DEV Community: Nikhil Shukla

Cooked this Paperfolio template with V0 | Here’s the template you can use for free

Nikhil Shukla — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:04:50 +0000

Cooked this Paperfolio template with V0 | Here’s the template you can use for free

I’ve been experimenting with V0 - by Vercel, and I rebuilt the popular Paperfolio layout originally created by Brix Templates.
This is a community-made clone — all ownership of the original design stays with @brixtemplatesbrixtemplates.
My goal was simply to recreate it in V0 so anyone can use or remix it.

Live Demo & Template Access

→ Template (Clone / Remix):

v0.dev

→ Live Preview:

v0-paperfolio.vercel.app

Video Walkthrough

→ Watch the walkthrough on X:
// Detect dark theme var iframe = document.getElementById('tweet-1994130537464910310-105'); if (document.body.className.includes('dark-theme')) { iframe.src = "https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=1994130537464910310&theme=dark" }

What’s Inside the Template

Clean portfolio with hero section and highlight-style text blocks
Minimal, bold layout focused on showcasing your work
Reusable components built directly in V0
Easy to customize for personal portfolios or client sites

How to Use It

Open the template → https://v0.link/paperfolio
Click on “Open in V0”
Make your styling tweaks
Deploy on Vercel

That’s it — you have a clean, modern portfolio site ready to ship.

If you end up customizing this, I’d like to see what you build.

Cooked this Paperfolio template with V0 | Here’s the template you can use for free

Nikhil Shukla — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:48:37 +0000

Cooked this Paperfolio template with V0 | Here’s the template you can use for free

Live Demo & Template Access

→ Template (Clone / Remix):

v0.dev

→ Live Preview:

v0-paperfolio.vercel.app

Video Walkthrough

→ Watch the walkthrough on X:
// Detect dark theme var iframe = document.getElementById('tweet-1994130537464910310-406'); if (document.body.className.includes('dark-theme')) { iframe.src = "https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=1994130537464910310&theme=dark" }

What’s Inside the Template

Clean portfolio with hero section and highlight-style text blocks
Minimal, bold layout focused on showcasing your work
Reusable components built directly in V0
Easy to customize for personal portfolios or client sites

How to Use It

Open the template → https://v0.link/paperfolio
Click on “Open in V0”
Make your styling tweaks
Deploy on Vercel

That’s it — you have a clean, modern portfolio site ready to ship.

If you end up customizing this, I’d like to see what you build.

How to Build a Production Quality Extension for Browser

Nikhil Shukla — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:45:56 +0000

Building a Chrome extension is often seen as something only experienced developers can pull off, but the truth is, with the right approach, anyone can create a polished, production-quality extension. I recently went through this process myself while building Cimple, a browser extension that enhances the new tab experience with a clean UI and productivity-focused features.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the journey of building a Chrome extension from scratch, highlight some lessons learned, and share what goes into turning a side project into something ready for real users.

Step 1: Start With a Problem Worth Solving

Every successful extension starts with a clear purpose. Instead of building for the sake of building, ask: What problem can I solve for users?

For me, I was tired of cluttered new tabs and uninspiring browser UIs. I wanted something that looked modern, felt smooth, and also improved productivity. That’s how Cimple was born — a Chrome extension that gives your browser a fresh, customizable interface while helping you stay focused.

Step 2: Learn the Basics of Chrome Extension Development

At its core, a Chrome extension is just a web app with some extra configuration. The essentials you’ll need:

Manifest file (manifest.json): Defines your extension’s name, version, permissions, and entry points.
Background scripts: Handle logic that runs behind the scenes.
Content scripts: Inject custom functionality into web pages.
Popup / Options pages: Provide user-facing interfaces.

Chrome’s developer documentation is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to look at open-source extensions on GitHub for real-world examples.

Step 3: Design With Users in Mind

Good UI/UX is what separates a project from a production-quality extension. Think about:

Onboarding: How easy is it for someone to understand your extension the first time they open it?
Performance: Does it load instantly, without lag?
Customization: Can users tweak the experience to their liking?

For Cimple, design was a big focus. I included multiple background styles — from particle animations to aurora-like effects — so users can personalise their new tab. That small touch made a big difference in how people perceive the product.

Step 4: Testing Before Publishing

Don’t underestimate testing. Try your extension in different environments, on different machines, and with different Chrome profiles. Catching bugs before launch saves you headaches later.

Here’s what helped me:

Ask friends to try it and give honest feedback.
Use Chrome’s developer tools to debug.
Pay attention to memory usage and speed.

When I tested Cimple, feedback from early users highlighted small UX improvements I wouldn’t have noticed myself.

