Task

PDFPagesManager addresses a practical problem: PDFPagesManager is a tool for automatic processing and modification of PDF files by removing specific pages based on their count, ensuring effective document management. It creates modified copies of PDF files while preserving the originals.

The project is related to commercial development and has been completed and is in use. It is associated with services: Full-stack web applications and dashboards.

The case demonstrates the approach to tasks in the area of "Full-stack web applications and dashboards": from requirements gathering to delivery with a clear module structure.

Before starting, we established readiness criteria: a clear first screen, predictable form errors, and the ability to make enhancements without rewriting half of the codebase.

Solution

A comprehensive yet educational implementation was made, focusing on code readability and reproducible builds.

The scenarios are designed so that the main actions fit within one or two screens: fewer transitions lead to fewer input errors. Navigation and field labels are aligned with familiar patterns — users do not need to "learn the interface".

Particular attention was given to loading states and empty lists: skeleton/spinner where data arrives asynchronously, and clear empty-state texts instead of an empty table.

Architecture and stack

Server and data: nodejs.

Infrastructure and utilities: pdf-lib.

Language distribution in the repository: JavaScript (100%).

The layers are separated so that the UI is unaware of transport details: API/storage adapters, domain types, presentation components. This simplifies backend replacement and targeted UX adjustments.

Key features

• pdf-lib — used in the product logic: reduces the amount of custom code and speeds up the addition of new screens.
• nodejs — used in the product logic: reduces the amount of custom code and speeds up the addition of new screens.

Additionally:

• Integration and use of pdf-lib in product logic and interface.
• Integration and use of nodejs in product logic and interface.
• User input validation and clear error messages.

Result

The project has been brought to a working state: the team/user receives a stable tool instead of manual tables and correspondence. The time for routine operations has been reduced due to automation in the interface.

The source code is open: https://github.com/astropsy999/PDFPagesManager — the structure of modules and commit style can be assessed.

What I would improve

The next step is observability (logs/metrics), regression tests, and API documentation for integrators. For high-load scenarios — profiling bottlenecks and caching reference data.