Creating a Modern Web Application for Munro Enthusiasts: A Developer’s Journey
Embarking on a new side project can be both exciting and challenging, especially when aiming to advance your skills in web development. If you’re passionate about hill-walking and want to leverage modern technologies to build a dedicated platform, here’s a comprehensive overview to guide you through the process.
Understanding the Context
With experience in web development spanning several years, many developers find themselves working with low-code or no-code platforms like Squarespace and Webflow. While these tools are effective for rapid deployment, they often limit customization and scalability. Conversely, having a solid grasp of fundamental web technologies—HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript—lays a strong foundation for more complex projects.
The inspiration for this project stems from Scottish hill-walkers’ tradition of ‘Munro Bagging.’ Munros are peaks exceeding 3,000 feet, and dedicated enthusiasts often aim to ‘bag’ all 282 peaks. Although existing websites such as munromap.co.uk and munrobagger.scot offer tracking and informational features, their interfaces feel somewhat outdated and lack certain social functionalities that could enhance user engagement.
Defining the Project Goals
The goal is to develop a sleek, user-friendly, single-page application that offers detailed Munro information and introduces social features—allowing users to compare progress with friends and plan trips collaboratively. This modern approach aims to provide a richer, more interactive experience for hill-walking aficionados.
Suggested Technologies and Architecture
Based on your current understanding and ambitions, the following tech stack could be effective:
- Frontend: Next.js combined with Tailwind CSS for responsive design and SEO-optimized pages, especially for individual Munro profiles.
- Mapping: Mapbox GL JS for interactive, high-performance maps displaying Munro locations and routes.
- Backend & Authentication: Supabase as a backend solution offering database management, user authentication, and real-time data synchronization.
- Hosting & Deployment: Vercel provides seamless deployment for Next.js applications with excellent performance and scalability.
Is This the Right Approach?
This stack aligns well with your goal to build a modern, scalable application. It leverages powerful, accessible tools that facilitate rapid development and are supported by active communities. While this project involves a significant learning curve, especially if you’re venturing into integrating multiple advanced technologies, it offers a fantastic opportunity to deepen your skill set.
Additional Advice
- Start Small: Break down the project into manageable features—begin
