From 68b6f4bcdac54ce800b4fd4ab9dbbf53c33bc499 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:03:11 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 01/12] dockerize client standalone

---
 client/.dockerignore       | 43 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 client/Dockerfile          | 53 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 client/docker-compose.yaml | 22 ++++++++++++++++
 client/nginx.conf          | 39 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 4 files changed, 157 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 client/.dockerignore
 create mode 100644 client/Dockerfile
 create mode 100644 client/docker-compose.yaml
 create mode 100644 client/nginx.conf

diff --git a/client/.dockerignore b/client/.dockerignore
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0b0e02a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/.dockerignore
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# Dependencies
+node_modules
+npm-debug.log
+yarn-error.log
+package-lock.json
+yarn.lock
+
+# Build output
+dist
+build
+.vercel
+
+# Environment variables
+.env
+.env.local
+.env.development.local
+.env.test.local
+.env.production.local
+
+# IDE
+.vscode
+.idea
+*.swp
+*.swo
+*~
+
+# OS
+.DS_Store
+Thumbs.db
+
+# Git
+.git
+.gitignore
+.gitattributes
+
+# Testing
+coverage
+.nyc_output
+
+# Misc
+*.log
+.vercelignore
+README.md
diff --git a/client/Dockerfile b/client/Dockerfile
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..afbbf07b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/Dockerfile
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+# Multi-stage Dockerfile for React + Vite Frontend
+
+# Development Stage
+FROM node:20-alpine AS development
+
+WORKDIR /app
+
+# Copy package files
+COPY package*.json ./
+
+# Install dependencies
+RUN npm install
+
+# Copy source code
+COPY . .
+
+# Expose Vite dev server port
+EXPOSE 5173
+
+# Start development server
+CMD ["npm", "run", "dev", "--", "--host", "0.0.0.0"]
+
+# Build Stage
+FROM node:20-alpine AS build
+
+WORKDIR /app
+
+# Copy package files
+COPY package*.json ./
+
+# Install dependencies
+RUN npm install
+
+# Copy source code
+COPY . .
+
+# Build the application
+RUN npm run build
+
+# Production Stage
+FROM nginx:alpine AS production
+
+# Copy custom nginx configuration
+COPY nginx.conf /etc/nginx/conf.d/default.conf
+
+# Copy built assets from build stage
+COPY --from=build /app/dist /usr/share/nginx/html
+
+# Expose port 80
+EXPOSE 80
+
+# Start nginx
+CMD ["nginx", "-g", "daemon off;"]
diff --git a/client/docker-compose.yaml b/client/docker-compose.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5ce48568
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+services:
+  client:
+    build:
+      context: .
+      dockerfile: Dockerfile
+      target: development
+    container_name: code-a2z-client
+    ports:
+      - '5173:5173'
+    env_file:
+      - .env
+    volumes:
+      - ./src:/app/src
+      - ./public:/app/public
+      - /app/node_modules
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+networks:
+  code-a2z-network:
+    driver: bridge
diff --git a/client/nginx.conf b/client/nginx.conf
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4c1c2a06
--- /dev/null
+++ b/client/nginx.conf
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+server {
+  listen 80;
+  server_name localhost;
+  root /usr/share/nginx/html;
+  index index.html;
+
+  # Gzip compression
+  gzip on;
+  gzip_vary on;
+  gzip_min_length 10240;
+  gzip_proxied expired no-cache no-store private auth;
+  gzip_types text/plain text/css text/xml text/javascript application/x-javascript application/xml+rss application/javascript application/json;
+  gzip_disable "MSIE [1-6]\.";
+
+  # Security headers
+  add_header X-Frame-Options "SAMEORIGIN" always;
+  add_header X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff" always;
+  add_header X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block" always;
+
+  # Handle React Router
+  location / {
+    try_files $uri $uri/ /index.html;
+  }
+
+  # Cache static assets
+  location ~* \.(js|css|png|jpg|jpeg|gif|ico|svg|woff|woff2|ttf|eot)$ {
+    expires 1y;
+    add_header Cache-Control "public, immutable";
+  }
+
+  # Disable caching for index.html
+  location = /index.html {
+    add_header Cache-Control "no-cache, no-store, must-revalidate";
+    expires 0;
+  }
+
+  # Error pages
+  error_page 404 /index.html;
+}

