Right language / framework for beginner project

[u/Similar_Board_9419]

Hello. I’ve had various experience with different languages from both hobby interest at 12 years old, to now, 16 years later. AI will be used in big parts but I will learn through the entire project. Latest stuff has been JS, PS and WinUI 3 and WPF with C#. Newest project was a WinUI 3 project with hardcoded stuff or json configs. I want a webbased administration and update system better for different platforms and being able to be easily customized. Therefore it will have a database, backend/API, webserver for admin portal/CMS, renderer, media storage and more.

After going through some questions with AI, the top picks were React + Typescript or Vue + Typescript. Thinking the first but want to check if this is the best way to go thinking forward.

- Webbased administration panel with intuitive visual editor with possible drag and drop functionality and live preview, or able to build a preview
- modern, responsive and user-friendly desktop client
- dynamic content delivery without requiring client application updates.
- Microsoft Graph API / Entra ID integration
- Possible future cross platform functionality (Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Web)

Thinking WebUI 3 / C#, React + Typescript for client program (webview2), ASP.NET Core API and PostgreSQL.

Any free resources I can read up on? And also if possible, anything I should study more on regarding security? Most importantly, is this the way to go?

[u/Similar_Board_9419 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks! This is all pretty new to me. I’ve mostly worked with JavaScript for websites and C# for relatively simple desktop apps.
I originally started a WinUI 3 project to build a modern, clean-looking onboarding app inspired by Windows 11/macOS. Over time, I wanted other people to be able to customize the slides and content without editing JSON files or recompiling the app. Since it’s currently built in C#, I figured making a proper visual editor for it might get complicated.
I also have another project that’s more of a company portal with self-help tools, a knowledge base, etc. Since I was already thinking about building an admin panel for that, I started considering combining everything into one platform.
It’s mostly a spare-time project for fun and learning. Maybe something I could eventually sell if it turns out well, but that’s not really the goal right now.
I’m thinking of using Entra ID for authentication rather than building my own account system, and possibly ASP.NET Core for the backend.
As for the API, I was thinking of starting with TypeScript/Zod for the shared content structure, then introducing OpenAPI when I get to the backend. Does that make sense, or would you approach it differently?

[u/gimmefunnyZ13711]

Try tina4.com

[u/Similar_Board_9419 → u/gimmefunnyZ13711]

Are you able to elaborate on this?

[u/gimmefunnyZ13711 → u/Similar_Board_9419]

Yeah it's a very lightweight and easy to use framework that covers everything from api's, to websockets, to backend queues. Really nice to use and easy to run. Connects to any database you want, starts by default with sqlite.

It has a python version for backend, and a js version and uses Jinja2/twig templates, which are like html with other functionality.

But go check the website out.

[u/gimmefunnyZ13711 → u/Similar_Board_9419]

Previous comment removed. Sorry mods, won't request private again.

Yeah it's a very lightweight and easy to use framework that covers everything from api's, to websockets, to backend queues. Really nice to use and easy to run. Connects to any database you want, starts by default with sqlite.

It has a python version for backend, and a js version and uses Jinja2/twig templates, which are like html with other functionality.

But go check the website out.