DEV Community: Anshul Bhartiya

Your AI's Best Friend for Perfect Data

Anshul Bhartiya — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:12:06 +0000

Alright, so you're a developer, right? And you've got this awesome idea—you want to build your own generative AI or maybe even a smart agent. Something that can create cool stuff or do things on its own. That's super exciting!

But here's the thing: building these kinds of tools means dealing with tons of data. And data, my friend, can be a messy beast. It's like trying to build a LEGO castle when half your bricks are the wrong shape or color. You need a way to make sure all your data is just right, every single time.

That's where your new best friend comes in: Pydantic.

What's the Big Deal with Pydantic?

Think of Pydantic as your data's personal bouncer. Before any piece of information gets into your fancy AI or agent, Pydantic checks it over. Is it the right type? Does it have all the pieces it needs? Is it within the right limits? If not, Pydantic says, "Nope, not today!" and stops that bad data in its tracks.

It's not some super-smart "AI" itself, but it feels like it's reading your mind. It makes sure your data behaves exactly how you expect it to.

The Secret Superpowers of Pydantic

You might not even realize how much Pydantic helps, but trust me, once you start using it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

No More "Oops, Wrong Type!" Errors: This is huge. Imagine you're building your AI, and suddenly it crashes. You spend hours digging through code only to find out someone sent text when you needed a number. Pydantic catches these simple mistakes right away. It's like having a little helper who taps you on the shoulder and says, "Hey, that's not right before it breaks everything."
Your Code Becomes a Storybook: When you use Pydantic to set up how your data should look, you're basically writing down the rules clearly. Anyone—even future you—can look at your code and instantly understand what kind of data is expected. It's like your code is talking to you, explaining itself.
Data That Just... Fits: Sometimes, data might be close to what you need but not exactly. Say you expect a number, and someone gives you "123" as text. Pydantic can often gently change it into the number 123 for you. It's like it tidies up the data without you having to lift a finger.
Build Faster, Break Less: When you know your data is always good, you can focus on the cool parts—making your AI smart, building its features. You spend less time fixing messy data problems, which means you build your amazing projects way quicker!

Where Does Pydantic Shine Brightest?

Pydantic isn't just for tiny projects. It's tough enough for anything you throw at it:

Talking to Your AI (APIs): If your AI needs to get information from other places, or if other programs need to talk to your AI, Pydantic is your bodyguard. It makes sure all that incoming data is in perfect shape, so your AI doesn't get confused.
Setting Up Your AI (Config Files): Every AI needs settings, right? Things like how smart it should be or where it saves its work. Pydantic can check your settings file to make sure everything's correct. No more accidental typos messing things up!
Processing Data (Data Pipelines): If your AI takes in raw data, changes it, and then uses it, Pydantic can check it at each step. It's like a quality control inspector, making sure everything stays good from start to finish.

Ready for the Big Leagues (Production Grade)

Yes, Pydantic is absolutely ready for real-world use. Companies big and small use it every day.

It's Quick: Pydantic is built to be fast, so it won't slow down your awesome AI.
You're in Charge: Need special rules for your data? Pydantic lets you create your own custom checks, so you have total control.
Lots of Friends: There's a huge community of developers who use Pydantic. So if you ever get stuck, help is just a search away.

So, if you're diving into the world of building your own generative AI or a smart agent, remember Pydantic. It's that quiet, reliable friend who's always got your back, making sure your data is always perfect. And when your data's perfect, building amazing things becomes a whole lot easier and more fun!

Ready to give it a try?

My Journey to My First Hackathon

Anshul Bhartiya — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:54:56 +0000

Ever spent hours huddled with friends, brainstorming ideas for a new app or a website? Imagine that energy, that collaborative spirit, multiplied by a hundred, fueled by gallons of coffee and the pressure of a ticking clock. That, in a nutshell, is a hackathon!

How Fate Landed Me in My First Hackathon:

Fresh out of high school and basking in the newfound freedom of college life, I was just chilling with my group of friends. We were navigating the early days of our first year, likely comparing class schedules, dorm room mishaps, or the best places to grab lunch. Little did I know, a simple hangout was about to take an unexpected turn. Suddenly, our conversation was interrupted by a call from our professor, Hardika Ma’am.

