Meet student developer Moalla Ilani from Lebanon. His app, Lebanese Table, helps users find recipes for all the most popular Lebanese dishes. We asked about his experience developing this and many other apps for Windows and Windows Phone, and here's what he shared with us:
What inspired you to start developing?
I have been a motivated freelancer and entrepreneur since the age of 14. However, it all came together for me during my first year in college, when my dream came true and I was accepted into the Microsoft Student Partners (MSP) program in Lebanon. I received support from an elite Microsoft developer evangelist, who provided intensive training and tools to build apps on the Windows platform.
Please tell us a bit about your experience developing apps.
When I first started with the MSP Program, I only had basic coding experience, but professional experience in graphic design (self-taught). With the support of Microsoft experts and online resources, like MSDN and Ch9, I was able to use Visual Studio to develop my first Windows and Windows Phone apps. Being a developer is similar to having a magic wand, all your dreams, all your friends’ dreams can turn into reality with just a few lines of code. This beginning was a great experience and my first few apps received positive reviews from users, which makes me smile even now. I like knowing there’s someone out there enjoying one of my apps.
Tell us about the apps that you built.
Within one week, I was able to complete 10 Windows apps, including the first Lebanese cooking guide, Lebanese Table. And again I transformed these apps to the Windows Phone platform, and just like that, my journey continued. I increased my experience and exposure to professionals, and have since been able to submit dozens of apps. I have also successfully completed Microsoft Startup Competitions including DevCamp Beirut 2013, with my partner, Izzat Haj Shehadeh. We got the unique experience to use Windows Azure, and developed the app Taskey. It’s a Windows and Windows Phone app that connects users with freelancers to help get just about any task done.
Anything that you had to overcome while developing?
I can’t deny that my first steps were challenging. But I was motivated and had a lot of support from our Microsoft leaders. They taught me the importance of creating a clear app plan before beginning to develop. Thus, implementing anything you want will be much easier than you think, especially with the resources Microsoft offers to student developers all over the world. Also, after my apps are published in the store, I usually receive several reviews, some are positive, while others are inquiring about features they wish could be found in the app. This is a big challenge as I want to give users what they think will make the app better, but need to continually build my skills in order to meet their needs.
What are you planning to do after you graduate?
I wish to be the next Bill Gates!? Actually, I would like to be in a place where I can innovate and change people’s lives for the better, make dreams come true, and build what’s next.
What could other students learn from your experience?
I can see big ideas and great potential in the eyes of my fellow students. I also believe, based on my experience showing youngsters how an app or a game is made, that a flow of amazing next generation ideas are on the horizon. I am really happy that Microsoft sees the potential too, and I wish all universities and schools could truly see how Microsoft is not just a firm, but also a big school for all those who have passion and believe in technology.
Thank you, Moalla! Are you thinking about developing an app on the Windows and/or Windows Phone platforms? Be sure to check out the Windows and Windows Phone Getting Started Guides and tell us your app idea below! Already have an app? Consider participating with Microsoft's marquee global student technology competition, Imagine Cup.