Frequently asked questions
What is GotchiCode, in one paragraph?
A learn-to-code platform built like a game. Every lesson is a short, real coding challenge graded by hidden tests, and passing challenges earns XP that grows your Gotchi, a little creature companion. Courses are organized into learning paths (Backend Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Windows Administrator, Arcade Game Builder) that take you from your very first line of code to real projects.
Is it really free to start?
Yes. The first chapters of every course are fully interactive: you can write and run code and earn XP without an account, and signing in saves your progress. A subscription unlocks the rest.
Do I need to install anything?
No. The editor runs in your browser and your code runs in a secure sandbox on our servers, so you can start in seconds on any machine. A few later Linux lessons optionally use your own terminal through the gotchi CLI.
What is my Gotchi?
Your code-creature companion. You name it, and it grows through ten tiers as you learn. In a lesson it gives Socratic hints (asking costs a little XP; hints it offers after a failed run are free) and never reveals the solution, so the learning sticks. It also has its own page where you can hang out and chat with it.
What languages do you teach?
Python, JavaScript, SQL, Go, Rust, Git, Linux shell, and PowerShell for the Windows Administrator path. Each course tells you exactly what it expects you to already know, and the first courses in every path assume nothing at all.
I have never written code. Where do I start?
Pick a learning path and start its first course. The early chapters explain everything, including how the lessons themselves work, and hover-tooltips define the jargon as you meet it. Nothing is assumed.
How do I become an Archmage?
Complete every course in a learning path. Archmage is earned, not bought, and it is permanent.