From Burn-out To Balance-out

TLDR As part of learning MERN stack, learnt JavaScript, mastered full-stack concepts and built a full-stack web app for Symptom Checker in 6 months. Then tackled the mobile app version of the Symptom Checker, but got overwhelmed by new technologies. Took a break and refocused. Leveraged my existing backend, and used AI tools to accelerate development. Learned the value of strategic planning, efficient tool utilization and a growth mindset.

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Overview 👀

Planning, building and presenting the full-stack web app for Symptom Checker application in September 2024 was a long journey.
It was a 6-month journey of learning JavaScript, starting off with MERN stack and learning the core technologies and concepts from Full Stack Open.

All of this while building learning projects, updating CV, applying jobs and networking.

Right after, I jumped onto my next project - React Native mobile app development for Symptom Checker application.
This rush was induced by the desire to finish the professional courses of the Vocational Degree within 2024.

I started with planning out the requirements for building the app with my current knowledge.
I was not at my peak performance so I started losing bearings and drifted down the rabbit hole! Here are the wonders I saw :

Challenges 💪

1. Got overwhelmed with tools and technologies that would be required to build the React Native mobile app (TypeScript, GraphQL)
2. Assumed that I would need a new backend and could probably use Backend-as-a-Service platform (Supabase, Appwrite) for easing this process.
3. However, learning TypeScript, GraphQL, BaaS SDKs AND building the mobile app prootoype within a month was overwhelming, to say the least!

Although these tools & technologies were a good list of items to learn as a Software Developer, BUT the project did not need that.

Solutions 🔮

To come back to my senses from the overwhelming thoughts, I took a week off to reconcile my thoughts and actions.

After that little break, everything started to fall in place. I figured that :

1. React Native components and their implementation were very similar to React. Hence, I could implement the components with JSX for now with thorough JSdocs for future-migration to TypeScript.
   Refer TypeScript documentation to know how

2. Node.js Backend that I developed with such dedication by following Layered Architecture and security principles for scalability could also be extended to be used as a Shared Backend for both the Web Client and Mobile Client of Symptom Checker application.
   Check out Node.js Shared Backend

3. Finally, after implementing 1 & 2 from above, I was able to handle the deadline under pressure by :

• learning key concepts of React Native, React Native Paper, React Navigation from their documentation,
• confirming key takeaways by using assistance from Claude(3.5 Sonnet),
• generating React Native Components by training Pieces Copilot on developed React Components for Symptom Checker web app,
• refactoring the generated React Native Components for expected functionality,
• adding error handling and edge case handling,

This approach is definetely questionable but consider that I have build the same components in React from scratch.
Now I am validating and reiterating the generated component structure in React Native for faster development.
Check out React Native mobile app development

Key Takeaway 🔑

Never stress yourself out to reach the summit at one go! Relax and rejuvenate between short-term goals. Mind becomes sharper, Goal becomes clearer :)

That's all for this post.
In the next upcoming posts, I will share about how I approached each challenge as I dived down the rabbit hole!

Cheers and have a good one everyone! 🍻