Learning a new language can be tricky, especially when it involves a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that combine to form computer code.
“When you’re first understanding the concept of what goes behind screens, it’s hard to wrap your head around,” Aryan Poduri, a 17-year-old based in California, told Business Insider.
So, Poduri wrote a book to demystify the versatile programming language known as Python. Called “GOAT Coder,” it teaches children how to code through hands-on exercises and uncomplicated explanations.
Although coding education is becoming increasingly accessible, there are still gaps in connecting with young students. In a 2023 research report supported by Apple, surveyed students said being unsure of where to start is the most significant barrier to learning how to code.
“There are all these different careers. Firefighters, police, scientists, but software engineering is something that you might not think about,” Poduri said. “It’s important for people to know that coding is a big marketplace and it’s an option.”
Published in April, the book has sold over 2,000 copies to date.
Poduri began coding at a young age
Growing up, Poduri initially had dreams of becoming a professional athlete, but technology was a constant in his life. He grew up in Mountain House, which is about two hours east of Silicon Valley in San Francisco.
“That definitely had an impact because, around here, everyone is coding,” Poduri said.
Both of Poduri’s parents work in the tech industry and started teaching him how to code at a young age. That sparked an early curiosity. He sharpened his skills through a beginner’s Python class in elementary school and by picking up tips from YouTube videos.
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His interest in coding became more serious in middle school. Around that time, Poduri developed his first computer program: Voto Polo, a web app he and his friends used to create and vote on polls.
“That’s when I realized this could be a future for me,” Poduri said.
His early coding days led him to compete in hackathons and an internship at DataDios, a data and AI company based in San Francisco. The idea for “GOAT Coder,” though, came while watching his parents try to teach his elementary school-aged sister how to code.
“My parents were spending a lot of time just trying to help her understand,” Poduri said. “I realize it’s because there aren’t really many resources.”
It’s a problem he also recognized after enrolling part-time at Stanford Online High School, which allowed him to take advanced courses that may not be available to the average student.
Poduri self-published his book, which he said meant he didn’t have to worry about meeting tight deadlines.
“The first challenge was figuring out how I wanted to teach it,” Poduri said. “It was almost like I had to make my own curriculum.”
He also had to ensure that the concepts were explained in a clear and concise manner that a young child could grasp.
“It’s been years since I started coding, so I didn’t remember what I wanted to know or what really excited me,” Poduri said.
Still, he finished the book in about nine months. Poduri said he could have written it faster, but he had to juggle school and his extracurricular hobbies.
“I was having fun while doing it,” Poduri said.
Looking ahead
Although Poduri is now focused on promoting “GOAT Coder” and his college applications, he’s already thinking about his next steps, like diving further into the tech industry and software engineering.
He’s already authored two research papers about DataDios’ SmartDiff, which helps validate data across private and public cloud platforms.
Outside of technology, Poduri said he’d like to explore other areas of the business world.
“One of my long-term career goals is to eventually become an entrepreneur,” Poduri said. “I don’t want to be stuck to just coding. I really enjoy learning about new subjects and new things.”
He hasn’t ruled out writing a follow-up book, either.
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