Forem: Shashank Yadahalli

Dev tools Hub API

Shashank Yadahalli — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:46:34 +0000

This is a submission for the Xano AI-Powered Backend Challenge: Production-Ready Public API

What I Built

Title: DevTools Resource Hub API
Available: True
DevTools API's:

Xano Hub API: https://xwog-4ywl-hcgl.n7e.xano.io/api:Om3nin98
Xano Assisted Production API: https://devtools-hub-api.onrender.com/

Software Backend Architecture

The backend follows a layered, modular design suitable for an MVP.
API endpoints expose REST interfaces, protected by authentication, rate limiting, and validation. Core business logic is isolated into services like search, recommendations, and scoring. A data access layer handles queries, caching, and transactions on PostgreSQL.
Event handling and background jobs enable scalable, asynchronous integrations.

This will give a simple representation of caching Strategy

Databases

`tools`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
name	VARCHAR(255)	Unique, Not Null
slug	VARCHAR(255)	Unique, URL-safe
category_id	INTEGER	FK → categories.id
description	TEXT	Tool description
tagline	VARCHAR(500)	Short marketing line
website_url	VARCHAR(500)	Official website
logo_url	VARCHAR(500)	Logo image URL
founded_date	DATE	Company founding date
company_name	VARCHAR(255)	Company behind the tool
is_active	BOOLEAN	Default: true
query_count	INTEGER	Default: 0 (trending score)
last_queried_at	TIMESTAMP	Last API query time
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Default: now()
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Default: now()

Indexes

category_id
slug
is_active
(query_count, last_queried_at)

`categories`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
name	VARCHAR(255)	Unique, Not Null
slug	VARCHAR(255)	Unique
parent_id	INTEGER	Self FK → categories.id
description	TEXT	Category description
icon	VARCHAR(100)	Icon identifier
display_order	INTEGER	Default: 0
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp

Indexes

parent_id
slug

`pricing_tiers`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
tool_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id (CASCADE)
tier_name	VARCHAR(100)	Free, Starter, Pro
monthly_price	DECIMAL(10,2)	Nullable
annual_price	DECIMAL(10,2)	Nullable
currency	VARCHAR(3)	Default: USD
billing_cycle	ENUM	monthly, annual, one-time
features_json	JSONB	Flexible features list
limits_json	JSONB	API limits, users, storage
is_current	BOOLEAN	Default: true
effective_from	TIMESTAMP	Pricing start
effective_to	TIMESTAMP	Nullable
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp

Indexes

(tool_id, is_current)
(effective_from, effective_to)

`alternatives`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
tool_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
alternative_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
similarity_score	DECIMAL(5,2)	Range: 0–100
match_basis	ENUM	features, pricing, category
comparison_notes	TEXT	Comparison details
upvotes	INTEGER	Default: 0
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Updated timestamp

Constraints

UNIQUE(tool_id, alternative_id)
tool_id ≠ alternative_id

Indexes

tool_id
similarity_score DESC

`reviews_aggregate`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
tool_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
source	VARCHAR(50)	g2, capterra, producthunt
avg_rating	DECIMAL(3,2)	Range: 0–5
total_reviews	INTEGER	Review count
rating_breakdown	JSONB	`{5:120,4:45,...}`
source_url	VARCHAR(500)	Review page URL
last_scraped_at	TIMESTAMP	Scraping time
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp

Indexes

(tool_id, source)
avg_rating DESC

`features`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
tool_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
feature_name	VARCHAR(255)	Feature title
feature_category	VARCHAR(100)	Auth, API, Database
is_available	BOOLEAN	Default: true
tier_availability	VARCHAR(50)	free, pro, all
description	TEXT	Feature details
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp

Indexes

tool_id
feature_category
is_available

`changelog`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
tool_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
change_type	ENUM	pricing, feature, update
change_summary	VARCHAR(500)	Short summary
change_details	TEXT	Detailed change
old_value	JSONB	Previous value
new_value	JSONB	Updated value
changed_at	TIMESTAMP	When change occurred
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp

Indexes

(tool_id, changed_at DESC)
change_type

`integrations`

Column Name	Type	Constraints / Description
id	SERIAL	Primary Key
tool_id	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
integrates_with	INTEGER	FK → tools.id
integration_type	ENUM	native, api, webhook, zapier
ease_of_setup	ENUM	easy, medium, complex
documentation_url	VARCHAR(500)	Docs link
is_official	BOOLEAN	Default: false
created_at	TIMESTAMP	Created timestamp

Indexes

tool_id
integrates_with

API Documentation

Got it 👍
Below is a dev.to–friendly Markdown version of your API documentation without tables, using clean headings, bullet points, and code blocks. You can paste this directly into a dev.to article.

