Side Projects: From Decision-Making Apps to Vue.js Learning Platforms

At Aurity, we have a broad range of confidential client engagements, but there’s one app I find particularly useful and highly recommend for remote work—a decision-making tool that has become a significant side project for us. This project not only helps me make up my own mind but also serves as a personal challenge and a teaching tool for my students. Let’s dive into the details of these fascinating side projects.

Creating a Decision-Maker as a Progressive Web App

One of the projects I’m most excited about is a decision-making app that I’ve been developing as a Progressive Web App (PWA). The motivation behind this project stems from my own struggles with decision-making and my belief that finding solutions to these challenges can lead to useful applications. As I mentioned, I’m following the idea of scratching my own itch, a phrase coined by Eric Raymond in his seminal work The Cathedral and the Bazaar. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating tools and platforms that solve your own problems, and in doing so, you can create something that can benefit others as well.

My decision-making app is designed to assist individuals in making informed choices, especially in remote work environments. By leveraging JavaScript function composition, I’m aiming to create a flexible and dynamic tool that can be adapted to various decision-making scenarios. Additionally, this project serves as a practical example for my students who are learning JavaScript and ES6 syntax, helping them understand real-world applications of these concepts.

Recreating an Old Desktop App with JavaScript and SVG

Aside from the decision-making app, I’m also recreating a desktop app that I created years ago using Bill Atkinson’s HyperCard. This app draws the lines connecting number sequences in Magic Squares, a feature that I find fascinating and visually engaging. By rewriting this application in JavaScript and SVG, I’m exploring the capabilities and potential of these technologies. This project not only enriches my skill set but also provides a tangible example for others to learn from.

Building a Learning Platform for Vue.js

Another significant side project I’m working on is a learning platform for Vue.js. I’ve named this platform Vue Hero. The web app is built using Vue.js and Nuxt.js, with the backend powered by Django. My goal with Vue Hero is to provide a comprehensive learning resource for developers who want to master Vue.js. By creating this platform, I’m not only honing my skills in Vue and Python but also contributing to the growing community of developers interested in this popular frontend framework.

Vue Hero offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical coding exercises, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and intermediate users. The platform is designed to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that learners can effectively understand and apply Vue.js concepts.

Side projects can be challenging, but they also offer immense potential for growth and learning. Whether it’s creating decision-making tools, recreating classic applications, or building comprehensive learning platforms, these projects can make a significant impact both personally and professionally. So, why not dive into a side project of your own?

Key Takeaways:

Scratching your own itch: Solve your own problems with technology to create tools that can benefit others. JavaScript Function Composition: Utilize this powerful technique to build flexible and dynamic applications. Learning with Vue Hero: Experience a comprehensive learning platform for Vue.js development.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your own side projects. Happy coding!