Posts
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Week 12 - Container Based Deployment
Last week I deployed my application and made some big steps towards a production app. First, I changed out my SQLite database for Postgresql after learning that it would be more of a headache to keep pushing off that step. It actually was not too bad and made my container implementation simpler since I no longer had to keep track of a file (the sqlite db) in between container instances.
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Week 11 - CI + Docker
Last week I focused on learning about CI/CD Pipelines and Docker Containerization. First, I jumped in to learning Github Actions for use with CI/CD pipelines. I wrote a simple build and test github action that runs whenever there is a push to main or pull request. I found these resources helpful for learning about CI/CD Pipelines with Github Actions and specifically for .NET.
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Week 10 - Material UI + React Front End
This week I focused on building out my front end. I refreshed my React skills and immersed myself in Material UI Component Library. At first I dove in to a free dashboard template from Material UI and unfortunately it was too complicated for me to use. While working with Claude AI to make a front end interface inspired by the free dashboard template and simple design elements, Claude asked if I would like for it to build a template for me. This template ended up being better than anything I could have made in a single day (the amount of time I assigned for this). I took the template and stepped in, modifying where I needed while refreshing my React muscles and learning a few things along the way. I extended some of the components and layouts as well as modified the forms and data to match my API. The next day I recreated the React project within my .NET core project. I connected it to my API with a CORS policy and implemented all the API calls needed to replace the mock data I used to implement the interface initially.
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Week 9 - CRUD for Projects Entity
This past week I continued to work on my API and I am at a good stopping point. I downgraded to .NET 8 from .NET 9, which involved fixing openAPI support (which is automatic in .NET 9). I fixed my integration tests for what I hope is the last time. I completed CRUD routes for my project entity. I wrote unit tests (with AI) alongside the functions for my project module and I actually had fun with it. In addition, I watched a crash course on Material UI and poked around their free dashboard template. For anybody learning React, I think it would be great to experiment with a component library.
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Week 8 - Building APIs and More
Last week I took a break from my structured learning schedule and I accomplished a lot of different things across three different domains:
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Week 7 - User Auth with JWT
This past week I focused on user authentication and authorization with JSON web tokens (JWT) in .NET Core. I also completed my mid semester progress report, slightly modifying my goals and schedule after much reflection.
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Week 6 - Testing APIs and DBs with xUnit
This past week I dived deep in to testing and test driven development. I felt that I had a surface level understanding of testing and I hoped to deepen my understanding while also developing useful skills for my development process. I also brushed up on middleware, endpoint filters, and input validation in controllers (finished out the Microsoft backend for beginners video playlist).
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Week 5 - Building .NET API With Persistent Data
What did you do last week?
Last week brought some unexpected challenges, our baby was home sick and my wife threw out her back. I managed to make progress learning Entity Framework Core, .NET Core’s ORM (Object Relational Mapping) tool for working with databases. I completed a tutorial which demonstrated using EF Core with a SQLite database and explored two approaches: code first (C# Objects to Relational db) and database first (db to C# Objects).
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Week 4 - Building My First .NET Core API
What did you do last week?
This past week I spent some time working on my main personal website getting to know working in Jekyll and the theme Minimal Mistakes.
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Week 3 - Building CLI App
What did you do last week?
This past week I submitted my proposal and discussed feedback. I added a section that includes a fallback weekly schedule in case I lose track of what to work on. I responded to 3 of my peers proposals as well.
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Week 2 - Firming Up Scope
What did you do last week?
This past week I focused on finalizing my project proposal and narrowing the scope and tech stack. I explored multiple backend frameworks, courses, and tutorials while weighing the trade-offs between building a full stack application via the Full Stack Open curriculum versus focusing on a more minimal, backend-only API using an enterprise-grade framework. Since my goals and interests aligned most with backend, I decided to focus my time there for this course.
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Week 1 - Launch
This progress report is longer than usual, as it covers the month of exploration prior to the official project kickoff.
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