A Journey Through Development
As I approach the end of my academic journey, my Capstone project stands as a testament to the skills, knowledge, and dedication I’ve acquired throughout my time at Oregon State University. I’ve come to realize that this project has been more than just an assignment, it has challenged me to the experience that I will most likely see in the real world.
Choosing the Project
For my Capstone, I wanted a project that would give me an advantage on my resume. I didn’t want an easy project, but I also didn’t want one so difficult that I wouldn’t be able to complete it. As a result, I decided to create a fitness application that we call My Fitness Buddy. This app will allow users to register, submit a fitness survey about their goals, and receive a 30 day personalized workout plan based on their input. The project required a back-end and front-end development, making it an ideal final challenge for my final quarter.
The Development Process
I was assigned to a group of four and none of us had ever created a cross-platform application before. So, the first thing we did was research and plan on how we, as newbies, would implement such an application. I was keen on ensuring that the application was robust, scalable, and user-friendly. As a result, we researched the best tech stacks to create a cross-platform application. We decided to use React Native for the front-end to provide a seamless experience across different platforms, and because we all are familiar with Python we decided on using Django for the back-end to handle user data and authentication securely.
Once we figured out which technologies to use, we had to determine how to integrate the front-end with the back-end, especially when it came to user authentication through Firebase. This process involved a lot of trial and error, and a lot of testing. I had to figure out how to configure Firebase to work seamlessly with Django as I was in charge of the back-end implementation for the group. It was difficult, but I was able to achieve that goal, and the experience was rewarding. This process allowed me to deepen my understanding of how different technologies interact.
Lessons Learned
This project has been a massive learning experience, both technically and personally. On the technical side, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of thorough planning and testing. By working with the front-end team, I’ve also learned the value of clear communication and collaboration, ensuring that both the front-end and back-end worked together to meet our goals and timelines.
Moreover, this project has reinforced the importance of perseverance. There have been times where the progress was slow, solutions to problems were not immediately apparent. Not knowing what we should know. However, by remaining patient and methodically working through each issue, I was able to overcome these obstacles and keep the project on track.
Looking Forward
As I prepare to graduate, I’m excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. My Capstone project has not only equipped me with practical skills but also boosted my confidence in my ability to tackle complex problems. It has given me the ability to take an unknown tech stack, read the documentation, and apply what I can from them. Whether I continue working on similar projects or explore new areas in Computer Science, I know that the lessons I’ve learned through this experience will serve me well.
In conclusion, the Capstone project has been the perfect culmination of my studies at OSU. It has pushed me to apply my knowledge in a practical setting, work effectively within a team, and deliver a product that I can be proud of. With the final week of classes on the horizon, I’m not sure what lies ahead but I know I’ll be ready for whatever challenges I will face.