context.txt

# Stock Tracker Project Context

## Project Overview
This project was transformed from a "Bongo Cat webflasher" into a "Stock Tracker ESP32 installer". The webflasher allows users to flash ESP32 firmware directly from their browser using ESP Web Tools.

## What We Did

### 1. Project Transformation
- **Source**: Original Bongo Cat webflasher project
- **Target**: Stock Tracker ESP32 installer for 2.8" TFT displays
- **Renamed**: Folder from "Bongo_cat_webflasher-master" to "Stock_Tracker_webflasher"
- **Updated**: All branding, text, and references from Bongo Cat to Stock Tracker throughout all files

### 2. Core Components

#### A. ESP32 Firmware (`src/main.cpp`)
- **Purpose**: Real-time stock price tracker using Yahoo Finance API
- **Display**: Shows 8 stock symbols (AAPL, GOOGL, NVDA, TSLA, META, AMZN, MSFT, AMD)
- **WiFi**: Uses WiFiManager library for captive portal setup
- **Updates**: Fetches data every 60 seconds, only updates display when prices change
- **Timezone**: Hardcoded to PST (UTC-8)
- **Status Display**: Shows "Live (X stocks)" instead of "Last updated" time (commented out)

#### B. Configuration (`config.h`)
- **Stocks**: Pre-configured with 8 major tech stocks
- **Timezone**: Set to PST (UTC-8)  
- **Update Interval**: 60 seconds
- **Display**: 2.8" TFT display settings

#### C. Web Installer (`Stock_Tracker_webflasher/index.html`)
- **Browser-based**: Uses ESP Web Tools for direct firmware flashing
- **Target**: Chrome/Edge browsers with Web Serial API support
- **Minimalist**: Removed pre-configured settings display, removed after installation steps
- **WiFi**: Simple note that WiFi will be configured after setup
- **UI Design**: Clean 8th grade language, no emojis, uses stock_tracker.png image

### 3. WiFiManager Implementation
- **First Boot**: Creates "Stock_Tracker_Setup" hotspot for WiFi credentials
- **Subsequent Boots**: Automatically connects using saved credentials
- **Smart Behavior**: Only shows setup portal if no saved WiFi exists
- **Hotspot Management**: Turns off AP mode after successful connection

### 4. Key Technical Decisions

#### Why WiFiManager?
- **User-Friendly**: No need to hardcode WiFi credentials in firmware
- **Flexible**: Works with any WiFi network
- **Persistent**: Saves credentials to ESP32's NVS (non-volatile storage)

#### Why Hardcoded PST Timezone?
- **Simplicity**: Removed complex timezone configuration from web interface
- **Target Audience**: Designed for PST users (can be changed in config.h if needed)
- **Reliability**: Eliminates web form complications

#### Why Yahoo Finance API?
- **Free**: No API key required
- **Reliable**: Large-scale service with good uptime
- **Real-time**: Provides current market prices and percentage changes

### 5. File Structure
```
Stock_Tracker/
├── src/
│   └── main.cpp              # ESP32 firmware
├── config.h                  # Configuration settings
├── Stock_Tracker_webflasher/ # Web installer
│   ├── index.html           # Main installer page
│   ├── manifest-2.8inch.json # ESP Web Tools manifest
│   └── [firmware files]     # Built firmware binaries
├── .gitignore               # Git ignore file
└── context.txt              # This documentation
```

### 6. Build Process
- **Platform**: PlatformIO
- **Target**: ESP32 with 2.8" TFT display
- **Output**: Firmware binaries placed in webflasher folder
- **Command**: `pio run` to build firmware

### 7. User Experience
1. **Open Installer**: User opens index.html in Chrome/Edge
2. **Connect ESP32**: Click "Connect & Install Stock Tracker" 
3. **Flash Firmware**: ESP Web Tools handles the flashing process
4. **WiFi Setup**: ESP32 creates hotspot, user enters WiFi credentials
5. **Auto Operation**: Device connects to WiFi and starts fetching stock data
6. **Display**: Shows real-time stock prices with color-coded changes

### 8. Troubleshooting Notes
- **WiFi Issues**: If WiFi setup runs every boot, check that autoConnect() is used instead of startConfigPortal()
- **Display Issues**: Ensure 2.8" TFT display is properly connected
- **Build Issues**: Check that .pio/ folder is properly excluded in .gitignore
- **Browser Issues**: Only works in Chrome/Edge with Web Serial API
- **PST Button Issue**: Resolved by removing unused XPT2046_Touchscreen library from platformio.ini
- **Time Display Issue**: Time display is commented out, shows "Live (X stocks)" instead

### 9. Future AI Context
- **WiFiManager**: Uses autoConnect() to preserve saved WiFi credentials
- **Timezone**: Hardcoded to PST in config.h (TIMEZONE_OFFSET -8)
- **Stocks**: Pre-configured list of 8 tech stocks in config.h
- **Updates**: Only updates display when actual price changes occur
- **Hotspot**: Automatically turns off AP mode after WiFi connection

This project successfully transforms a novelty cat animation webflasher into a practical financial tool for monitoring stock prices on ESP32 hardware.