The last two weeks have been focused on building the Flask API, the core backend of my skin cancer detection app, with an emphasis on speed, efficiency, and user-friendliness. The API now handles image uploads, processes them through the AI model, and delivers accurate predictions about potential skin cancer spots, all within a second. After processing, the images are automatically deleted from the server to ensure privacy and maintain user trust, which is a critical aspect of this project. With the API’s core functionality now stable, I have shifted my attention to integrating it with the front-end using Next.js, aiming for a seamless user experience where users can easily upload images and receive AI-generated feedback with minimal effort.
One of the major challenges I encountered was ensuring consistent and clear communication between the front-end and back-end systems, especially when handling responses. To address this, I designed a custom JSON structure to standardize the data exchange, ensuring that all responses, whether they are success messages, error notifications, or prediction results, are processed consistently. This structured format not only simplifies front-end development but also reduces the risk of miscommunication between different parts of the system, leading to a more reliable app. I also created detailed API documentation outlining how the custom JSON structure works, the expected inputs and outputs, and how the front end should interpret the responses, which will help streamline the integration process.
Looking ahead, my focus will be on refining the user interface, ensuring it’s intuitive and responsive while also guaranteeing smooth communication with the Flask API. Additionally, I will conduct rigorous testing to ensure the entire system operates efficiently, from image upload to AI predictions and response delivery. I am confident that the solid foundation I have built with the API will enable me to move forward and create a high-functioning, user-friendly product that meets the project’s goals. This phase has been a crucial step in the app’s development, and I look forward to seeing how the app evolves in the coming stages.