DormDealz - Connect on Campus and Exchange

Links:

GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Lasdw6/DormDealz

Inspiration:

The inspiration for DormDealz came from the need to create a platform that makes it easier for students to connect and exchange items within the campus. Many students have items they no longer need or want to sell, or do not need while they're away but do not want to bear storage costs and others are looking for affordable, short-term solutions. DormDealz aims to provide a user-friendly space where these exchanges can happen seamlessly, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

What it Does:

DormDealz allows students to create listings for items they want to sell, lease, or borrow. Users can browse listings by category, search for specific items, and express interest by sending messages to the listing owners. The platform supports a variety of categories, including textbooks, electronics, furniture, and more. Additionally, it provides secure user accounts where students can manage their listings and interactions.

How We Built It:

We built DormDealz using Flask for the backend, SQLite for the database, and HTML/CSS for the frontend. Flask's simplicity and flexibility allowed us to quickly set up user authentication, manage sessions, and create RESTful routes for handling listings and messages. SQLite was chosen for its lightweight nature and ease of integration with Flask. The frontend was designed to be clean and intuitive, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Challenges We Ran Into:

One of the main challenges we faced was learning React on short notice to improve the interactivity of our application. Integrating React with Flask required us to rethink some of our initial design decisions. Additionally, managing and accessing database information efficiently posed some difficulties, as did ensuring secure and seamless user authentication. We also encountered occasional HTTP request malfunctions that needed troubleshooting.

Accomplishments That We're Proud Of:

We are particularly proud of successfully implementing a full-featured, secure login and registration system. We also managed to create a robust messaging system that allows users to communicate their interests effectively. Another accomplishment is the user-friendly interface that makes it easy for students to navigate and use the platform. Additionally, overcoming the initial learning curve with React to enhance our frontend was a significant achievement.

What We Learned:

Throughout this project, we gained valuable experience in full-stack development, particularly in integrating different technologies like Flask and React. We learned the importance of efficient database management and the challenges associated with it. Our skills in debugging and handling HTTP requests improved significantly. Furthermore, we deepened our understanding of web security practices to protect user data and ensure safe transactions.

What's Next?

Looking ahead, we plan to implement more advanced search and filter options to enhance the user experience. We also aim to develop a mobile version of DormDealz to make it more accessible. Additionally, integrating payment gateways for smoother transactions and adding features like user ratings and reviews are on our roadmap. We hope to continuously improve DormDealz to better serve the student community.