Frequently asked questions
The short version of what RealDev is and how it works.
What is RealDev?
RealDev is a place to practice real-world software engineering. Instead of algorithm puzzles, you build actual features like authentication, APIs, data handling, and UI components, and your code runs in a real Docker environment against a real test suite.
How is RealDev different from algorithm sites like LeetCode?
Algorithm sites quiz you on data structures and puzzles. RealDev gives you the kind of work you actually do on the job: build a feature, run it in a real environment, and see whether it passes real tests. It feels a lot closer to shipping code than to whiteboarding.
Do I need to use AI to solve challenges?
AI assistance is optional. You can solve challenges yourself or request a contextual hint based on your current code when you get stuck. After submitting, you can also request an AI code review for feedback.
How long does a challenge take?
Most of them are small enough to finish in about 15 to 20 minutes, so you can get a focused session in without blocking out your whole evening.
How do challenge hints work?
Hints read your current code and suggest focused next steps. Free includes 30 successful hints per UTC calendar month and 1 per challenge attempt. Pro includes 200 per month and 2 per attempt. Reset Workspace starts a new attempt and renews its allowance. Deleting files manually does not start a new attempt. Monthly usage stays the same after Reset Workspace, and a monthly reset does not renew the current attempt allowance. Rereading saved hints and failed generations do not use allowance.
Is RealDev free?
Yes. Free includes real challenges, execution and 30 contextual hints per month, up to 1 per challenge attempt. Pro is $8.99 a month and adds 200 contextual hints per month, up to 2 per attempt, more AI code reviews and full submission history.
What languages can I use?
You can work in JavaScript and TypeScript (Node.js), Python, Go, Java, and C, all running in real Docker containers.