Recommendation algorithms usually act like black boxes. I wanted to build a movie matchmaker that maps your mood to database tags without hiding the math.
I deployed the latest version on my side project. Getting the logic right forced me to solve a few ugly database problems.
Graceful degradation for SQL queries
Users demand hyper-specific things. They click sliders hoping for a 9.0+ rated 1980s sci-fi thriller about time travel.
A strict SQL query usually returns zero results for that. Blank screens kill engagement.
