Full-Stack E-Commerce website with MERN

Part 1: Backend Server Setup

1. Clone the Repository: Open your computer's terminal or command prompt window and download the project code files from your online repository to your local system.
2. Navigate to the Project Folder: Move your terminal path directly into the main project root folder that was just created.
3. Enter the Backend Directory: Change your folder directory to go inside the dedicated backend folder.
4. Install Backend Dependencies: Run the package installer command to automatically download and configure all necessary Node.js server packages and libraries.
5. Create the Environment File: In the root of your backend folder, create a new text file and save it exactly under the name .env.
6. Configure Environment Variables: Open the newly created environment file in a text editor and define your variables by entering the server port number, your MongoDB database connection string, and a secure text key for user authentication tokens.
7. Start the API Server: Run the start script to initialize your database connection and launch the server application. Keep this terminal window open so the backend stays active.

Part 2: Frontend Client Setup

1. Open a New Terminal Window: Launch a completely fresh, separate terminal or command prompt window without closing the one running your backend server.
2. Enter the Frontend Directory: Navigate your new terminal window into the main project folder, and then go straight into the frontend workspace folder.
3. Install Frontend Dependencies: Run the package installer command within this folder to download all required user interface modules, React layouts, and visual design libraries.
4. Launch the User Interface: Execute the project development script to compile the frontend code and launch your interactive web application. Your default web browser will automatically open to display the marketplace home screen.

A. The Buyer Workflow (Shopping & Purchasing)

• How They Interact: A buyer lands on the homepage, browses unique crafts, and uses the search or filter bars to find specific items.
• The Workflow:

1. The buyer registers an account or logs in.
2. They browse categories (e.g., pottery, textiles, woodwork) and apply filters like price range or artisan rating.
3. They click a product to see details, add items to their dynamic shopping cart, and adjust quantities.
4. They proceed to the checkout screen to fill in shipping details and submit the order.

B. The Artisan Workflow (Store & Inventory Management)

• How They Interact: Artisans access a dedicated seller dashboard to manage their digital storefront without needing any technical or coding knowledge.
• The Workflow:

1. The artisan logs into their specialized account.
2. To add a new product, they fill out a form with the item's title, price, description, available stock, and upload an image.
3. They use the dashboard table to update prices, restock items, or delete products they no longer make.
4. They view an earnings summary panel to monitor their total sales performance.

Backend Server & API Hosting (Node.js & Express.js)

• Operating System: Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer recommended) or Windows Server.
• Processor (CPU): Minimum 1 vCPU (Virtual CPU).
• Memory (RAM): 1 GB RAM minimum (2 GB recommended if handling heavy traffic or concurrent image uploads).
• Runtime: Node.js v18.x or v20.x (LTS versions).

Database Server (MongoDB)

• Hosting Choice: MongoDB Atlas (Cloud) or a self-hosted instance.
• Storage Space: 512 MB minimum (free tier) for testing; 10 GB+ recommended for production to store high-quality artisan product images and user data.
• RAM: 2 GB+ RAM dedicated to the database for smooth query execution and indexing.

Frontend Hosting (React.js)

• Hosting Platform: Vercel, Netlify, or AWS S3 (since React builds into static HTML/JS/CSS files).
• Requirements: Virtually zero server overhead because it serves static assets directly to the user's browser.