Devlog Week 8: Final Backend Hardening & Reflection # This is my last backend-focused post before I shift to a React frontend. This week wasn’t about new domain features — it was about hardening what I already built: tightening a security flaw, centralizing validation, and cleaning up the external API seeding integration.
Devlog Week 7: Deployment, CI/CD & Running It For Real # This week was all about getting the project out of my IDE and onto an actual server. The goal wasn’t to add new domain features — it was to make the API build, ship, and update automatically.
Devlog Week 6: JWT Authentication & Role-Based Authorization # This week was entirely dedicated to building a deployment-ready authentication and authorization system. No new domain features—just securing everything that already exists. The focus was on JWT tokens, role hierarchies, and integrating security seamlessly into the existing architecture without breaking tests or existing functionality.
Devlog Week 5: Interface Refinement, REST API Testing & The Mapper Pattern # This week marked a significant shift from building features to refining architecture and establishing a robust testing foundation. The focus was on three major areas: granular interface design following ISP principles, comprehensive REST API testing with RestAssured, and implementing the DTO mapper pattern.
Devlog Week 1: Project Kickoff & Scope # So, first of all, welcome to this first week post of the development of my little maintenance log. Just for posterity, let’s start with what is in my README for the project, since that actually breaks down what it is: