmers you may already know (you can always connect with me 💁), and ask them, 'I want to be a web developer or an app developer. Which language should I focus on more? What are your suggestions?' It always helps, trust me. So, don't worry too much about the programming language. Just start, and everything will fall into place for sure.

Remember, 'Programming Language is Just a Tool for Solving Problems

Whenever a startup launches a digital/physical product, its only focus is to get some actual users as soon as possible! only then can they receive real feedback. And Acquiring users or reaching the targeted audience is where the pain hides!

Imagine you started a startup with a unique idea: reduce plastic waste by recycling it ( unique idea 😂) and as a part of the process you developed a mobile application for tracking customers and collecting agents. The Application has a Subscription plan and the users are required to pay a monthly fee, the collecting agents will come to their homes once a week to collect the plastics

now in this case the potential clients will be the people who reside in the city/urban area, so we have to target these people, For getting attention from these people we can introduce a free plastic collecting day once a month or 3 months. this will exponentially increase the revenue for sure.

In this example, it’s a service-based startup and people are experiencing the use of their service for free in the real world. so, whenever you launch a product, give the users a chance to use your product for absolutely free so they can decide if it’s worth buying or subscribing to this application or give them a freemium (users can use the product with limited functionality ) option

By Integrating these strategies, startups can attract users, gather valuable feedback, and generate revenue more effectively. The allure of "FREE" is a powerful force that can drive growth and success in the competitive startup ecosystem.

Considering this, I decided to experiment: Is it possible to learn coding on mobile phones? Given the shift towards browser-based coding, it is worth exploring the options. In case you are unaware, there are numerous coding labs available from various providers like GitHub, Replit, and CodeSandbox, to name a few. These labs allow you to write code directly in the browser, eliminating the need to worry about powerful GPUs or RAM. While there may be some associated costs, many platforms offer generous tiers.

After researching multiple platforms and watching informative videos, here are my findings:

First and foremost, it is nearly impossible to outrightly say, "No, it is not possible." There might be one or two exceptions where individuals claim to have learned coding on a mobile phone and even made a significant amount of money from it. However, it's important to consider the odds. Only a few people have managed to do so successfully. So, what is my recommendation? Naturally, it depends on your financial situation, but I encourage you to give it a try.

I picked up my Android phone and installed popular applications like SoloLearn. To my surprise, there is now an abundance of such apps available. These apps can be divided into two or three categories. The first category includes text-based and quiz-based applications. In my opinion, using these applications is a waste of money since they simply present text that you can also read in a browser. Answering questions does not truly teach you coding, so I suggest avoiding such apps. The second category comprises apps that allow you to write code. CodeSandbox, for example, has an app (available on iOS) along with a few others. However, for me, it was an incredibly frustrating experience. Writing code on a touchscreen with a small virtual keyboard was painful.

My suggestion is to invest in an external keyboard and cable if you cannot afford a laptop. Connect them to your mobile phone, and your learning experience will improve significantly. While there are limitations, it is possible to learn at least the basics of coding. I understand that you may not be able to install any desired packages or develop production-grade, high-quality apps or websites. Nonetheless, it is a viable option that allows you to make progress in your coding journey. The industry is evolving, with coding labs and platforms moving towards browser-based solutions, and they are gradually expanding their reach to mobile devices as well.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on learning to code on mobile devices. Have you tried it before? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Are there any specific apps or platforms that you found helpful? Please share your insights and suggestions in the comments below.

TAGS:

#MobileCoding #LearningToCode #CodingJourney #MobileDevelopment #CodeOnTheGo #Technology #MERNStack #ReactJS #FreelanceDeveloper #WebDevelopment #TechCommunity #MobileApps #BrowserBasedCoding #CodeLabs #CodingChallenges #KeyboardForMobile #CodeSandbox #SoloLearn #GitHub #Replit #LinkedInBlog

Whether you know it or not, building a website for a client involves a lot of moving pieces, such as design, hosting, communication with the client, structuring your contract, and more. In your first project, it's guaranteed that you will miss something, and that's okay. You will improve with each project you work on.