A wave of shock washed over me as Hardika Ma’am announced, "I've registered you all for the upcoming college hackathon! It's a great opportunity to learn and showcase your skills as a team." My mind went blank. Hackathon? Skills? Here we were, a group of wide-eyed college freshmen, barely familiar with the intricacies of coding. Building a project from scratch seemed like a daunting task, worlds away from the comfortable routine of college life.

Embracing the Challenge Together (with a Hint of Encouragement)

Sensing our collective apprehension, Hardika Ma’am, ever the supportive mentor, assured us, "Don't worry, it's a college-level hackathon – a perfect way to get your feet wet together. I'll explain the format and even provide you with some problem statements to choose from."

She then went on to explain the concept of hackathons and the different themes teams could work on. But let's be honest, her words were slightly muffled by the blaring alarm bells going off in our heads! Here we were, a group of beginners when it came to website development, and suddenly, we were expected to participate in a hackathon.

A Gentle Push and a Lot in Our Future

However, Hardika Ma’am unwavering encouragement had a powerful effect. Her belief in our ability, even if it was a bit misplaced at the time, sparked a flicker of determination within us. Maybe, just maybe, we could actually do this together. "Don't worry about making something perfect," Hardika ma'am reassured us. "Just focus on learning, collaborating, and creating something the best you can as a team."

Newbies: What We Created at the Hackathon

Facing Reality: Our "Presentation Website"

Okay, let's talk about our actual creation. Remember that initial shock of being hackathon newbies? Well, it translated into our project as well. Here's the thing: with limited coding knowledge, complex ideas like data visualization or mobile app development were way out of our league. So, we did what any resourceful freshman would do – we aimed for something familiar! We decided to tackle a student management platform – a system to streamline the chaos of student life, you know, like scheduling classes or managing assignments.
Now, remember how I mentioned Ms. Hardika's guidance being invaluable? Well, it reached its peak here. We bravely dove into the world of website creation, and let me tell you, it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. We relied heavily on online tutorials, endless cups of coffee, and a whole lot of "hey, how do you do this?" exchanged between us.

The "Presentation Website" Debacle (and the Silver Lining)

Finally, after nights fueled by sheer determination, we had something… well, something. It wasn't exactly the robust student management platform we envisioned. But hey, we had a front-end! A basic, functional front-end, but a front-end nonetheless.
Presentation day arrived, and with a mix of excitement and nervousness, we showcased our creation. The judges were polite, but their feedback was brutally honest: "Did you make a presentation website?" Ouch. Let's just say our initial dreams of a groundbreaking platform were shattered.

But here's the thing: that moment of deflation became a turning point. Sure, our project wasn't perfect, but we had built something! We took a leap of faith, learned a ton along the way, and most importantly, we didn't give up. The sting of the "presentation website" comment only fueled our motivation to keep learning and improve our skills.

From Presentation Website to Empowered Learners: The Hackathon Aftermath

The hackathon was over. No more sleep deprivation, no more frantic coding sessions fueled by questionable energy drinks. But amidst the exhaustion, a newfound sense of accomplishment simmered. Sure, our project wasn't exactly the award-winning student management platform we envisioned. In fact, one judge's comment still echoed in our ears: "Presentation website?" Let's just say our dreams of a revolutionary platform were met with a reality check.

But here's the thing: that "presentation website" became a badge of honor in a strange way. It was a hilarious reminder of where we started – a bunch of wide-eyed newbies staring down the barrel of a coding challenge. We may not have been experts, but we were determined. We tackled online tutorials with the fervor of explorers navigating uncharted territory. Countless "hey, how do you do this?" exchanges later, we emerged with a… well, a basic, functional front-end. Not exactly Silicon Valley material, but a testament to our collective effort.

The hackathon wasn't just about the final product (although a "presentation website" does hold a certain comedic charm). It was about the journey – the late nights fueled by laughter (and maybe a few tears), the camaraderie that blossomed as we tackled challenges together, and the unexpected lessons we learned along the way.

