Lumin is a document platform that enables users to read, edit, and exchange PDF documents smoothly. Lumin is one of Designveloper's most successful and profitable projects.?
In our previous article, we went into some of the UI design secrets that have made the Lumin platform so popular among users. Today, we'll go deeper into the development process, the tools and techniques utilized, and the tactics used to overcome obstacles throughout platform development. Our mentor will be none other than Lumin's highly regarded Technical Manager.
Let's hear from Son Le, the project's technical manager, as he discusses the development process of the Lumin PDF application on Designveloper.
The development process of Lumin PDF at Designveloper
The Lumin PDF project followed a comprehensive planning process.
- Goal Definition: We collaborated closely with the client to establish clear project objectives. These goals included specific features, performance targets, and a timeline for completion.
- Task Breakdown: Using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), we divided the project into smaller, manageable tasks. This helped ensure a clear understanding of dependencies and resource allocation.
- Scheduling: We utilized Gantt charts and project management software to create a detailed project schedule. This included milestones, deadlines, and resource assignments.
- Agile Methodology: We adopted an Agile approach, allowing for iterative development and flexibility in adapting to changing requirements or feedback. Regular sprint planning and retrospectives were essential for staying on track.
Various technologies and techniques were utilized during the development process
The Lumin PDF project leveraged a diverse set of technologies and tools:
- Programming Languages: JavaScript frameworks (React, React Native) for the front-end, with Node.js and Python for the back-end.
- Database: We utilized MongoDB as the primary database for its flexibility and scalability. This allowed us to efficiently store and retrieve document-related data, user information, and annotations.
- Cloud Infrastructure: Lumin PDF was deployed on a scalable cloud platform like AWS or Google Cloud Platform, ensuring high availability and performance.
- Version Control: Git was employed for version control, allowing for collaborative development and easy tracking of changes.
- CI/CD: We integrated continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using tools like Bitbucket Pipelines & Jenkins, facilitating automated testing and deployment.
- Testing Frameworks: We used Jest and Mocha for unit and integration testing and Cypress & Appium for end-to-end testing.
Testing procedures were implemented to assure product quality and suit consumer needs
We prioritized quality assurance throughout the Lumin PDF development process:
- Automated Testing: We heavily relied on automated testing to ensure code quality and catch regressions early. This included unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests.
- Manual Testing: Our QC team conducted thorough manual testing to assess functionality, usability, and user experience. This involved exploratory, regression, and user acceptance (UAT) testing.
- Test-Driven Development (TDD): Some components were developed using TDD, where tests were written before the code, ensuring a focus on functionality and testability.
Challenges encountered during the development of Lumin PDF
We encountered several challenges during the Lumin PDF development:
- Security: Security is our #1 priority at Lumin. We prioritized security by implementing robust authentication, authorization, and data encryption measures. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments were conducted to proactively identify and address potential risks.
- Performance Optimization: To handle large PDF files and complex operations, we implemented server-side rendering, caching mechanisms, and optimized algorithms for efficient processing.
- Scalability: As our user base keeps growing (we have nearly 100M users now), we faced the challenge of scaling the application to accommodate a growing user base. To address this, we optimized database queries, implemented load-balancing techniques, and leveraged the cloud infrastructure's auto-scaling capabilities to handle increased traffic and demand effectively.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: To ensure Lumin PDF worked seamlessly across various operating systems and browsers, we adhered to web standards, conducted extensive cross-browser testing, and addressed specific platform-related issues.
Creating Lumin PDF at Designveloper demonstrates the value of a user-centric approach. By thoroughly investigating user needs and utilizing new technologies, the Designveloper team developed a system that streamlines document management and facilitates seamless collaboration. Lumin's success, in terms of functionality and user acceptance, emphasizes the necessity of considering user experience during development. This devotion has established Lumin as a leader in the document management industry, opening the road for future development and innovation.
