The CodeProp Project: How One Student Is Solving the Software Onboarding Gap
Have you ever started a new job and felt completely lost looking at a massive wall of code? Most developers know the feeling of staring at thousands of lines of instructions and wondering where to even begin.
It is a common challenge in the tech world. In fact, it often takes new developers anywhere from three to nine months to truly feel comfortable with a new codebase. This “onboarding gap” is not just stressful for the developer; it is also very expensive for companies.
Identifying a Real-World Problem
Anna Kashkina, a software engineer with six years of experience, decided to tackle this problem head-on for her final project at Amsterdam Tech. She didn’t want to just build another app; she wanted to solve a specific pain point that she had seen throughout her career.
She started by researching forums and interviewing other engineers. She found that the biggest hurdles weren’t just technical. Often, new hires feel a “fear of asking questions” or struggle because there is no structured guidance to help them learn the social and technical dynamics of a new team.
From Theory to “CodeProp”
To solve this, Anna created CodeProp. This platform uses Artificial Intelligence to help developers learn “on the job.” Instead of just giving a developer a manual to read, CodeProp acts like a digital mentor.
The AI guides the user through real code by asking them targeted questions. This forces the developer to think critically and engage with the material. We call this active learning, and it is much more effective than simply reading blocks of text.
Learning Through Iteration
Even with her senior background, Anna faced hurdles. Her first version of the project focused on making the most sophisticated algorithms possible to explain the code. But when she tested it, she realized that providing too many explanations actually tired the users out and didn’t help the information stick.
Anna realized that people want to feel professional and have a sense of mastery. She pivoted her project to focus more on the human side of learning. By changing the AI to guide rather than just explain, she created a tool that actually helps developers build confidence.
How Amsterdam Tech Empowers Builders
At Amsterdam Tech, we don’t just teach you how to code; we teach you how to solve problems. Anna’s project is a perfect example of our philosophy in action:
- Research-Based Solutions: Our students look at real industry data to find where help is needed most.
- Human-Centered Design: We focus on how people actually use technology, not just how the “math” works.
- The Final Project: We provide the mentorship and space for you to build a market-ready platform like CodeProp.
Start Your Journey Today
Are you ready to stop just learning and start building solutions that matter? Whether you are a senior looking to specialize or a newcomer ready to make your mark, your next big project starts here.
Explore our programs and see how you can bridge the gap between learning and leading.