Getting Started Guide

Resources to help you build your collaborative app.

1. Understand the Core Concepts

Collaborative apps work by having a shared state that all users can see and modify in real-time. The magic is in synchronizing this state across all connected clients. The most common technology for this is WebSockets.

Learn about WebSockets in 100 seconds →

2. Set Up Hackatime (Required)

Hackatime is mandatory for tracking your coding time. You must have it set up before you start coding to be eligible for rewards.

Set Up Hackatime →

3. Get Inspired

Check out our project gallery to see what others have built, or browse these ideas:

•A collaborative pixel art canvas.
•A multiplayer tic-tac-toe or chess game.
•A shared whiteboard for brainstorming.
•A simple chat room.
•A collaborative story-writing app.
•A synchronized pomodoro timer for study groups.

4. Get Help

The best place to get help is the Slack. We will have a dedicated #hackmate channel where you can ask questions, share your progress, and get inspired by others.