TSS Global, a student recruitment and training agency, was facing regular downtime and server errors on their existing WordPress website. This was primarily due to a lack of expertise and a permanent web team, resulting in significant expenses to troubleshoot the issues.

Recognizing the need for a solution, TSS Global approached me, and we agreed on a three-month timeframe for the project. At the time, I was in the process of learning React.js and saw this as a mutually beneficial opportunity. Working on the website not only allowed me to gain hands-on experience with React concepts but also solidified my understanding of Next.js fundamentals.

One of the main challenges I encountered was incorporating a backend system into the original site, which featured a blog/news section. After carefully evaluating various options, I ultimately decided to implement the Strapi headless CMS. This decision proved to be a valuable learning experience, as I gained insights into how APIs function within the context of Next.js (Note: Next.js 13 was not available at that time). Moreover, I also grasped the distinction between Server-side Rendering (SSR) and Client-side Rendering (CSR).

Given the nature of the website, having a search feature was essential. To accomplish this, I utilized a RESTful search API, Meilisearch, which provided efficient and accurate search functionality.

For data queries, I employed GraphQL, while for the newsletter feature, I integrated MailChimp. To ensure a cohesive styling, I utilized Styled Components in conjunction with CSS. Furthermore, for seamless user interface implementation, I leveraged Material UI.

Through this project, I expanded my knowledge and skills in React, Next.js, backend integration, API usage, and various other related technologies.