Step 5: Polish Your Chrome Web Store Listing

The Chrome Web Store is crowded, and your extension only gets a few seconds to make an impression. A production-ready extension deserves a production-ready listing:

Title & description: Clear, keyword-rich, and focused on benefits.
Screenshots: High-quality images of your extension in action. I used Screenshot.Rocks to create professional-looking visuals for Cimple.
Promo video: Short, simple, and to the point.

The goal is to make users want to click “Add to Chrome.”

Step 6: Listen to Feedback and Iterate

Publishing is just the start. Once your extension is live, real users will tell you what’s working and what’s missing.

With Cimple, users loved the clean design but also started asking for new features like deeper productivity integrations. That feedback shaped the roadmap and kept the project moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Building a production-quality Chrome extension isn’t just about coding — it’s about solving a real problem, designing with users in mind, and continuously improving based on feedback.

My journey with Cimple has shown me how much impact a simple browser extension can have on daily workflows. If you’re thinking about creating your own, start small, polish relentlessly, and don’t hesitate to put your work out there.

And if you’re curious to see what a polished extension looks like in action, you can try Cimple here:

Cimple - Aesthetic Browser Theme Extension - Chrome Web Store

A beautiful productivity-focused theme extension with cinematic animated backgrounds and widgets to make your new tab aesthetic

chromewebstore.google.com

Building Cimple: An extension that your browser deserves.

Nikhil Shukla — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:03:53 +0000

When I first started building Chrome extensions, it was mostly about solving small personal annoyances. Over time, I realized that many of these little problems weren’t just mine—other people were struggling with them too. That realization led me to build Cimple – Premium New Tab Experience, a Chrome extension designed to replace the default new tab page with something clean, useful, and minimal.

In this post, I’ll share the full journey: why I built it, the challenges along the way, the design and development process, and how it’s evolving. If you’re interested in browser customization, productivity tools, or building your own extensions, this story might give you some useful insights.

The Problem with the Default Chrome New Tab

The Chrome new tab page does its job, but it’s limited. You get a search bar, some frequently visited sites, and background options. For many users, that’s fine. For me, it became repetitive and uninspiring.

I wanted something that was:

Minimal – No clutter, no distractions.
Lightweight – Without the performance hit of animated or “live” backgrounds.
Productive – A space that not only looks good but also adds small but meaningful functionality.

After trying out several existing extensions, I found that most were either too bloated or too focused on aesthetics without utility. So I decided to build my own.

Early Development and Core Ideas

I started by defining the core essentials I wanted in my new tab page:

To-do list – Simple, lightweight, no login required.
Quick notes – For ideas or reminders without switching apps.
Clock and date – At a glance, with clean typography.
Customizable backgrounds – Without compromising performance.

From the beginning, I set strict boundaries: no unnecessary features, no invasive permissions, no remote code execution. This wasn’t just for security—it was about keeping the extension lightweight and user-friendly.

Designing for Minimalism

Design was one of the biggest priorities. I wanted the interface to feel like the original Chrome layout, calm, uncluttered, and functional.

The UI went through several iterations. Early versions had too much text on the screen, few AI implementations, like an AI for breaking down a Big Task into a bullet point task and put it into the To-Do list, which distracted from the simplicity I wanted. Through trial and error, I trimmed it down to a layout where each element—tasks, notes, and time—has its own space without overwhelming the user.

Publishing on the Chrome Web Store

Once the core functionality and design felt solid, I moved on to publishing. If you’ve ever submitted a Chrome extension, you know the process requires careful attention to guidelines:

Accurate descriptions: Explaining exactly what the extension does, without vague claims.
High-quality screenshots: Showing the UI in action.
Privacy transparency: Making it clear that no user data is collected.

After verification, the extension went live on the Chrome Web Store under the name Cimple – Premium New Tab Experience and Productivity.

Challenges Along the Way

The biggest challenge wasn’t building the features—it was finding the right balance between simplicity and usefulness. Too many features would bloat the extension, while too few would make it redundant.

Another issue was trust. When a new extension launches, Chrome sometimes displays a warning: “Not trusted by Enhanced Safe Browsing.” This happens because Google’s system hasn’t yet collected enough signals about the extension’s reputation. The only real solution is patience: continue following all best practices, maintain transparency, and give it time to build trust.

Custom Backgrounds

Cimple lets you personalise your new tab with a range of backgrounds, from subtle styles like Silk and Threads to more dynamic ones like Aurora, Particles, and Galaxy. Each option is designed to look great while staying lightweight, so you get variety without slowing down Chrome.

Feedback

After publishing, I shared the extension with a small community of users. The feedback was invaluable.

Some wanted more customisation options.
Others appreciated the simplicity and urged me not to overload it with features.
A few suggested subtle quality-of-life improvements, like keyboard shortcuts.

