Custom app development

Our Tech Architect takes the lead in setting up a new project within a code repository, employing popular version control systems.

We suggest hosting the codebase on the client’s account for enhanced security. We’re also ready to provide internal solutions for codebase storage per your request.

Once the repository has been established, our Tech Architect starts working on the branching strategy. We strive to make the strategy as tailored as possible to ensure an effective development process.

The Tech Lead initializes the project using a modern frontend framework, specifically React.js for building user interfaces and Node.js for server-side logic.

We initialize the project using tools tailored for setting up React.js applications. With TypeScript for static typing and Prettier and ESLint for code quality checks, the Tech Lead ensures a solid foundation for front-end development.

We use Redux for state management to promote predictable state transitions. SCSS or Tailwind CSS are suggested for efficient styling of components.

On the Node.js side, the Tech Lead sets up the server environment, defines the main server file, and installs necessary middleware. We also handle key aspects like routing, database connection, and error-handling mechanisms.

The Tech Architect thoroughly supervises this foundational phase, which usually spans 1 to 2 weeks.

In the first place, it is crucial to choose the appropriate methodologies for the project type and client expectations. We can combine methods or simplify some approaches at the client’s request. We recommend reading the following article – Cheatsheet Differences Scrum vs Scrumban vs Kanban to overview modern software development methodologies and processes.

To start the development process seamlessly, we need to define the requirement for an MVP, plan tasks, set priorities, outline the delivery process, and distribute tasks among the team members. This process needs to be managed by the PM or another qualified specialist. This person will support the development team daily, communicate with the Functional Analyst and design team, track deadlines, and organize demos and meetings.

Plus, we set up a project management environment such as Jira (or the like) for team performance reporting at this stage.

The Tech Architect sets up a new project with a code repository hosting management tools such as Github, Gitlab, or Bitbucket. Usually, the codebase is located on the client’s account for security reasons. Softblues can also provide internal solutions for storing the codebase at the client’s request.

After the repository is created and accessed, the architect sets up a branching strategy, e.g. Successful Git branching model.

And as the next step, the Tech Lead bootstraps the project using modern frameworks, like Vue.js or React.js.

Vue.js The project is bootstrapped using the Vue CLI tool, and depending on the project’s needs Vue.js v.2 or v.3 is selected as the basis. Judged by experience, v.2 is more stable, although, at the same time, Composition API is often applied as the main approach. Tech lead sets up Typescript support and code quality tools, such as Prettier and Eslint. As a state management tool, Vuex is set up.

React.js The project is bootstrapped using Create React App tool with Typescript support and code quality tools, such as Prettier and Eslint. As a state management tool, Redux is set up.

As a CSS/SCSS pre- or post-processor, we suggest SCSS used as ccs modules or Tailwind CSS.

The process described above usually takes 1-2 weeks, and it is the responsibility of the Tech Architect at the side of SoftBlues.

Our team employs the Atomic Design approach to implement the front end using React.js. The Tech Lead delegates creating the simplest UI elements to junior and middle developers.

More complex tasks, such as the design of layouts, pages, and functional features, move to middle and senior developers. The Tech Lead supervises the process and provides the necessary tech guidance.

The back-end team uses Node.js to develop the server-side logic of the application. Engineers work on creating APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), setting up the database, and implementing server-side functionality. They also ensure proper API documentation using Swagger, Insomnia, or Postman tools.

Both front-end and back-end teams work simultaneously, ensuring a cohesive, robust, well-documented development process.

Our team prefers to use the Atomic Design approach to implement the front-end.
Firstly, the Tech Lead starts delegating simple components (atoms, molecules) implementation to Junior/Middle Developers and more complex tasks such as layouts and pages, as well as functional features to Middle/Senior Developers. The Tech Lead’s responsibility is to provide technology decisions and code reviews, team support, and work on the most critical tasks.
The front-end team works in parallel with the back-end team. This approach allows the creation of the application pages Rest or GraphQL API and their documentation with Swagger, Insomnia, Postman, etc.
The approach described above is applicable when the back-end team is represented on the client’s side. If there is a request to build a back-end team, Softblues can provide your project with expert Node.js, PHP, or Python developers.