Sketchcode

Last updated on 1/3/2026

In 2018, I created Sketchcode, a social network for developers using Sketchware – a no-code Android app builder. It wasn’t just about sharing projects; it became a hub for tutorials, UI components, and collaboration. At its peak, Sketchcode supported 3,000 active users on a shoestring budget. Running it taught me more than just coding — it taught me resilience and resourcefulness.

Screenshots

Note: Unfortunately, I don't have much screenshots (including how app changed), so I provide the only those I found out.

History

This page is dedicated to telling the story of Sketchcode, my very first project, which began as an app for Sketchware, built using Sketchware itself. It was the labor of love that evolved far beyond the limits of no-code development, eventually moving into Android Studio and Java, marking the start of my programming journey.

First Steps: Global feed and custom blocks

The first release of Sketchcode introduced several core features designed for the Sketchware community:

  • A global feed where users could discover and share content.
  • Custom blocks that Sketchware users could easily integrate into their projects.
  • Code snippets, enabling more advanced users to include raw Java code via a dedicated building block.

These features gave Sketchcode its foundation and made it an indispensable tool for Sketchware users looking to expand their creativity.

Second major version: Community and Tutorials

The second major release took the app to the next level by making able the community to share their custom creations:

  • A custom block and snippet sharing feature, making it easier for users to collaborate.
  • A new tutorials section, featuring guides written by me to help users get started.
  • A UI builder for tutorials, so users could create and share their own instructional content.

Note: Unfortunately, I don't have screenshots from that version, so I provide the only one I found out.

This version transformed Sketchcode into a collaborative space, fostering learning and creativity.

Third major version: Projects and Private Backups

The third major version introduced key new features to support and showcase user projects:

  • New feature, allowing users to share their posts and Sketchware projects with the community.
  • A private projects feature for those who wanted a secure backup of their work.

This update cemented Sketchcode as a hub for Sketchware users to connect, collaborate, and store their work.

Fourth major version: Big UI Changes and Engagement Features

The fourth major release was all about improving user engagement and optimizing the experience:

  • A revamped UI, giving the app a modern look and better usability.
  • Enhancements to the Projects Market, including comments, likes, and other social features.

Supporting the projects feature was a significant challenge. With over 60GB of server storage and a non-monetized, free-for-all approach, I spent countless hours optimizing file structures and compressing shared projects to keep the service running smoothly.

The Peak: 3-4K Users

At its peak, Sketchcode had 3,000–4,000 users, generating over 10 million requests per month. It was an exciting, exhausting, and deeply rewarding time. I often worked through the night, driven by the thrill of building and improving something people genuinely loved to use.

Final major feature: Chat System

The last major feature I introduced was simple chat functionality with support for images and stickers. This gave users a way to connect in real-time, further enhancing the sense of community within the app.

Reflections

Looking back, Sketchcode was more than just an app. It was my gateway into programming and a project that pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. From humble beginnings in Sketchware to building a robust, feature-rich platform, it remains a defining moment in my journey as a developer.