> Source URL: /unit-3/project-paths/yeoram-k/yeoram-k-2026-04-14.guide
# Yeoram's Project Guide

**Project:** (not yet decided)
**Category:** (not yet decided)
**Last updated:** April 14

---

> Note: This guide is created based on the latest state of your project repository + any notes from our discussion. It may not always reflect the most up-to-date information.

## Where You Are

Your project repo currently has just the template files -- the spec, journal, and scaffolding are all empty. Checkpoint 1 is due tomorrow at 3pm, so today's lab is the time to get moving.

The first step is picking a project idea. Here are the three categories to choose from:

| Category              | What you build                              | Guide                                                                   |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Web App**           | A website with pages, forms, and data       | [Flask Setup Guide](../../resources/flask-setup.guide.md)               |
| **Data Science**      | Analyze a dataset and create visualizations | [Data Science Setup Guide](../../resources/data-science-setup.guide.md) |
| **Game / Simulation** | An interactive game with graphics and input | [Pygame Setup Guide](../../resources/pygame-setup.guide.md)             |

Think about what interests you. Check your classmates' project ideas for inspiration -- they're building things like portfolio trackers, workout planners, personality quizzes, landing pages, and study tools.

## Next Steps (Before Tomorrow 3pm)

1. **Pick a project idea and fill out your spec.** This is the most important step. Use this prompt:

   ```text
   I need to pick a final project idea for my intro CS class.
   I'm interested in [tell it what interests you]. Help me
   brainstorm 3-4 project ideas, then help me fill out my
   project.spec.md with the one I like best. Keep the MVP
   scope small -- I only have about 2.5 weeks.
   ```

2. **Scaffold your project.** Once your spec is filled out:

   ```text
   Read my project.spec.md and the setup guide for my category.
   Set up my project: initialize uv, install the dependencies
   listed in my tech stack, create the basic file structure,
   and build a minimal starting point I can run.
   ```

3. **Get one tiny working feature.** Even a very small one counts:
   - Web App: one page that shows or collects data
   - Data Science: load a dataset and print a summary
   - Game: a window with something that moves

4. **Write your journal entry.** Fill in the Checkpoint 1 section of `project.journal.md`.

5. **Commit and push.**

## Checkpoint 1 Readiness

By Thursday April 16th at 3pm, you need:

- [ ] Completed `project.spec.md` (pick an idea, fill in all sections)
- [ ] Project initialized with `uv` and dependencies installed
- [ ] A basic scaffolding that runs
- [ ] One tiny working feature
- [ ] First journal entry in `project.journal.md`
- [ ] Everything committed and pushed to GitHub

## Helpful Resources

- [Checkpoint 1 Instructions](../../projects/final-project-checkpoint-1.project.md) -- the full checkpoint requirements
- [Flask Setup Guide](../../resources/flask-setup.guide.md)
- [Data Science Setup Guide](../../resources/data-science-setup.guide.md)
- [Pygame Setup Guide](../../resources/pygame-setup.guide.md)


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## Backlinks

The following sources link to this document:

- [April 14 -- Checkpoint 1 prep](/unit-3/project-paths/yeoram-k/yeoram-k.path.llm.md)