Node & Ruby Development Path

Let's Outline a Roadmap - 

We'll start with foundational projects to ensure you're comfortable with the core technologies. Then, we’ll build more advanced features and full-stack applications. Along the way, I’ll guide you step-by-step, incorporating new tools and frameworks at each stage. Follow along: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-2SrwfdmM4-code-mentor/c/66e5e614-8ac8-8006-a5ff-faaacf3b6027

Project Roadmap:

1. Phase 1: Foundations (Full Stack Basics)

   • Project: A Volunteer Dashboard

     • Tech Stack: Node.js (Express), React.js, PostgreSQL, Git/GitHub

     • Goal: Build a simple dashboard for users (volunteers) to sign up, log in, and see basic information.

     • Skills Covered:

       • Creating APIs in Node.js (with Express)

       • Building a PostgreSQL database and interacting with it via Prisma

       • Basic CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)

       • Integrating React as a front end to consume the API

       • Using Git and GitHub for version control and GitHub Actions for CI/CD.

2. Phase 2: Adding Real-World Functionality

   • Project: Issue Tracking System (Helpdesk for a small organization)

     • Tech Stack: Next.js (SSR), Express.js, PostgreSQL, Prisma ORM, Azure (deployment)

     • Goal: Add more complexity by building a system where volunteers can report, track, and resolve issues.

     • Skills Covered:

       • Server-Side Rendering with Next.js

       • Using Express.js for the API layer

       • Advanced PostgreSQL operations (joins, indexing, relationships)

       • Deploying to Azure via GitHub Actions

3. Phase 3: Advanced Features and Full Integration

   • Project: Event Management System (For RfR Events)

     • Tech Stack: Full stack Node/TypeScript, React, Prisma, PostgreSQL, GitHub Actions, Azure.

     • Goal: Build a comprehensive system where the organization can schedule events, volunteers can RSVP, and there’s role-based access for admins.

     • Skills Covered:

       • Role-based access control

       • Event-driven architecture with Node.js

       • Advanced React patterns (Context API, Hooks)

       • Securing APIs (JWT, OAuth)

       • Full CI/CD pipeline

4. Phase 4: Ruby on Rails Introduction

   • Project: Therapy Provider Registration (For Secular Therapy Project)

     • Tech Stack: Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, Heroku

     • Goal: A basic Ruby on Rails app where therapy providers can register, and admins can review and approve them.

     • Skills Covered:

       • Understanding Ruby on Rails conventions (MVC pattern)

       • Building RESTful APIs with Rails

       • Deploying Ruby apps to Heroku

How We’ll Work Together

For each phase:

1. Project Setup: We’ll define the core requirements and set up the environment.

2. Breaking Down Features: I’ll guide you through implementing each feature, explaining the concepts, and providing resources when necessary.

3. Iterative Complexity: As you gain confidence, we’ll add more advanced features like testing (unit and integration), CI/CD pipelines, and deployment to cloud platforms like Azure and Heroku.

4. Blogging: After each feature or milestone, you’ll document what you’ve learned. This will serve as both a record of your progress and a showcase for potential employers.

Starting with Phase 1: Volunteer Dashboard

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Backend (Node/Express + PostgreSQL + Prisma):

   • Goal: Create an API where volunteers can register and log in.

   • Steps:

     1. Set up a Node.js project with Express.

     2. Install and configure PostgreSQL.

     3. Use Prisma to interact with your database (set up a User model).

     4. Create API routes for POST /register, POST /login, and GET /profile.

     5. Validate input data and hash passwords using bcrypt.

2. Frontend (React.js):

   • Goal: Create a simple UI for user registration and login.

   • Steps:

     1. Set up a React app.

     2. Create forms for registration and login.

     3. Connect the React app to the API (use axios or fetch to send requests).

     4. Display the user’s profile data after logging in.

3. GitHub + GitHub Actions (Version Control & CI/CD):

   • Goal: Push your code to GitHub and set up CI to automate tests and deployment.

   • Steps:

     1. Create a GitHub repository for your project.

     2. Write unit tests for your backend (e.g., using Jest).

     3. Set up GitHub Actions to run tests automatically on push.

     4. Deploy to Azure using GitHub Actions.

First Task: Setting Up the Backend

Let’s kick off with Step 1:

• Task: Set up a basic Express.js API and connect to a PostgreSQL database.

Steps:

Create a new directory for your project and run:
bash
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mkdir volunteer-dashboard

cd volunteer-dashboard

npm init -y

Install the necessary dependencies:
bash
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npm install express prisma @prisma/client bcryptjs

npm install -D nodemon

2. 
   

3. Set up Prisma:

Initialize Prisma:
bash
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npx prisma init

3. • 
     

   • Configure prisma/schema.prisma with your database connection (PostgreSQL).

   • Define a simple User model with fields like id, email, password, and createdAt.

4. Create the Express server (index.js):

   • Set up basic routes for POST /register and POST /login.