Build a Full Stack Web Development Portfolio Project

Step-by-step plan to help a trainee create a strong, real-world web app portfolio.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 14

Phases

Phase 1: Set Up and Plan

Lay the groundwork for your web app project. Define your idea, choose the right tools, and prepare the basic structure. This helps you organize future steps and stay on track.

2 weeks

Pick a realistic project idea
Describe main features and pages
Set up task tracking
Create starter project (React/Node)

Project planning (write feature list)
Task management (use Trello board)
Basic Git (make first commit)
App scaffolding (create project with Create React App)

Beginner React guide
Node.js starter tutorial
Trello
Git basics resource

Project idea and feature list shared as README
Initial app pushed to Git repository
Basic project board with tasks created

Phase 2: Build the Frontend

Develop the user interface of your web app. Focus on main pages, simple routing, forms, and components. Build interactive parts so users can try key features.

4 weeks

Create reusable components (buttons, forms)
Implement navigation (React Router)
Style pages (CSS or styled-components)
Handle basic form input and state

Component design (make Header/Footer)
Navigation (add links between pages)
Styling (apply CSS styles)
State management (manage form data)

React Router tutorial
CSS basics course
Component design guide
Form handling guide

App displays 3+ pages with working routes
Main form works and updates page state
Styled app demo shared online

Phase 3: Build the Backend

Set up the server side to handle data, user accounts, and more. Connect your frontend to your backend using APIs. Store and retrieve real data.

4 weeks

Set up backend server (Express)
Create main API routes (GET/POST)
Connect frontend to backend (fetch data)
Store data (local database like SQLite)

Backend basics (build Express server)
API design (define route for submitting forms)
Database management (save user data)
Connecting front and back (fetch user info)

Express beginner tutorial
REST API basics
SQLite quick start
Fetch API guide

API routes return and store real data
Frontend updates with backend data changes
README documents backend setup steps

Phase 4: Testing and Quality

Test main features to catch bugs. Write simple, automated tests. Add a badge and clear documentation to your project. This builds trust in your work.

2 weeks

Write basic tests (Jest, React Testing Library)
Add linting and formatting (ESLint, Prettier)
Write setup and usage instructions

Testing basics (test form submits data)
Code quality (check for common mistakes)
Documentation (write install steps)

Jest beginner’s guide
React Testing Library docs
ESLint setup tutorial
Markdown basics

All main features have at least one test
Code checks run in CI (CI badge in README)
Project includes clear install and usage docs

Phase 5: Deploy and Share

Put your app online. Share your project with employers and peers. Collect helpful feedback and update your work as needed.

2 weeks

Deploy app online (Netlify/Render)
Share link and demo video
Collect feedback for improvements
Update documentation

Deployment basics (publish to Netlify)
Demo creation (record Loom walkthrough)
Professional communication (ask for project feedback)

Netlify deployment guide
Render quick start
Loom video tutorial
Feedback request template

Live app deployed and public link available
Demo video linked in README
Two sets of feedback collected and addressed

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Project planning and setup	Start with a clear idea and organized tasks.	List features and user flows in README, Sketch main screens on paper, Set up Trello board	Project README draft, Trello board with tasks
2	Set up initial project structure	Create a starting point for development.	Create React project (Create React App), Set up Git repo (GitHub), Push first commit	Starter project online, Initial commit in repository
3	Build core pages and navigation	Allow users to move between main sections.	Add main pages (Home, About, Dashboard), Set up React Router for navigation, Link navigation in Header	App with working navigation, Demo of page switching
4	Create components and style pages	Make the app look neat and reusable.	Build Header/Footer as components, Write CSS for layout, Apply consistent styles	Styled main pages, Two reusable components
5	Add forms and manage state	Let users enter and update data.	Build main form (e.g., feedback or signup), Handle form input with state, Display submitted data	Working input form, State updates shown on screen
6	Connect frontend with mock data	Show real-world data flow before backend exists.	Set up dummy data in frontend state, Map list data to display items, Test submitting and rendering mock data	List view with sample data, Submit simulates adding new entry
7	Start backend project (Express) and API design	Prepare to handle real data and requests.	Create Express server, Write first routes (GET, POST), Test routes with Postman	Server with working GET/POST endpoints, Postman screenshot
8	Integrate frontend and backend	Make the app store and fetch real data.	Connect form to backend (fetch), Store submitted data in backend, Show fetched data in UI	Frontend updates from backend, Form submits to server
9	Add database and persistent storage	Save user data across app reloads.	Set up SQLite for backend, Write code to store/retrieve user data, Test data is saved after restart	Database file created, Data saves and loads successfully
10	Error handling and feedback	Catch issues and guide users smoothly.	Add input checks (validation), Show helpful messages for errors, Log server errors clearly	Validation prevents bad input, Error messages shown on screen
11	Write automated tests	Make sure core features work and stay reliable.	Test form logic (Jest), Test API endpoints, Fix test failures	Test file for form, Test file for API
12	Documentation and code quality	Help others understand and trust your work.	Write setup instructions in README, Document API routes, Run code checks (ESLint)	Docs added to README, Code passes linting
13	Deploy and record demo	Show your project live and explain key parts.	Deploy full app (Netlify/Render), Record screen demo (Loom), Share links	Live deployed app, Demo video URL
14	Collect feedback and improve	Show willingness to learn and improve.	Send app/demo to two people for feedback, List improvements and fix two, Update docs and links	Feedback summary, Updated README