Hackathons are dead. Introducing Code in the Dark.
Let's face it. Hackathons suck. I've been to about a dozen of them, as a developer, as a mentor, as a jury member, and as press. Here's what I've noticed.
Hackathons are dead. Introducing Code in the Dark. launched on July 16, 2013 with 20 votes, #79 of 486 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 13 years on.
In plain words
Code in the Dark is a developer-focused event format that replaces traditional hackathons with a different approach to coding competitions. Rather than requiring developers to pitch business ideas and presentations, it focuses on the coding itself while allowing juries to directly engage with developers. The format addresses common frustrations with standard hackathons by eliminating lengthy pitches and business-focused elements, letting developers concentrate on building and creating code.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right. Subscribing to our newsletter is free, your data will not be shared. Let’s face it. Hackathons suck. I’ve been to about a dozen of them, as a developer, as a mentor, as a jury member, and as press. Here’s what I’ve noticed. Developers just want to code, but they have to pitch a business at the end. Juries just want to meet developers, but they get stuck with some B-School student talking about viral engagement and the mobile revolution. And Sponsors – well, Sponsors, after a weekend of hocking your company, you get the stiff reward of knowing that the 3rd place winner…from rudebaguette.com
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