SkillSwap – A Peer-to-Peer Learning Hub

SkillSwap is a full-stack web application designed to connect learners with mentors for skill exchange and knowledge sharing. It provides a platform for users to create skill posts, discover learning opportunities, book sessions, and engage in real-time communication.

Technologies Used

Frontend:

• React.js (JSX)
• Vite
• Tailwind CSS
• React Router
• Formik and Yup (Form Validation)
• Axios (API Integration)

Backend:

• Node.js
• Express.js
• MongoDB
• Mongoose (ODM)
• JWT (Authentication)
• bcrypt (Password Hashing)
• Nodemailer (Email)
• Twilio (SMS - Optional)
• Multer or Cloudinary (File Uploads)
• Socket.io (Real-Time Chat - Optional)
• Jitsi Meet (Video Calls)

Core Features

• User Authentication (Login, Signup, Forgot/Reset Password)
• User Roles (Learner, Mentor, Admin, Dual-role)
• Skill Posts (Create, Edit, Delete, Feed)
• Skill Discovery (Search, Filter)
• Session Booking System
• Video Calls via Jitsi
• Rating & Review System
• User Profiles
• Admin Dashboard
• Comments and Bookmarks
• Dark Mode Toggle
• Multi-step Forms
• Notifications (Toasts, Email, SMS)
• Progress Tracker UI
• Responsive UI
• Route Protection
• Real-Time Chat (Optional)

Setup Instructions

Prerequisites:

• Node.js and npm/yarn installed
• MongoDB instance running

Clone the repository:

bash
git clone <repository_url>
cd skillswap

Frontend Setup:

1. Navigate to the frontend directory:

bash
    cd frontend
    

2. Install dependencies:

bash
    npm install # or yarn install
    

3. Create a .env file in the frontend directory and add your environment variables (e.g., API base URL):

env
    VITE_API_BASE_URL=<your_backend_api_url>
    # Add other frontend specific variables here
    

4. Start the development server:

bash
    npm run dev # or yarn dev
    

Backend Setup:

1. Navigate to the backend directory:

bash
    cd backend
    

2. Install dependencies:

bash
    npm install # or yarn install
    

3. Create a .env file in the backend directory and add your environment variables (e.g., MongoDB URI, JWT secret, Nodemailer credentials, Twilio credentials, Cloudinary credentials):

env
    MONGO_URI=<your_mongodb_connection_string>
    JWT_SECRET=<your_jwt_secret>
    # Add other backend specific variables here (email, twilio, cloudinary etc.)
    

4. Start the backend server:

bash
    npm start # or yarn start
    

The application should now be running with the frontend on the specified Vite port and the backend on the specified Express port.