Lending Library App

Overview

The Lending Library App is a full-stack application developed as a class project for "CS544: Programming for the Web" at Binghamton University during the Spring 2024 semester. It features a React frontend, an Express backend, and a MongoDB database.

• Frontend: Built with React to provide a dynamic and responsive user interface.
• Backend: Developed using Express to handle API requests and business logic.
• Database: MongoDB is used for persistent data storage, enabling efficient management of book records and patron book checkouts/returns.

This project demonstrates the integration of modern web technologies to create a functional and user-friendly lending library system.

Project Structure

• frontend/: Contains the React frontend application.
• backend/: Contains the Express backend application.

Purpose

This application serves as a practical example of integrating a frontend and backend in a web development context. It demonstrates skills in full-stack development, including API design, database management, and user interface design.

Setup

Frontend

1. Navigate to the frontend directory:

   cd frontend
   

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Run the frontend application:

   npm start

The frontend will be available at http://localhost:2346.

Backend

1. Navigate to the backend directory:

   cd backend
   

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Build the backend application:

   npm run build
   

4. Start the server

   ./dist/index.js config.mjs  ./dist/index.js config.mjs backend/data/books.json 

The backend will be available at http://localhost:2345.

API Endpoints

• GET /api/books: Retrieve a list of all books.
• GET /api/books/:id: Retrieve a book by ID.
• POST /api/books: Add a new book.
• GET /api/lendings/:id:: Retrieve a list of all lendings by ID.
• POST /api/lendings: Checkout a book.
• DELETE /api/lendings: Return a book.

Tips to install

• While installing mongo might not be installed correctly, check by running 'mongosh'