The inspiration for this web app was simply the wonder of thoughtful messages and getting to know people around the world.
InkDrop utilizes the Dropbox API to store and send letters or "Drops" through the service. When a user submits a Drop, he or she is sent a Drop from another InkDropper at random. This Drop stays in their personal app folder and can be read over and over again. These Drops are unique, thoughtful, and beautiful.
Working as a one person team with no CS background, I ran into time limitations to learn PHP, Dropbox API, build the back end and build a meaningful front end.
Overall, I am proud that I was able to create a complete working back end that utilized Dropbox in such a way to minimize temporary file storage on the hosting server or the Dropbox accounts. The only letters that are stored are the ones that are received by amazing InkDroppers all over the world. The service basically allows you to have modern pen pals and keep the letters in a archive. Unfortunately, I was also unable to host the service on a public server due to budget, time, and technical reasons.
As a Chemical engineering student who has never taken a CS class, I am very amazed at what I was able to learn from this project. I was able to really solidify my php knowledge and back end development skills. Of course, I also learned how to use Dropbox as more than a regular user which was really amazing.
I plan to finish InkDrop by adding in full back end features such as location data for Drops. I will make a worthy front end and bring the service into modern professionalism. If I can get the funding, I will host the site and publish it for the world to use!
Special thanks to my teammate and friend Bryan W Tan for helping me with this project and with learning and having a great time at HopHacks in general.
Thank you to all the mentors, sponsors, and MLH as well.
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