NoteKeeper
Independent Project
Tech: Express/Node.js, PostgreSQL, React + Vite, JWT, REST APIs, Vercel, Render. Designed a secure authentication system with JWT, implemented REST endpoints for notes, and set up deployment pipelines. Optimized CORS/security headers and environment configs for production scalability.
Key Highlights
- Built full-stack app with React + Express
- Implemented secure JWT authentication
- Created REST APIs for CRUD operations
- Configured CI/CD workflows on Vercel and Render
- Responsive, mobile-friendly UI with real-time syncing
Problem
Many note-taking apps either lack secure authentication and syncing or are tied to restrictive ecosystems. I wanted a lightweight, modern solution with a scalable backend and CI/CD workflows.
Solution
Developed a custom note-taking web app with secure authentication, real-time syncing, and a clean UI. Deployed using Vercel for frontend hosting and Render for backend services.
Technical Challenge
Configuring JWT authentication and CORS between frontend (Vercel) and backend (Render) caused deployment mismatches. Database migrations also had to be managed without shell access on Render’s free tier.
Technical Solution
Implemented JWT-based authentication middleware and REST APIs for CRUD operations. Used PostgreSQL as the data layer with migrations automated via scripts. Hardened backend with helmet and proper CORS rules. Deployed using environment variables configured in Vercel and Render.
Results
- Seamless login/logout and secure note storage
- Full CRUD functionality with instant UI updates
- Production-ready deployment with CORS/security optimizations
- Scalable architecture for future feature expansion