Progress, Challenges, and New Learnings

I made major strides in both the frontend and backend of my project, completed some critical integrations, and tackled several challenges head-on. Here’s a summary of my week:

Progress and Milestones Achieved

• Backend Development: I completed key backend functionalities, including organizing documents with AWS S3 integration. I also started working on APIs for document deletion, solidifying the core logic of the app. These steps were crucial in laying the foundation for document management and security.

• File Uploads and Encrypted Viewing: On the frontend, I implemented hooks to handle file uploads and manage encrypted file viewing. This feature ensures that documents are securely uploaded and viewed, marking a big milestone in the app’s functionality.

• Error Handling and Search: I added comprehensive error handling for failed file uploads, authentication failures, and other edge cases. This improvement made the app more robust and reliable. Additionally, I implemented search functionality, allowing users to filter documents based on tags or names.

• Authentication Enhancements: A major feature this week was adding a complete password reset flow with email verification. This added a layer of security for users, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access or reset their accounts.

• Testing and Debugging: I dedicated time to fine-tuning the app's dashboard and started extensive testing. Debugging also became a significant part of the process as I encountered issues that needed attention. The goal was to ensure everything worked seamlessly before the final deployment.

• Deployment and Documentation: I added deployment features using Daytonai for a devcontainer and worked on comprehensive documentation for the repository. This effort ensured that others could easily understand and contribute to the project. Additionally, I wrote an article summarizing the app's functionality and submitted it for an open-source hackathon.

Challenges Faced and Troubleshooting

• Docker Issues: Throughout the week, I encountered some Docker-related issues, particularly with connecting the backend to the required services. Uninstalling and reinstalling Docker was necessary, and although it was time-consuming, I finally resolved the problems and got everything running smoothly.

• Testing and Debugging: While testing the app, I ran into several bugs and challenges, especially when dealing with API endpoints and security features. Implementing rate limiting and securing the routes from excessive requests was crucial to prevent abuse, but it required some fine-tuning and debugging to get it right.

• Email Notifications: Integrating email notifications for document actions, such as uploads and deletions, required careful setup and configuration. I had to ensure that the backend handled these operations securely and effectively.

• Interview Setback: I had an interview scheduled for the week, but the interviewer didn’t show up, which was a bit frustrating. Despite the setback, I used the time to focus on the Docker-related issues in the project and continued to make progress.

Key Learnings

• Docker and Deployment: I gained more experience working with Docker containers, especially in the context of deploying applications and managing S3 integration. I also learned how to use platforms like Daytonai to deploy devcontainers effectively, adding another layer of deployment flexibility.

• Security Practices: Implementing features like encrypted file uploads, password resets, and email verification gave me a deeper understanding of security best practices. These are essential for building secure applications that users can trust.

• Testing and Rate Limiting: Implementing rate limiting taught me how to protect API routes from abuse and ensure that the system remains performant under heavy load. I also deepened my knowledge of testing strategies and debugging workflows, which are critical in delivering a stable app.

Looking Ahead

As I wrap up week 5, I’m feeling accomplished and excited about the progress I’ve made. There’s still a bit of testing to complete before the final deployment, and I plan to continue refining the app’s features. Looking ahead, I’m aiming to focus on final optimizations, addressing any remaining issues, and preparing for a seamless deployment. Week 6 will be dedicated to wrapping up the project and pushing it out for public use