# Local Backend Setup Guide

## Prerequisites
- Node.js 16+ installed
- MongoDB installed and running
- Git for cloning repository

## Step 1: Clone and Setup Backend

```bash
# Clone the MeetMe backend repository
git clone https://github.com/Andyss4545/meetme-backend-api.git
cd meetme-backend-api

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Create environment file
cp .env.example .env
```

## Step 2: Configure Environment

Create `.env` file with local configuration:

```env
# Server Configuration
PORT=3000
NODE_ENV=development

# MongoDB Configuration
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/meetme_dev

# JWT Configuration
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret_key_here
JWT_EXPIRES_IN=7d

# API Configuration
API_BASE_URL=http://localhost:3000/api/v1
CORS_ORIGIN=http://localhost:3000

# Bot Configuration
BOT_RATE_LIMIT=100
BOT_TIMEOUT=30000
```

## Step 3: Database Setup

```bash
# Start MongoDB (if not running)
mongod

# Create database and collections
mongo meetme_dev
```

## Step 4: Start Backend Server

```bash
# Development mode with auto-reload
npm run dev

# Or production mode
npm start
```

## Step 5: Verify API Endpoints

Test the API endpoints:

```bash
# Health check
curl http://localhost:3000/api/v1/health

# Get users
curl http://localhost:3000/api/v1/users

# Create test user
curl -X POST http://localhost:3000/api/v1/users \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "username": "testuser",
    "email": "test@example.com",
    "password": "password123"
  }'
```

## Step 6: Bot Integration Testing

Update Python bot configuration to use local API:

```env
# In your .env file for Python bots
API_BASE_URL=http://localhost:3000/api/v1
API_USERNAME=your_test_user
API_PASSWORD=your_test_password
```

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues:
1. **MongoDB Connection**: Ensure MongoDB is running on port 27017
2. **Port Conflicts**: Change PORT in .env if 3000 is occupied
3. **CORS Issues**: Update CORS_ORIGIN in .env for your frontend
4. **JWT Errors**: Generate a strong JWT_SECRET

### Debug Commands:
```bash
# Check MongoDB status
mongo --eval "db.adminCommand('ping')"

# Check Node.js server logs
npm run dev

# Test API endpoints
curl -v http://localhost:3000/api/v1/health
```