Hey everyone,
I need some honest advice from experienced developers about a freelance project I've been offered.
A little about me:
- I have less than 1 year of development experience.
- I've built a few small applications but haven't developed a large production-level application yet.
- I'm familiar with JavaScript and planning to use Node.js for the backend.
- I'm comfortable using AI coding tools and willing to invest in paid subscriptions like Claude Code or Cursor.
- I can dedicate myself full-time (8–10 hours daily) to this project.
About the project:
A friend of mine owns a web development company. His company is about to close a deal with a client for a custom Learning Management System (LMS), and he wants to hire me as the sole developer.
The company will provide the UI/UX designs, and I'll be responsible for developing the entire application from scratch, including the frontend, backend, database, integrations, testing and deployment.
The LMS requirements include:
Five dashboards: Super Admin, Coordinator, Trainer, Student and Corporate Admin.
Program, batch and session management.
Live class integration and recorded video lessons.
Assignments, quizzes, tests and grading.
Attendance and student progress tracking.
Fee management and installment tracking (not necessarily an online payment gateway).
Certificate generation and QR-based verification.
Notifications and announcements.
Reports and analytics.
Corporate training and employee management.
The client expects a working, deployable system, not just a prototype.
Here's the catch:
- Development budget for me: ₹1,00,000 (~$1,100)
- Deadline: 30–45 days
- Team: Just me
- Development approach: Heavy use of AI coding tools
- UI/UX: Provided by the company
My friend has already quoted the client and is close to finalizing the deal.
I'm considering this opportunity because it could give me valuable real-world experience building a complex application.
However, I'm concerned about the scope, deadline, my limited experience and the possibility of getting stuck with a project I can't finish.
My questions:
Is it realistically possible for a solo developer to build this LMS in 30–45 days using AI tools extensively?
Would an experienced developer be able to deliver this within the same budget and timeline?
Is ₹1 lakh reasonable compensation for this scope?
Should I accept it for the learning experience, negotiate a smaller MVP, or reject it?
If you've built an LMS or a similarly complex SaaS application, how long did it take you?
I'm willing to work hard and learn whatever is required, but I don't want to make an unrealistic commitment that creates problems for both me and the client.
What would you do in my position?
I'd especially appreciate advice from developers who've worked on LMS platforms, large full-stack applications, or AI-assisted development projects.