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+# Backend Service
+
+This document provides instructions to run the backend service and configure it for different database environments (Oracle and PostgreSQL).
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+1. **Java**: Ensure Java 17 is installed.
+2. **Maven**: Install Maven (or use the provided `mvnw` wrapper).
+3. **Databases**:
+   - Oracle Database (if using Oracle as the primary database).
+   - PostgreSQL Database (always required; used to store user preferences, even when Oracle is configured as the primary database).
+4. **Environment Variables**:
+   - `PRIMARY_DB`: Specifies the primary database (`oracle` or `postgres`).
+   - `FLYWAY_ENVIRONMENT`: Specifies the Flyway migration environment (`dev`, `prod`).
+
+---
+
+## Running the Backend
+
+### 1. Clone the Repository
+```bash
+git clone <repository-url>
+cd <repo-directory>/backend
+```
+
+### 2. Set Environment Variables
+
+#### Example for Oracle:
+```bash
+export PRIMARY_DB=oracle
+export FLYWAY_ENVIRONMENT=dev
+```
+
+#### Example for PostgreSQL:
+```bash
+export PRIMARY_DB=postgres
+export FLYWAY_ENVIRONMENT=dev
+```
+
+### 3. Run the Application
+
+Using Maven Wrapper:
+```bash
+./mvnw spring-boot:run
+```
+
+---
+
+## Configuration
+
+### 1. Database Configuration
+
+The backend uses the `application.yml` file for database configuration. The `server.primary-db` property determines the primary database.
+
+```yaml
+server:
+  primary-db: ${PRIMARY_DB:oracle}
+```
+
+### 2. Flyway Migrations
+
+Flyway migrations are determined by the `FLYWAY_ENVIRONMENT` variable.
+
+- **Shared/Baseline Migrations**: Located in `src/main/resources/db/migration/`. These migrations are applied in all environments (including `prod` and non-`prod`).
+- **Development-Only Migrations**: Located in `src/main/resources/db/migration-dev/`. For non-`prod` values of `FLYWAY_ENVIRONMENT` (for example, `dev`), Flyway loads migrations from **both** `db/migration/` and `db/migration-dev/`.
+- **Production Environment**: When `FLYWAY_ENVIRONMENT=prod`, only the shared/baseline migrations in `src/main/resources/db/migration/` are applied.
+
+---
+
+## Testing
+
+### Run Tests for Oracle:
+```bash
+./mvnw clean install -Dflyway-environment=dev -Dserver.primary-db=oracle
+```
+
+### Run Tests for PostgreSQL:
+```bash
+./mvnw clean install -Dflyway-environment=dev -Dserver.primary-db=postgres
+```
+
+### Loading Test Data on Local PostgreSQL Environment
+
+To load test data into your local PostgreSQL environment, you can use the tools provided in the [`ora2pg/tools/README.md`](../ora2pg/tools/README.md) file. This document provides detailed instructions on combining migration files and loading them into your PostgreSQL database.
+
+---
+
+## Notes
+
+- Ensure the database is running and accessible before starting the backend.