Case Study: Parent Love Link
A secure, responsive social & dating platform designed for single parents—balancing community warmth with intentional connection.
Overview
Parent Love Link is a custom-built social networking and dating platform specifically for single parents seeking authentic connection and emotional support. It prioritizes family compatibility, meaningful conversation, and a safe, moderated community—combining the warmth of a social space with the intentionality of a dating app.
Category
Social & Dating Platform
Client
SolarSoft Media, LLC (In-house)
Technologies
PHP, MySQL (PDO), JavaScript, Bootstrap 5, Custom CSS, AJAX
Duration
Ongoing (2024–Present)
Objectives
- Develop a full membership system with secure registration, email verification, and hashed passwords.
- Implement dynamic interest matching by hobbies, values, and parenting styles.
- Deliver a mobile-responsive design optimized for smooth performance.
- Include a customizable theme system and poll-based engagement features.
- Maintain full control over data security using PHP PDO and server-side validation.
Design & Development
The interface uses Bootstrap 5 with clean typography and rounded edges to match the welcoming tone of the brand, while keeping payloads lean for fast interaction.
Front-End Enhancements
- Custom CSS transitions (
.fade-container,.splash-section) for smooth visuals. - JavaScript-driven modals for profile editing, polls, and interest selection.
- Interactive theme selector with ~15 categories and 80+ sub-themes for personalization.
Back-End Architecture
- Modular PHP structure (A–V Files.php) for scalability and consistent naming.
- AJAX endpoints for non-blocking profile updates and polls.
- Layered configuration for environment portability and maintainability.
Security
- Parameterized queries via PHP PDO to prevent SQL injection.
- Sanitization and validation for all user input.
- Bcrypt password hashing and secure reset workflows.
Performance
- Responsive image strategy and careful media sizing to reduce CLS.
- Deferred scripts and minimal blocking JS for fast TTI.
- Lean components for excellent UX on mobile and desktop.
Key Features
🔒 Secure Authentication
Encrypted login, email verification, and password reset flows.
🧭 Interest-Based Matching
Dynamic filters for hobbies, lifestyle, and relationship goals.
🎨 Customizable Themes
Profile personalization via categories and sub-themes.
🗳️ Interactive Polls
Real-time community engagement with voting and results.
📱 Responsive Design
Optimized layouts for both mobile and desktop users.
Outcome
Parent Love Link progressed from concept to a near-production prototype integrating front-end interactivity, secure database handling, and visual flexibility. The architecture lays the foundation for a unified SolarSoft login powering multiple SolarSoft Media products.
Next Steps
- Integrate private messaging and video chat.
- Expand analytics and content moderation tools.
- Develop a mobile counterpart (React Native or Unity WebView).