This feedback loop is what’s shaping the roadmap going forward.

Roadmap and Future Plans

Cimple is still evolving. The current version delivers the essentials, but I have a few ideas on the horizon:

Theme variations (Wide Categories, More Awesome Themes).
More Widget Designs and Options
Optional integrations with popular productivity apps.

Each new feature will go through the same test: Does this add real value without cluttering the experience? If the answer is no, it won’t make it in.

How You Can Try It

If you’ve ever found Chrome’s new tab uninspiring, or if you like the idea of combining minimal design with small productivity tools, you might want to give Cimple a try.

You can install it directly from the Chrome Web Store:
Cimple – Premium New Tab Experience

I’d love to hear your feedback. Whether it’s a suggestion, a critique, or just a first impression, it all helps improve the extension.

Final Thoughts

Building Cimple was more than just a coding project—it was about rethinking a space we all see dozens of times a day and making it a little more useful, a little calmer, and a little more personal.

If you’re a developer considering building your own Chrome extension, my advice is simple: start with a personal need, build for yourself first, and refine from there. The best products usually come from solving problems you actually have.

Unlock Business Potential with the HelpingGeeks WhatsApp API Platform

Nikhil Shukla — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:19:41 +0000

In an increasingly digital world, businesses always look for effective ways to engage with their customers. One tool that has proven invaluable over the past few years is WhatsApp. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp isn't only a messenger app but a powerful platform for businesses to connect with their customers. HelpingGeeks offers a robust WhatsApp API platform that can significantly boost your business operations and customer engagement.

What is the WhatsApp API?

The WhatsApp API allows businesses to communicate with their customers programmatically. This means businesses can send and receive messages, automate notifications, provide customer support, and more, all through the WhatsApp platform. Unlike the regular WhatsApp app, the API provides additional features and scalability that cater to business needs, making it an essential tool for enterprises aiming to enhance customer interactions.

Why HelpingGeeks WhatsApp API Platform?

The HelpingGeeks WhatsApp API platform is more than just a messaging tool. Here’s how it can revolutionize your business communications:

Seamless Integration: The HelpingGeeks API integrates effortlessly with your existing systems, such as CRM and ERP systems, to ensure smooth operations without disruption.
Scalability: As your business grows, so will your communication needs. Our platform is designed to scale with your business, handling increased message volumes without compromising on performance.
Enhanced Customer Engagement: Send personalized notifications, alerts, and confirmations to keep your customers informed and engaged. The immediacy and convenience of WhatsApp ensure your messages are seen and attended to quickly.
Automation and Workflow Efficiency: Automate routine customer service tasks, like FAQs and order updates, freeing up your human resources for more complex issues. This leads to improved service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Secure Communications: With end-to-end encryption, the HelpingGeeks platform guarantees that all communications remain private and secure, maintaining trust between you and your customers.
Analytics and Insights: Gain valuable insights into customer interactions and engagement patterns with comprehensive analytics tools. These insights help refine your communication strategies for better outcomes.

How HelpingGeeks Can Help Your Business

Transitioning to the HelpingGeeks WhatsApp API platform is straightforward. Our dedicated team offers continuous support throughout the integration process and beyond, ensuring that your business reaps the maximum benefits of our solution. By adopting the WhatsApp API, businesses can not only reduce communication delays but also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

With HelpingGeeks, businesses get a partner that emphasizes innovation and quality, driving continuous growth and resolving complex business problems. Trust us to help your business thrive in the digital age with cutting-edge solutions.

Ready to Transform Your Business Communication?

Embrace the future of customer engagement by integrating the HelpingGeeks WhatsApp API platform into your business operations. Let us help you harness the power of WhatsApp for effective, meaningful customer interactions that drive growth.

Stay tuned for more insights from HelpingGeeks, and don’t hesitate to reach out for any inquiries. Connect with us on our website or via our social media channels!

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helpinggeeks.com

Google Cloud Arcade Facilitator Program 2024

Nikhil Shukla — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 19:06:38 +0000

The Arcade Facilitator Program

is an always-on, no-cost gaming campaign where technical practitioners of all levels can learn new cloud skills like computing, application development, big data & AI/ML and earn digital badges & points to use towards claiming swag prizes and Google Cloud goodies.

Get ready to navigate the exhilarating realm of the Cloud with the Google Cloud Arcade Facilitator Program 2024. This guide is designed to shed light on this thrilling opportunity. Boasting a comprehensive breakdown of all necessary details and instructions, the only action left is for you to seize it!

Benefits of the Arcade Facilitator Program

The Google Cloud Arcade Facilitator Program 2024 is more than just a learning platform — it's a doorway to gain, engage, and earn recognition for your Cloud computing capabilities. This fresh initiative puts you on the leading edge of Cloud technology, boosting your proficiency, providing a platform to practice, and presenting a chance to win exclusive Google Cloud rewards. Additionally, upon application completion, participants secure a FREE 2-month credit pass!

