Why I Built My Portfolio (And Why You Should Too)

Intro:

Let’s kick things off with the why. As developers, we spend so much time coding and building amazing things, yet our work often stays hidden behind lines of code. A portfolio isn’t just for showing off; it’s your personal brand in one place. Here’s why I decided to build mine, and why you should too.

1. The Struggle of "Just" Coding

I used to believe that being a good developer meant you just needed to be great at writing code. But here's the catch: code is invisible. If you want to stand out in a sea of talented devs, you need a way to showcase not just your projects, but also who you are as a professional. That’s where a portfolio comes in.

2. It’s Your Personal Brand

A portfolio is more than just a collection of projects. It’s your story, your brand, and your first impression. Think about it: when potential clients or employers Google you (and they will), what do they find? A static LinkedIn page, or a curated website that showcases your best work and your personality?

When I built my portfolio, I wanted to make it not just a display of my skills, but a representation of who I am as a developer. It’s a place where I can share my thoughts, my learning journey, and most importantly, my passion for development.

A portfolio is more than just a collection of projects—it's a reflection of your journey, growth, and the impact you’re making in the world.

export default async function handler(req, res) {
  const response = await fetch('https://api.example.com/data');
  const data = await response.json();
  
  res.status(200).json(data);
}

Projects Speak Louder Than Code

A project isn’t just a chunk of code; it’s a solution to a problem. In your portfolio, focus on the project as a whole—the challenges you faced, how you solved them, and the impact your work has had. Show the end result (like a beautifully designed, user-friendly application), rather than delving too deeply into the technical aspects unless the audience specifically wants that level of detail.

For instance, instead of just displaying an API route, explain the problem it solved for the user and highlight the user experience improvements. This allows potential clients to connect with your work and understand how it can help their business.

So, when building your portfolio, make sure you’re presenting real-world projects that demonstrate your ability to deliver value, not just technical depth. Keep the code under the hood, and focus on outcomes.

4. You’re Always Evolving

Here’s the best part: your portfolio is never “finished.” As you grow, so does your portfolio. Whether it’s adding new projects, writing blogs, or improving the design, it’s a reflection of your ongoing journey as a developer. And every update makes it a little bit better. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of launching something that you built yourself and saying, "Yep, this is me."

Conclusion

In the end, your portfolio is a reflection of your journey as a developer and a gateway to new opportunities. While it’s tempting to showcase every piece of code you’ve written, remember that balance is key. Yes, your technical expertise matters, but the real impact of your work is what potential clients are looking for.