BY TORI HOCHENDONER
Staff Writer
Most Baldwin students have plenty of apps downloaded onto their phones, but not many have actually created their own app.
Senior Zach Ward has created two apps: one based on the Harry Potter book and movie series and another for The Purbalite. Junior Mark Demore has created one app based on running.
When making an app, “you have to have an idea, an end goal in sight, and you have to plan for it,” Ward said. He became interested in making apps when he attended a computer science camp at Drexel University over the summer in 2012.
Besides the computer science camp, he is self-taught and made the apps on his own.
His first app is Hogwarts Hat, a personality quiz that gives users different scenarios and asks how they would respond. How the questions are answered determines which Hogwarts house the users are placed in.
The app gives questions such as, “While walking around Hogsmeade you find a coin purse. Nobody is in sight.” Then users are given four answers to choose from, such as keeping the money, or trying to find the owner.
The second app is dedicated to The Purbalite, and uploads all of the articles posted to the paper’s website, purbalite.net.
Editor-In-Chief Maura Kay applauded the idea.
“I think it’s awesome The Purbalite is going to have an app. The fact Zach cares enough to create it is a real compliment. I hope it will give further exposure to our many articles and daily posts.” Kay said.
Although it may seem like an app would take forever to make, his Hogwarts app only took about a week. Depending on the concept, though, it could take a long time, Ward said. He also enjoys these projects because he’s a problem solver and every part finished is like a small victory.
“I was proud when I found out he was making an app, especially because he can take what he learns and apply to something anyone can use,” his friend, senior Molly Whittaker, said.
Zach’s apps can be downloaded for free on the app store for Android phones. He is accepting advertising on his Hogwarts Hat app which will make him some money.
“I’ve made a buck so far,” the senior said.
Ward said the reason he has not tried to make the apps available on the Apple app store is because of the annual fee. Even with the fee, there is no guarantee Apple would accept the apps.
Meanwhile, Demore started his app making career also at a summer program. His was located at Pitt, where one week was fully dedicated to making a mobile app.
“I’ve always been interested in programming, and I enjoy the feeling of finishing a product that others can use,” Demore said. He also plans on attending another program at the Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Sciences this summer.
Demore’s app is called Run Your World, and is fully dedicated to running. This app features a running log and also a series of “random workouts” if a runner wants a new workout.
His app is not currently available to the public, but he has shared it with some of his peers. Also, he says he wants to make more apps in the future.
“I’m always reaching for the stars with my education and ideas,” Demore said.
Both are planning on attending college to study computer science.
