Kayla Barrera completed a 95+ hour shadowing project with mentor River Ross to create a secure file transfer web application called "File Friend". The app allows users to invite others, send files peer-to-peer without third party storage, and ensures files are not vulnerable to breaches. Kayla learned technical skills like JavaScript, frameworks, and version control through independently developing the app, which was deployed using technologies like WebRTC, Vue.js, Bulma, and AWS services. She also gained valuable lessons around time management, the software development process, and the benefits of passion-driven independent projects and mentorship.

1. Info Tech & WiCSE
Shadowing Project
By Kayla Barrera
Mentor: River Ross

2. 95+ hours
Including weekly visits
1 awesome web app
Presenting “File Friend”
50+ commits
To GitLab repository

3. The Problem
• Need for secure file transfers
• Examples:
• Legal Documents
• Taxes, Paperwork, etc.
• No third party storage
• Peer to peer transfer
• Not vulnerable to breaches

4. The Solution
Secure File Transfer Web App

5. Step 1. Click Invite!

6. Step 2. Send Email

7. Step 3. Wait to Connect

8. Step 4. Send file(s)!

9. Success: File sent!

10. Success: File received!
This is what
your friend
sees!

11. Tech Used
• SimpleWebRTC
• Library for file transfer
• Vue.js
• JavaScript Framework
• Bulma
• CSS Framework
• GitLab
• Version control
• Parcel.js
• Local dev server
• Web app bundler
• Yarn
• Package installer
• Amazon Web
Services
• S3, CloudFront, CLI

12. Technical Skills
• JavaScript/HTML/CSS
• Frameworks
• Web RTC (Real-Time
Communication)
• Web components
• Version Control
• Agile Development
• Debugging

13. Other Lessons
• Time Management
• Independent project
• Motivated by passion
• What it’s like to be a software
developer
• Weekly visits to office
• Meetings
• Don’t walk through construction sites

14. Tips for Future Shadows
• Pick something you are passionate about!
• Great mentorship opportunity
• Learn a new technology!
• i.e. Frameworks, languages
• Ask questions
• Your mentor is very experienced!
• Talk to people
• Become the social butterfly of the office!

15. Thank You!
Any Questions? Contact me at
kaylabarrera2@gmail.com