Guidance for Novice Developers: Building a Modern Web Application for Munro Enthusiasts

Introduction

Embarking on a new side project can be an exciting and challenging journey, especially when aiming to expand your technical skills. For developers with foundational experience in web development, venturing into modern frontend frameworks, mapping integrations, and backend services offers valuable learning opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore a practical approach for building a contemporary web application tailored for hill-walking enthusiasts in Scotland, focusing on Munro bagging.

Project Overview

The goal is to create a sleek, user-friendly, single-page application (SPA) that allows users to track and compare their Munro collection, share progress with friends, and access detailed information about each peak. Existing websites in this niche often feel outdated and lack interactive features, presenting an opportunity to deliver a modern, feature-rich platform.

Design Considerations

Key features include:

• Responsive, modern UI/UX design
• Detailed individual Munro pages optimized for SEO
• Interactive maps showcasing Munro locations
• Social features for comparing lists and collaborative planning
• Seamless user authentication and data management

Technology Stack Proposal

Given your current skillset and aspirations, the following stack aligns well with your project goals:

Frontend: Next.js & Tailwind CSS

• Next.js provides an React-based framework optimized for SEO and performance.
• Tailwind CSS facilitates rapid UI development with utility-first styling.

Mapping: Mapbox GL

• Delivers customizable, interactive maps to visualize Munro locations and user routes.

Backend & Data: Supabase

• Offers a comprehensive backend solution including authentication, database (PostgreSQL), and storage.
• Easy to integrate with frontend and supports real-time capabilities.

Hosting & Deployment: Vercel

• Seamless deployment platform for Next.js apps, providing scalability and quick deployment cycles.

Implementation Tips & Best Practices

1. Start Small and Iterate
   Begin with core features—such as viewing Munro info pages and basic mapping—and gradually add social features and enhancements.

2. Leverage Community Resources
   Utilize tutorials, documentation, and community forums for Next.js, Tailwind, Mapbox, and Supabase. These resources can accelerate your learning curve.

3. Focus on Data Planning
   Design your database schema thoughtfully to handle Munro details, user profiles, and social connections.

4. Optimize for SEO
   Next.js supports server-side rendering, making it easier to create SEO-friendly pages—especially important