Ecommerce App

🛍️ E-commerce App Built with Next.js and MongoDB

In today’s digital-first world, even small local businesses are looking to establish an online presence. To address this growing need, I built a full-featured E-commerce application using Next.js, MongoDB, and Bootstrap 5, designed specifically for a local shop that wanted to manage products, customers, and orders online — without the complexity of enterprise-level systems.

🔧 Tech Stack Overview

- Next.js – Used for building a fast, SEO-friendly frontend and server-rendered React pages.

- MongoDB – A flexible NoSQL database that efficiently stores and retrieves product and order data.

- Bootstrap 5 – Provides a responsive, mobile-first UI with a clean and modern look.

- React.js – Enables dynamic, component-based front-end development.

🏗️ Key Features

- Product Catalog

Displays all available products with images, prices, and descriptions. Pagination and search functionality help users find what they need quickly.

- Cart System

Users can add products to their cart, adjust quantities, and view a live subtotal — all without page reloads.

- Checkout Flow

A simple and intuitive checkout experience captures shipping details and confirms orders, with optional integration points for payment gateways.

- Admin Dashboard

Secure admin access to manage inventory, update product listings, track orders, and monitor customer activity.

- Authentication & Session Management

Customer and admin accounts are managed securely with login functionality, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive areas.

- Mobile-Responsive Design

Thanks to Bootstrap 5, the app works seamlessly across devices — from desktops to smartphones.

🎯 Project Goals

The goal was to create a practical, real-world application for a local shop that:

- Empowers them to digitize their product catalog and sales process.

- Streamlines inventory management without complex ERP systems.

- Provides customers a smooth shopping experience, akin to bigger e-commerce platforms.

🚀 Challenges & Learnings

- Implementing a secure and scalable backend with MongoDB and API routes in Next.js.

- Managing state for cart and authentication with minimal libraries to keep the app lightweight.

- Ensuring the UI is intuitive and accessible, even for users unfamiliar with online shopping.

🧠 What’s Next?

Future enhancements could include:

- Integration with third-party payment gateways (like Stripe or Razorpay).

- Real-time order notifications for admins.

- Product reviews and ratings.

- Progressive Web App (PWA) capabilities for offline access.