Rebuilding Love: A Seamless Rewrite of RBL Matchmaking's Dating Platform
In early 2024, RBL Matchmaking LLC—a US-based dating app company—reached out to me with a critical mission: modernize their entire digital platform. The existing infrastructure was outdated, built on PHP and MySQL for the backend, an older version of React Native for the mobile app, and a legacy React setup for the admin panel.
I was contracted to rewrite the entire stack—a high-impact overhaul that involved backend migration, frontend reconstruction, and careful, zero-downtime data migration for a user base of over 170,000 people.
Project Scope
- Backend Migration: From PHP & MySQL to Node.js & PostgreSQL
- Mobile App Rewrite: Using the latest React Native and modern UI principles
- Admin Panel Rebuild: Rewritten in modern React
- Data Migration: Migrated over 170,000 users to the new system without any downtime
Key Features & Engineering Highlights
1. Matching Algorithm
A significant part of the rebuild was implementing a robust, scalable matching algorithm that would enhance compatibility-based connections between users.
2. Image Verification System
To reduce catfishing and ensure authenticity, I implemented an image verification feature. Users are prompted to take a live photo using their camera, which is then compared against their uploaded images—improving trust and platform integrity.
3. Seamless Data Migration
Migrating 170,000+ user accounts from MySQL to PostgreSQL was a complex challenge. I designed a custom migration pipeline that ensured:
- No data loss
- Full alignment with the new database schema
- Zero downtime for users during the transition
Impact
The migration and platform upgrade were completed smoothly. Since the new version went live, the platform has grown by over 7,000 new users, with improved app performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Tech Stack:
- Backend: Node.js, PostgreSQL
- Mobile: React Native (latest)
- Admin Panel: React.js
- Legacy Migration: PHP, MySQL
