// FAQ
Questions, answered.
The short version of how TILInsights works — quizzes, XP, certificates, events, and how to write for us. Still stuck? Get in touch.
// Getting started
What is TILInsights?
TIL stands for The Interesting Lab. It’s a learning platform for developers and CS students: in-depth articles, step-by-step tutorials, guided practice paths, quizzes, a daily code Arcade, live events, and verifiable certificates — all in one place.
More about usIs it free?
Yes. Signing up is free, and so is reading articles and tutorials, taking quizzes, playing the daily Arcade, and earning XP, badges, and certificates. Most events are free too; if an event charges a fee, that fee is shown on the event page before you register.
Do I need an account?
You can read and browse without one. To earn XP, save your progress, appear on the leaderboard, register for events, or collect certificates, create a free account.
Sign up freeHow do I get started?
Create an account, pick a topic you care about, and start with an article or a practice path. If you’d rather jump straight in, take a quiz or play today’s Arcade puzzle.
See how it works// Learning
What’s the difference between articles and tutorials?
Articles explain a concept in depth — the full picture, not a summary. Tutorials walk you step by step through building or doing something. Many topics have both, so you can read the idea and then get your hands on it.
How do practice paths work?
A path is an ordered sequence of articles, tutorials, and quizzes on a single topic. Work through it in order — your progress is saved, so you can stop and pick up where you left off. Passing a path’s final quiz earns you a verified certificate.
Browse practice paths// Quizzes, XP & the leaderboard
How do quizzes work?
Each quiz is a set of questions — multiple choice, multi-select, ordering, or short answer. After every question you see the correct answer and a short explanation of why. Some questions are reflect-style: instead of being auto-graded, you write your reasoning and compare it against a model answer.
Take a quizWhat is XP and how do I earn it?
XP is the points you earn for quizzes and games. It builds your all-time and weekly totals, moves you up the leaderboard, and unlocks badges as you hit milestones. Getting answers right is what earns it.
What are streaks?
Keep learning on consecutive days and you build a streak. It’s a simple nudge to stay consistent — and consistency, more than cramming, is what actually builds skill.
How does the leaderboard work?
There’s an all-time board and a weekly board that resets each week, plus per-category quiz boards. You can always see your own rank, even when you’re outside the top few.
View the leaderboard// The Arcade
What is the Arcade?
A daily set of code and logic puzzles — like Code Sprint and Zip. A new one drops each day. Play to build a streak and climb the daily leaderboard against everyone else who played.
Open the Arcade// Events & certificates
How do events and registration work?
Browse upcoming events, open one, and register — most are free and it takes one click. Once you’re registered you get the meeting link and can add the event to your calendar. If an event is full, you can join the waitlist and we’ll email you if a spot opens up.
Browse eventsHow do I earn a certificate?
Two ways: complete a learning path’s final quiz, or attend an event that issues certificates. Both appear on your certificates page once earned.
Your certificatesAre certificates verifiable?
Yes. Every certificate carries a unique code, and anyone can verify it on the certificates page — no login needed. Course certificates come from finishing a learning path’s final quiz; event certificates come from attending a certificate-issuing event.
// Writing & community
How do I become an author?
Apply on the Write for us page with a couple of writing samples, the topics you’d like to cover, and a short bio. Our editorial team reviews applications; if you’re approved you get author access and the in-app editor, plus editorial feedback before anything you write goes live.
Apply to writeCan I comment, react, and bookmark?
Yes. Signed-in members can react to and comment on articles, and bookmark anything to read later. Comments are lightly moderated to keep discussion useful.
// Account & help
Where do I manage my account and notifications?
Everything’s under Settings once you’re signed in — your profile, notification preferences, and account details.
I have a question that isn’t answered here.
Reach out from the Contact page and we’ll get back to you.
Contact usReady to start learning?
It's free. Pick a topic and go.