The problem Book Swap solves

Our book-sharing web app transforms the way you access and exchange books, tackling both financial and logistical issues. It offers a cost-effective solution for readers who want to enjoy new titles without the expense of purchasing new books. Users can easily browse a diverse catalog, find specific genres, and request or offer books with just a few clicks.

The app’s efficient search and filtering tools streamline the process of finding desired books, while the ability to upload and view book pictures ensures clarity about a book's condition before an exchange. Transparent user reviews further enhance trust and security.

By moving from physical exchanges to an easy online platform, the app saves you time and effort. It connects a community of book lovers, making book sharing easier, more affordable, and enjoyable. Whether you want to find new reads or pass on books you no longer need, our app offers a simple and reliable solution.

Challenges we ran into

During development, we encountered several key challenges. Image Uploads: Initially, users faced issues with uploading images due to file size limits and format compatibility. We resolved this by implementing file size restrictions and format validations, and improving error handling to provide user feedback.

Search Functionality: As the database grew, search performance lagged, impacting user experience. To address this, we optimized search by incorporating indexing and caching, ensuring quick and efficient retrieval of results.

User Authentication and Security: We faced difficulties in ensuring secure user authentication and protecting data. We tackled these issues by adopting industry-standard encryption and authentication practices, alongside rigorous testing to safeguard user information.

Responsive Design: Designing a responsive layout that worked well across devices was challenging, especially for the book catalog and profiles. We used flexible grid layouts and media queries to adapt the interface to various screen sizes, and conducted extensive testing to ensure a seamless experience.

These hurdles led to valuable improvements and a more robust, user-friendly app.