Introduction
Building a personal website is often a lengthy process, requiring careful planning, design, and execution. However, with the advancements in AI and the availability of powerful development tools, it's possible to significantly accelerate this process. I recently embarked on a challenge to build my personal website in just 24 hours, utilizing a tech stack that included Next.js, React, and NestJS, with the assistance of AI-driven tools like Cursor. Here’s how I managed to pull it off and some insights I gained along the way.
Why I Chose This Tech Stack
Choosing the right technology stack is critical when you have a tight deadline. I opted for Next.js for the main website due to its robust features for server-side rendering and static site generation, which are ideal for SEO purposes. For the admin panel, I went with React, given its flexibility and component-based architecture, which allows for rapid UI development. On the backend, NestJS was my choice because of its modular architecture and TypeScript support, making it ideal for building scalable and maintainable APIs.
Speeding Up Development with Free Templates and AI
To save time and reduce boilerplate code, I started with free templates available for Next.js and React. These templates provided a solid foundation, allowing me to focus on customization rather than building everything from scratch. Leveraging the AI capabilities of Cursor, I was able to quickly modify these templates to fit my design and functional requirements.
How Cursor’s AI Enhanced My Workflow
Cursor’s AI agents played a crucial role in accelerating the development process. The AI tools assisted me in:
- Code Writing: By generating boilerplate code snippets and suggesting efficient coding patterns.
- Debugging: Identifying and resolving bugs swiftly, which saved me hours of manual troubleshooting.
- Integration: Facilitating seamless integration between the frontend and backend components by auto-generating API endpoints and ensuring data consistency.
Architecture Overview
The architecture of my website was straightforward yet effective:
- Frontend 1 (Main Website): Built with Next.js, it handled all client-side interactions and server-rendered pages.
- Frontend 2 (Admin Panel): Constructed using React, providing a user-friendly interface for managing site content.
- Backend/API: Powered by NestJS, it served as the communication bridge between the frontends, handling business logic and data operations.
Challenges and AI Solutions
Despite the streamlined process, I encountered several challenges, such as API authentication issues and intermittent server-side errors. Cursor’s AI agents were invaluable in these scenarios, offering solutions and actionable insights that would have taken me much longer to figure out independently.
Deployment Strategy
For deployment, I utilized Vercel for the frontend due to its seamless integration with Next.js and Heroku for the backend. These platforms allowed for quick and reliable deployments with minimal configuration, aligning perfectly with my 24-hour deadline.
Time Breakdown and Management
Here’s a rough breakdown of how I managed my time:
- Planning & Setup: 2 hours
- Frontend Development (Next.js & React): 10 hours
- Backend/API Development (NestJS): 6 hours
- Integration & Testing: 4 hours
- Deployment & Final Tweaks: 2 hours
Takeaways and Tips
- Leverage AI Tools: Incorporate AI-driven tools like Cursor to reduce development time and enhance code quality.
- Use Templates Wisely: Start with free templates to avoid reinventing the wheel. Customize them as needed with the help of AI.
- Plan and Prioritize: Outline your project requirements and prioritize tasks to stay on track.
- Keep It Simple: Focus on essential features first and iterate over time.
Conclusion
Building a personal website in just 24 hours might seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By leveraging AI and modern development frameworks, you can significantly accelerate your workflow, delivering a high-quality product in a fraction of the usual time.
I hope my journey and insights inspire you to explore the possibilities of AI-assisted development, helping you achieve your goals faster and more efficiently.