Guiding a Beginner Developer’s Journey: Building a Modern Munro Tracking App

Embarking on a new development project can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when aiming to elevate your skills and create something valuable. If you’re a budding developer looking for guidance on a side project, here’s a comprehensive overview inspired by recent discussions among newcomers in the web development community.

Understanding the Background

Many developers with a few years of experience have primarily engaged with low-code or no-code platforms such as Squarespace and Webflow. While these tools are excellent for rapid prototyping and simple sites, they often leave developers seeking more advanced, customized solutions to deepen their programming skills. Comfort with fundamental web technologies like HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript is common, yet venturing into more complex frameworks and tooling signifies a desire for growth.

Defining the Project

For enthusiasts interested in outdoor activities, combining personal passions with development can be particularly motivating. Imagine a project centered around “Munro Bagging,” a popular Scottish activity where hikers aim to summit all of the country’s 282 highest peaks over 3,000 feet. While existing websites offer ways to keep track of progress, many feel outdated or lack modern features.

The goal? To create a sleek, single-page application (SPA) that surpasses current offerings with fresh design and superior functionality. Notable features might include user accounts, progress sharing, and social comparisons—elements that foster engagement and add a social dimension to mountain adventures.

Proposed Tech Stack and Approach

To bring this vision to life, here’s a suggested roadmap:

• Frontend: Utilize Next.js for server-side rendering and optimal SEO, combined with Tailwind CSS for rapid, customizable styling. This combo allows you to build a responsive, modern UI that can index individual Munro detail pages effectively.

• Mapping Integration: Implement Mapbox GL for interactive, high-quality maps, enabling users to visualize hills and plan their routes seamlessly.

• Backend and Authentication: Leverage Supabase, an open-source Firebase alternative, for user management, real-time data storage, and authentication. It provides a straightforward way to handle user data securely.

• Deployment: Deploy the entire application using Vercel, which offers easy hosting for Next.js projects with excellent performance and scalability.

Assessing the Approach

For a developer transitioning from basic HTML, CSS, and simple JS to modern frameworks and cloud services, this stack is a solid choice. Next.js and Vercel are designed to streamline development and