# 🚀 Quick Start Guide

Get your LFG9 Forums testing environment running in minutes!

## Prerequisites

- Node.js 18+ installed
- AWS credentials configured (already done ✅)
- Internet connection

## Quick Setup (5 minutes)

### 1. Install Dependencies

```bash
# Navigate to project root
cd lfg9-forums

# Install all dependencies for both frontend and backend
npm run setup
```

### 2. Set Up Database Tables

```bash
# Create DynamoDB tables in AWS
npm run setup-db
```

### 3. Start Development Servers

```bash
# Start both frontend and backend servers
npm run dev
```

This will start:
- **Backend API**: http://localhost:3000
- **Frontend App**: http://localhost:5173

## 🎯 What You'll See

1. **Homepage**: Beautiful dark-themed landing page
2. **Authentication**: Login/Register with the dark UI
3. **Categories**: Forum categories listing
4. **Rich Text Editor**: TipTap editor with all formatting options

## 🔧 Manual Setup (Alternative)

If the quick setup doesn't work, you can start services individually:

### Backend

```bash
cd backend
npm install
npm run dev
```

### Frontend  

```bash
cd frontend  
npm install
npm run dev
```

## 📊 Test the Application

1. **Visit**: http://localhost:5173
2. **Register**: Create a new account
3. **Browse**: Check out the categories page
4. **Experience**: The dark theme and rich text editor

## 🛠️ Troubleshooting

### DynamoDB Connection Issues

If tables don't create automatically:

```bash
# Verify AWS credentials
aws sts get-caller-identity

# Manually create tables
node setup-dev-tables.js
```

### Port Conflicts

If ports 3000 or 5173 are in use:

**Backend (.env)**:
```
PORT=3001
```

**Frontend**: Vite will auto-detect and suggest alternative ports

### CORS Issues

Make sure the CORS origin in `backend/.env` matches your frontend URL:
```
CORS_ORIGIN=http://localhost:5173
```

## 🎨 Features to Test

- ✅ **Dark Theme**: Custom color palette throughout
- ✅ **Authentication**: Register/Login system  
- ✅ **Responsive Design**: Test on mobile/tablet
- ✅ **Rich Text Editor**: Try all formatting options
- ✅ **Navigation**: Header menu and routing
- ✅ **Error Handling**: See validation messages

## 🔄 Development Workflow

1. **Backend changes**: Auto-restart with nodemon
2. **Frontend changes**: Hot module reload with Vite
3. **Database**: Tables persist in AWS DynamoDB
4. **Files**: S3 bucket for file uploads

## 📁 Important URLs

- **Frontend**: http://localhost:5173
- **Backend API**: http://localhost:3000
- **Health Check**: http://localhost:3000/health
- **AWS Console**: https://console.aws.amazon.com/dynamodb/

## ⚡ Next Steps

1. **Create Categories**: Add forum categories (admin required)
2. **Post Content**: Test the rich text editor
3. **Upload Images**: Try file uploads to S3
4. **Mobile Testing**: Check responsive design
5. **Customize**: Modify colors or add features

## 🆘 Need Help?

- Check browser console for errors
- Verify AWS credentials and permissions
- Ensure all dependencies installed correctly
- Look at the server logs for API issues

**Enjoy testing your LFG9 Forums application! 🎮✨**