Vibe
Vibe is a social media web application with a variety of features for user engagement, such as posts, likes, comments, and user mentions. The project began as a final assignment for CS50 and later evolved into a personal project for learning and practicing React and Next.js.
The Problem
Unlike traditional projects, Vibe was not created to address a specific user problem. Instead, it served as a platform for learning and exploring modern web technologies. The challenge was primarily about improving development skills and understanding full-stack web development.
Goals and Objectives
The main goal of Vibe was to create a fast, user-friendly social media application with a great user experience, responsive design, and strong SEO optimization. Additionally, it served as a platform to master React, Next.js, and full-stack development, allowing for the exploration of modern web technologies through practical implementation.
Development Process
The project began with UX/UI design, which was crucial given that Vibe is a user-driven platform. Several iterations of design were made until a satisfying, aesthetically pleasing interface was achieved. After finalizing the design, the development phase involved incremental implementation of features, starting from core functionality and gradually adding new capabilities over time.
Results
Vibe was completed in two months, but it continues to evolve as new features are added. The project successfully showcases skills in modern web development frameworks and databases, with a strong emphasis on user experience.
Key Features
Some of the most notable features of Vibe include:
- User Registration & Login: Users can create accounts, log in, and manage their profile.
- CRUD Posts: Users can create, read, update, and delete posts, with the ability to mention other users.
- Comments & Reactions: Users can comment on posts, like them, and react to posts with custom reactions.
- Profile Pages: Users have their own profile pages to view posts and activity.
- Following System: Users can follow others and see their posts in a personalized feed.
- Notifications: Users are notified when someone likes their post or follows them.
- Responsive Design: The app was designed mobile-first but adapts well to larger desktop screens.
Conclusion & Learnings
Working on Vibe allowed for hands-on experience with Next.js, React, and PostgreSQL, enhancing both front-end and back-end development skills. This was particularly valuable as it was the first project of its kind.