From 8c84a53429822c967aa7a94bdc8d4bdb6ac2c9a7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:03:59 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 02/12] dockerize server standalone

---
 server/.dockerignore       | 46 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++-
 server/Dockerfile          | 35 ++++++++++++++++++++--
 server/docker-compose.yaml | 59 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++----------
 3 files changed, 121 insertions(+), 19 deletions(-)

diff --git a/server/.dockerignore b/server/.dockerignore
index 7136e9e8..6ecd9b3b 100644
--- a/server/.dockerignore
+++ b/server/.dockerignore
@@ -1,4 +1,48 @@
+# Dependencies
 node_modules
 npm-debug.log
+yarn-error.log
+package-lock.json
+yarn.lock
+
+# Environment variables
+.env
+.env.local
+.env.development.local
+.env.test.local
+.env.production.local
+
+# Logs
+logs
+*.log
+npm-debug.log*
+yarn-debug.log*
+yarn-error.log*
+
+# IDE
+.vscode
+.idea
+*.swp
+*.swo
+*~
+
+# OS
+.DS_Store
+Thumbs.db
+
+# Git
 .git
-.gitignore
\ No newline at end of file
+.gitignore
+.gitattributes
+
+# Docker
+Dockerfile
+docker-compose*.yaml
+.dockerignore
+
+# Testing
+coverage
+.nyc_output
+
+# Misc
+README.md
diff --git a/server/Dockerfile b/server/Dockerfile
index 0d47a0f5..bd7c685a 100644
--- a/server/Dockerfile
+++ b/server/Dockerfile
@@ -1,12 +1,41 @@
-FROM node:alpine
+# Multi-stage Dockerfile for Node.js + Express Backend
+
+# Development Stage
+FROM node:20-alpine AS development
 
 WORKDIR /app
 
+# Copy package files
 COPY package*.json ./
-RUN  npm install
 
+# Install dependencies (including devDependencies for nodemon)
+RUN npm install
+
+# Copy source code
 COPY . .
 
+# Expose backend port
+EXPOSE 8000
+
+# Start development server with nodemon
+CMD ["npm", "run", "dev"]
+
+# Production Stage
+FROM node:20-alpine AS production
+
+WORKDIR /app
 
+# Copy package files
+COPY package*.json ./
+
+# Install only production dependencies
+RUN npm ci --only=production
+
+# Copy source code
+COPY . .
+
+# Expose backend port
 EXPOSE 8000
-CMD [ "npm","start" ]
\ No newline at end of file
+
+# Start production server
+CMD ["npm", "start"]
diff --git a/server/docker-compose.yaml b/server/docker-compose.yaml
index 100e7a02..2b39dbb9 100644
--- a/server/docker-compose.yaml
+++ b/server/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -1,26 +1,55 @@
 services:
   server:
-    image: server:latest
+    build:
+      context: .
+      dockerfile: Dockerfile
+      target: development
+    container_name: code-a2z-server
     ports:
       - '8000:8000'
     depends_on:
       - mongo
+    env_file:
+      - .env
     environment:
-      - PORT=${PORT}
-      - NODE_ENV=${NODE_ENV} # Change to 'development' for development environment
-      - VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN=${VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN}
-      - MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017
-      - JWT_ACCESS_EXPIRES_IN=${JWT_ACCESS_EXPIRES_IN}
-      - JWT_ACCESS_EXPIRES_IN_NUM=${JWT_ACCESS_EXPIRES_IN_NUM}
-      - JWT_REFRESH_EXPIRES_IN=${JWT_REFRESH_EXPIRES_IN}
-      - JWT_REFRESH_EXPIRES_IN_NUM=${JWT_REFRESH_EXPIRES_IN_NUM}
-      - CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=${CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME}
-      - CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=${CLOUDINARY_API_KEY}
-      - CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=${CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET}
-      - ADMIN_EMAIL=${ADMIN_EMAIL}
-      - RESEND_API_KEY=${RESEND_API_KEY}
+      - MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017/code-a2z
+    volumes:
+      - ./src:/app/src
+      - ./logs:/app/logs
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
 
