v1.0.0

Release v1.0.0

Overview

This release marks the initial version of the Merchandise mini e-commerce website. It includes the core functionalities required for showcasing products from the Fake Store API, with a focus on a responsive and user-friendly design.

New Features

• Homepage:

  • Integrated slider showcasing featured products.
  • Display of products from a selected category.
  • List of product categories for easy navigation.

• Category Page:

  • Listing of products filtered by category.
  • Option to browse and view products within each category.

• Product Page:

  • Detailed view of each product, including description, price, and image.

• Additional Features:

  • Basic user session management.
  • Custom 404 error page for handling invalid URLs.

Improvements

• Implemented a mobile-first design approach using Bootstrap for a responsive layout.
• Optimized the user interface for better accessibility and visual appeal.
• Integrated Bootstrap with a minimal custom CSS to enhance styling while maintaining performance.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed issues related to incorrect display of product images.
• Resolved errors in API data fetching and display.

Notes

• API Access: The Fake Store API is accessed via a PHP layer to prevent direct exposure of the API endpoints.
• Testing: PHPUnit tests have been included but may require additional configuration on certain environments.
• CSS Optimization: Efforts were made to optimize CSS using PurgeCSS, though further refinements may be needed.

Future Enhancements

• Consideration of upgrading to a framework like Laravel or Symfony for improved MVC architecture.
• Planned improvements include enhanced SEO, database integration, and additional features such as user login, shopping cart functionality, and payment processing.