Here , I'm going to explain the end-to-end process I follow to create a website for a client:

1. Initial Meeting with the Client:

The first meeting sets the tone for the rest of your interaction with the client. Before the meeting starts, it's important to get the client in the right mindset. Throughout the meeting, emphasize the value of a high-quality website. Clients are usually busy people, and overhauling their website can be a chore. So, stress that the effort put into their website directly affects their business's bottom line, which is something they care about.

During this meeting, aim to:

- Understand the purpose of the website.

- Identify any special needs the client has.

- Determine the necessary pages to create.

- Grasp the desired vibe of the website.

- Ask the golden question: When someone visits your website, what do you want them to do?

This helps you understand how to help the client achieve their business objectives. Remember, in most cases, a website exists for users to make a purchase, schedule an appointment, or subscribe.

💡 A tip for understanding the client's vibe is to come prepared to the initial meeting with three different websites from similar businesses in their space. Have the client review them and provide feedback on what they like and dislike. Keep all the notes in a shared Google Drive for reference throughout the project.

2. Design:

Create the initial look and feel of the website using tools like Figma. It may be tempting to jump into the building right away, especially if you're new to the tools. However, trust me that taking the time to use a tool like Figma will save you a lot of time later on. The mockup stage is where both you and the client should fall in love with the design. Once that's achieved, you can move on to the building step.

3. Time to Build:

For a long time, I thought it was cool to build websites using pure HTML and CSS. I had a fear that clients would think I'm cheating if I used tools like WordPress or Wix. But let me tell you a little secret: "They don't care at all." All your client wants is an awesome website. They don't care how you get there; that's why they hired you. It's up to you as an expert to decide the best tools for the job. After building the website, thoroughly test it and demo it to the client.

4. Deploy:

If you use Wix or WordPress, use providers like Hostinger or Wix hosting itself. Use Namecheap or GoDaddy to purchase the domain.

5. Payment:

One crucial part of the process is getting the client to pay. When discussing the price upfront, you can use strategies like offering a 15% discount if they pay the full amount upfront. In this case, simply mark up the price by 15%. That way, if they choose the discount, you still get what you wanted initially. If they don't, you get an extra 15% and they still need to pay half upfront or in milestones.

And that's it! Have you built websites for clients before? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you!

WordPress is often considered outdated or not as modern, and many professional programmers who are immersed in the world of fancy JavaScript might overlook it. But this perspective is not entirely accurate.

In the YouTube realm, where we discuss Solidity, Blockchain, React, JavaScript, and all those fancy stuff, WordPress sometimes takes a backseat. You might be forming your opinion about technologies based on these popular YouTube channels, where WordPress is rarely discussed.

So, What is WordPress?

WordPress is a "headless" Content Management System (CMS) built on top of PHP. It currently holds about 43.2% of the entire market share of websites (according to Manaferra website research) and has been growing steadily over the past 4-5 years. These days, WordPress is not only used by bloggers but also serves as a full-blown Content Management System utilized by high-end e-commerce applications and startups. When there is a dominant player in the market, you can't simply ignore it. For example, in India, the number of iOS users is relatively small compared to the USA. So, if you're starting a startup or building an application in India, you should focus on Android due to the market share. This emphasizes the importance of market share when establishing a business or startup, which is why you can't overlook WordPress.

In the early days, WordPress was used as both the front-end and back-end of websites. However, after facing some challenges in rendering all the pages from the WordPress database, people started using it as a headless CMS. They use WordPress as the backend or admin panel of their website, where they can list, edit, or delete products, for example. However, they don't use WordPress on the front end anymore. Instead, they leverage cutting-edge technologies like React.js, Next.js, etc., for the front end. Just imagine combining years of WordPress's maturity as a Content Management System with the power of modern technologies like Next.js or Gatsby. The result is an incredible level of speed and performance.

So, change your perspective—WordPress is not outdated! It is still relevant in the market and remains a valuable choice in 2023.

Happy coding!