Prerequisites

Before starting, you'll need to create accounts on these platforms:

1. GitHub Account
   • Required for code repository and deployment
   • Free tier is sufficient
2. Vercel Account
   • For hosting and deployment
   • Connect with your GitHub account
3. Clerk Account
   • For authentication services
   • Create a new application
   • Get API keys
4. Stripe Account
   • For payment processing
   • Set up test and live modes
   • Get API keys
5. Cloudinary Account
   • For media file storage
   • Get cloud name and API credentials
6. NeonDB Account
   • For database services
   • Create a new project
   • Get connection string

💡 Tip: Keep all your API keys and credentials in a secure place

Installation Process

1. Order and GitHub Setup

1. Complete your order
2. Provide your GitHub username
3. Accept repository invitation
4. Fork the repository

2. Environment Setup

Create a .env file with these variables:

# Authentication (Clerk)
NEXT_PUBLIC_CLERK_PUBLISHABLE_KEY=pk_test_...
CLERK_SECRET_KEY=sk_test_...
NEXT_PUBLIC_CLERK_SIGN_IN_URL=/sign-in
NEXT_PUBLIC_CLERK_SIGN_UP_URL=/sign-up
NEXT_PUBLIC_CLERK_AFTER_SIGN_IN_URL=/
NEXT_PUBLIC_CLERK_AFTER_SIGN_UP_URL=/

# Database
DATABASE_URL=postgres://...

# Payment (Stripe)
STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=sk_test_...
STRIPE_WEBHOOK_SECRET=whsec_...
NEXT_PUBLIC_STRIPE_PUBLISHABLE_KEY=pk_test_...

# File Upload
UPLOAD_PROVIDER=cloudinary
CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloud_name
CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_api_key
CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_secret
CLOUDINARY_FOLDER=your_folder

# Optional: OpenAI
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...

3. Local Development

npm install
npm run dev

Common Issues

Deployment Errors

Issue: Environment Variables

• Error: "Environment variables not configured"
• Solution: Double-check all variables in Vercel dashboard

Issue: Build Failures

• Error: "Build optimization failed"
• Solution: Clear Vercel cache and redeploy

Database Issues

Issue: Connection Errors

• Error: "Could not connect to database"
• Solution: Verify DATABASE_URL and IP allowlist

Issue: Migration Failures

• Error: "Migration failed"
• Solution: Run prisma db push locally first

Authentication Issues

Issue: Clerk Configuration

• Error: "Invalid API keys"
• Solution: Verify Clerk API keys and URLs

Payment Issues

Issue: Stripe Integration

• Error: "Payment failed"
• Solution: Check Stripe webhook configuration

Performance Tips

1. Image Optimization

• Use proper image formats
• Enable Cloudinary transformations
• Implement lazy loading

1. Database Queries

• Optimize Prisma queries
• Use proper indexes
• Implement caching

1. API Routes

• Implement rate limiting
• Use edge functions where possible
• Cache API responses

Security Best Practices

1. API Keys

• Never expose keys in client-side code
• Rotate keys regularly
• Use environment variables

1. Authentication

• Implement proper role-based access
• Use secure session management
• Enable 2FA when possible

1. Data Protection

• Implement proper data encryption
• Regular backups
• GDPR compliance measures