A web-based platform built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js), designed to connect senior and junior students from colleges for networking, skill sharing, and communication.

Features

• User Authentication: Secure registration and login system with JWT-based authentication
• Profile Management:
  • Personal information management
  • Academic details
  • Skills showcase
  • Social platform links (GitHub, LinkedIn, LeetCode, etc.)
• Real-Time Chat: Live messaging system using Socket.io
• Connections: Find and connect with other students
• Responsive Design: Works seamlessly on desktop and mobile devices
• Theme Customization: Multiple theme options for personalized user experience
• Cloud Storage: Profile picture storage using Cloudinary

Technologies Used

Frontend

• React.js with Vite
• State Management: Zustand
• UI Components:
  • TailwindCSS
  • DaisyUI
  • Lucide React Icons
• Notifications: React Hot Toast
• Routing: React Router DOM v7
• Real-time Communication: Socket.io Client

Backend

• Node.js with Express.js
• Authentication: JWT & bcryptjs
• Database: MongoDB with Mongoose
• Real-time Server: Socket.io
• File Upload: Cloudinary
• Environment Variables: dotenv
• CORS enabled for secure communication

Live Demo

🌐 Deployed Web : (https://sr-jr-connect.onrender.com)

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14 or higher)
• MongoDB Atlas Account
• Cloudinary Account

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/Its-Shinde4241/Sr-Jr-connect.git
cd Sr-Jr-connect

2. Set up environment variables:

Create a .env file in the backend directory:

MONGODB_URI=your_mongodb_uri
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret
CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloud_name
CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_api_key
CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_api_secret
NODE_ENV=development

Create a .env file in the frontend directory:

VITE_IP_ADDRESS=your_local_ip_address

3. Install dependencies and start the application:

For Development:

# Install backend dependencies
cd backend
npm install

# Install frontend dependencies
cd ../frontend
npm install

# Start the backend server (from backend directory)
npm run dev

# Start the frontend development server (from frontend directory)
npm run dev

For Production:

# Install all dependencies and build frontend
npm run build

# Start the production server
npm start

Scripts

• npm run build: Installs dependencies for both frontend and backend, and builds the frontend for production
• npm start: Starts the production server