A full-stack platform connecting local developers with NGOs and SMEs for meaningful software projects.

• Developer Profiles: Showcase skills, experience, and portfolio
• Project Listings: Post and browse software development opportunities
• Smart Matching: Connect developers with relevant projects
• Messaging System: Direct communication between developers and clients
• Dashboard: Track projects, applications, and earnings
• Real-time Updates: Stay informed about project status and messages

• React 18 - Modern UI library
• React Router - Client-side routing
• Axios - HTTP client for API calls
• CSS3 - Custom styling with responsive design
• Font Awesome - Icons and UI elements

• Node.js - Runtime environment
• Express.js - Web framework
• MongoDB - NoSQL database
• Mongoose - MongoDB object modeling
• JWT - Authentication and authorization
• bcryptjs - Password hashing
• express-validator - Input validation

localdevhub/
├── client/                 # React frontend
│   ├── public/
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── components/     # Reusable UI components
│   │   ├── pages/         # Main application pages
│   │   ├── utils/         # Utility functions and API calls
│   │   └── App.js         # Main application component
│   └── package.json
├── server/                 # Node.js backend
│   ├── controllers/       # Request handlers
│   ├── models/           # Database schemas
│   ├── routes/           # API routes
│   ├── middleware/        # Custom middleware
│   ├── index.js          # Server entry point
│   └── package.json
├── .github/
│   └── workflows/        # GitHub Actions
└── package.json          # Root package.json

• Node.js (v16 or higher)
• MongoDB (local or cloud)
• Git

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/localdevhub.git
   cd localdevhub

2. Install dependencies

   npm run install-all

3. Set up environment variables

   # Copy the example environment file
   cp server/env.example server/.env
   
   # Edit the .env file with your configuration
   nano server/.env

4. Start MongoDB

   # If using local MongoDB
   mongod
   
   # Or use MongoDB Atlas (cloud)
   # Update MONGODB_URI in .env file

5. Run the application

   # Development mode (runs both frontend and backend)
   npm run dev
   
   # Or run separately:
   # Backend only
   npm run server
   
   # Frontend only
   npm run client

6. Access the application

   • Frontend: http://localhost:3000
   • Backend API: http://localhost:5000
   • API Health Check: http://localhost:5000/api/health

Create a .env file in the server directory:

NODE_ENV=development
PORT=5000
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/localdevhub
JWT_SECRET=your-super-secret-jwt-key
FRONTEND_URL=http://localhost:3000

The application will automatically create the necessary collections when you first run it. No manual database setup is required.

1. Register as a developer
2. Complete your profile with skills, experience, and portfolio
3. Browse projects in the marketplace
4. Apply to projects that match your skills
5. Communicate with clients through the messaging system
6. Track progress in your dashboard

1. Register as a client
2. Submit project requests with detailed requirements
3. Review applications from developers
4. Select developers for your projects
5. Manage projects and track progress
6. Communicate with developers

The frontend is automatically deployed to GitHub Pages when you push to the main branch.

1. Enable GitHub Pages in your repository settings
2. Set source to "GitHub Actions"
3. Push to main branch to trigger deployment

1. Connect your GitHub repository to Render
2. Create a new Web Service
3. Set build command: cd server && npm install
4. Set start command: cd server && npm start
5. Add environment variables in Render dashboard

1. Connect your GitHub repository to Railway
2. Create a new project
3. Set root directory to server
4. Add environment variables in Railway dashboard

1. Connect your GitHub repository to Cyclic
2. Set root directory to server
3. Add environment variables in Cyclic dashboard

1. Create a free MongoDB Atlas account
2. Create a new cluster
3. Get your connection string
4. Update MONGODB_URI in your deployment environment

• Free: Basic project listings and developer profiles
• Premium: Priority placement, advanced analytics, unlimited messaging

• Small fee (2-5%) on successful project completions
• Payment processing through integrated payment gateways

• Featured listings for premium clients
• Sponsored developer profiles
• Local tech company partnerships

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

• Documentation: Check this README and code comments
• Issues: Open an issue on GitHub
• Email: contact@localdevhub.com

• Basic user authentication
• Project and developer listings
• Simple messaging system
• Dashboard functionality

• Payment integration
• File upload system
• Advanced search and filtering
• Email notifications
• Mobile app (React Native)

• AI-powered matching
• Video calling integration
• Project management tools
• Analytics dashboard
• Multi-language support

• React team for the amazing framework
• Express.js community for the robust backend framework
• MongoDB for the flexible database solution
• All contributors and users of LocalDevHub

Made with ❤️ for the developer community