Title: Developing a Microservices-Based Medieval Marketplace Platform: Insights and Learnings
In the pursuit of enhancing my skills in modern web development and distributed systems, I embarked on creating an open-source, full-stack marketplace inspired by eBay, set in a medieval-themed universe. This project serves as a hands-on learning experience focusing on key technologies such as React, JWT authentication, and microservices architecture.
Project Overview
The platform features a React frontend that employs client-side rendering along with clean, pure CSS for styling. This design choice prioritizes a seamless user experience and rapid updates. The backend infrastructure utilizes ASP.NET Core, comprising a unified API gateway responsible for request routing and data aggregation, coupled with four distinct microservices—each interfacing with its own PostgreSQL database.
Microservices Breakdown:
– AuthApi: Handles user authentication and stores user data.
– ListingsApi: Manages item listings.
– CommentsApi: Facilitates user comments and discussions.
– UserRatingApi: Tracks and manages user ratings and feedback.
Repository Access
The complete source code is available on GitHub for those interested in exploring or learning from this architecture:
https://github.com/szr2001/BuyItPlatform
Design Considerations and Future Directions
My initial goal was to develop a functional platform that could, in theory, support millions of users. However, I intentionally omitted caching mechanisms in this iteration to streamline development and focus on core concepts. Recognizing its importance, I have provisioned space within the architecture for employing caching strategies in future versions.
Additionally, I plan to expand my knowledge of container orchestration and caching solutions by integrating Docker, Kubernetes, and Redis in subsequent projects. These tools will enhance scalability and performance, aligning with real-world deployment standards.
Skill Level and Educational Value
While I consider my current implementation to be in the junior to mid-level range, I believe it offers valuable insights into microservices design and full-stack development. It serves as an accessible learning resource for developers looking to understand how to structure and build distributed web applications.
Reflections on Programming
This project has reinforced my passion for programming and continuous learning. Creating this marketplace was both an educational journey and a source of personal satisfaction. I encourage fellow developers to experiment, learn, and share their creations.
Feel free to explore the code, provide feedback, or contribute to this open-source project. Happy coding!
