Lancer
What is CS50x?
This is CS50x , Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript plus CSS and HTML. Problem sets inspired by real-world domains of biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming. The on-campus version of CS50x , CS50, is Harvard's largest course.
What is Lancer?
Lancer is a filing system for freelancers so they may keep track of invoices and
tax records. A login
system is in place so that users may keep an account of their individual records. Employers and job
details can be inputted into the system and a mini dashboard is also available for an overview of
the annual gross, net and tax figures.
At this current stage, the tax is loosely based
on the Irish
income tax system.
My Idea
The idea came from my time as a freelancer and contractor during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Ireland during the years 2020 - 2021. I wanted to build something that would help me keep track of my invoices and tax due as I worked for various employers.
Choice of Code Stack
Pulling from the modules featured in the CS50x course, I decided to put together
a Flask
application
that featured React in the frontend. React is a framework that I thoroughly enjoy using and I really
wanted to incorporate it into the project and push myself to learn how to connect it up to a backend
server for future references.
Python is still new to me and working with Flask was
challenging at times given how bare it is. Still, I was able to connect up an authorisation
system
that now works front to back which was the greatest challenge of all for me. I grew to like
Python
and I see myself working with it in future as I strive to become a full stack developer.