lfg9-forums/QUICK_START.md
Developer 097d5c4109 init
2025-09-02 14:05:42 -05:00

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# 🚀 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! 🎮✨**