Build a staff scheduling platform with AI tools
Entertainment
Introduction
Creating a platform for staff scheduling is an exciting challenge, especially when integrating AI tools to enhance development efficiency and functionality. This article details the journey of developing a staff scheduling platform through brainstorming, coding, and incorporating various technologies.
Getting Started
Last week, we initiated our project by identifying the problem of staff scheduling and brainstorming potential solutions and features to include. During a collaborative Zoom session, we shared ideas and refined our approach using AI tools, particularly leveraging ChatGPT to solidify our plans and features.
Technologies in Use
We utilize a tech stack comprising several advanced technologies:
- Next.js (v13): For building the web application.
- TypeScript: To ensure type safety and better code quality.
- Prisma: As an ORM for seamless database interactions.
- PostgreSQL: As our chosen database provider.
- Newb: For an online free version of PostgreSQL.
We have built fundamental tables and begun the application's structure within our VS Code editor.
Project Development Process
Starting the Application
After some preliminary coding sessions, we launched the Next.js application using the command npm run dev. Initially presented with a default page, we had implemented user registration and sign-in features. However, we realized we needed better authentication functionality.
We also explored new AI tools, including a product creation AI agent that can automate various project aspects, from user requirements documentation to full-stack application creation.
Building Features with AI Assistance
AI tools, particularly those integrated into modern IDEs, have greatly aided our development process. They suggest features, provide syntax suggestions, and allow us to focus on building instead of getting bogged down by repetitive tasks. We harnessed these tools to create components for staff scheduling, ensuring we had a robust UI and backend interaction setup.
Implementing APIs and Database Interaction
We set up different API endpoints to handle creating, reading, updating, and deleting (CRUD) shifts. Our endpoints utilize Prisma to manage database interactions seamlessly, allowing us to pull and push data effectively. However, we faced challenges concerning user authentication, ensuring only authorized personnel (managers) can create shifts.
UI Improvements
Following the completion of our backend structure, we turned our attention to enhancing the user interface. We adopted responsive design practices to ensure the application is user-friendly on various devices. The application now includes a dashboard, a sidebar for navigation, and the capability to manage shifts more effectively.
Testing and Debugging
Throughout the development process, we consistently tested our functionalities. We logged outputs to track issues, ensuring the creation and fetching of shifts worked flawlessly. This debugging process is crucial to understanding how our application behaves and fixing any inconsistencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we are making significant progress in developing our staff scheduling platform. Although we encountered challenges along the way, leveraging AI tools has significantly expedited our development process. Over the coming weeks, we will refine our application, enhance features, and work towards finalizing a functional product.
Keywords
Staff scheduling, AI tools, Next.js, TypeScript, Prisma, PostgreSQL, CRUD operations, user authentication, API integration, UI design, debugging.
FAQ
Q1: What technologies were used in the staff scheduling platform?
A: We used Next.js, TypeScript, Prisma, PostgreSQL, and various AI tools for development.
Q2: How does the AI integration help in the development process?
A: AI tools suggest features, improve coding efficiency, and automate redundant tasks, enabling quicker iterations and functionality testing.
Q3: What features does the staff scheduling platform have?
A: The platform includes staff registration, shift creation, user authentication, and a management dashboard for scheduling shifts.
Q4: How is the application tested during development?
A: We conduct tests by frequently running the application, using console logs to troubleshoot, and ensuring each feature works as intended before deployment.
Q5: What users can access the scheduling features?
A: Only authorized users, typically managers, can create and assign shifts, while staff can view their scheduled shifts.