Codenight Weekly 043

This week the community proved that execution beats rhetoric, launching everything from Jano Fidel, a programming language with native Ge’ez support, to a new local AI platform built for developers.

Developer Shout-Outs

• Hamere Berhan Reservation Site: Andy Marrow shared this functional reservation website submitted to the Stark platform. The project includes a video component and was praised for delivering its intended purpose exactly. Check out the submission and support the developer’s work. 1. Project Link

• Keys Password Manager: ISRAƎL launched this password manager application designed to store all user credentials locally in one place. The project features a clean frontend, prompting community discussion on the necessary backend security and encryption methods required for such a tool. 1, Quick Guide.

• Vlabeth Project: Abrsh Y shared this personal project seeking community feedback and ideas. The platform is currently deployed on Netlify and is open for testing, with the developer noting that email verification is temporarily disabled to facilitate easy access for reviewers. 1.

• Maphia Mobile Game: J launched the beta version of this multiplayer mobile game, a twist on the classic ‘Mafia’ game featuring new roles like the guardian angel and joker. The APK is available for download, and the source code is open for contributions on GitHub. 1, APK Download, GitHub.

• Pure Figma 3D Design: Onyx showcased a visually impressive 3D design effect created exclusively using Figma’s native tools (linear gradients and inner shadows). This demonstration highlights advanced UI/UX techniques for achieving depth without relying on external 3D software. 1, Video Demo.

• ThreadBot (Open-Source Telegram Manager): The developer, አቶ Codes, released ThreadBot, a modular, open-source Telegram bot for managing supergroups and topics. It provides structured topic management, automated posting, and flexible moderation workflows, encouraging community contributions for future development. 1, GitHub Repository.

• Tibeb App (Notes as Podcast): Asrat announced the launch of Tibeb, a mobile application designed to help students listen to their notes like a podcast. The app aims to make studying fun and relatable by integrating carefully curated memes alongside the educational content. 1, Play Store Link.

• Jano Fidel Programming Language: Eyu .G shared Jano Fidel, a modern programming language featuring native Ge’ez support. This project aims to transform local tech development by enabling developers to build the future using their own language. 1, Project Link.

• Redat Amharic Translation Extension: Lij Baya - Alpha 🦁♏️ launched Redat, a new Chrome extension providing Amharic translation capabilities. The developer requested community members test the tool and provide honest feedback and ratings on the Chrome Web Store. 1.

• Ethio Dance Fitness Landing Page: David shared a recreation of the Ethio Dance Fitness landing page, showcasing a clean, modern design aesthetic. The project demonstrates strong UI/UX skills in adapting fitness concepts to a local context. 1.

• Tiny.et Project: Abrsh Y shared an update on their minimal yet powerful link shortener, tiny.et, launched a few months back, achieving 90 links shortened and 25 users in the first 5 days, growing to 166 links and 43 users across 6+ countries. The platform is currently deployed and open for testing. 1 Link

Events and Podcasts

• Gemini AI Hackathons: Developers have two opportunities to engage with Google’s Gemini API. The Global Hackathon offers a $100,000 prize pool and early API access. Separately, the GDG Stanford event on Feb 1st offers a chance to pitch for up to $5M in seed funding. Both focus on building next-gen multimodal applications. 1, 2.

• CodeBiruh Confessions (Weekly): CodeBiruh is hosting a weekly anonymous session every Friday at 1:30 PM LT for developers to share struggles related to coding, career pressure, or personal life. The goal is to provide support, advice, and humor within the community. The best response receives a free 24-hour channel promotion. 1.

• Backend Engineering Program (12-Week Cohort): Applications are open for a selective, 12-week live Backend Engineering Program led by enoch. The cohort focuses on building production-grade systems and deep understanding of backend architecture. Serious applicants must commit to three live sessions per week. This is a selection-based program, not open enrollment. 1.

• 30-Day Node.js Challenge: A 30-day Node.js challenge is kicking off next week for developers familiar with JavaScript or React who want to master the basics. The challenge includes a unique accountability system: skipping a day requires a donation to charity, with the amount doubling daily. Start planning your roadmap now. 1.

• Sunday Book Review: Think Straight: Capt.J hosts a weekly Sunday book review session focusing on design, self-help, and personal development. This week’s book is Think Straight by Darius Foroux. The session aims to foster mental clarity and growth within the community. Check the channel for the exact time and discussion details. 1, 2.

• iCog Labs AI Internship: Applications are open for an AI Internship at iCog Labs, offering the chance to learn, experiment, and work on real AI projects. This is a significant opportunity to gain experience in a leading AI lab. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2026. 1.

Shared Resources

• Women Creators Telegram List: A consolidated Telegram folder link featuring numerous female creators and developers in the tech space. This resource aims to boost visibility and support for women building, teaching, and documenting their journeys publicly. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Awesome System Design Resources: A highly recommended GitHub repository containing comprehensive system design resources. It covers fundamentals, articles, and real interview-level problems, making it an essential resource for developers preparing for technical interviews or deepening their knowledge of large-scale systems. 1.

