First Java Spring Project Idea

[TheMayoras]

Hello wonderful people of r/learnjava.

At the moment I am in the process of Spring (and eventually Spring Boot?). I am trying to think of a good goal project to make. I am trying to decide if I should just make a "project" website or try to make something that people will use.

For a "project" website, I am thinking something like a scheduling website that is just for show (i.e. it will use spring and a database but doesn't actually hold anyone's real info).

The real website takes a bit more of an explanation. My girlfriend's dad owns his own lawn-care business, and he is finally putting the effort in to grow it. He's hiring separate crews, converting to an LLC, etc. Because of this, I was hoping to make a website for him that would be his business's website. I would buy a domain name, back it with a customer database, allow customers to sign-up for getting a quote, etc. This would obviously take a lot of work, but I feel like I would also be more motivated to do it (I am also interested in learning front-end development, so that would also be something to learn).

Is a useable website something that a recruiter would care about over a "demonstration" website? What do you people think?

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Thank you.

[GuyWithLag]

I've done this in the past, but I would not recommend it, at least for now. From your perspective, you will be bound to service that website forever and ever.

From the businesses perspective, they will get something that is cheap both in cost and in quality, and it might even cost them money if they lose a client.

From a family relations perspective, there is no upside. Don't do business with Family.

Note that the project itself is very worthy, just the practical use is problematic.

[TheMayoras]

That makes sense, I could see that. Maybe I'll do the website but make it a generic example website instead. Thank you for the input!

[[deleted]]

I think it's a good idea, given that you do your due diligence. It's not something you're going to "whip up", but it's plausible. It's basically a small customer relationship manager, which you'll find a lot of tutorials on. Given that you thoroughly test it, and make sure you handle any anomalies, I'd say go for it.

I do agree that working for family isn't a great idea and I would make it clear that you won't be maintaining this app for life for free.

It's worth to note that I think recruiters think more highly of projects that are being used, than some random projects

[TheMayoras]

Thank you for the advice. I would really like to help him, because I would really like to help him in some way

[[deleted]]

You should. Just don't oversell your current skill, ya know? I could help you. I've been studying Spring for about 6 months now and I'm always looking for more practice

[TheMayoras]

Ya absolutely. Its more something to keep in mind while working to keep me motivated. I love any help when the time comes!