Architecture and Tech Stack

[chriscoderdr]

Research task on architecture and tech stack in preparation to the project

[chriscoderdr]

Portfolio Project - Architectural Decisions Summary

Frontend Framework

• Next.js will be used as the main framework, providing server-side rendering, static site generation, and optimized performance for a responsive portfolio experience.

Styling

• Tailwind CSS will be used for styling, allowing for rapid and consistent UI development with utility-first classes.

TypeScript

• The project will utilize TypeScript for type safety and to reduce runtime errors, enhancing maintainability and scalability.

State Management

• React Context will be employed for lightweight global state management where needed, eliminating the need for heavier solutions like Redux in a relatively simple project.

Component Library

• Custom Components: The design will rely on custom components based on a Figma template, ensuring a unique and tailored user experience.
• Animations and Transitions: Key sections will have smooth animations to enhance user engagement. Animations will be implemented using CSS or libraries like Framer Motion for React.

Hosting

• Vercel is chosen as the hosting platform, optimized for Next.js applications with serverless functions, automatic scaling, and simplified deployment.

Contact Form & Communication

• EmailJS or a similar service will be integrated to handle the contact form submissions, routing messages directly to Cristian’s email without backend involvement.

SEO & Analytics

• Next.js SEO utilities will be used for dynamic metadata, ensuring good search engine visibility.
• Google Analytics will be set up to monitor visitor behavior, engagement, and traffic sources.

Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

• GitHub Actions will be configured to automate deployment to Vercel, ensuring that each change to the repository is reflected on the live site after passing basic checks.

Project Structure

• src/: Contains all core project files, including components, pages, and styles.
• pages/: Houses the Next.js page structure, with routes for key sections (e.g., Home, About, Portfolio, Contact).
• components/: Stores reusable components like buttons, cards, and sections (e.g., Hero, Skills, Portfolio Item).
• styles/: Contains global CSS and Tailwind configuration.

Data Fetching & Static Content

• Static Generation will be used for all content, as the portfolio primarily consists of static information that doesn’t change frequently.
• Dynamic Imports: Used for certain components to optimize performance by loading them only when needed.

Accessibility

• All elements will be designed with accessibility in mind, following WCAG guidelines to ensure inclusivity for users with disabilities.

Quality Assurance (QA) Testing

• Jest will be used for unit tests of individual components, ensuring functionality and stability.
• React Testing Library will handle integration tests, verifying that components interact correctly.

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ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagram)

This project is relatively simple and doesn't require a complex database setup. However, if using CMS options like Contentful or Sanity for portfolio items, the structure would include entities like PortfolioItem, Testimonial, and Skill, related to the main User entity.

FlowChart

Below is a basic flowchart outline for user navigation:

1. Home Page: Introduction, Hero Section
2. Skills Section: Overview of key skills and technologies
3. Portfolio Section: Showcases projects with a filter and detailed view
4. Experience Section: Timeline of work and educational experience
5. Contact Section: Contact form and social links