As a developer, I often find that the best way to master a language—whether it’s Spanish, English, or JavaScript—is through immersion and repetition. After a few projects under my belt, I felt the itch to return to the basics but with a modern twist. I decided to dive back into the React ecosystem to build a functional, aesthetically pleasing image gallery.
Choosing the Perfect API
To improve how I structure projects in React, I knew I needed a reliable data source. Choosing the right API felt like choosing the right lens for a photoshoot—it changes the entire perspective.
I was torn between the «Classic» (Unsplash) and the «Modern/Pop» (The Avengers API). While the Marvel Universe is tempting, my background as a professional photographer made the choice clear. Unsplash offered high-quality, real-world data that resonated with my aesthetic sensibilities. It wasn’t just about code; it was about building something I actually wanted to look at.
Tech Stack
For this build, I kept the architecture lean but powerful:
Framework: React (Functional Components & Hooks)
Styling: Tailwind CSS (The game-changer)
Data: JSON via Unsplash API