Bringing Tradition Online: Jonnathan's Capstone Project Revolutionizing Restaurant Booking

From Software Developer to Upskilling 

Jonnathan, a software developer with years of experience, joined Sigma School not only to improve his coding skills but also to delve deeper into full-stack development. Although already proficient in programming, he sought to expand his knowledge and grow in the ever-evolving tech industry. 

This quest for upskilling led him to a unique project that blended his technical expertise with his personal life - developing a website for his father’s restaurant.

Identifying the Problem: Modernizing a Traditional Business

Running a traditional restaurant has its challenges, especially when it comes to streamlining operations. Jonnathan realized that while his father’s restaurant had a loyal customer base, there was no digital presence for customers to easily book tables or view menus. 

The lack of an online booking system meant potential customers had to make reservations manually or rely on outdated methods. Jonnathan knew he could solve this problem with his skills in web development, bringing his family business into the digital age.

The Solution: A Modern Restaurant Booking Website

For his capstone project at Sigma School, Jonnathan created a web application that allows customers to view the menu and reserve tables online. This project was not only a chance to practice new technologies but also to make a meaningful impact on his family business.

His tech stack included:

• Frontend (React.js): Used for building an interactive and responsive user interface, making the site dynamic with features like menu browsing and table reservations.
• Backend (Node.js, Express.js): Manages server-side operations and routes, ensuring smooth communication between the frontend and database for processing user actions like booking requests.
• Database (MongoDB): Stores customer data and reservations, allowing the application to keep track of bookings and users.
• External APIs: Google Maps for location integration and EmailJS for sending confirmation emails after a booking.
• Other Tools: SCSS for styling the website, Firebase for secure authentication, and a custom WhatsApp integration for personalized communication.

The site offers users an intuitive experience to view menus, reserve tables, and even reach out via WhatsApp for manual booking. Additionally, an admin panel allows the restaurant owner to manage bookings, add menu items, and track reservations.

Overcoming Challenges: From Syntax Errors to Security Fixes

While Jonnathan's technical background helped him navigate many aspects of the project, he still encountered challenges along the way. Time management was a significant issue as he struggled to balance his development work with other commitments. 

He also faced difficulties with security, particularly around Firebase authentication, which initially gave him headaches. However, Jonnathan didn’t back down. He spent hours reading documentation and testing solutions, ultimately solving the issues and learning more about securing web applications in the process.

The Takeaways: How Sigma School Made It Possible

Jonnathan’s experience at Sigma School not only helped him refine his development skills but also emphasized the importance of project management. He discovered that breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps made the project more achievable. 

The support from his mentors at Sigma School also played a crucial role in his growth. Through this project, Jonnathan improved not just his technical skills but also his communication and problem-solving abilities.

Conclusion: A Real-World Project That Makes a Difference

Jonnathan’s capstone project is a testament to how one can combine technical skills with personal passion. By using web development to solve a real-world problem for his family’s business, Jonnathan created an impactful solution that blends tradition with technology. 

As he continues to grow as a developer, his project serves as a perfect example of how learning doesn’t stop at the classroom—it can be applied to real challenges and create tangible results.