> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.firstcommit.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is FirstCommit: Beginner's Paradise?

> FirstCommit: Beginner's Paradise is a free, beginner-focused hackathon for developers ages 13 to 21 that celebrates learning and growth over perfection.

FirstCommit: Beginner's Paradise is a free, virtual hackathon built for developers ages 13 to 21 who are curious about building projects, exploring new technologies, and growing their skills. Whether this is your first line of code or your tenth side project, Beginner's Paradise is designed to meet you where you are.

## Who it is for

* **Ages 13 to 21** — you can join solo or as part of a team.
* **First-timers welcome** — no prior hackathon experience is required.
* **All interests** — web apps, mobile apps, games, AI projects, hardware hacks, and anything else you can dream up.

## What makes it different

Most hackathons reward only the most polished products. Beginner's Paradise is different because it celebrates **learning and growth** just as much as the final result. Our biggest weighted judging criterion is **Learning & Growth (30%)**, so every bug you fix, every tutorial you follow, and every new skill you pick up counts.

You are not competing against seasoned developers with years of experience. You are competing to become a better builder than you were yesterday.

## How it works

* **No required theme** — build whatever excites you.
* **Solo or teams** — teams can have up to 6 members, and every member must contribute meaningfully.
* **Free to enter** — registration is on Devpost and costs nothing.

<Tip>
  You do not need to be an expert. Curiosity and a willingness to try are the only requirements.
</Tip>

## Here from our sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors, winners receive prizes including cash awards, free .xyz domains from [gen.xyz](https://gen.xyz), and DevSwarm Pro subscriptions from [devswarm.ai](https://devswarm.ai).

Ready to build something amazing? [Register now on Devpost](https://firstcommit.devpost.com).

## Related articles

* [How to Register](/getting-started/register)
* [Your First Hackathon in 6 Steps](/getting-started/quickstart)
* [What Can You Build?](/building/what-to-build)