Defining the Purpose:
I started this project with a simple idea in mind – to figure out if someone visiting a website was hiding their identity behind a proxy or VPN network. You know, like those tools people use to keep their online activities private. But it wasn't just for curiosity's sake. I wanted to create a handy tool that anyone could use to find out if they could be tracked on the internet. And for website owners, it's about knowing if someone's trying to hide their true identity while using their site.
Team Members, Roles, and Timeline:
Well, it was just me on this journey. I played all the roles – designer, developer, tester, and everything in between. It took some time, a lot of late nights, and dedication to get it all done. But when you're passionate about a project, the work doesn't feel like a chore.
The Project's Audience:
This project was built with two groups in mind. First, there are the regular folks who want to know how hidden they are online. You know, people who use the internet every day and wonder if they're truly invisible. Then there are the website owners who want to make sure their users are who they say they are. It's like having a bouncer at the digital door.
Personal Focus:
At the start, I was curious about something. You see, I came across a claim from a big VPN provider saying they could make you completely invisible online. I thought, "Is that really true?" So, I decided to build this website to put it to the test. As it turns out, even with a VPN, you're not always invisible. It was an eye-opener for me, and it made me want to create a tool that could help people understand their online presence better.
Accomplishments:
Today, this project is more than just an idea; it's a powerful tool. It lets you find out if you're hidden online or not. And for website owners, it's like having a digital detective to spot anyone trying to stay incognito. It's been quite a journey from a simple idea to a fully functional tool that empowers and educates.
Technologies and Their Context:
I used some fancy-sounding technologies, but here's the deal: I used HTML5, Twitter Bootstrap, and jQuery for the front part of the website. That's what makes it look nice and easy to use. For the stuff happening behind the scenes, I went with Django (first kiss), Redis, and MySQL. And of course I am experienced with Node.js + Express.js, they're both my sweethearts. These technologies made sure everything ran smoothly. I didn't use any extra fancy frameworks because I wanted to focus on understanding how things work.
The Toughest Challenge:
The hardest part? It was finding the right data and making it all work seamlessly. I had to search for reliable sources of network and provider information, plus proxy identification services, and there are a lot of them. Both for power muscles and lil guys like me. Then came the tricky part – filling in the gaps with custom logic. It was like solving a puzzle. But with a lot of determination and some late-night thinking and some Googling, I made it happen.
Takeaways and What's Next:
This project taught me some valuable lessons. I learned that data quality is everything and that custom solutions can bridge gaps in information. Looking ahead, I'd dive deeper into automated testing and scalability. And I'll keep exploring the ever-changing world of online privacy and security. One thing's for sure, though – automation is a game-changer, especially for testing and deployment.
So, there you have it, the story behind this project. It's a journey of curiosity, challenges, and empowerment. It's a reminder that in the world of technology, every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and innovation.
A bit about Myself:
I am Michael Amadi, A Backend Engineer with large appetite for figuring out how things work especially technologies and to building a solution I love reading tech resources and experimenting as much as possible. I found out I am actually a fast learner, I can pick up new technology in a short time
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