🚀 DevTools Resource Hub API

A public API to discover, compare, price-check, and find alternatives for developer tools.

🧰 Tools API

1️⃣ Get All Tools

Endpoint

GET /tools/

Query Parameters

category (string, optional) – Filter by category
price_min (number, optional) – Minimum price
price_max (number, optional) – Maximum price
features (array of strings, optional) – Required features
sort (string, default: "name") – Sorting field
page (number, default: 1) – Page number
size (number, default: 10) – Page size

Response

{
  "items": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "VS Code",
      "description": "Code editor redefined...",
      "price": 0,
      "category": "Development"
    }
  ],
  "total": 1,
  "page": 1,
  "size": 10
}

2️⃣ Get Tool by ID

Endpoint

GET /tools/{tool_id}

Response

{
  "id": 1,
  "name": "VS Code",
  "description": "Visual Studio Code is a lightweight but powerful source code editor...",
  "price": 0,
  "category": "Development",
  "features": ["IntelliSense", "Debugging", "Git Control"]
}

3️⃣ Get Tool Alternatives

Endpoint

GET /tools/{tool_id}/alternatives

Query Parameters

min_similarity (number, default: 50)
limit (number, default: 10)

Response

{
  "alternatives": [
    {
      "id": 2,
      "name": "Sublime Text",
      "similarity_score": 85
    }
  ]
}

4️⃣ Get Tool Pricing

Endpoint

GET /tools/{tool_id}/pricing

Query Parameters

include_history (boolean, default: false)

Response

{
  "tool_id": 1,
  "current_price": 0,
  "pricing_plans": [
    { "plan": "Free", "price": 0, "features": ["Basic Features"] },
    { "plan": "Pro", "price": 5, "features": ["All Features"] }
  ]
}

5️⃣ Get Tool Reviews

Endpoint

GET /tools/{tool_id}/reviews

Response

{
  "tool_id": 1,
  "average_rating": 4.8,
  "reviews": [
    {
      "user": "Developer123",
      "rating": 5,
      "comment": "Best editor I've used!",
      "date": "2023-11-15"
    }
  ]
}

6️⃣ Compare Tools

Endpoint

POST /tools/compare

Request Body

{
  "tool_ids": [1, 2, 3]
}

Response

{
  "tools": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "VS Code",
      "price": 0,
      "features": ["IntelliSense", "Debugging", "Git Control"]
    },
    {
      "id": 2,
      "name": "Sublime Text",
      "price": 99,
      "features": ["Goto Anything", "Multiple Selections", "Command Palette"]
    }
  ],
  "comparison": {
    "price_range": { "min": 0, "max": 99 },
    "common_features": [],
    "unique_features": {
      "1": ["IntelliSense", "Debugging", "Git Control"],
      "2": ["Goto Anything", "Multiple Selections", "Command Palette"]
    }
  }
}

Perfect 👍
Here is the Categories API documentation converted into clean dev.to Markdown, without tables, matching the style of your Tools & Search docs.

You can paste this directly into dev.to.

/api/v1/categories

1️⃣ Get All Categories

Retrieve all categories or filter by a parent category.

Endpoint

GET /api/v1/categories/

Query Parameters

parent_id (number, optional) – Filter by parent category ID

Response

{
  "items": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "Development",
      "slug": "development",
      "parent_id": null,
      "description": "Development tools and IDEs",
      "icon": "code",
      "display_order": 1
    }
  ],
  "total": 1,
  "page": 1,
  "size": 10
}

2️⃣ Get Category by ID

Fetch details of a single category using its ID.

Endpoint

GET /api/v1/categories/{category_id}

Response

{
  "id": 1,
  "name": "Development",
  "slug": "development",
  "parent_id": null,
  "description": "Development tools and IDEs",
  "icon": "code",
  "display_order": 1,
  "created_at": "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z",
  "updated_at": "2023-01-01T00:00:00Z"
}

3️⃣ Get Tools in a Category

Retrieve all tools belonging to a category.
Optionally include tools from subcategories.

Endpoint

GET /api/v1/categories/{slug}/tools

Query Parameters

include_subcategories (boolean, default: true) – Include tools from child categories

Response

{
  "category": {
    "id": 1,
    "name": "Development",
    "slug": "development"
  },
  "tools": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "VS Code",
      "description": "Code editor redefined...",
      "price": 0,
      "category": "Development"
    }
  ],
  "total": 1
}

4️⃣ Create a Category

Create a new category.
Requires authentication.

