My Dictionary

My Dictionary is a personal language-learning platform designed to help users build and maintain their own vocabulary database. The application allows users to search dictionary entries, save words, idioms, and sentences into custom wordbooks, and organize learning materials for long-term memorization.

The platform integrates the Collins Dictionary API and supports English, English–French, and French–English dictionaries, providing a centralized environment for language learners.

Key Features

Dictionary Search

• Real-time word lookup using the Collins Dictionary API
• Support for English, English–French, and French–English dictionaries
• Detailed definitions, pronunciations, and language-specific entries
• Persistent search state using cookies

Personal Wordbooks

• Create and manage multiple vocabulary lists
• Save words, expressions, and example sentences
• Organize learning materials by topic or category
• Duplicate prevention for wordbook creation

Vocabulary Management

• Add new entries directly from dictionary search results
• Edit custom definitions and notes
• Remove outdated or unnecessary entries
• Store both original dictionary definitions and personalized explanations

Authentication System

• Email-based sign-up and sign-in
• Email verification workflow
• Secure session management with Supabase Auth
• Protected user-specific data

User Experience

• Responsive interface optimized for desktop and mobile devices
• Persistent language preferences
• Dark mode support
• Fast navigation using Next.js App Router

Technical Challenges

Dictionary Data Processing

The Collins Dictionary API returns rich HTML content that requires additional parsing and transformation before display. Custom utility functions were implemented to extract pronunciations, clean definitions, and normalize dictionary entries for a consistent user experience.

Scalable Vocabulary Storage

The application was designed around a relational database structure that supports users, wordbooks, and vocabulary entries while maintaining data integrity and efficient retrieval.

Authentication and Security

Supabase Authentication was integrated to provide secure account management, email verification, and user-specific content isolation without requiring a custom authentication server.

Result

The project provides a complete vocabulary management workflow, enabling users to search, collect, organize, and review language-learning materials in a single platform. It demonstrates full-stack development skills including API integration, authentication, database design, state management, and modern Next.js architecture.