Decimal Dash Game & Blog
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I Built a Fun Math Game in an Afternoon. My Coding Partner Was an AI.
Ever have an idea for a cool little app or game but get stuck on the "how"? You know what you want to build, but the thought of writing all that code from scratch feels daunting. That was me last week. I wanted to create a simple, fun game to help practice math with decimals.
The result? Decimal Dash, a web-based game with two awesome modes, a slick design, and engaging features. And I built the entire working prototype in just one afternoon. My secret weapon wasn't a new programming language or a fancy framework—it was my AI coding partner, Gemini. 🤖
Here’s how we did it.
The Game Plan: Decimal Dash 🚀
First, I needed a clear concept. I didn't just want a boring quiz. I wanted something dynamic. I settled on two modes:
- 📚 Classic Mode: A relaxed, untimed mode where you can practice at your own pace. Answer a question, get feedback, and move on to the next one. Perfect for learning.
- ⬇️ Falling Questions Mode: An arcade-style challenge! Questions fall from the top of the screen, and you have to answer them before they hit the bottom "danger zone." It’s a race against time that makes practice feel like a real game.
I also wanted features like multiple difficulty levels (from Easy to Expert), a scoring system with streak bonuses, and a clean interface that showed stats like accuracy and average speed.
How to Code with Gemini: From Idea to Reality
This is where the magic happens. Instead of starting with a blank HTML file, I started with a conversation.
Step 1: The Initial Prompt (The "Big Ask")
The key to working with an AI is to be clear and descriptive. I didn't just say "make a math game." I laid out my entire vision in a single prompt.
"Make a decimal math game in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It should be in a single file. I want two modes: a 'Classic Mode' for practice and a 'Falling Questions Mode' where questions scroll from top to bottom. Include difficulty levels and a scoring system."
Gemini took that prompt and generated a complete, working foundation in under a minute. It was a massive head start.
Step 2: Refining and Debugging Together
The first version of the code had a few quirks. This is where Gemini shines as a debugging partner. I described the problem and shared the relevant code.
"In this function, the falling question element isn't being removed from the screen after a correct answer. Can you fix it?"
I gave it the buggy code:
// Buggy code snippet...
if (isCorrect) {
gameStats.score += 10;
// The question element was not being removed!
}And Gemini provided the fix, explaining that I needed to explicitly remove the element from the DOM.
// Corrected code from Gemini
if (isCorrect) {
gameStats.score += 10;
removeFallingQuestion(selectedQuestion); // The fix!
selectedQuestion = null; // And reset the selection
}Step 3: Adding the "Wow" Factor ✨
Once the core game was working, I wanted to add some polish. I treated Gemini like a creative collaborator.
- Me: "How can I add a cool speed bonus in Classic Mode for answering quickly?"
- Gemini: Suggested a scoring logic and provided the CSS for an animated "⚡ Lightning Fast!" message.
Why You Should Try Coding with an AI
- It Obliterates "Blank Page Syndrome": The hardest part of any project is starting. Gemini gives you a functional template to build upon immediately.
- It's an Incredible Learning Tool: When Gemini writes a piece of code I don't understand, I just ask, "Can you explain what this part of the code does?" It's like having a patient, 24/7 tutor.
- It Accelerates Development: Debugging is faster, boilerplate code is automated, and you can focus your energy on the creative aspects of your project.
So, next time you have an idea for a project, don't let the coding intimidate you. Open up a chat with Gemini, describe your vision, and see what you can build together. You might just surprise yourself.