The Importance of the "Us" Factor

We started as a group of individuals, each with our own tech comfort levels (ranging from "can I change my Facebook profile picture?" to "oh no, there's a semicolon missing!"). But through teamwork, open communication, and a shared sense of "we're in this together," we accomplished something bigger than ourselves. This crash course in collaboration solidified the importance of working together, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory.

Adaptability: Our Superpower (Except When It Wasn't)

The world of coding is like a jungle gym – full of exciting possibilities, but also with unexpected twists and turns. Our initial vision for the project was ambitious, to say the least. But as we delved deeper, we realized our collective skillsets and the time constraint were like vines threatening to trip us up. That's when we embraced our newfound superpower – adaptability. We learned to be flexible, prioritize tasks, and find creative solutions within our limitations.

Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones (and Maybe Falling Flat on Our Face)

Let's be honest, the entire concept of a hackathon was intimidating! But by taking that initial leap of faith, we opened ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We discovered that even with limited knowledge, we could still learn, create, and push ourselves beyond what we thought possible. Sure, the "presentation website" moment wasn't exactly our proudest, but it highlighted the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. It showed us that even when things don't go according to plan, the journey itself is valuable. We learned from our mistakes, gained valuable feedback from the judges (even the brutally honest ones!), and most importantly, discovered a newfound determination to improve.

Lifelong Learning: Our New Obsession

This hackathon experience ignited a passion for learning within us. We realized that the world of coding is vast and constantly evolving. The excitement of creating something new, combined with the challenge of continuous learning, has become an important part of our academic journey. Who knows? Maybe next year, our project will be a masterpiece of functionality and design. But hey, even if it's another "presentation website," the journey of learning and creating will continue. After all, that's the true takeaway from this wild hackathon ride.

The Final Word: A Springboard for the Future

The hackathon might be over, but the lessons learned are here to stay. We may have started as wide-eyed newbies, but we emerged with a newfound confidence in our abilities and a thirst for knowledge. This experience wasn't just about building a project; it was about building ourselves – as learners, collaborators, and problem-solvers. Who knows? Maybe next year, our project won't be mistaken for a "presentation website." But hey, even if it is, the journey of learning and creating will continue.

A special thanks to Hardika Ma’am. Her belief in us, even when faced with a group of coding newbies, was the spark that ignited this wild ride. Thanks for the push, for the lessons we learned, and the memories (and maybe a few meltdowns) made!

Want to connect? Let's chat about code, or anything else that sparks your developer curiosity!

Twitter: Bhartiyaanshul
LinkedIn: anshulbhartiya
Email: bhartiyaanshul@gmail.com

Balance Sheet to Code: How a Commerce Student Becomes an IT Guy!

Anshul Bhartiya — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:44:46 +0000

Forget debits and credits, think algorithms and applications! Many commerce students embark on their academic journey with visions of becoming accounting wizards or financial gurus. However, for some, the allure of technology disrupts those plans, leading them down an unexpected path – the exciting world of IT. This article explores the reasons why commerce students might make this surprising career switch and equips them with the knowledge to navigate this exciting new direction.

From Engineering Dreams to Spreadsheets and Code: A Personal Journey

Like many young minds, I harbored aspirations of becoming an engineer during my early school years. However, as I ventured deeper into my academic journey, my interests took an unexpected turn. By the time I reached high school, the intricacies of science subjects, though I achieved good grades, failed to ignite the same passion as other disciplines. This led me to explore the commerce stream, where I discovered a growing fascination with accounting and statistics. The world of numbers held a certain appeal, and I thrived in this newfound focus.

Despite my delve into commerce, a childhood fascination with technology remained firmly rooted. The inner workings of apps and websites continued to intrigue me. I'd spend hours dissecting how these digital marvels functioned, yearning to understand the magic behind them. While the commerce path offered a clear direction, a nagging curiosity lingered – could I somehow bridge the gap between my interest in business and this captivating world of technology?
The answer, I soon discovered, was a resounding yes! Commerce students, like myself, aren't confined to traditional career paths. The IT field offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, both of which are honed extensively in commerce programs. This revelation ignited a spark of excitement, and I eagerly began exploring the various pathways that could lead me from the world of spreadsheets and debits to the dynamic realm of code and innovation.

