# Backend Setup Guide

This guide explains how to set up the backend for the contact form functionality.

## Overview

The contact form uses a Node.js/Express backend with Nodemailer to send emails via Gmail SMTP. During development, Vite proxies API requests to the Node.js server.

## Setup Instructions

### 1. Install Dependencies

Make sure all dependencies are installed:

```bash
npm install
# or
bun install
```

### 2. Configure Gmail SMTP

To send emails via Gmail:

1. Enable 2-factor authentication on your Gmail account
2. Generate an App Password:
   - Go to your Google Account settings
   - Navigate to Security > 2-Step Verification > App passwords
   - Generate a new app password for "Mail"
3. Update the credentials in `.env` file:
   ```
   EMAIL_USER=scandrone308@gmail.com
   EMAIL_PASS=your-app-password
   ```

### 3. Run the Application

You'll need to run both the frontend development server and the backend server:

Terminal 1 (Frontend):
```bash
npm run dev
# or
bun run dev
```

Terminal 2 (Backend):
```bash
npm start
# or
bun run start
```

### 4. Production Deployment

For production deployment:

1. Build the frontend:
   ```bash
   npm run build
   # or
   bun run build
   ```

2. Run the server which will serve both the API and the built frontend:
   ```bash
   npm start
   # or
   bun run start
   ```

## How It Works

1. The React frontend sends form data to `/api/contact` via fetch
2. Vite proxies `/api` requests to the Node.js server (during development)
3. The Node.js server receives the data and sends an email using Nodemailer
4. The email is sent to bayan10kh@gmail.com via Gmail SMTP

## Troubleshooting

If emails aren't being sent:

1. Check that your Gmail credentials are correct in the `.env` file
2. Verify that you're using an App Password, not your regular Gmail password
3. Ensure 2-factor authentication is enabled on your Gmail account
4. Check the server console for error messages
5. Verify that your hosting provider allows SMTP connections
6. Make sure the EMAIL_USER and EMAIL_PASS variables are properly set in the `.env` file