   mongo:
-    image: mongo
+    image: mongo:8.2.2-noble
+    container_name: code-a2z-mongo
     ports:
       - '27017:27017'
+    volumes:
+      - mongo-data:/data/db
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+  mongo-express:
+    image: mongo-express:latest
+    container_name: code-a2z-mongo-express
+    ports:
+      - '8081:8081'
+    environment:
+      - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME=admin
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD=admin123
+      - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_ENABLE_ADMIN=true
+    depends_on:
+      - mongo
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+volumes:
+  mongo-data:
+
+networks:
+  code-a2z-network:
+    driver: bridge

From 17b8509eeec6fd14aff8036c00724ea839d8d7ab Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:05:24 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 03/12] dockerize full project

---
 docker-compose.yaml | 78 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 1 file changed, 78 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 docker-compose.yaml

diff --git a/docker-compose.yaml b/docker-compose.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..48cc6532
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+services:
+  client:
+    build:
+      context: ./client
+      dockerfile: Dockerfile
+      target: development
+    container_name: code-a2z-client
+    ports:
+      - '5173:5173'
+    env_file:
+      - ./client/.env
+    environment:
+      - VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN=http://localhost:8000
+    volumes:
+      - ./client/src:/app/src
+      - ./client/public:/app/public
+      - /app/node_modules
+    depends_on:
+      - server
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+  server:
+    build:
+      context: ./server
+      dockerfile: Dockerfile
+      target: development
+    container_name: code-a2z-server
+    ports:
+      - '8000:8000'
+    depends_on:
+      - mongo
+    env_file:
+      - ./server/.env
+    environment:
+      - MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017/code-a2z
+      - VITE_CLIENT_DOMAIN=http://localhost:5173
+    volumes:
+      - ./server/src:/app/src
+      - ./server/logs:/app/logs
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+  mongo:
+    image: mongo:8.2.2-noble
+    container_name: code-a2z-mongo
+    ports:
+      - '27017:27017'
+    volumes:
+      - mongo-data:/data/db
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+  mongo-express:
+    image: mongo-express:latest
+    container_name: code-a2z-mongo-express
+    ports:
+      - '8081:8081'
+    environment:
+      - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME=admin
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD=admin123
+      - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_ENABLE_ADMIN=true
+    depends_on:
+      - mongo
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    networks:
+      - code-a2z-network
+
+volumes:
+  mongo-data:
+
+networks:
+  code-a2z-network:
+    driver: bridge

From 8c8d0eed3d2262c2e2746f443e78a065cb01819f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:05:54 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 04/12] add docker setup guide

---
 docs/DOCKER.md | 1094 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 docs/SETUP.md  |    2 +-
 2 files changed, 1095 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)
 create mode 100644 docs/DOCKER.md