This personal story not only showcases your unique journey but also highlights a common concern – can commerce students pursue IT careers?

Finding My Passion: A Kickstart in Tech

Once I began exploring the world of tech more seriously, a whole new level of fascination unfolded. The sheer amount of innovation, the ability to constantly learn and create new things – it was unlike anything I had experienced before. This is where your advice to pursue a field that excites you truly resonates. From the moment I started delving into coding and tech concepts, I knew I was on the right path. It wasn't just about the challenge or the intellectual stimulation; it was the pure enjoyment of the process. Weekends didn't feel like a break from work, they felt like an opportunity to recharge and come back even more excited to explore the endless possibilities of the tech industry. This, for me, is the true definition of finding the right career path – a journey that energizes you, keeps you curious, and never feels like a chore.

Reasons for the Shift: From Commerce to Coding (A Personal Story)

Forget stock options and spreadsheets – commerce students are ditching their suits and ties (or maybe just the ties) for a new adventure: the wild west of the tech industry! It might seem like a strange turn of events, but hold on to your calculators – there's a method to the madness. The tech world isn't just about bean counting (although those analytical skills from accounting class will come in handy); it's about building the next big app, designing interfaces that don't look like they were created in the 90s, and solving problems so complex they'd make even the most seasoned accountant's head spin (in a good way, hopefully). So, while your classmates might be prepping for their CPA exams, you'll be learning how to code – a skill that's way cooler than memorizing arcane tax codes (and let's be honest, probably more useful in the long run). Don't worry, your commerce background isn't a dead end – it's more like a secret passage to a world of innovation, creativity, and potentially, self-cleaning robot vacuums (because who has time for chores when you can code them away?).

Want to connect? Let's chat about code, or anything else that sparks your developer curiosity!

Twitter: Bhartiyaanshul
LinkedIn: anshulbhartiya
Email: bhartiyaanshul@gmail.com

Supabase: The Open-Source Superhero That Saves You From Firebase

Anshul Bhartiya — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 11:40:34 +0000

As a developer who's built apps and webApps with both React and Flutter, I've spent a fair amount of time navigating the world of backend-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions. Firebase has always been a go-to option with its familiar Google backing and convenient features. But recently, Supabase, the open-source up-and-comer, has caught my eye. This article explores Supabase's potential as the "superhero" that can save developers from Firebase fatigue, especially when it comes to building React and Flutter applications. We'll compare their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on aspects that resonate with my experiences in both frameworks. Let's see if Supabase can truly live up to its name!

My Flutter Frustration with Firebase: Can Supabase Save the Day?

In my journey as a Flutter Development, Firebase has undoubtedly been a powerful tool. However, the initial setup, especially configuring Firebase in Flutter projects, often felt like an obstacle course. Juggling platform-specific configurations and navigating the intricacies of getting everything connected could be a time-consuming hurdle. This is where Supabase enters the scene. This article explores Supabase as a potential solution, aiming to see if it offers a smoother and more streamlined initialization experience for mobile development, particularly when working with Flutter. We'll delve into the pros and cons of both platforms, focusing on the ease of getting started and how Supabase might offer a more developer-friendly approach.

Firebase: The Smooth Operator

Headline: Captain Convenience: Your One-Stop Shop for Backend Bliss
Bio: Looking for a reliable and easy-going partner to handle your backend needs? Look no further! I'm Firebase, Google's very own managed service. I come pre-packaged with all the bells and whistles you need, from real-time updates to offline capabilities. Plus, I handle all the infrastructure stuff, so you can focus on building your amazing app. (Just don't expect too much customization – I like things my way )

Supabase: The Wild Card

Headline: Data Diva: Independent, Open-Source, and Ready to Rule Your Backend
Bio: Tired of the same old managed service routines? Spice up your backend life with Supabase, the open-source rebel with a cause (relational data, that is). I offer ultimate control – self-host me or use my managed service, it's your call! I might require a bit more effort to set up, but hey, the freedom and flexibility are worth it. Plus, my PostgreSQL muscles will handle your complex data like nobody's business. (Just be warned, I'm not for the faint of heart – some infrastructure management skills are a must!)

