GigEasy

Launching GigEasy: Simplifying Gigs for Everyone

As a software engineering student, I’ve always wanted to build something practical—something that could make people’s lives easier while also challenging me as a developer. That’s why I created GigEasy, a platform where users can post gigs and others can apply to do them. It’s now live at gigeasy.ngrok.app, and I’m excited to share how it came to be.

Purpose and Vision

The idea behind GigEasy is simple: connect people who need small tasks done with those looking to earn some extra cash. Whether it’s mowing a lawn, tutoring, or assembling furniture, GigEasy makes it easier to find and apply for these gigs.

I wanted the platform to be especially useful for students, freelancers, and anyone looking for flexible, quick opportunities. Unlike traditional job boards, which focus on long-term employment, GigEasy is built for everyday tasks that people can complete on their own schedule.

Building the Platform

Developing GigEasy required leveraging my expertise in C#, .NET, and Blazor to create a functional and user-friendly experience. The backend is powered by EF Core and SQL Server, ensuring smooth database operations, while the frontend uses Blazor to deliver an interactive UI. I also implemented email verification for secure sign-ups and a messaging system so users can communicate easily.

Some key features include:

• Post and Apply for Gigs – Employers can post tasks, and applicants can browse and apply.
• Application Tracking – Employers can accept or reject applications, and workers can see their status.
• Messaging System – Once an employer accepts an application, they can chat with the worker directly.
• Review System – After a gig is completed, both parties can leave reviews, ensuring trust and quality.
• Job Filtering – Users can filter gigs based on required skills to find the best match.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I faced was ensuring the platform remained accessible, especially for tech-illiterate users, who are likely to be a big part of the employer base. To solve this, I focused on keeping the UI clean and intuitive. Additionally, I had to think about cost-effective hosting and initially deployed the site using ngrok for easy access during development.

What’s Next?

While GigEasy is live and functional, there’s always room for improvement. Some future enhancements I’m considering include:

• A mobile app to make the platform even more accessible.
• Payment integration so users can pay and receive money directly through the platform.
• Location-based gig recommendations to make it easier to find jobs nearby.

Conclusion

GigEasy is my first major attempt at building a real-world software product, and I’m proud of how it turned out. It combines my love for programming with the practical goal of helping people find work and get things done efficiently. If you’re looking for small gigs or need a quick task completed, check it out at gigeasy.ngrok.app!

I’d love to hear your feedback—feel free to reach out with suggestions or thoughts!