Parsegram
A photo-sharing Android application, similar to Instagram, built using Java and the Parse backend platform. It allows users to sign up, log in, capture and post photos with captions, and view a feed of posts.
Role
Android Developer
- Timeline
- October 2021
Technologies
- Java
- Android
- Parse
Tools
- Android Studio
- Git
- GitHub
Background
For students learning Android development, there's a need for practical projects that cover fundamental concepts like user authentication, interacting with a backend service, capturing media, and displaying data in a list.
Solution
Parsegram was created as a hands-on project to build an Instagram clone. It demonstrates how to implement user sign-up and login, post creation with images taken from the camera, and an infinite-scrolling feed of posts from a backend-as-a-service platform.
Process
- Set up the project with dependencies and implemented user authentication using the Parse backend.
- Developed the core photo-sharing feature, including camera integration for image capture and a screen for adding captions.
- Built the main feed with a RecyclerView to display all posts, adding pull-to-refresh and infinite scrolling.
Final Product
Impact
- Built a functional photo-sharing application with user authentication, photo posting, and a timeline feed.
- Utilized a BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service) platform to handle backend logic and database management.
- Worked with Android components like RecyclerViews and implicit intents for camera access.
Reflection
- Learned how to connect an Android front-end application to a cloud backend service.
- Understood the importance of handling asynchronous network calls to maintain a responsive user interface.
- Practiced using third-party libraries like Glide for efficient image loading and caching from a URL.