Creating a Modern Web Application for Munro Enthusiasts: A Developer’s Journey
As an emerging web developer eager to expand my skills and take on new challenges, I’m currently embarking on an exciting side-project that combines my passion for hill-walking with modern web development practices.
Background & Motivation
With several years of experience in the web development arena, I’ve primarily worked with no-code and low-code platforms such as Squarespace and Webflow. I’m comfortable coding in vanilla HTML and CSS, and I’ve dabbled in JavaScript—particularly in crafting custom plugins. However, I feel my growth has plateaued, and I’m looking to push my boundaries by building a product I personally would find valuable.
Inspiration
As a keen hill-walker hailing from Scotland, I’m familiar with the local tradition of ‘Munro Bagging.’ For those unfamiliar, Munros are peaks over 3,000 feet, and enthusiasts often aim to summit all 282 of them. While there are existing websites like munromap.co.uk and munrobagger.scot that track progress and provide information, they tend to feel outdated and lack modern features.
Project Vision
My goal is to develop an innovative, sleek, single-page application that elevates the user experience. I want to incorporate additional functionalities, such as social features enabling friends to compare lists and plan trips collaboratively—something notably missing from current offerings.
Technology Stack & Approach
After some research and planning, here’s the direction I’m considering:
- Frontend: Next.js combined with Tailwind CSS, aiming for optimal SEO with individual Munro info pages.
- Mapping: Mapbox GL for detailed and interactive maps.
- Backend & Authentication: Supabase, providing a streamlined backend with authentication, database, and API management.
- Hosting & Deployment: Vercel, for seamless deployment and scalable hosting.
Seeking Feedback
Given that this project represents a significant leap from my existing knowledge, I’d love to hear from experienced developers and web enthusiasts. Is this approach sound? Are there alternative tools or best practices I should consider? Any tips for someone venturing into more complex full-stack development would be invaluable.
Thanks in advance for your insights and suggestions!