diff --git a/docs/DOCKER.md b/docs/DOCKER.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ed448e47
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/DOCKER.md
@@ -0,0 +1,1094 @@
+# Docker Setup Guide for Code A2Z
+
+This guide explains how to use Docker for development in the **Code A2Z** project. The Docker setup is organized by directory:
+
+- **`server/`** — Backend + MongoDB (server development)
+- **`client/`** — Frontend only (UI development with deployed backend)
+- **Root (`/`)** — Full Stack (complete development environment)
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:
+
+- **Docker Desktop** (version 20.10 or higher)
+  - [Download for macOS](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/mac-install/)
+  - [Download for Windows](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/windows-install/)
+  - [Download for Linux](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/linux-install/)
+- **Docker Compose** (included with Docker Desktop)
+
+Verify installation:
+
+```bash
+docker --version
+docker-compose --version
+```
+
+---
+
+## Project Structure
+
+```
+code-a2z/
+├── docker-compose.yaml         # Full stack (client + server + mongo)
+├── client/
+│   ├── Dockerfile              # Frontend Docker image
+│   ├── docker-compose.yaml     # Frontend only
+│   ├── nginx.conf              # Production nginx config
+│   └── .dockerignore
+└── server/
+    ├── Dockerfile              # Backend Docker image
+    ├── docker-compose.yaml     # Backend + MongoDB
+    └── .dockerignore
+```
+
+---
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Option 1: Backend-Only Development (Server + MongoDB)
+
+**Use when:** Working on backend features, APIs, or database logic.
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:server:up
+
+# View logs
+npm run docker:server:logs
+
+# Stop when done
+npm run docker:server:down
+```
+
+**Or from server directory:**
+
+```bash
+cd server
+npm run docker:up
+
+# View logs
+npm run docker:logs
+```
+
+**Access:**
+
+- Backend API: `http://localhost:8000`
+- MongoDB: `mongodb://localhost:27017/code-a2z`
+- mongo-express: `http://localhost:8081` (admin/admin123)
+
+**Environment:**
+
+- Uses `server/.env` configuration
+- MongoDB data persists in Docker volume
+- Hot reload enabled with nodemon
+
+---
+
+### Option 2: Frontend-Only Development (Client)
+
+**Use when:** Working on UI/UX, components, or client-side features without backend changes.
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:client:up
+
+# View logs
+npm run docker:client:logs
+
+# Stop when done
+npm run docker:client:down
+```
+
+**Or from client directory:**
+
+```bash
+cd client
+npm run docker:up
+
+# View logs
+npm run docker:logs
+```
+
+**Access:**
+
+- Frontend: `http://localhost:5173`
+
+**Environment:**
+
+- Uses `client/.env` configuration
+- Connects to deployed backend at `https://code-a2z-server.vercel.app`
+- Hot reload enabled with Vite
+- No backend or database required
+
+---
+
+### Option 3: Full Stack Development (Client + Server + MongoDB)
+
+**Use when:** Working on features that require both frontend and backend changes.
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:up
+
+# View logs for all services
+npm run docker:logs
+
+# View logs for specific service
+docker-compose logs -f client
+docker-compose logs -f server
+docker-compose logs -f mongo
+
+# Stop when done
+npm run docker:down
+```
+
+**Access:**
+
+- Frontend: `http://localhost:5173`
+- Backend API: `http://localhost:8000`
+- MongoDB: `mongodb://localhost:27017/code-a2z`
+- mongo-express: `http://localhost:8081` (admin/admin123)
+
+**Environment:**
+
+- Uses both `client/.env` and `server/.env`
+- All services communicate via Docker network
+- Hot reload enabled for both client and server
+- MongoDB data persists in Docker volume
+
+---
+
+## NPM Scripts
+
+### Root Directory Commands
+
+You can run **all Docker commands from the root directory** for convenience:
+
+#### Full Stack (Client + Server + MongoDB)
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:up          # Start all services
+npm run docker:down        # Stop all services
+npm run docker:logs        # View all logs (real-time)
+npm run docker:build       # Build all images
+npm run docker:restart     # Restart all services
+npm run docker:clean       # Remove containers, volumes, and prune system
+```
+
+#### Frontend Only
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:client:up       # Start frontend only
+npm run docker:client:down     # Stop frontend only
