DigitalOcean Functions Challenge
Tags: digitalocean, serverless, functions
Published: 2022-06-07 15:04:43

---
title: DigitalOcean Functions Challenge
published: true
description: We are thrilled to announce the DigitalOcean Functions Challenge!
tags: digitalocean, serverless, functions
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/u6l6hbtl3w1hpgyftsar.png
canonical_url: https://www.digitalocean.com/community/pages/functions-challenge
---

## We are thrilled to announce the DigitalOcean Functions Challenge!

Join the challenge to play with DigitalOcean Functions, learn more about the power of serverless, win prizes, and have fun along the way!

What are Functions? Functions are blocks of code that run on demand without the need to manage any infrastructure. Develop on your local machine, test your code from the command line (usingdoctl), then deploy to App Platform — no servers required.

### How to Participate

1\. Visit the [DigitalOcean Functions docs](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/functions/) to get acquainted.

2\. Join the #functions-challenge channel in the [DigitalOcean Discord](https://discord.gg/digitalocean) (Optional)

3\. Create a DigitalOcean Function. You can create a function one of two ways. As a standalone function ([Docs](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/functions/how-to/create-functions/)) or a function in an App Platform app ([Docs](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/app-platform/how-to/manage-functions/).)

4\. Make an API request to create your shark. Instructions Below.

5\. Visit [functionschallenge.digitalocean.com](https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/) and see your shark swimming in the aquarium!

6\. Share your shark with a friend or your community.

7\. Let us know you've completed your challenge by [filling out this form](https://forms.gle/TP5vV3XKCQ2G4EaDA).

8\. Upon successfully completing these steps participants will earn a DigitalOcean T-shirt and DigitalOcean Sammy Stickers (up to the 500th participant.)

[Join the Functions Challenge!](https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/)

### How to Succeed

Follow these instructions in order to earn the prize

-   Your shark must be created during the dates of the challenge, June 7 - July 7, 2022. The submission period ends at 11:59 pm PST/ 8 AM UTC on July 7, 2022.
-   Challenge participants must be at least 18+ years old.
-   Participants must submit projects individually and only one per participant.
-   The project must be deployed either as a standalone function ([Docs](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/functions/how-to/create-functions/)) or a function in an App Platform app ([Docs](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/app-platform/how-to/manage-functions/).)
-   Once your shark is swimming in the aquarium, participants must share the experience your community to grow the number of sharks in the aquarium.

[Join the Functions Challenge!](https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/)

### How to make an API request to create your shark

Visit the docs and create your [DigitalOcean Function](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/functions/). You can create a function one of two ways. As a standalone function or a function in an App Platform app.

-   API URL
    POST `https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/api/sammy`

-   Header: Accept
    `application/json`

-   Header: Content-Type
    `application/json`

-   Parameter: name
    Your name!

-   Parameter: type
    The type of Sammy: `sammy, retro, pony, punk, pizza, bootcamp, dinosaur, robot, xray`

Visit [functionschallenge.digitalocean.com](https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/) and see your shark swimming in the aquarium!

[Join the Functions Challenge!](https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/)

### Learn then Build

Resources to help you get started

**Regional availability**: DigitalOcean Functions will be available in: NYC, AMS, SFO, SGP, LON, FRA, TOR, BLR regions.

**Documentation**: View our [documentation](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/functions) to learn more.

**Sample apps**: Learn about [sample apps](https://github.com/do-community/functions-resources) available for DigitalOcean Functions.

**Walkthrough video**: See [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR4R9tp-4bs/) for a walkthrough of DigitalOcean Functions.

{% youtube rR4R9tp-4bs %}

**How to Manage Functions in App Platform**: [How to](https://docs.digitalocean.com/products/app-platform/how-to/manage-functions/) develop on your local machine, test your code from the command line usingdoctl, then deploy to App Platform --- no servers required.

[Join the Functions Challenge!](https://functionschallenge.digitalocean.com/)

### Get Help

Join the #functions-challenge channel in the [DigitalOcean Discord](https://discord.gg/digitalocean)

### Mentors

These are your DigitalOcean Functions Challenge Mentors who will be helping answer your questions.

- [Amy Negrette](https://twitter.com/nerdypaws)
- [Kim Schlesinger](https://twitter.com/kimschles)
- [Ado Kukic](https://twitter.com/KukicAdo)

Happy coding!