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1.3.1 - Installing Dependencies

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Frontend Dependencies

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Teacher
Teacher

Today we will start by discussing the frontend dependencies. First, can anyone tell me why we use `create-react-app`?

Student 1
Student 1

Isn't it to initialize the React application?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! `create-react-app` sets up a new application with a great structure right out of the box. Next, we need to install `axios`. What do we use `axios` for?

Student 2
Student 2

To make HTTP requests to our backend?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! It helps in fetching and sending data. We also install `react-router-dom` for navigation. Who can summarize the importance of routing in our app?

Student 3
Student 3

It lets us create single-page applications where we can navigate without refreshing the entire page.

Teacher
Teacher

Great summary! Remember the acronym CAR: Create, Axios, Router for your frontend dependencies. Let's move on to the backend.

Backend Dependencies

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's cover the backend. What is the first command we use to set up our backend directory?

Student 4
Student 4

We use `mkdir backend` to create a folder for our backend.

Teacher
Teacher

That’s correct! Next, we initialize the backend with `npm init -y`. Can someone explain what this command does?

Student 2
Student 2

It creates a package.json file with default settings, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! This is crucial for managing our dependencies. Now, after that, we install several libraries: `express`, `mongoose`, `cors`, `dotenv`, `bcryptjs`, and `jsonwebtoken`. Let's discuss `mongoose`. Why do we use it?

Student 1
Student 1

It’s for interacting with MongoDB, allowing us to define schemas.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! Now remember the acronym E-CM: Express, Cors, Mongoose for our backend dependencies. These tools will set you up for success!

Directory Structure

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Teacher
Teacher

Finally, let's look at maintaining a clean directory structure. Why do you think it's important to organize our project this way?

Student 3
Student 3

It helps with maintainability and scalability, making it easier to find files.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The clearer your structure, the easier it is for others, or even yourself in the future, to navigate. Can anyone recite the main directories we've created?

Student 4
Student 4

We have `/frontend` with `src`, `components`, and `/backend` with `models`, `routes`!

Teacher
Teacher

Awesome! Think of the phrase 'Front Source, Back End Models' to remember our structure. Now, let's summarize what we've covered in today's session.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section covers the essential steps required to install dependencies for both the frontend and backend of a web application.

Standard

To successfully set up a full-stack web application, developers must install essential dependencies for both the frontend and backend components. This section provides a detailed guide on the commands and structure necessary for initializing the application.

Detailed

Installing Dependencies

To embark on your Capstone Project, you need to establish a solid foundation by installing the necessary dependencies for your web application. This crucial step ensures that both the frontend and backend components are equipped with the tools required to function properly.

Frontend Dependencies

Start by creating your React application using the command:

Code Editor - bash

Here, axios is utilized for making HTTP requests, while react-router-dom is essential for handling routing within your app.

Backend Dependencies

For the backend, execute the following commands:

Code Editor - bash

This portion of the setup includes Express for server-side logic, Mongoose for MongoDB interactions, and additional libraries like CORS for handling cross-origin requests, dotenv for managing environment variables, bcryptjs for password hashing, and jsonwebtoken for authentication.

Directory Structure

A clean project structure is paramount for maintainability:

/frontend
  └── /public
  └── /src
      └── /components
      └── /pages
      └── /services
      └── /hooks
      └── App.js
      └── index.js
/backend
  └── /models
  └── /routes
  └── /controllers
  └── server.js
  └── .env

This structure lays the groundwork for a modular and organized application, making it easier to manage as it scales and evolves.

Youtube Videos

TypeScript Tutorial | Installing Dependencies
TypeScript Tutorial | Installing Dependencies
Installing Dependencies
Installing Dependencies
Navigating front-end architecture like a Neopian | Julia Nguyen | #LeadDevLondon
Navigating front-end architecture like a Neopian | Julia Nguyen | #LeadDevLondon

Audio Book

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Installing Frontend Dependencies

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Start by installing the essential dependencies for both frontend and backend:

Frontend:

Code Editor - bash

Detailed Explanation

In this chunk, you are instructed to set up the frontend of your application. The command npx create-react-app task-manager creates a new React application named 'task-manager'. After this, you navigate into the new directory with cd task-manager to work in your project folder. Finally, using npm install, you add necessary libraries: axios, for making HTTP requests, and react-router-dom, for managing routing in your React application.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this process as setting up a new workspace for a project. Just like you would gather tools and materials needed to build a piece of furniture, here you’re gathering software libraries that help your application function properly.

Installing Backend Dependencies

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Backend:

Code Editor - bash

Detailed Explanation

This chunk focuses on setting up your backend environment. First, you create a new directory named 'backend' to keep all backend-related files organized. After navigating into this directory (cd backend), you initialize a new Node.js project with npm init -y, which creates a package.json file to manage your project’s dependencies. Then, you install essential backend libraries: express for building your server, mongoose for MongoDB interactions, and others like cors for Cross-Origin Resource Sharing, dotenv for environment variable management, bcryptjs for password hashing, and jsonwebtoken for user authentication.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are building a secure vault for your tools. You need to install various security features to keep your tools safe and organized. Each library you install serves as a protective layer or tool that helps you manage the data and ensure your application runs smoothly.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Frontend Dependencies: Essential libraries for the client side including React and Axios.

  • Backend Dependencies: Key packages such as Express and Mongoose that facilitate server operations and database interactions.

  • Directory Structure: The organization of files and folders crucial for maintainability.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Running npx create-react-app task-manager initializes a new React project.

  • Using npm install express sets up the Express framework for a backend application.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • When setting up software, don't miss the chance, install dependencies and give them a stance.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine you're a chef in a kitchen. Installing dependencies is like gathering all your ingredients before you start cooking, ensuring you have everything you need to make a great dish.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym E-CM, Express and Cors with Mongoose for backend dependency spree!

🎯 Super Acronyms

CAR - Create React with Axios Router for smooth user interaction.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: React

    Definition:

    A JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

  • Term: Axios

    Definition:

    A promise-based HTTP client for the browser and Node.js.

  • Term: Express.js

    Definition:

    A web application framework for Node.js used to build web applications.

  • Term: MongoDB

    Definition:

    A NoSQL database that uses a document-oriented data model.

  • Term: Mongoose

    Definition:

    An ODM library for MongoDB and Node.js, providing a schema-based solution to model the application data.

  • Term: CORS

    Definition:

    Cross-Origin Resource Sharing, a security feature that allows restricted resources on a web page to be requested from another domain.

  • Term: Node.js

    Definition:

    A JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine.