Household Inventory – Java Spring API

This project is a household inventory management system designed to track items like food, cleaning supplies, and other materials. The goal is to provide a simple backend service that powers a web or mobile app for personal use.

Beyond personal use, this project demonstrates my ability to design and implement enterprise-ready backend systems using modern Java and Spring frameworks.

Highlights

• Built with Java 21 (LTS) and Spring Boot 3.5.5
• Implements a REST API for managing inventory items. (CRUD operations, categories, stock thresholds)
• Designed for scalability, with PostgreSQL integration and a Next.js frontend planned.
• Demonstrates practical application of Spring frameworks. (Boot, Data JPA, Web, Validation)
• Developed with a test-driven development (TDD) approach, ensuring reliability and maintainability with JUnit 5.
• Structured with cloud deployment in mind. (AWS/GCP/Azure/OCI)
• Envisioned as part of a full-stack solution, with a Next.js frontend to complement the backend.

Why This Project Matters

• Shows the ability to take a project from idea → architecture → implementation
• Demonstrates backend engineering fundamentals: REST APIs, persistence layer, data modeling, and API design.
• Reflects skills directly relevant to roles in backend development, full-stack development, and cloud engineering.
• Provides evidence of using industry best practices such as Test Driven Development and clean project structure.

Next Steps (Roadmap)

• Add authentication and role-based access control with Spring Security
• Implement reporting endpoints (e.g., frequently restocked items)
• Build a Next.js frontend for full-stack integration
• Deploy to the cloud with CI/CD pipelines

For a detailed technical overview of the backend architecture, please refer to DEV_README.md.

Motivation

When I graduated from Uni I felt like I wanted to help around my house more. So I decided I would be in charge of purchasing groceries, cleaning supplies, and other household items. Then I realized I could use my knowledge of backend development to build a system that would help me manage my inventory ensuring that we would always be stocked up!

And also of course:

• To practice backend development with Java and Spring Framework
• To demonstrate my ability to develop Java and Spring applications with test-driven development
• To demonstrate my ability to design and implement enterprise-ready backend systems
• To demonstrate my ability to use industry best practices and clean project structure