Stuck on what project to do next? Check out this list of 15 easy mini projects for computer science students in their first year with general tips on how to implement each one. Each project is rated for difficulty level and approximate time needed to complete it. So take a look and see if anything interests you!
Why should I do a mini project?
As a first-year computer science student, you should do at least one mini project as part of your studies. Here are three good reasons why.
First, mini projects for computer science students are a great way to practice your programming skills. By working on a mini project, you can pick up new techniques and learn how to use different tools in a quick sprint. Doing one or more mini projects will make you a more well-rounded programmer and better prepared for the workforce.
Second, mini projects can help you stand out from the crowd when you’re applying for internships. If you have a strong portfolio of mini projects, employers will be impressed and more likely to give you an interview.
Finally, mini projects are just plain fun! They’re a chance to be creative and show off your programming skills. So go ahead and find a mini project that interests you. You’ll be glad you did!
Why a mini project instead of a more complex project?
By working on a small, self-contained project, you can focus on one specific task or goal, without being overwhelmed by a large and complex code base. Additionally, mini projects can be completed in a shorter time frame than a larger project, which can be helpful if you are short on time and are trying to complete a project in-between your first year college assignments.
And if you run into any problems while coding your mini project, you can easily copy your code on an online forum such as Stack Overflow and ask for support from fellow coders. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your programming skills while not overworking yourself, consider working on a mini project as a good starting point.
What programming language should I use for my mini project?
Mini projects are a great way to get experience with a new language, and they can also help you practice the languages you know. With so many languages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one you should focus on for a given project. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a programming language for your mini project:
- What languages are you already familiar with? If you already know one or more languages, that may be a good place to start. Choose a language that will challenge you without being too difficult.
- What kind of project are you doing? Some languages are better suited for certain types of projects. For example, if you’re doing a mini project that involves data analysis, it might be helpful to use a language like R or Python.
- What tools and libraries are available? When choosing a language, make sure to check out the available tools and libraries. Certain libraries can make it much easier to accomplish your project if you pick the right language.
- What are your goals for the project? If you’re just trying to get some practice with a new language, then any language will do. But if you’re looking to build something that you can show off to employers, then it might be helpful to choose a language that’s in demand.
15 simple mini projects for first year computer science students
1. Calculator
This project is perfect for students who are interested in building user interfaces. You’ll need to design a simple calculator application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Once you’ve got the basic functionality working, try adding more features like conversion between different units of measurement or complex mathematical operations.
Difficulty level: easy; time needed: 2-3 hours
2. Budget Tracker
Track your spending and save money with this handy budget tracker application. No matter how programming language you use, there are bound to be libraries available to help you with the heavy lifting.
Once you’ve built the basic functionality, try adding features like graphs and visualizations to help users understand their spending patterns.
Difficulty level: easy; time needed: 3-4 hours
3. Basic Web Page
This one is perfect for those who are just getting started with web development. Design a simple web page using HTML and CSS. You can even add some JavaScript if you want to make things more interesting.
Difficulty level: easy; time needed: 3-4 hours
4. Alarm Clock
Have trouble waking up in the morning? Try making your own alarm clock! A tip for you to get started is to look into using the time and date functions in your chosen programming language.
Difficulty level: easy; time needed: 3-4 hours
5. A Game Using Java Graphics
Games are always popular among students, so why not try making your own? This project will require some basic knowledge of Java graphics.
Start by creating a simple game like Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman, then get creative and add your own twist!
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: 5-6 hours
6. Analysis of Data Set Using Python Pandas Library
Python pandas is a powerful tool for data analysis, and it’s perfect for students who are interested in pursuing careers in data science or business intelligence.
In this project, you’ll use the pandas library to analyze a real-world data set, then communicate your findings in a clear and concise manner.
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: 6-7 hours
You could use the examples below as data sets and analyses to apply to them:
Airbnb data set: This data set contains information on Airbnb listings in various cities around the world. Use pandas to calculate statistics such as average price and average number of reviews. You could also use the data to predict which city will be the most popular Airbnb destination in the future.
COVID-19 data set: This data set contains information on the spread of COVID-19 around the world. Use pandas to track the progression of the disease, analyze trends, and make predictions about the future.
7. Create a basic CRUD application
CRUD stands for create, read, update, and delete. In this project, you’ll create a basic CRUD application that allows users to manage a list of items.
For example, you could create a to-do list application or a contact list manager. This project is perfect for those who are just getting started with databases and web development.
Difficulty level: easy; time needed: 3-4 hours
8. Chatbot
Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re not just for customer service anymore! In this project, you’ll use natural language processing to build a chatbot that can answer questions about your chosen topic.
For example, you could create a chatbot that helps users learn about different programming languages, or one that gives advice on how to study for exams.
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: 5-6 hours
9. Weather App
This project is perfect for students who are interested in working with APIs. You’ll need to use an API to fetch data about the current weather in your area, then display it in a user-friendly manner.
Once you’ve got the basic functionality working, try adding features like other cities or historical data.
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: 5-6 hours
10. Social Media Application
In this project, you’ll use your web development skills to create a social media application. This could be something as simple as a Twitter clone or a basic chat application.
Once you’ve got the basic functionality working, try adding more features like images, videos, or location-based content.
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: up to 12 hours
11. News Aggregator
In this project, you’ll use your web development skills to create a news aggregator. This application will collect articles from different sources and allow users to view them in one place.
You could also add features like sorting or filtering the news stories, or allow users to “save” their favorite articles.
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: 7-8 hours
12. Create a recipe finder
This is another perfect project for students who are interested in working with APIs. You’ll use an API to fetch data about recipes, then display it in a user-friendly manner.
Once you’ve got the basic functionality working, try adding features like sorting or filtering the recipes, or allow users to save their favorites.
Difficulty level: medium; time needed: 5-6 hours
13. Create a machine learning model
Machine learning is a hot topic in the world of computer science, and there are many different ways to get started with it.
In this project, you’ll use a popular machine learning library to create a model that can predict the outcome of a game of rock-paper-scissors.
Difficulty level: hard; time needed: 8-10 hours
14. Implement an Algorithm
Algorithms are the heart of computer science, and there are many different types to choose from. In this project, you’ll implement a sorting algorithm like quicksort or mergesort to solve a problem like finding the shortest path in a maze.
Once you have the basic algorithm working, try optimizing it for speed or memory usage.
Difficulty level: hard; time needed: 8-10 hours
15. Web Scraper
Web scraping is a technique for extracting data from websites. In this project, you’ll create a scraper that can collect data from a website and save it to a file.
You could use your scraper to collect data about products, prices, reviews, etc. For example, you could use it to create a price tracker for your favorite online store or products.
Difficulty level: hard; time needed: 10-12 hours
I am done with a mini project. What should I do next?
Good job! Now it’s time to put a little more effort, make your project more presentable, and put it out in the open. Use the following steps to make your work count:
- Ask for feedback: Get feedback from classmates, mentors, or instructors and see what you can make better.
- Expand on your mini project to make it more complex: Build new features, add more complexity, and work on interface design to make your project more whole.
- Push your mini project to your GitHub repository: Once you’re mini project is complete, push it to your GitHub repository so that others can view your code.
- Put your mini project on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and/or portfolio website: Don’t forget to show off your work! Adding mini projects to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio website is a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
- Do another one! Repeat the process and mini project another idea. The more mini projects you do, the more attractive your portfolio will be!
As you can see, there are plenty of available mini projects for computer science students at all levels of experience. So whatever you’re interested in, there‘s sure to be something here that piques your curiosity!
Do you have any other mini projects that you think would be perfect for computer science students? Let us know in the comments below!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.