Endpoint

POST /api/v1/categories/

Request Body

{
  "name": "Web Development",
  "slug": "web-dev",
  "parent_id": 1,
  "description": "Web development tools and frameworks",
  "icon": "globe",
  "display_order": 2
}

💡 slug will be auto-generated if not provided.

Response

{
  "id": 2,
  "name": "Web Development",
  "slug": "web-dev",
  "parent_id": 1,
  "description": "Web development tools and frameworks",
  "icon": "globe",
  "display_order": 2,
  "created_at": "2023-01-02T00:00:00Z",
  "updated_at": "2023-01-02T00:00:00Z"
}

5️⃣ Update a Category

Update an existing category.
Requires authentication.

Endpoint

PUT /api/v1/categories/{category_id}

Request Body

{
  "name": "Web Development Tools",
  "description": "Updated description",
  "icon": "browser"
}

Response

{
  "id": 2,
  "name": "Web Development Tools",
  "slug": "web-dev",
  "parent_id": 1,
  "description": "Updated description",
  "icon": "browser",
  "display_order": 2,
  "created_at": "2023-01-02T00:00:00Z",
  "updated_at": "2023-01-03T00:00:00Z"
}

6️⃣ Delete a Category

Delete a category by ID.
Requires authentication.

Endpoint

DELETE /api/v1/categories/{category_id}

Response

{
  "success": true,
  "message": "Category deleted successfully"
}

📌 Example Usage

Get All Root Categories

GET /api/v1/categories/
Accept: application/json

Get Subcategories of a Parent Category

GET /api/v1/categories/?parent_id=1
Accept: application/json

Get Tools in a Category

GET /api/v1/categories/development/tools?include_subcategories=true
Accept: application/json

Create a New Category

POST /api/v1/categories/
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer your_access_token_here

{
  "name": "Mobile Development",
  "description": "Mobile app development tools",
  "icon": "smartphone"
}

Update a Category

PUT /api/v1/categories/3
Content-Type: application/json
Authorization: Bearer your_access_token_here

{
  "name": "Mobile App Development",
  "description": "Tools for mobile application development"
}

Delete a Category

DELETE /api/v1/categories/3
Authorization: Bearer your_access_token_here

🔍 Search API

1️⃣ Search Tools

Endpoint

GET /search/tools

Query Parameters

q (string, required) – Search query
category (string, optional)
price_min (number, optional)
price_max (number, optional)
features (array of strings, optional)
sort_by (string, default: "relevance")

Response

{
  "results": [
    {
      "id": 1,
      "name": "VS Code",
      "description": "Code editor redefined...",
      "price": 0,
      "category": "Development"
    }
  ],
  "filters": {
    "categories": ["Development", "Design"],
    "price_range": { "min": 0, "max": 199.99 }
  }
}

2️⃣ Get Search Suggestions

Endpoint

GET /search/suggestions

Query Parameters

q (string, required)
limit (number, default: 5)

Response

{
  "suggestions": [
    "code editor",
    "development tools",
    "IDE"
  ]
}

3️⃣ Get Search Filters

Endpoint

GET /search/filters

Response

{
  "categories": [
    { "id": 1, "name": "Development", "count": 45 },
    { "id": 2, "name": "Design", "count": 32 }
  ],
  "price_ranges": [
    { "min": 0, "max": 0, "count": 25 },
    { "min": 0, "max": 50, "count": 30 }
  ],
  "features": [
    { "name": "Free Plan", "count": 42 },
    { "name": "Open Source", "count": 35 }
  ]
}

❤️ Health Check

Health Status

Endpoint

GET /health

Response

{
  "status": "ok",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "environment": "production"
}

Demo

api/v1/tools!

The AI Prompt I Used

Generate a complete backend system for a DevTools Resource Hub API, a public API to discover, compare, price-check, and recommend developer tools.

PART 1 – Database Schema (PostgreSQL / Xano-compatible)
Create 8 core tables: tools, categories, pricing_tiers, alternatives, reviews_aggregate, features, changelog, integrations.
Each table must include proper primary keys, foreign keys, enums, JSONB fields, defaults, constraints, and timestamps.
Support hierarchical categories, pricing history, similarity scoring, integrations, reviews aggregation, and changelog tracking.
Add all required indexes for performance (search, trending, filters, sorting).
Output schema as SQL CREATE TABLE statements or XanoScript-compatible JSON.

