QUICK_START.md

Quick Start Guide

🚀 Get Started in 3 Steps

1. Install Dependencies

Server

cd server
npm install

Client

cd client
npm install

2. Set Up Environment Variables

Server

cp server/env.example server/.env
# Edit server/.env with your MongoDB connection and other settings

Client

cp client/env.example client/.env
# Edit client/.env if you need to change the API URL

3. Start the Application

Terminal 1 - Start Server

cd server
npm run dev

Terminal 2 - Start Client

cd client
npm start

🌐 Access Points

• Frontend: http://localhost:3000
• Backend API: http://localhost:5000
• API Health Check: http://localhost:5000/api/health

📋 What's Next?

1. Set up MongoDB: Make sure MongoDB is running locally or configure cloud MongoDB in server/.env
2. Configure Email: Set up email credentials in server/.env for notifications
3. Create Admin Account: Use the API to create your first admin user
4. Start Using: Register users, add books, and manage the library!

🆘 Need Help?

• Check the main README.md for detailed documentation
• Review PROJECT_STRUCTURE.md for project organization
• See SETUP.md for comprehensive setup instructions

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Happy Coding! 🎉