The Benefits of Full-stack Applications

Throughout my software developing journey I have experienced the full-force of app development and looking back on my phase 2 project with development only in the front-end, I am pleasantly surprised at the increase in functionality when a back-end is incorporated. Developing a React web-page was an exciting experience for me yet some of my functionality seemed impossible with only the tools in front of me. After working with Python and Flask I have realized that these tools necessary for me to accomplish what I had envisioned where looming just over the horizon. This increase in functionality has only increased my interest in development and I have nothing but excitement for the future of my newfound experience with software development and design. In this blog I'd like to take some time to discuss the differences and benefits I have noticed in full-stack development rather than simply using frontend development.

By combining Python and Flask in the backend with React in the frontend, developers can achieve seamless integration between different components of the application. Python's versatility and simplicity complement Flask's lightweight framework, facilitating rapid backend development. Meanwhile, React's component-based architecture ensures a smooth and efficient workflow for frontend development. All this functionality combining together led me to think more about my phase 2 project and what I could have achieved if I had been using a full tack development method.

"Skaters": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "Rodney Mullen",
      "image": "https://almostskateboards.com/cdn/shop/articles/TEAM_Mullen_1296x.png?v=1647976027",
      "feed": [
        "https://media.tenor.com/o1sxdKORagMAAAAd/rondey-mullen-john-rodney-mullen.gif",
        "https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6a/be/a4/6abea45c4684f2c133493a8539b18b75.gif",
        "https://i.pinimg.com/originals/92/59/d7/9259d7242225c239bfc6d7de0fa9c213.gif"
      ],
      "following": false
    },
    {
      "id": 2,
      "name": "Vincent Alvarez",
      "image": "https://boardridingstorageus.blob.core.windows.net/images/resize/vincent-alvarez-2329.jpg",
      "feed": [
        "https://skateparkoftampa.com/spot/images3/taj8switchfsblunt.gif",
        "https://skateparkoftampa.com/spot/images5/cph10Vincent.gif",
        "https://skateparkoftampa.com/spot/images5/vdts10VincentSwitchBlunt.gif"
      ],
      "following": false

Here is an example of my phase 2 projects db.json file. In phase 2 I had planned to make an instagram like social media app but designed specifically for skateboarding. However, since my database had no tables I was forced to include my links to the feed videos directly into the db.json. This worked but lacked the functionality I had intended to achieve. I now realize that with the use of seeding data into tables for my database using python and sql alchemy would have been the perfect use for the original idea of my phase 2 project. knowing this now I plan to use my full-stack development skills to incorporate many different fun features into my future apps that I plan to develop.

When it comes to developing apps functionality and flexibility of your database is of the utmost importance. I was very impressed with what I was able to accomplish only using react in the frontend, but I had just scratched the surface of what can truly be achieved. I think of real-life successful applications and about all of the moving parts that these apps have going at all times. During my time in phase 2 it was confusing for me to wrap my head around how any of this could be accomplished. Once I delved into Python and working with a fully functional backend as well as my front end my excitement for possibilities sky rocketed and I cannot wait to attempt to implement some of my app ideas in the future of my career.

In conclusion, full stack app development with Python, Flask, and React offers numerous advantages over focusing solely on frontend development. The seamless integration, database functionality and flexibility make it a compelling choice for developers looking to create robust and dynamic web applications.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, embracing full stack development with Python, Flask, and React can empower developers to build innovative and impactful web applications that meet the demands of today's users.