PART 2 – REST API Endpoints (15 total)
Implement endpoints for tools listing, tool details, alternatives, pricing, reviews, comparison, categories, category tools, search, trending, recently updated, recommendations, integrations graph, tool integrations, and pricing analytics.
All responses must follow a unified JSON format with success, data, and meta.
Support pagination, filtering, sorting, relevance ranking, and similarity-based recommendations.
Include proper error handling with standard error codes (400, 401, 404, 429, 500).
Output endpoints as Xano API configurations or endpoint definitions.

PART 3 – Authentication & Security
Create users, api_keys, and request_logs tables.
Implement API key–based authentication with bcrypt password hashing and SHA-256 API key storage.
Add rate limiting by tier (anonymous, free, paid) with hourly and daily tracking.
Create auth endpoints: /auth/register, /auth/login, /auth/usage.
Include CORS config, input validation, SQL injection protection, and tier-based authorization rules.
Output as Xano auth middleware or function definitions.

PART 4 – Business Logic Functions
Implement functions for similarity scoring, trending score calculation, query tracking, recommendations, price change detection, and full-text search.
Use weighted algorithms combining features, pricing, categories, integrations, popularity, and reviews.
Support background jobs and webhook triggers.
Output as XanoScript or JavaScript/TypeScript Lambda functions.

PART 5 – Sample Data Seeding
Generate realistic seed data for 20 tools across 5 categories (Backend, Frontend, Hosting, Auth, Database).
Include full tool info, pricing tiers, features, reviews, alternatives, and integrations.
Use real-world tools like Xano, Supabase, Firebase, React, Vercel, Auth0, PostgreSQL, etc.
Output as SQL INSERT statements or Xano-importable JSON.

How I Refined the AI-Generated Code

Master Backend Intelligence Prompt (SQL + Lambda)

Build advanced backend intelligence for a Developer Tools Platform using PostgreSQL SQL + JavaScript Lambda functions.

PART A – Similarity Scoring (SQL)
Create an optimized SQL query for calculate_similarity_score(tool_a, tool_b) that:
Computes feature overlap using array intersection
Calculates price similarity (NULL-safe)
Adds category exact-match bonus

Calculates integration overlap using EXISTS subqueries
Includes review rating similarity
Final weighted score:
Features 40%, Price 20%, Category 15%, Integrations 15%, Reviews 10%
Use CTEs, avoid N+1 queries, optimized joins only

PART B – Trending Algorithm (SQL)
Write a SQL query for /trending endpoint:
trending_score = query_count × EXP(-hours_since_last_query / 168) × ((avg_rating / 5) × LN(total_reviews + 1))
Filter is_active = true
Optional category filter
Time filters: 24h | 7d | 30d
Return top 20 (custom limit allowed)
Output: tool info, trending_score, query_count, avg_rating
Optimize for read-heavy workloads

PART C – Tool Comparison (SQL)
Create a single SQL query for /tools/compare:
Accept 2–5 tool IDs
Return structured JSON:
Basic info (name, logo, website)
Cheapest pricing tier
Feature matrix (all unique features, tool-wise availability)
Common vs unique features
Integration counts
Aggregated ratings
Handle NULLs as "Not Available"
No loops, JSON aggregation only

PART D – Pricing Trends Analytics (SQL)
Write SQL for /analytics/pricing-trends:
Last 12 months, grouped by month + category
Cheapest paid tier per tool
Average price per category per month
Month-over-month percentage change
Identify biggest price increases/decreases
Optional category filter
Output format optimized for charts

These all things have generated via xanoscript the TASKS, JOBS that trigger all fetch recent prices, analytics and trending score for products

My Experience with Xano

As you can see below images, As a Dev creating Database and using them on production is kind of headache task as we need to take care of availability, Rollbacks, Replication and a lot of task that xano has reduced a lot, along with scheduling the jobs and using serverless functions for this application is made easy, Even for pricing analysis for the tools i have used a Task as you can see below
The API Endpoint
https://price-change-9x01.onrender.com/pricing/{tool_id}?upload=true will track the price for tool and post it in pricing_tier and it is scheduled every day. It is made so much easy

We can use the database directly via API endpoints created automatically is plus point on top of which we can use the API, the actually Prod deployed application of mine is using the same

AI, TASK, DATABASE, API are the best things what i could able to use here. Small glimpse of Xanoscript as it is huge.
`// Triggers pricing uploads for all tools via external API
task trigger_pricing_uploads {
stack {
// Retrieve all records from the tool table
// Get all tools
db.query tool {
return = {type: "list"}
output = ["id"]
} as $tools

