Noah Williams learned C++ at 6 and set a Guinness World Record at just 8: Meet the youngest computer programmer

Noah Williams was just six years old when he learned C++, a programming language he used to help computers perform mathematical calculations. At 8 years and 307 days old, the Melbourne, Australia, youngster achieved the Guinness World Records title for the youngest person to programme computers (male).

How Noah Williams Set the World Record

Born on October 5, 2016, Williams developed an early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He began by building shapes and circuits before getting a micro circuit kit to explore his interest further.

By the age of six, he had learned C++. He then began programming computers to help with mathematical calculations. One of his programs was later published by an independent firm, a milestone associated with his record achievement.


Guinness World Records lists July 9, 2025, as the record date and states that Williams’ achievement was verified in Melbourne, Australia, on August 8, 2025. In its profile of the young record holders featured in 'Guinness World Records 2027', the organization says one of his programs was published by an independent firm on August 8, 2025. These dates refer to separate record and verification or publication details listed by Guinness.

From C++ to Robots and Drones

Williams has continued developing his programming skills. His Guinness World Records profile says he has created more than 15 computer programs, eight of which used C++ and Python code. He has also worked on robots and drones.

Williams has shared advice for other children interested in coding. “You just need to learn the basics of coding and then the possibilities are endless,” he said. “You can really let your imagination flow and get creative.”

Noah Williams Featured in Guinness World Records 2027

Williams is among the young record holders featured in 'Guinness World Records 2027'. In an article published on September 11, 2026, the organization introduced its latest Young Achievers, a group of under-16s recognized for their accomplishments. Eight new record holders are selected for the feature each year.

He also joined Mensa at age seven after achieving an IQ score in the 99.9th percentile, as per Guinness World Records.

Guinness World Records 2027: Other Young Achievers and Their Record-Breaking Story

Max Alexander: Youngest Runway Show Designer

At four, Max Alexander told his parents he was a “dressmaker” and sewed a frock for his sister. At seven years and 266 days old, he showcased an entire collection at Denver Fashion Week in Colorado, becoming the youngest runway show designer.

He later built an online store, created custom garments for celebrities including Sharon Stone, and gained more than 13 million fans across his social media channels. On March 3, he became the youngest runway show designer at Paris Fashion Week at 10 years and six days old.

Phoenix Giselle Hicks: Youngest Female Yoga Instructor

Phoenix Giselle Hicks, from the United States, attended her first yoga class with her mother, Sydney, at three months old. By four, she could keep up with more advanced sessions and the mother-daughter duo began teaching together.

After completing 200 hours of training, Phoenix was the youngest female yoga instructor at five years and 337 days old.

Jude Owens: Two Snooker Records

Jude Owens, from the United Kingdom, began playing miniature snooker at two and progressed to full-sized tables within a year.

He became the youngest person to make a double pot. This occurs when two balls land in different pockets after a single strike of the white cue ball.

One month later, aged two years and 302 days, he became the youngest person to make a bank shot by hitting a coloured ball off a table cushion before it entered a pocket.

Bly Twomey: Youngest Paralympic Table-Tennis Medallist

Bly Twomey is from United Kingdom. She had taken up table tennis three years before representing Great Britain at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

When she was 14 years and 124 days, she became the youngest Paralympic table tennis medallist. She won two bronze medals, one in singles and another in doubles alongside Fliss Pickard.

Carmela Chillery-Watson: Youngest MBE Recipient

Carmela Chillery-Watson is also from United Kingdom. When she was four, she was diagnosed with LMNA related congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD), a rare progressive muscle wasting condition.

She has raised £500000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK through fundraising projects. Then in 2020, she covered 10 kilometres every day for a month dressed as Wonder Woman. She walked one kilometre and used her wheelchair for the remaining distance.

More recently, she raised £3,250 through a 24-hour hospital walk, recording around 6,500 steps across five hospitals where she had received care. When she was 11 years and 78 days, she became the youngest recipient of an MBE. She received her medal from Prince William at Windsor Castle in December 2025.

Kelia Mehani Gallina: Youngest World Surf League Championship Tour Competitor

Kelia Mehani Gallina, from French Polynesia, has surfed at Teahupo’o since she was four and is nicknamed “Miss Teahupo’o”.

In July 2025, she entered the Tahiti Pro Trials for the first time and topped the podium despite being the youngest entrant. She was selected as the women’s wildcard for the main event and became the youngest person to compete in the World Surf League Championship Tour on August 8, 2025, aged 12 years and 363 days. She finished ninth among 12 female competitors.

Anvi Vishesh Agrawal: Bilingual Author and Youngest TEDx Speaker

Anvi Vishesh Agrawal, from India, became the youngest person to publish a bilingual book at four years and 254 days old on June 11, 2024.

Her book, Little Girl’s Big Emotions, sold more than 1,160 copies in its first week. Less than a year later, on January 5, 2025, she became the youngest TEDx speaker (female). Aged five years and 96 days, she spoke about her belief that creativity is a superpower.