Welcome to Birdy, an Instagram-like social media platform for bird enthusiasts to share and explore various bird species through their photographs. Inspired by the simplicity and connectivity of platforms like Instagram, Birdy offers a specialized space dedicated to the exploration and appreciation of various bird species from around the globe.
Our Mission
At Birdy, our mission is to provide a dynamic and engaging platform for bird enthusiasts to share their captures, stories, and knowledge about birds. We aim to foster a supportive community where members can connect, learn, and contribute to a growing database of avian beauty and diversity. (or would it be, as this project was created with educational purposes in mind...)
Technology at Birdy
Birdy stands on the cutting edge of web technology, incorporating a seamless integration of frontend and backend systems to deliver an seamless user experience.
Frontend
The Birdy user interface is crafted with NextJS, offering a responsive and intuitive environment that resonates with the modern web user's expectations. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Dogs’ social network, Birdy's design is tailored to highlight the beauty of birds through photographs, with a keen focus on usability and aesthetic appeal.
Backend
Our robust API is the backbone of Birdy, ensuring smooth and secure interactions within our community. Developed with Express, a top-tier Node.js framework, our API supports essential features such as user authentication, photo uploads, comments, likes, and comprehensive security measures to protect our members' data.
How it came to be
Birdy is an afterthought from my time learning front-end development. During my studies of React, I was taught how to develop the front end of ‘Dogs,’ a social network with a purpose similar to Birdy's. Intending to expand my knowledge beyond course projects, I created a project similar to what I was taught. I also went beyond the front end to develop even the API, the backbone of this application.
To keep things simple, I chose to keep the social network's central theme, animals. I went with birds first because I love to bird-watch sometimes despite needing to learn more about birds, and second because I didn't find it to be most people's first choice when building projects like this.
As a personal project designed for portfolio purposes, Birdy represents my commitment to leveraging web technologies to create meaningful and engaging digital experiences. Birdy serves as a showcase of my skills in web development, and I welcome contributions, feedback, and ideas to enhance Birdy.