// Iterate through the list of tools returned by the database query
foreach ($tools) {
  each as $tool {
    // Construct the URL dynamically and make the request
    api.request {
      url = "https://price-change-9x01.onrender.com/pricing/" ~ $tool.id ~ "?upload=true"
      method = "GET"
    } as $api_response
  }
}

// Log task completion status
debug.log {
  value = {success: true, processed_count: $tools|count}
}

}

schedule = [{starts_on: 2026-01-01 00:00:00+0000, freq: 86400}]
tags = ["price tag", "tools"]
}`
Github Repo Link: https://github.com/its-shashankY/Devtools_hub_api

Glam Up My Markup: Beaches

Shashank Yadahalli — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 17:07:33 +0000

This is a submission for [Frontend Challenge v24.04.17]((https://dev.to/challenges/frontend-2024-05-29), Glam Up My Markup: Beaches

Dive into "Glam Up My Markup: Beaches"!

Calling all beach bums and frontend enthusiasts! Dev to challenge to transform a basic "Best Beaches in the World" website into a captivating, interactive experience. ️

Did you rise to the tide?

This submission prompt is a chance to showcase how can i use advanced CSS and JavaScript to not only create a visually stunning website, but also:

Amplify Accessibility: Ensure everyone can explore the world's best beaches with ease. ♿
Boost Usability: Make navigating the site a smooth, intuitive journey. Elevate User Experience: Go beyond the expected - what interactive elements did you incorporate to engage your visitors?
Prioritize Code Quality: Write clean, maintainable code that sets the foundation for future growth. ️

What I Built

Demo

Accessibility for Everyone (WCAG): Ensure your website is inclusive, allowing everyone to explore the world's best beaches. Think clear screen reader navigation, proper color contrast for good readability, and features that cater to diverse needs. [accessibility]

Effortless Usability & User Experience (UX): Craft an interface that's intuitive and a joy to navigate. Think hover effects, smooth scrolling, and engaging elements that keep users hooked. [usability]

Unleash Your Creativity: Let your imagination take the reins! Incorporate modern design trends and interactive features that make your website stand out from the crowd. Think text gradients, backdrop filters, and stylish popups. [creativity]

Clean Code is the Key: Write maintainable and efficient code using best practices. This includes modular CSS and modern JavaScript for a rock-solid foundation. [code quality]

CSS - Your Design Weapon: Utilize CSS to its full potential! Create a visually captivating and responsive layout that adapts seamlessly to any device. Think custom fonts, icons, and animations. [css]
A Glimpse into Your Potential:

Rock-Solid Accessibility:

Semantic Structure: Build a clear and meaningful structure using semantic HTML elements, making it easier for screen readers to navigate your content.
Descriptive Alt Text: Enrich your beach images with detailed alt text, ensuring everyone understands the visuals.
High Contrast: Prioritize good color contrast for optimal readability for users with visual impairments.

Usability and User Experience Champions:

Hover Magic: Transform beach items on hover! Highlight them, display additional information, or change background colors for instant visual feedback.
Interactive Popups: Clicking a beach item can unveil a modal window brimming with details and captivating images, all without leaving the main page.
Smooth Sailing: Implement smooth scrolling for a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience.
Embrace Your Creative Spirit:

Text Gradients & Backdrop Filters: Spice things up with text gradients and backdrop filters, adding a touch of modern flair.
Popup Panache: Craft stylish popups that complement your overall website aesthetic.
Animated Elements: Bring your website to life with subtle CSS animations. Imagine gently waving animations in the background or playful button hover effects!

Modular Marvels: Organize your CSS using BEM (Block, Element, Modifier) for clear, reusable, and maintainable styles.
JavaScript Efficiency: Leverage modern ES6 features to write clean and efficient JavaScript code. Ensure your scripts load asynchronously to prevent blocking.
CSS Expertise on Display:

Custom Fonts & Icons: Integrate Google Fonts for a polished look and Font Awesome for intuitive icons that enhance usability.
Responsive Design Guru: Make sure your website flawlessly adapts to any screen size, providing an optimal experience on desktops and mobile devices alike.
Aesthetic Bliss:

Visual Harmony: Create a cohesive beach theme using a consistent color palette, typography, and imagery that evokes the tranquility and beauty of beaches.
Background Beauty: Set the scene with high-quality background images and CSS gradients to elevate the visual appeal.