Celebrating My First Full-Stack Web Development Project: A Open-Source Barber-Shop Management System

Embarking on the journey of full-stack development can be both exciting and challenging. Today, I am thrilled to share my inaugural open-source project—a comprehensive barber-shop management system designed from scratch as part of my university coursework. This project represents not only a significant learning milestone but also my commitment to open collaboration and continual improvement.

Project Overview

The system was built to streamline the daily operations of a barber shop, encompassing features such as appointment bookings, staff management, client interactions, and shop analytics. It provides an intuitive platform for administrators, staff, and clients to interact seamlessly.

Key Features include:

• User Roles & Management:
• Admins possess comprehensive control over system configurations, staff onboarding, and scheduling. Admin accounts are created manually, granting them the ability to manage all aspects of the platform.
• Staff (Barbers) join via email invites from admins, allowing for secure onboarding. They have control over their available services, schedules, and view feedback.

• Clients self-register, verify their email addresses, browse services, book appointments, and review their experience.

• Appointment Handling & Notifications:
  Clients can browse available barbers and schedules, make or cancel bookings, and receive email reminders prior to appointments. This helps reduce missed appointments and enhances customer engagement.

• Feedback & Reviews:
  Clients may leave a review for each completed appointment, which barbers can view and respond to, fostering a feedback loop that encourages service quality.

• Authentication & Security:
  Secure login is implemented via JSON Web Tokens (JWT). Users can reset passwords or update profiles to maintain account security.

• Administrative Capabilities:
  Shop administrators have tools to manage barber schedules, monitor upcoming and past appointments, and analyze operational metrics through integrated dashboards.

Technical Architecture

The project employs a robust full-stack setup utilizing modern tools and best practices:

• Frontend: React with Vite for a fast, modular user interface.
• Backend: Django REST Framework, complemented by Swagger UI for API documentation and testing.
• Containerization: Docker Compose is utilized to streamline local development and deployment workflows.
• CI/CD Pipeline: GitHub Actions automate testing, building, and deployment processes, ensuring consistency and reliability across environments.

Development Insights and Collaboration

Throughout the development process, I relied on AI chat assistance