Case study · Full-stack
Social platform
A community space with feeds, profiles and live updates — built so it stays quick as the community grows.
- Node.js
- Express
- React
- Role
- Full-stack developer
- Year
- 2024
- Duration
- 4 months
- Platform
- Web
Overview
A full-stack project covering the whole loop: a React frontend, an Express API, MongoDB storage and real-time updates for new posts and reactions.
The challenge
Social features look simple but hide a lot: paginated feeds, permissions, notifications and keeping every open tab up to date without hammering the server.
The approach
- 01
Designed the REST API first, with clear resources for users, posts and reactions, and cursor-based pagination for feeds.
- 02
Added real-time events for new posts and reactions so open feeds update without refreshing.
- 03
Kept the React frontend optimistic — likes and comments appear instantly and reconcile with the server in the background.
What it does
Infinite feed
Cursor-based pagination that stays fast as posts pile up.
Live updates
New posts and reactions appear without a refresh.
Optimistic UI
Actions feel instant, even on slower connections.
Profiles & follows
Personal pages and a feed shaped by who you follow.