Who's Your Backend Match?

It all boils down to your developer desires. Do you crave a smooth, pre-built experience, or are you a control freak who thrives on open-source adventures?
Whichever you choose, remember: both Firebase and Supabase can be amazing partners for your backend needs. Just make sure you pick the one that makes your developer heart sing (and your data dance)!

Core Differences: Database Type:

Firebase: Leverages a NoSQL document database called Firestore. Data is stored in flexible JSON-like documents, making it ideal for unstructured or semi-structured data. Each document has a unique identifier and can contain nested collections for hierarchical data organization.
Supabase: Utilizes a powerful relational database engine called PostgreSQL. This enables structured data management with tables, rows, and columns. You can define relationships between tables using SQL queries and joins, which is essential for complex data models often found in web applications.

Real-time Feats: Keeping Your Data in Sync

Both Firebase and Supabase boast impressive real-time features, ensuring your application data stays up-to-date across devices. Let's break down their approaches:

Firebase:
Offers a robust real-time database (RTDB) alongside Firestore.
Data is stored as a single JSON tree, allowing efficient updates and retrieval for real-time scenarios like chat applications or collaborative editing.
Firebase excels in ease of use for real-time functionality.
Supabase:
Leverages real-time subscriptions directly within its PostgreSQL database.
You can subscribe to specific table changes or queries, enabling granular control over what data updates your application receives.
While Supabase offers more control, it might require slightly more setup effort compared to Firebase's RTDB.

Open Source Sanctuary vs. Google's Guarded Gates: A Look at Control

When it comes to control and ownership, Firebase and Supabase take vastly different approaches:

Firebase:
A Google-backed, managed service.
You benefit from Google's infrastructure and expertise, but it comes with potential vendor lock-in.
You rely on Google's uptime and security measures.
Customization options might be limited compared to a self-hosted solution.

Supabase:
An open-source project, offering the freedom to self-host or use a managed service.
This grants you complete control over your data and infrastructure.
You're responsible for managing your own servers and security, which requires additional technical expertise.
Supabase offers a generous free managed tier, so you can experiment without upfront costs.

The Final Showdown: Firebase or Supabase?

So, have we settled the great backend battle? Not quite. Choosing between Firebase and Supabase depends on your project's needs. It's like picking a superhero: are you looking for Captain Convenience (Firebase) who swoops in with pre-built tools, or do you need a more DIY hero like Data Diva (Supabase) who grants you ultimate control over your data kingdom?

Here's the scoop on Supabase, the potential secret weapon for your dev arsenal:

Relational Data Rockstar: Forget wrestling with NoSQL's limitations. Supabase's PostgreSQL lets you manage your data like a boss, with tables, rows, and joins that would make even the strictest relational database enthusiast do a happy dance.

Open-Source Oasis: Ditch the vendor lock-in blues! Supabase lets you self-host or use their managed service, giving you the freedom to do your backend thing your way.

Cost Crusader (For Specific Cases): While both offer free tiers, Supabase's transparent pricing might just save the day for your budget, especially if you're a self-hosting champion.

The Verdict?

Firebase is a fantastic choice for convenience and ease of use. But if you crave control, relational data mastery, and the open-source spirit, Supabase might just be the superhero you've been waiting for. So, grab your developer cape and give Supabase a try. You might just be surprised by its power!

Intrigued by Supabase, the open-source hero who vanquishes data woes? Don't be a backend wallflower! Dive into Supabase's docs (https://supabase.com/docs), unleash your inner SQL Jedi, and join the Supabase fam. It's time to ditch the backend blues and level up your dev skills!

https://github.com/supabase/supabase?tab=readme-ov-file

Want to connect? Let's chat about code, or anything else that sparks your developer curiosity!