+npm run docker:client:logs     # View frontend logs (real-time)
+npm run docker:client:build    # Build frontend image
+npm run docker:client:restart  # Restart frontend
+```
+
+#### Backend Only (Server + MongoDB)
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:server:up       # Start backend + MongoDB
+npm run docker:server:down     # Stop backend + MongoDB
+npm run docker:server:logs     # View backend logs (real-time)
+npm run docker:server:build    # Build backend image
+npm run docker:server:restart  # Restart backend
+```
+
+---
+
+### Client Directory Commands
+
+If you're working exclusively in the `client/` directory:
+
+```bash
+cd client
+npm run docker:up          # Start frontend
+npm run docker:down        # Stop frontend
+npm run docker:logs        # View frontend logs
+npm run docker:build       # Build frontend image
+npm run docker:restart     # Restart frontend
+```
+
+---
+
+### Server Directory Commands
+
+If you're working exclusively in the `server/` directory:
+
+```bash
+cd server
+npm run docker:up          # Start backend + MongoDB
+npm run docker:down        # Stop backend + MongoDB
+npm run docker:logs        # View backend logs
+npm run docker:build       # Build backend image
+npm run docker:restart     # Restart backend
+```
+
+---
+
+## Detailed Commands
+
+### Building Images
+
+```bash
+# Backend only
+cd server
+docker-compose build
+# or
+npm run docker:build
+
+# Frontend only
+cd client
+docker-compose build
+# or
+npm run docker:build
+
+# Full stack (from root)
+docker-compose build
+# or
+npm run docker:build
+
+# Force rebuild without cache
+docker-compose build --no-cache
+```
+
+### Starting Services
+
+```bash
+# Start in foreground (see logs)
+docker-compose up
+
+# Start in background (detached)
+docker-compose up -d
+# or
+npm run docker:up
+
+# Start specific service (full stack only)
+docker-compose up client
+docker-compose up server
+```
+
+### Stopping Services
+
+```bash
+# Stop all services
+docker-compose down
+# or
+npm run docker:down
+
+# Stop and remove volumes (deletes MongoDB data)
+docker-compose down -v
+
+# Stop specific service
+docker-compose stop client
+```
+
+### Viewing Logs
+
+```bash
+# All services
+docker-compose logs
+# or
+npm run docker:logs
+
+# Follow logs (real-time)
+docker-compose logs -f
+
+# Specific service
+docker-compose logs -f server
+docker-compose logs -f client
+
+# Last 100 lines
+docker-compose logs --tail=100
+```
+
+### Executing Commands in Containers
+
+```bash
+# Open shell in backend container
+docker exec -it code-a2z-server sh
+
+# Open shell in frontend container
+docker exec -it code-a2z-client sh
+
+# Run npm command in container
+docker exec -it code-a2z-server npm install <package-name>
+docker exec -it code-a2z-client npm install <package-name>
+
+# Access MongoDB shell
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh
+```
+
+---
+
+## MongoDB Interaction & Data Inspection
+
+When your API isn't working properly or you want to verify data storage, you have several options to interact with MongoDB.
+
+### Option 1: mongo-express - Web-based GUI (Recommended for Docker)
+
+**mongo-express** is a web-based MongoDB admin interface that runs as a Docker container alongside your database.
+
+**Access:**
+
+- URL: `http://localhost:8081`
+- Username: `admin`
+- Password: `admin123`
+
+**Features:**
+
+- ✅ Browser-based interface - No installation required
+- ✅ Visual database browser with collections
+- ✅ CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
+- ✅ Document viewer and editor
+- ✅ Query builder
+- ✅ Import/Export data
+- ✅ Automatic updates when data changes
+- ✅ Runs automatically with your Docker setup
+
+**Usage:**
+
+1. Start your Docker environment:
+
+```bash
+# Full stack
+npm run docker:up
+
+# Or backend only
+npm run docker:server:up
+```
+
+2. Open browser and navigate to `http://localhost:8081`
+
+3. Login with credentials:
+   - Username: `admin`
+   - Password: `admin123`
+
+4. Select `code-a2z` database
+
+5. Browse collections (users, projects, comments, etc.)
+
+6. View, edit, or delete documents directly
+
+**Common Tasks:**
+
+- **View all users**: Click on `users` collection → View Documents
+- **Search documents**: Use the search bar at the top
+- **Edit document**: Click on document → Click Edit → Modify → Save
+- **Delete document**: Click on document → Delete button
+- **Add new document**: Click "New Document" → Enter JSON → Save
+- **Export collection**: Click on collection → Export
+
+> [!TIP]
