API development Case study

A production API built to scale clients, not hosting costs.

A production-ready API and deployment platform rebuilt from a proof of concept.

Focus Backend rebuild
Work API engineering & deployment
Technology Python · Django · PostgreSQL · Docker · K3s
Outcome A production-ready product platform

The proof of concept had to become a production backend without turning infrastructure cost into a product constraint.

VanUse had a .NET and SQL Server proof of concept that needed to become a dependable backend for new web and mobile products.

The work rebuilt the API around Python, Django and PostgreSQL, then shaped a deployment model that could change as the product matured.

A production backend connecting every client to infrastructure that fits the product.

  1. 01

    Rebuild

    Redesign the proof of concept as a Python and Django API backed by PostgreSQL.

  2. 02

    Serve

    Support the React web application and Flutter mobile application from one production API.

  3. 03

    Deploy

    Standardise with Docker, then move to physical K3s servers managed through Ansible and Terraform.

Build for production, then keep improving the economics.

Product foundation

From proof of concept to production

The original .NET and Microsoft SQL Server proof of concept was redesigned as a Python and Django backend using PostgreSQL.

The backend and API were rebuilt to support a new React web application and a Flutter mobile application, along with the additional features required for production use.

Infrastructure

Deployment that fits the product

Development and production environments were containerised with Docker. The first deployment used Azure and Azure Kubernetes Service.

The platform was later moved to physical servers running K3s for substantial cost savings, with Ansible and Terraform managing servers and deployments.

A stronger API. Two product clients. A leaner way to run it.

  • 01Redesigned and rebuilt the backend API.
  • 02Supported React and Flutter clients.
  • 03Containerised development and production.
  • 04Reduced hosting costs through K3s migration.