← Work Case study · University project · 2026
EcoDrop
A secure REST API that runs the whole recycling process: collection points, users and drop-off tracking.
- Setting
- University project — 2026
- Role
- Back-end developer: server architecture and database design
- Stack
- Java (Servlets), PostgreSQL, REST API, token authentication
Context
Build a robust, secure REST API that digitises the whole recycling process: listing collection points, managing users and tracking drop-offs.
What I did
Java back end
Server-side web development with Servlets.
Layered architecture
DAOs and DTOs to separate responsibilities.
Database
Schema design and advanced queries on PostgreSQL.
Security
API protected by token authentication.
Soft skills
Design rigour
A reliable infrastructure that handles sensitive data and user accounts correctly.
Business understanding
Turning a real need — optimising collection rounds — into queries that compute how full each collection point is.
Debrief
What I learned
The main challenge was SQL performance: crossing drop-off history with each point's capacity to detect overloads in real time, without slowing the API down. Token authentication was also my first real step into security.
What I'd do differently
I'd document the API from day one with Swagger (OpenAPI), so every endpoint is described as it's built. Front-end developers consuming the data would benefit a lot.