Week #2 #

Week 2 - Choosing the Tech Stack, Designing the Architecture #

Tech Stack Selection #

• Frontend: Next.js
• Backend: Laravel/PHP
• Smart Contracts: Solidity
• AI Integration: Python, OpenAI API
• CI/CD: GitHub Actions for Vercel
• Smart Contracts Deployment: Testnet

Architecture Design #

1. Component Breakdown:

   • Frontend: Next.js for the main website interface.
   • Backend: Laravel/PHP for handling business logic and database interactions.
   • Smart Contracts: Solidity for blockchain interactions and crowdfunding logic.

2. Data Management:

   • Database design includes tables for users, permissions, roles, documents, campaigns, KYC processes, comments, transactions, addresses, notifications, support tickets, campaign updates, and ratings.

3. User Interface (UI) Design:

   • Designed logo and brand identity with Figma.
   • Created Figma designs and JSON specifications for reusable design elements.

4. Integration and APIs:

   • OpenAI API for enhancing user experience with personalized recommendations and automated content.
   • Google Analytics and Hotjar for user behavior analysis.

5. Scalability and Performance:

   • Utilizing Vercel for scalable frontend deployment.
   • CI/CD pipelines ensure consistent performance checks and build integrity.

6. Security and Privacy:

   • KYC process to verify user identities.
   • Secure handling of user data and transactions through robust backend practices.

7. Error Handling and Resilience:

   • Comprehensive testing in CI/CD pipelines.
   • Error monitoring and logging to handle and rectify issues promptly.

8. Deployment and DevOps:

   • GitHub Actions for continuous integration and deployment.
   • Vercel for deploying frontend, and testnet for deploying smart contracts.

Week 2 questionnaire: #

1. Tech Stack Resources:

   • Documentation for Next.js, Laravel, Solidity, and OpenAI API.
   • Tutorials and guides for setting up CI/CD with GitHub Actions and Vercel.

2. Mentorship Support:

   • Regular check-ins with mentors to ensure alignment with project goals.
   • Guidance on best practices for architecture design and technology integration.

3. Exploring Alternative Resources:

   • Evaluated alternative frameworks and tools to ensure optimal tech stack selection.
   • Considered community feedback and industry trends.

4. Identifying Knowledge Gaps:

   • Recognized the need for deeper understanding of blockchain development and smart contract security.
   • Plan to undertake focused learning sessions and workshops.

5. Engaging with the Tech Community:

   • Participated in online forums and communities related to our tech stack.
   • Attended webinars and meetups for networking and knowledge sharing.

6. Learning Objectives:

   • Mastery of Next.js and Laravel for building a robust web application.
   • Proficiency in writing secure and efficient Solidity smart contracts.
   • Effective use of OpenAI API for enhancing user interactions.

7. Sharing Knowledge with Peers:

   • Conducted internal workshops and presentations to share learnings.
   • Created documentation and guides for team reference.

8. Leveraging AI:

   • Implemented AI-driven personalization features using OpenAI API.
   • Analyzed user data to improve the website’s user experience and engagement.

Tech Stack and Team Allocation #

Weekly Progress Report #

Our team accomplished several key tasks this week:

• Frontend: Created repository, set up Next.js with initial configurations, designed initial UI components.
• Backend: Created repository, set up Laravel with necessary packages, designed initial database schema.
• AI Integration: Integrated OpenAI API for user experience enhancements, set up initial AI-driven features.
• CI/CD: Configured GitHub Actions for continuous integration and deployment to Vercel.

Challenges & Solutions #

• Challenge: Integrating multiple tech stacks (Next.js, Laravel, Solidity) efficiently.

  • Solution: Held architecture design sessions to ensure seamless integration and clear interfaces between components.

• Challenge: Ensuring the security of user data and transactions.

  • Solution: Implemented comprehensive KYC process and robust backend security measures.

• Challenge: Balancing feature development with deployment pipeline setup.

  • Solution: Prioritized CI/CD setup early in the project to streamline subsequent deployments and testing.

Conclusions & Next Steps #

This week, we successfully laid the groundwork for the BlockFunders platform by selecting a robust tech stack and designing a scalable architecture. Moving forward, our focus will be on:

• Developing core features for the frontend and backend.
• Enhancing the AI-driven user experience.
• Conducting extensive testing and security audits on smart contracts.
• Continuously improving our CI/CD processes to ensure smooth deployments.