• ThreadBot Open Source: The DevSpace Bot has been renamed ThreadBot and released as open-source. This modular Telegram bot is designed for managing supergroups and topics, offering structured topic management and flexible moderation workflows. The developer encourages community contributions and improvements. 1. Project Repository.

• SelamGPT Platform Launch: The SelamGPT platform is now live, offering a native Ethiopian AI environment built for developers. It features OpenAI compatibility and optimized LLMs/TTS support for Amharic, Tigrinya, and Oromo languages, providing a production-ready environment for local builders. 1, 2. Platform Link.

• Jano Fidel Programming Language: Jano Fidel, a modern programming language with native Ge’ez support, was shared. This innovative project aims to transform local tech development by allowing programming in our own language. The community praised the effort involved in language mapping. 1, 2, 3, 4. Project Website.

• Verify.leul.et Payment Tool: A free and open-source tool designed to verify payment screenshots manually, offering a workaround for developers integrating payments without a formal business license. The tool also provides an API for integration into other applications. 1, 2, 3, 4. Tool Link.

• BirrBridge International Payments: A service introduced to help developers pay for international services using local currency (Birr). The platform aims to simplify transactions for services not typically accessible locally, with an option to reach out for unlisted services. 1, 2, 3. Service Link.

Tech Company Updates

• SelamGPT Platform Goes Live: The native Ethiopian AI platform is officially live, offering production-ready, OpenAI-compatible LLMs and Text-to-Speech services. It features optimized support for Amharic, Tigrinya, and Oromo languages, providing a reliable environment for local developers. The team welcomes feedback on early bugs. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Jano Fidel Programming Language Launched: Jano Fidel, a modern programming language featuring native Ge’ez support, was launched this week. The project aims to transform local tech by allowing developers to program in their own language. Community members praised the initiative, recognizing the significant effort required for language mapping and development. 1, 2, 3.

• New Ethiopian Startup Proclamation Released: The new Ethiopian Startup Proclamation was shared, legally recognizing startups and providing clear rights and protections. Key benefits include tax-free import of essential equipment, signaling a positive regulatory environment for local tech entrepreneurs looking to formalize their businesses. 1.

• NativePHP Mobile Tools Go Open-Source: NativePHP announced that its mobile development tools are now free and open-source. This is great news for PHP and Laravel developers looking to build native mobile applications without relying on traditional mobile stacks. 1.

• Stark Platform Hits User Milestones: The local project discovery platform, Stark, announced reaching significant milestones, including over 1,250 lifetime users, 165 recurring users, and 56 projects available for discovery. This indicates healthy growth and engagement within the local developer showcase community. 1.

• VERIFIER-API and tiny.et Service Restored: Leul Zenebe provided a detailed update after the VERIFIER-API and tiny.et services experienced downtime. The issue was traced to a Docker API version mismatch following a system update, which has since been resolved by updating the Coolify reverse proxy. 1, 2.

Top Discussions and Reactions

• Pricing Web Development Work: A member sought advice on determining the price for a recently completed web development project. The community suggested factoring in the client relationship, noting that charging less for a first client can be a strategic move to build a strong portfolio and gain valuable experience. 1, 2.

• The Longevity of the “Vibe Coder”: Zerubabel initiated a discussion contrasting coders who rely solely on AI versus those who use it as a tool. The consensus was clear: long-term success requires using AI as a helper while mastering core fundamentals and consistently building real, understood projects. 1.

• Supporting Women Creators in Tech: A large thread celebrated and compiled a list of female tech creators and channels. The discussion emphasized the importance of supporting diverse voices in the field, culminating in the creation and sharing of a dedicated Telegram folder containing all the mentioned channels. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• System Design and API Security Fundamentals: Members shared essential resources covering system design fundamentals. Key topics included the necessity of implementing rate limiting for API stability, proper input validation to prevent common attacks like SQL Injection, and the benefits of load balancing for performance and reliability. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Local SMS Provider Trials and Licensing: Developers compared local SMS providers regarding free trials and business licenses. It was confirmed that SMS Ethiopia offers a 100-message trial, but both they and AfroMessage generally require a business license for full API use, sparking debate on alternatives. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Security Audit of a New Password Manager: A new password manager project, Keys, was shared, immediately prompting a critical security discussion. Members demanded proof of secure backend implementation, specifically asking about encryption methods and confirming that credentials are only stored locally, not on a server. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• CBE App UI/UX Critique: A critique of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) app’s UI/UX went viral, focusing on the inconsistent, randomized number pad layout used for security. Members also noted the app’s aggressive screenshot blocking feature, leading to humorous attempts to bypass it. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Payment Integration Without a License: Developers discussed integrating local payment gateways like Chapa without a business license. The conversation highlighted a community-built, open-source tool, verify.leul.et, designed to manually verify payment screenshots via API as a potential workaround for individual developers. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Funny Tech Memes & Jokes: The community enjoyed several viral tech jokes this week, most notably a broken image post that tricked many members into checking their internet connection. Another popular thread humorously debated Linux distributions, linking Ubuntu users to having “a life” and Arch users to endless configuration. 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Disclaimer: This recap is generated by AI and may not fully reflect the context or accuracy of discussions. Join the Codenight group for detailed insights and active participation.