The freeCodeCamp Podcast #179 799 rejections... but he got the job! Braydon Coyer developer interview
Jul 11, 2025
Braydon Coyer is a software engineer with a knack for mobile and web development, famously surpassing Angry Birds in sales with his app during high school. In this discussion, he shares his extraordinary journey of facing 799 job rejections before finally landing a developer position. Topics include the real value of a computer science degree, unique strategies for job applications, and innovative ways to integrate AI into coding workflows. He also touches on the challenges indie developers face and the significance of practical experience in tech.
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Early Mobile App Success
- Braydon started building mobile apps in high school and created a game that outsold Angry Birds for a few days.
- He learned programming fundamentals through app development and marketing efforts.
Mobile Market Shift Challenges
- The mobile app market has shifted to free-to-play with ads, making it harder for indie developers.
- Indie mobile development is more viable as a hobby than a profitable career now.
Explore Emerging Platforms
- New platforms like Apple Vision Pro offer opportunities for indie developers in a less saturated market.
- Targeting emerging devices can increase chances of success despite challenges in mainstream mobile markets.