+> mongo-express is automatically started when you run `npm run docker:up` or `npm run docker:server:up`. No extra setup needed!
+
+> [!WARNING]
+> The default credentials (`admin`/`admin123`) are for development only. Change them in production by modifying the `ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME` and `ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD` environment variables in `docker-compose.yaml`.
+
+---
+
+### Option 2: MongoDB Shell (mongosh) - Command Line
+
+Access the MongoDB shell directly from your terminal:
+
+```bash
+# Access MongoDB shell
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh
+
+# Once inside mongosh, use these commands:
+show dbs                              # List all databases
+use code-a2z                          # Switch to code-a2z database
+show collections                      # List all collections
+
+# View documents
+db.users.find()                       # Get all users
+db.users.find().pretty()              # Get all users (formatted)
+db.users.findOne()                    # Get one user
+db.users.find({ email: "test@example.com" })  # Find by field
+
+db.projects.find()                    # Get all projects
+db.projects.countDocuments()          # Count projects
+
+# Find with specific fields
+db.users.find({}, { fullname: 1, email: 1, _id: 0 })
+
+# Sort and limit
+db.projects.find().sort({ createdAt: -1 }).limit(10)
+
+# Exit mongosh
+exit
+```
+
+### Option 3: MongoDB Compass - GUI Tool
+
+**MongoDB Compass** is the official GUI tool for MongoDB. It's the easiest way to visualize and interact with your data.
+
+**Installation:**
+
+1. Download from [MongoDB Compass](https://www.mongodb.com/products/tools/compass)
+2. Install and open MongoDB Compass
+
+**Connection:**
+
+```
+Connection String: mongodb://localhost:27017
+```
+
+**Features:**
+
+- ✅ Visual database browser
+- ✅ Query builder with autocomplete
+- ✅ Document editor
+- ✅ Performance monitoring
+- ✅ Index management
+- ✅ Schema analysis
+
+**Steps:**
+
+1. Open MongoDB Compass
+2. Enter connection string: `mongodb://localhost:27017`
+3. Click "Connect"
+4. Navigate to `code-a2z` database
+5. Explore collections: `users`, `projects`, `comments`, etc.
+
+### Option 4: VS Code Extensions
+
+Install MongoDB extensions in VS Code:
+
+**Recommended Extension:**
+
+- **MongoDB for VS Code** (by MongoDB)
+  - Extension ID: `mongodb.mongodb-vscode`
+
+**Setup:**
+
+1. Install the extension
+2. Click MongoDB icon in sidebar
+3. Add connection: `mongodb://localhost:27017`
+4. Browse databases and collections
+5. Run queries directly in VS Code
+
+### Option 5: mongosh One-Liners
+
+Execute queries directly from your terminal without entering the shell:
+
+```bash
+# List all databases
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh --eval "show dbs"
+
+# Count users
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh code-a2z --eval "db.users.countDocuments()"
+
+# Find specific user
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh code-a2z --eval 'db.users.findOne({ email: "test@example.com" })'
+
+# Get all project titles
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh code-a2z --eval 'db.projects.find({}, { title: 1, _id: 0 })'
+```
+
+### Common MongoDB Queries for Debugging
+
+```javascript
+// Inside mongosh (docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh)
+
+use code-a2z
+
+// Check if user exists
+db.users.findOne({ email: "user@example.com" })
+
+// Check recent projects
+db.projects.find().sort({ createdAt: -1 }).limit(5).pretty()
+
+// Count documents in each collection
+db.users.countDocuments()
+db.projects.countDocuments()
+db.comments.countDocuments()
+
+// Find projects by author
+db.projects.find({ "author.email": "user@example.com" }).pretty()
+
+// Check for draft vs published projects
+db.projects.countDocuments({ draft: true })
+db.projects.countDocuments({ draft: false })
+
+// Find recent notifications
+db.notifications.find().sort({ createdAt: -1 }).limit(10).pretty()
+
+// Check indexes
+db.users.getIndexes()
+db.projects.getIndexes()
+
+// Database stats
+db.stats()
+```
+
+### Backup and Restore MongoDB Data
+
+**Backup:**
+
+```bash
+# Create backup directory
+mkdir -p ./backups
+
+# Backup all databases
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongodump --out /data/backup
+
+# Copy backup to host
+docker cp code-a2z-mongo:/data/backup ./backups/
+
+# Or backup directly to host
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongodump --out /data/backup && \
