As the sole backend architect for JumpStart, my primary goal was to build a highly available, scalable, and secure eCommerce REST API from the ground up. The challenge was to create a robust system that could handle everything from product management and user authentication to complex order processing and payment integration.

Core Architecture & API Design:

I designed the backend around a modular, service-oriented architecture using Node.js and Express. This approach allowed for clear separation of concerns, making the system easier to maintain and scale. I meticulously planned the RESTful API endpoints, ensuring they were intuitive and followed industry best practices. I implemented comprehensive API documentation using Swagger/OpenAPI, which proved invaluable for frontend integration and future development.

Database Modeling & Management:

For the database, I chose MongoDB for its flexibility and scalability, which is essential for handling diverse product catalogs and user data. I designed the data models for users, products, orders, and reviews, focusing on efficient querying and data integrity. I paid special attention to indexing strategies to ensure fast read operations, particularly for product searches and filtering.

Authentication & Security:

Security was a top priority. I implemented a secure authentication system using JSON Web Tokens (JWT). Passwords were never stored in plaintext; instead, I used bcrypt to hash and salt them before storing them in the database. I also implemented middleware for protected routes, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users could access sensitive endpoints, such as the admin dashboard.

State Management & Frontend Collaboration:

On the frontend, which uses React, global state management was handled with Redux. I worked closely with the frontend logic to design the shape of the API responses to fit seamlessly into the Redux store, minimizing data transformation on the client-side. This ensured a smooth, single-source-of-truth for the application state, leading to a more predictable and bug-free user experience.

Payment Integration:

Finally, I integrated the PayPal API for payment processing, creating a secure and reliable checkout experience. This involved handling webhooks for payment confirmation, updating order statuses, and ensuring that all transactions were logged securely.

This project was a fantastic opportunity to build a full-featured, production-ready backend system, and it solidified my skills in creating scalable, secure, and well-documented APIs.