Milestones
The moments since May 2022: learning to code, shipping projects and client work.
THE AR.DEV JOURNEY · 2022-2026
A record of the moments that moved me forward: from learning to code on a phone, to shipping projects, working with a client, and continuing to explore what I can build next.
THE TIMELINE
Not a race or a checklist, just the steps that mark the journey so far. Plenty of smaller experiments never made this list, and that's part of learning.
Began learning to code driven by curiosity about how technology works. Started entirely on mobile, watching tutorials and experimenting with HTML and CSS, which lit the spark that's been burning ever since.
Shipped my first personal portfolio website using HTML and CSS, then layered in JavaScript to make it interactive. Crossing from learning to shipping was the milestone that changed everything.
After two years of learning and building on a phone, I moved to a laptop. Working with more room and a proper development setup opened the door to bigger projects.
Expanded beyond the browser by picking up Python, drawn in by its readability and versatility. Focused on building a solid foundation through scripting, logic, and problem-solving exercises.
Built and launched FinTrack, a personal finance web app for tracking income, expenses, and savings. My first project with genuine real-world utility: a responsive dashboard, Chart.js visualizations, export formats, PWA support, and smart insights. It has since reached users around the world.
See FinTrack in ProjectsDeveloped a growing suite of practical Python CLI tools: a calculator, currency converter, temperature converter, tip calculator, and more. Each tool sharpened my focus on clean logic, user-oriented output, and solving everyday problems with code.
Successfully delivered a real client project, co-creating Varun's artist portfolio with Shaurya. Led the UI/UX direction, responsive layout, and subtle animations. A milestone that brought real-world client experience: requirements, deadlines, and professional workflow.
Redesigned and enhanced my developer portfolio with a modern visual identity and smoother user experience. Focused on performance, accessibility, and storytelling, making the work feel more alive and intentional.
Shipped the most significant update to FinTrack yet. Version 17+ brought PIN-based security with auto-lock, smart spending insights, a weekly comparison chart, CSV and JSON import support, and a polished PWA experience. The app is designed to keep finance data on-device, without accounts, cloud sync, or ads.
Explore FinTrackBegan learning version control properly, understanding repositories, branches, and commit workflows. Moving from just pushing code to managing project history with intention and structure.
Pushed my first commit to GitHub after learning how repositories, branches, and commits work. Earlier projects, like my first website and FinTrack, were shipped before I used Git, so this is where a tracked history of my work begins.
Went back to the fundamentals with C, diving into memory management, pointers, and low-level logic. A deliberate step to strengthen my core programming foundation beneath the frameworks and tools.
Reworked AR.dev end to end with one design system, a full case study for every project, a live GitHub activity feed, stronger accessibility and SEO, and a 404 page with a working terminal.
Built and launched NOVIQ, a digital resource store for learners and builders, within a week of the first commit. It brings together 14 visual guides, cheat sheets, workbooks, Notion templates and starter kits, a free library, a blog and a built-in assistant that runs entirely in the browser, with no framework and no backend.
Read the NOVIQ case studyTHE JOURNEY CONTINUES
These entries mark a few turning points. The projects page shows some of the work behind them.
Explore my projects