You can showcase what you've learned here to your professional network using Google Cloud-hosted digital badges (see below) that you can add to your resume and professional profiles like LinkedIn. 🏆

And on top of these amazing badges, get a chance to earn Arcade + Bonus Points and redeem them for some really cool Google Cloud goodies*. 💪 (See Points System section)

Last Year Prizes

How to Join the Program

The onboarding process is clear-cut, simply follow these steps:

Create a Cloud Skills Boost account and make your profile public. If you already have an account, please create a new one to participate in this program. (Watch this video for help)
Copy this 👇 Referral Code for the next step.

GCAF24-IN-R54-YHA
Proceed to the enrollment form to register. Please review your details as edits are not permitted post-submission!
In your form, make sure to provide the correct and your Skill boost profile link, making sure the URL is set to public.
Make sure to fill in the referral code slot on the form — fill in "GCAF24-IN-R54-YHA".
Now, the final step. Go to the Arcade Website and Subscribe with your mail there by filling your mail in the Email address section and clicking on Subscribe.
Now You are Ready to Go......

You will receive the mail within 24 Hours with your 2 Months of free Credit Code of Skill Boost Platform and the further Steps.

Take Note:

Enrollment closes on the 31st of July 2024, 11:59 PM IST or once the slots are filled — whichever comes first. So, act swiftly!

Here's a resource to streamline your journey and help you to make more points easily: A list of simple skill badges and their solutions to directly rack up a neat 60+ points! Discover them HERE.

If any issues arise, our team of "Facilitators" are ready to assist. Feel free to reach out via email - at nikhilshukla.dev@gmail.com for immediate support.

This call goes out to all tech enthusiasts! Engage with Google Cloud technology through the exciting Google Cloud Arcade Facilitator Program 2024. Set off on this enlightening technological expedition.

The field of technology ventures far beyond the horizon, into the captivating world of the Cloud. Let's unite in our quest for new heights in knowledge and expertise. Here’s to happy learning!

Showcase Your GitHub Profile: Contribute to the "Cool GitHub Profile README" Repository!

Nikhil Shukla — Mon, 27 May 2024 22:50:32 +0000

Hey Dev Community! 👋

I'm excited to share a project I've been working on: the Cool GitHub Profile README repository! This repository is all about collecting and showcasing the coolest GitHub profile READMEs. Whether you’ve already crafted an amazing README or you’re just starting out, we’d love to see your contribution!

Why Contribute?

Inspiration for Others: Your profile README could inspire fellow developers.

Showcase Your Creativity: Display your unique style and personality.

Learn Open Source Contribution: If you haven't made any open source contributions yet, this is the perfect time to get started!

How to Contribute to this repo

Contributing is simple and it's a great way to get familiar with the open source workflow. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Fork the Repository:

Go to the Cool GitHub Profile README repo.

Click on the "Fork" button at the top right of the page and after that click on Create Fork. This creates a copy of the repository in your GitHub account.

2. Check out the Contribution Guidelines:

Review the Contribution Guidelines to understand the contribution process and requirements.

3. Edit the README.md File:

Navigate to the README.md file in your forked repository.

Click on the "Edit this file" pencil button on the right side of the opened tab.

4. Add Your README.md to the Relevant Category:

Choose the compatible/relevant README category. For example, if your README is visually Minimalistic ✨, add it to the Minimalistic ✨ category.

Add your profile by inserting the following code under the chosen category (replace with your username):

["Your Name"](https://github.com/<your-username>/<your-username>)

Example: [Nikhil Shukla](https://github.com/nikhil-shuklaa/nikhil-shuklaa)

5. Commit Your Changes:

Click on "Commit changes"

Add a commit message like:

Added [Your Name] in [Category] - README.md

Click on the "Commit changes" Button.

6. Verify Your Changes:

Navigate back to the root of your forked repository.

Verify that your name has been added to the list in your selected category.

7. Create a Pull Request:

In your forked repository, click on the "Contribute" button.

Click on the "Open pull request" button below.

8. Compare Changes and Create Pull Request:

The "Comparing changes" tab will open.

Fill in all the necessary details.

Example

Click on "Create pull request"

And that's it! You've made an open-source contribution! 🎉

Ready to Get Started?

Head over to the Cool GitHub Profile README repo and start showcasing your awesome profiles. If you need some inspiration, feel free to check out my GitHub profile README. Whether you’re an open-source newbie or a seasoned contributor, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. I’m always happy to discuss and contribute!

Thank you so much for considering contributing. Let's make this a wonderful collection together!

Happy Coding!