Twitter: Bhartiyaanshul
LinkedIn: anshulbhartiya
Email: bhartiyaanshul@gmail.com

My React Experience: From Zero to Hero (Well, Baby Hero)

Anshul Bhartiya — Thu, 23 May 2024 05:19:36 +0000

I used to code behind-the-scenes stuff (backend) with Python, but now I'm jumping into the world of making websites look cool (frontend) with React! This article follows my journey from knowing absolutely nothing about React (zero to hero!), becoming a baby React developer (still learning, but excited!). Buckle up for a month-long adventure filled with wins, fails, and hopefully, the birth of a new frontend hero!

Why This Back-End Developer Comes to Front-End Development: Beyond the Server

Python was fun, sure, but let's be honest, it's all ones and zeros back there. Where's the pizzazz? The flashy animations? The joy of making something users actually see and interact with? That's why I'm saying "sayonara" to the back-end for a bit and jumping into the glorious unknown of front-end development with React. Think of me as a code butterfly, emerging from my Python cocoon, ready to learn how to make websites dance! This next month will be a wild ride, filled with triumphs, blunders, and hopefully, the birth of a front-end hero (or at least a baby React developer who doesn't accidentally break the internet). Buckle up and join the adventure!

So, What is This React Business Anyway?

Okay, you might be wondering, "This React thing... what's the big deal?" Here's the lowdown:

React is a powerful JavaScript library that lets you build dynamic and interactive user interfaces (UIs) for websites and applications.

Think of it as a toolbox filled with awesome tools to create those flashy buttons, smooth animations, and user-friendly features that make websites come alive.

Learning Front-End Without Textbooks (Because They're Boring!)

My full-stack internship turned out to be an amazing experience! It threw me into the coding pool, giving me a taste of both back-end and front-end development. While I enjoyed the back-end challenges, the front-end world with its visual elements sparked a curiosity I couldn't ignore. But before tackling React, I focused on the front-end basics: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Think of them as the ABCs of websites!

I've always believed in the power of hands-on learning. Textbooks are excellent resources, but nothing beats getting your hands dirty and creating something unique. The internship provided a perfect setting for this approach. They didn't just throw concepts at us; they encouraged us to try, create small projects, and learn from the mistakes we made, so I built a simple landing page. It wasn't award-winning, but it let me play with HTML for structure, CSS for style (bye-bye boring text!), and a sprinkle of JavaScript for fun (like a button that changes color).

This little landing page was a big win for this back-end beginner! It showed I wasn't completely lost in the front-end world and gave me the confidence to tackle the next challenge: React!

Exploring my inner front-end developer.

Confession time: CSS used to make me want to tear my hair out. Back in my first year of college, wrestling with stylesheets felt like trying to herd angry squirrels. It definitely left me thinking "front-end development? No thanks!"

Building a basic landing page with HTML, CSS (which became slightly less like wrestling a cat!), and JavaScript sparked a fire. With this newfound love for front-end, I dove headfirst into React. Components, state, lifecycle – all the fancy React stuff. And guess what? It clicked! Building my first React app (a to-do list, because adulting is hard) was a blast. Each line of code felt like conquering a mini coding mountain.

After a few more mini-projects to solidify my React muscles, I tackled a full-fledged website. It wasn't a walk in the park, but with every bug squashed and hurdle jumped, I felt like a front-end superhero! My journey from CSS enemy to React rookie has been a wild ride, but it proves one thing: you never know what you might love until you try! So, for anyone out there feeling intimidated by front-end development, take it from me: don't give up! The fun of building awesome stuff is totally worth the initial struggle.

Level Up Your Code: Embrace the Unknown!

From back-end to React rookie, it's been a wild ride! Coding is a journey, not a destination. So fellow developers, don't be afraid to explore new things, embrace challenges, and have fun! Here's to constant learning, conquering those coding mountains, and happy coding!

Want to connect? Let's chat about code, React, or anything else that sparks your developer curiosity!

Twitter: Bhartiyaanshul
LinkedIn: anshulbhartiya
Email: bhartiyaanshul@gmail.com