Each record in the DoorknobPost table represents a single opinion post.
The post_date field should be a MySQL TIMESTAMP field, and contains the date and time that the post was
created. You may achieve this using the DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP declaration in your CREATE
TABLE statement.
The likes field is an integer value indicating how many people have "liked" the opinion.
The reply_to field is a nullable foreign key, which indicates which post, if any, each post is a reply to. A
NULL reply_to indicates that the post is not a reply.
The assignment tasks are closely associated with the lab work of topics 7 to 10. Code and examples from
lectures and labs should be a useful guide throughout this assignment. The assignment requires a number
of files and a report to be produced. The report should respond to written tasks that are included below
Initial task
Create the above database using your existing SQL skills. You will need at least eight opinions about
doorknobs. At least three posts should be replies.
At least one of the posts should be written by somebody called user30341328.
Invent or discover your own data. Cite data sources appropriately in your report, or alternatively include a
source field in your database.
Submit your SQL file as part of your assignment.
JSON markup
Mark up the complete data using JSON and save it as a .json file. Check that the file is valid JSON and
report the method used to validate.
Submit this file as part of your assignment.
Back-end API
Create a RESTful JSON API using PHP, implementing at least the following functionality:
List all top-level opinion posts (GET)
Should include id, name, text, likes for posts with a NULL reply_to value.

Use an optional querystring/GET parameter to allow sorting by post_date and likes.
Retrieve all details for a particular post (GET)
including replies
Create a new post (POST)
Increment the likes value for an opinion (POST)
Decrement the likes value for an opinion (POST)
Note that it is ok to unlike a post that you never liked - this may result in the likes field being negative.
The Like and Unlike methods are not strictly following RESTful practices, as they are not
implemented by transferring state. You may choose to use the PUT method instead.
Follow HATEOAS (Hypermedia as the Engine of Application State) practices. Include a note in your report
about how you have followed HATEOAS.
Under Apache, this step will require configuring a .htaccess file to allow using clean URLs (without a .php
extension)
Front-end
Create an HTML/CSS/JS page which uses JavaScript, AJAX, the DOM and your back-end API to:
Display a global timeline of all top level doorknob opinion posts. Sort the list by date, with the most
recent first.
Allow the user to submit a new top-level post, which will be displayed immediately in the review list.
Display the details of an individual post when clicked, including all direct replies.
Allow the user to reply to a top-level post. The reply should be displayed immediately.
Allow the user to "like" a post by clicking on a link or button.
Periodically (every 5 seconds), update the page with new posts or replies and updated "like" counts. This
should not remove any text currently being entered in any forms.
The last requirement can be tested by opening your site in multiple browser tabs at the same time
All functionality should be implemented using JavaScript, the DOM and the backend API, without
reloading/refreshing the browser page.
Bonus tasks (Completely optional!)
These tasks are 100% optional, and you can receive full marks without attempting or completing them.
They are intended to be a challenge if you are interested in such things, and the marks available do not
reflect the significant research and effort required to implement them correctly.
Bonus task one: WebSockets
Instead of polling every 5 seconds, use WebSockets to notify browsers when the content they are viewing
has changed.
Implement your WebSocket server using either Python or Node.js. You may use an existing WebSocket
library.

CRICOS Provider No. 00103D Page 4 of 5
Bonus task two: Token-based authentication
Implement optional signup/login, also using AJAX techniques, which allows deleting posts and remembering
likes.
Use JWT token-based authentication, rather than cookies / PHP sessions.
Bonus task three: GraphQL in Python
Using Python and the Graphene and SQLAlchemy libraries, implement a new API using GraphQL.
Create a variant of your front-end that uses your new GraphQL API instead of REST.
Further details
Please note that there are no marks for aesthetics, so please spend your time appropriately. It is acceptable
to use third-party CSS frameworks such as Bootstrap, Skeleton, Bourbon or similar if you wish, as long as
you reference appropriately in your report. Third-party JavaScript is not acceptable, nor is code obtained
through online Q&A sites such as StackOverflow.
Documentation
Include a written report containing:
A statement of completion;
Details of specific assistance you received from people other than your lecturer or tutor, and the names
of those assisting;
References to any third-party CSS frameworks if applicable;
Anything interesting or cool you'd like to draw to your marker's attention.