README.md

🍽️ RecipeRadar

RecipeRadar is a full-stack web application built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) that allows users to explore, share, and manage recipes. It features authentication, category-based filtering, tag search, YouTube video integration, and a real-time group chat for culinary collaboration.

📁 Project Structure

RecipeRadar/
├── client/     # React frontend using Vite
├── server/     # Express backend with MongoDB
└── README.md   # Project documentation

🚀 Features

• User authentication with JWT
• Add, view, and search recipes
• Filter by category and tags
• Upload recipe images and optional video links
• Group chat with real-time updates
• Admin dashboard for platform management

🛠️ Installation Instructions

Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following installed:

• Node.js (v18 or later)
• npm (v9 or later)
• MongoDB Atlas or a local MongoDB instance

📦 Backend Setup (Server)

1. Navigate to the server directory:

cd RecipeRadar/server

2. Install backend dependencies:

npm install

3. Create a .env file in the server folder and add the following:

PORT=5000
MONGO_URI=your_mongodb_connection_string
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret_key

4. Start the backend server:

npm run server

The server should be running at: http://localhost:5000

🌐 Frontend Setup (Client)

1. Navigate to the client directory:

cd RecipeRadar/client

2. Install frontend dependencies:

npm install

3. Create a config.js file inside client/src folder:

// src/config.js
const BASE_URL = "http://localhost:5000";
export default BASE_URL;

4. Start the frontend development server:

npm run dev

Frontend should be running at: http://localhost:5173

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

🙌 Acknowledgements

• MongoDB Atlas
• React
• Bootstrap
• LottieFiles