Overview
Description
bestflix is a full-stack web project containing both server-side and
client-side elements allowing the users to explore a movie catalog.
It has been developed with the MERN Stack for building the API with a database
and the User Interface.
After Login or creating new
account users can browse through the selection of movies. They can find
brief description about specific movie, its genre and directior.
As well as creating a personal list of favorite movies. In addition users can
search through the catalog and filter it based on the genre.
Users can update their profile, delete it or update their favorite list.
This project was an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of backend API development with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. Frontend development with React and Redux.
Development Process
Building API & Data Base - backend
Developing the backend API was foundational to the bestflix application, as it
served as the
main data source for the client. This phase involves creating a NoSql data base with MongoDB
where all the movies and
user data is stored and
available for interactions. The API is handling movies, user,s genres, and directors
information.
The goal of this phase was to build a robust and well-structured RESTful API that could
interact with a MongoDB database,
allowing for CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations. This included user
authentication and authorization to
secure user data and manage access permissions. As finall step for bestflix API I have used
a powerful tool for creating
a well organized and detailed documentation - Swagger.
This project was an opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding
of backend API development with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB.
Frontend development with React and Redux.
Building Client Side - frontend
For building a single-page web app with responsive and modern design I have worked with React and Redux. The User Interface allows smooth operations with the API - login or register, browse the movies catalog, read the description of a movie, update user profile, add or remove favorite movies and more.
Backend & Frontend - skills & tools
- Defining API endpoints and routes with Express framework and middleware functions.
- Creating NoSQL database with Mongoose alongside proper authorization, JWT authentication and data validation for secure operations.
- Using React components for creating reusable UI elements and Redux for managing states, data flows and complex features.
- Implementing Bootstrap responsive system for user friendly, intuitive and modern interface.
User Interface
Login & Sign Up
Home & Movie View
Conclusion
Goals
Building single-page web application as a full-stack development project from scratch. With backend and frontend elements production ready, deployed to online hosting provider. bestflix final product published live and ready for real use.
Challenges
Finding the right tools based on my newly gained JavaScript skills and learning how to work with them as well as implementing their best practices. This involves setting up database with validation rules, secure authorization and authentication. Managing asynchronous request and response, while keeping UI responsive. Implementing proper error handling and providing user with feedback. Testing the functionality and fixing strange bugs is the greatest always ongoing challenge I have ever faced.
Reflection
The bestflix full-stack web application has its difficulties and challenges I had to understand and overcome. Through the development process I was able to improve my technical skills and to get familiar with established best practices for functional and secure backend architecture and dynamic, responsive frontend. I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience in modern web development technologies. It provides me with further motivation for implementing new features and making the app even more usable.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this project has been a significant learning experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world scenario and to understand the complexities involved in full-stack development. I am excited to continue building on this foundation and to explore new technologies and methodologies in the future.
I'm open for collaboration Let's connect
