DevPrep OS

A full-stack modern web application built for software engineers to manage their interview preparation, DSA tracking, job applications, and learning notes.

Architecture & Tech Stack

• Frontend: Next.js (App Router), Tailwind CSS v4, Lucide Icons, Axios.
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js, Mongoose.
• Database: MongoDB.
• Authentication: Custom JWT-based authentication.

Local Setup Instructions

1. Backend Setup

1. Navigate to the backend folder: cd backend
2. Install dependencies: npm install
3. Create a .env file in the backend folder with the following variables:

   PORT=5000
   MONGO_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/devprepos
   JWT_SECRET=your_super_secret_jwt_key

   (Note: Replace MONGO_URI with your MongoDB Atlas connection string for production)
4. Start the development server: npm run dev (or node server.js)

The backend will be running at http://localhost:5000.

2. Frontend Setup

1. Navigate to the frontend folder: cd frontend
2. Install dependencies: npm install
3. Create a .env.local file in the frontend folder with the following variable:

   NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=http://localhost:5000/api

4. Start the Next.js development server: npm run dev

The frontend will be running at http://localhost:3000.

Deployment Instructions

Deploying the Backend on Render

1. Push the code to a GitHub repository.
2. Log in to Render and create a new Web Service.
3. Connect your GitHub repository and select the backend root directory if deploying from a monorepo, or push the backend as a separate repo.
4. Build Command: npm install
5. Start Command: node server.js
6. Add Environment Variables:
   • MONGO_URI (Your MongoDB Atlas connection string)
   • JWT_SECRET (A strong random secret)
   • PORT (Optionally specify, Render assigns one dynamically)
7. Deploy the service and note the Render API URL (e.g., https://devprep-api.onrender.com).

Deploying the Frontend on Vercel

1. Log in to Vercel and create a new project.
2. Import the GitHub repository containing the frontend code.
3. If using a monorepo, set the Root Directory to frontend.
4. Add the Environment Variable:
   • NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL -> Set this to your deployed Render API URL (e.g., https://devprep-api.onrender.com/api).
5. Click Deploy. Vercel will automatically build (npm run build) and host your Next.js application.