Field Notes/Development
Development

Why I Built an AWS Reviewer App

The story behind creating a study tool that helped me and others pass certification exams.

Marc Ocampo
|August 2025|4 min read

Key Takeaways

Necessity is the mother of invention. I built the AWS CLF-C02 Reviewer because existing tools didn't fit my study style.

The Problem

Most practice exam sites were either too expensive, too cluttered, or lacked good explanations. I wanted something minimal, fast, and focused on learning—not just testing.

The Solution

A React app with Firebase backend, featuring 400+ curated questions with detailed explanations. No ads, no distractions, just pure studying. I even added a multiplayer mode for friendly competition.

Sometimes the best projects come from solving your own problems.

The Impact

The app became a personal project that others actually used. Seeing classmates pass their exams using something I built was incredibly rewarding.

Building tools for yourself often results in the most authentic products. You understand the pain points intimately, and you're building for someone (yourself) who will give brutally honest feedback.

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