javidx9

Hello!

My name is Javidx9, and I’ve been a programmer for over 25 years. Having been fortunate enough to have programmed in many fields, across many disciplines, I want to give something back to the hobby and community which has brought me so much joy (and tears) during that time. Through my OneLoneCoder initiative I create free programming resources from the perspective of being interesting, fun and accessible. I don’t aim at a particular niche or ability level, and I believe everybody has the potential to enjoy writing code.

140K YouTube Subscribers, 6K Discord Chatters & 1K Twitch Followers, have all found the OneLoneCoder way useful, perhaps you could to! No patronizing, no preaching, no nonsense code…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Having become a sensationally mediocre internet celebrity with no particular influence over an incredibly niche minority, occasionally I get asked questions. Actually I get asked the same questions over and over. Thus! I have decided to create an FAQ to which I can redirect the inquisitive!

Why are you called javidx9?

Back in the day, it was cool not to use your real name in the world of computing, I’ve had several – but the one that has stuck is javidx9. Its an amalgamation Java – David – DirectX9, or maybe, it isn’t ??

How long have you been programming?

I started when I was 9 years old on a BBC Micro B+. I seemed to have a knack for programming and quickly developed skills in Pascal and TurboC. Over the many years (trying to not dox myself so lets say 20+) I have dabbled with countless languages but the ones I always come back to are C/C++, Java, VHDL and Lua.

Why do you not follow best practices?

I do! Just not all the time! To me, a computer is just a tool to solve problems. How you go about solving those problems doesn’t really matter. I disagree completely that perceived “best practices” are the only acceptable standard – because the standard you adhere to relies entirely upon the context of the environment and situation you are programming in. For example, if you are just testing out an idea, focus on the idea, not writing code in a particular style – you can do that later, and it’s not as difficult as you think – a fact which is often lost on preachers of best practice. Additionally, best practices I believe are confusing, disorientating and unnecessary for beginners, something seasoned programmers often forget when it has become second nature to them. My videos try to present topics which can be implemented in many languages, so I focus on the clarity of the idea and code, rather than worrying about making sure I program like somebody else.

Programmers are smart people – they can adapt code to standards when and should they need to, but they can’t if they don’t have a solid foundation of the basics.

What is OneLoneCoder?

Most programmers learn to and develop code in isolation. This can be both frustrating and hugely rewarding (when it goes well). OneLoneCoder is my initiative to reassure programmers who are feeling a little lost, that

IT IS COMPLETELY NORMAL AND OK!!!

Programming is hard, it takes time and effort, and for the most part is a journey you must take for yourself. Courses, videos, books and tutorials will only get you so far – at some point YOU need to put the hours in, and only YOU can do this.

Why don’t you monetise your videos?

At this point, there is no point. I’m fundamentally a nobody in our community, and I make the videos because I enjoy doing it! Also, I’m fortunate enough to have a job already, and the additional income would mostly evaporate through the costs of handling the tax implications. This is not to say I will never monetise my content or output – I’m not stupid, if someone offers me a bag of cash, in the right circumstances I would consider it.

What is your day job?

I work for a company that produces robotic machinery for various heavy industries.

What areas have you worked in?

Whilst in academia, I’ve worked on large scale neural networks, real-time image processing, computer vision, biologically plausible simulations, physics simulations, custom digital processors, custom analogue processors, cellular processor arrays, custom compilers and tool chains, custom integrated development environments and debugging tools, GPU accelerated computation and robotic control.

In Industry, I’ve worked on designing and building control systems, designing robotic systems, designing printed circuit boards, developing system on chip solutions, acoustic analysis systems and various mechanical systems for power generation industries, aerospace, petrochemical industries and domestic services.

What are your hobbies?

Obviously programming! But I’m a huge computer game fan, speed-running enthusiast and video game music nerd. I also enjoy archery, cooking and playing guitars and synthesizers.

Why do you “hate” web development?

I don’t. I simply have little experience of it. I sympathise with the web developers of the world who have to remain skilled and relevant in a landscape that is constantly changing. I know of no other industry like it.

Why do you “hate” MineCraft?

I don’t, but I do enjoy winding up zealots 😀 In fact, there is an official OneLoneCoder MineCraft server, you can get the details and join in through joining the Discord server.

Will you do videos about <insert topic here>?

I choose the topics that my videos are about, and when they are released. Producing these resources takes considerable time and effort and is my hobby. Therefore, I tend to make videos about topics that have interested me at that time. I won’t rule out any topic, but I’m not a personal video/tutorial making machine either.

Will you collaborate with me?

Probably not. I get many requests to get involved with people’s projects. It’s incredibly flattering and humbling. I maintain quite a strict policy of turning down collaborations, simply because I would have to choose one project over another. I feel this could attribute value to one project over another, and this is not the message I want to send out to all those who are just starting their programming journeys.

What instruments do you play?

I enjoy playing guitars and synthesizers. I have several guitars, but I play my Gibson LP and Ibanez S570b the most. For synths, i’m a Novation fanboy, playing a MiniNova and a Circuit.

Will you advertise my project/product/brand?

Under the right circumstances, it does no harm to ask. I would suggest though that your “thing” be in some way relevant to the output of OneLoneCoder. For example if you want me to use your “thing” in a video, allow me to hack it and code for it, or use it in such a way that I can extract educational value from it.

What is your setup?

  • Workstation
    • Intel Core i7-6700K @ 4GHz
    • 32GB RAM
    • 1x 1TB HDD, 2x 512GB SSD, 1x256GB SSD
    • nVidia GeForce GTX 980Ti
    • Windows 10 Home, 64-Bit
  • Displays
    • 1x 32″ Monitor
    • 2x 21″ Monitors
  • Audio
    • Roland DM2100 2.1 Studio Monitor Speakers
    • 2x Roland QuadCapture Audio Interfaces
    • Sony MDR-NC60 Headphones
    • Neewer NW-700 condensor mic (phantom)
    • Behringer 12Ch Desk
    • Tascam DR-10L
  • Peripherals
    • AverMedia Live Game Extreme Capture Card
    • Wacom Intuous4 Graphics Tablet
    • Logitech G13 left handed keyboard
    • Apex350 SteelSeries keyboard
    • Thrustmaster T16000M HOTAS
  • Cameras
    • Canon Legria HF G40 (main video camera)
    • Microsoft LifeCam Studio HD (webcam)
    • Logitech C920 HD (webcam)
    • Off-brand Action Camera

Which software do you use?

  • Microsoft Visual Studio (Community Edition)
  • Affinity Photo – image editing
  • Davinci Resolve – video editing
  • Crimson Editor – text editing
  • OBS, ShareX – screen recording
  • Audacity – audio editing
  • Cakewalk – music creation
  • KiCad – electrical schematic & PCB layout
  • Xilinx Vivado / ISE – FPGA design
  • Microchip Harmony – PIC processor design
  • BlueGriffon – web design
  • Blender – 3D modelling

How can I support OneLoneCoder?

Simply spread the word if, and only if, you find the content useful! If you are really keen to show your appreciation, then consider subscribing to me on Twitch, Patreon or becoming a YouTube member! I appreciate not everyone is in a position to show support, I’ve been there myself, and so consider your own needs first. I’d also appreciate any donations made to the Epilepsy Society – a cause worthy of everything it can get. Thanks – Jx9.