Beyond the Backend: My React Side Projects
By Tobias Theel
Introduction
While a lot of my professional work and previous posts focus on Go, Kubernetes, and backend architecture, I’ve always had a soft spot for frontend development. In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with React to build tools and interfaces that are both functional and performant.
Today, I want to “show off” a couple of these projects to give you a glimpse into what I build when I’m not writing Go services.
1. Personal Portfolio
Every developer needs a home on the web, and mine is a testament to clean, modern frontend development. Built with React, this portfolio serves as a central hub for my professional identity, showcasing my skills, experience, and projects in an engaging way.
- URL: portfolio.noobygames.de
- Key Features: Upon visiting, you’ll notice its responsive design, a sleek dark theme, and smooth animations that enhance the user experience. It effectively highlights my technical stack and professional journey, acting as a dynamic resume.
It’s a project that is constantly evolving as I learn new frontend techniques, and it serves as a playground for testing out new React patterns and library integrations.
2. Last War Calculators
As an avid player of the mobile game “Last War,” I quickly identified a common pain point: the tedious calculations required for resource management and speed-up optimizations. This React application was born out of that need, providing a suite of practical tools for the community.
- URL: Last War Calculators
- Key Features: This single-page application offers several specialized calculators, including a Speedup Calculator, Resource Calculator, Hero EXP Calculator, and a Research Calculator. The user interface is straightforward and highly functional, designed with a mobile-first approach to provide immediate value to players looking to optimize their gameplay. It’s a great example of how React can handle complex logic and state management to solve real-world problems for a niche audience.
This app allows players to input their current resources and goals to calculate exactly what they need for their next upgrade. It’s a great example of how a simple React SPA (Single Page Application) can provide immediate value to a niche community.
Conclusion
Building these apps helps me stay sharp on the full-stack side of things. It reminds me that whether it’s a Go microservice or a React calculator, the goal is always the same: writing clean, maintainable code that solves a problem.