Lightning-map into Lightning Everywhere

A quick look at the journey of building Lightning-map and how each iteration brought it closer to the vision of "Lightning Everywhere"

Iteration 1: Prototype (React, Bootstrap, Firebase)

• First working version built with React.js and Bootstrap for UI.
• Firebase used for authentication and Firestore as the database.
• Rounds with merchants performed to gather feedback.

Iteration 2: Design for MVP Rewrite

• Reached out to several graphic designers to improve the look and feel.
• Focused on branding and vision.
• Focused on creating a more user-friendly and visually appealing MVP.
• Cycled through map tools, ended up using 3rd.

Iteration 3: Rewrite to Ditch Firebase

• Migrated backend from Firebase to a custom stack:
  • Go backend for API and business logic.
  • MinIO for object storage (images, assets).
  • MongoDB for merchant and user data.

Iteration 4: Deployment to DigitalOcean Droplet

• Deployed the application to a DigitalOcean Droplet for the first time.
• Set up basic CI/CD and monitoring.
• Installed certificates.
• Frontend deployed to Kubernetes cluster, backend run in Docker compose to DigitalOcean Droplet.

TODO: Iteration 5

• Move to Kubernetes for orchestration.
• Use managed databases (RDS, etc.) for scalability and reliability.
• Further automate deployment.
• Improve UI: grouping of merchants, starting on city of IP/Geolocation API, prerendering and caching of React stuff, maybe RTK Query.