+docker cp code-a2z-mongo:/data/backup ./backups/mongodb-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d)
+```
+
+**Restore:**
+
+```bash
+# Copy backup to container
+docker cp ./backups/mongodb-backup-20250120 code-a2z-mongo:/data/restore
+
+# Restore database
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongorestore /data/restore
+```
+
+### Export/Import Specific Collections
+
+**Export to JSON:**
+
+```bash
+# Export users collection
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongoexport --db=code-a2z --collection=users --out=/data/users.json
+
+# Copy to host
+docker cp code-a2z-mongo:/data/users.json ./users.json
+```
+
+**Import from JSON:**
+
+```bash
+# Copy to container
+docker cp ./users.json code-a2z-mongo:/data/users.json
+
+# Import
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongoimport --db=code-a2z --collection=users --file=/data/users.json
+```
+
+### MongoDB Container Logs
+
+View MongoDB logs to debug connection issues:
+
+```bash
+# View MongoDB logs
+docker logs code-a2z-mongo
+
+# Follow logs in real-time
+docker logs -f code-a2z-mongo
+
+# Last 100 lines
+docker logs --tail=100 code-a2z-mongo
+```
+
+### Quick MongoDB Health Check
+
+```bash
+# Check if MongoDB is running
+docker ps | grep mongo
+
+# Check MongoDB status
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh --eval "db.adminCommand('ping')"
+
+# Check database size
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh code-a2z --eval "db.stats()"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Environment Configuration
+
+### Backend Environment Variables
+
+Create `server/.env` from `server/.env.example`:
+
+```bash
+cd server
+cp .env.example .env
+```
+
+**Important variables for Docker:**
+
+```env
+# For backend-only or fullstack mode
+MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017/code-a2z
+
+# Other required variables
+JWT_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_secret_key
+JWT_SECRET_REFRESH_KEY=your_refresh_key
+CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloudinary_name
+CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_api_key
+CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_api_secret
+ADMIN_EMAIL=your_email
+RESEND_API_KEY=your_resend_key
+```
+
+### Frontend Environment Variables
+
+Create `client/.env` from `client/.env.example`:
+
+```bash
+cd client
+cp .env.example .env
+```
+
+**For frontend-only mode (deployed backend):**
+
+```env
+VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN=https://code-a2z-server.vercel.app
+```
+
+**For fullstack mode (local backend):**
+
+```env
+VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN=http://localhost:8000
+```
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> When using fullstack Docker, the frontend can also access the backend via the Docker network using `http://server:8000`, but `http://localhost:8000` works fine since ports are exposed.
+
+---
+
+## Volume Management
+
+### Persistent Data
+
+MongoDB data is stored in a Docker volume to persist across container restarts.
+
+```bash
+# List volumes
+docker volume ls
+
+# Inspect volume
+docker volume inspect code-a2z_mongo-data
+
+# Remove volume (deletes all database data)
+docker volume rm code-a2z_mongo-data
+```
+
+### Node Modules
+
+Node modules are stored in anonymous volumes to improve performance:
+
+```bash
+# Client container has: /app/node_modules
+# Server container has: /app/node_modules
+```
+
+This prevents conflicts between host and container dependencies.
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Port Already in Use
+
+**Error:** `Bind for 0.0.0.0:8000 failed: port is already allocated`
+
+**Solution:**
+
+```bash
+# Find and kill the process using the port
+lsof -ti:8000 | xargs kill -9
+lsof -ti:5173 | xargs kill -9
+lsof -ti:27017 | xargs kill -9
+
+# Or change port in docker-compose file
+```
+
+### MongoDB Connection Failed
+
+**Error:** `MongoServerError: Authentication failed`
+
+**Solution:**
+
+- Ensure `MONGODB_URL` in `server/.env` is set to `mongodb://mongo:27017/code-a2z`
+- Remove volumes and restart: `docker-compose down -v && docker-compose up`
+
+### Hot Reload Not Working
+
+**Frontend:**
+
+- Ensure Vite is started with `--host 0.0.0.0` flag (already configured)
+- Check that `src` directory is mounted as volume
+
+**Backend:**
+
+- Ensure nodemon is watching the correct directories
+- Check that `src` directory is mounted as volume
+
+### Permission Denied Errors
+
+**macOS/Linux:**
+
+```bash
+# Fix permissions
+sudo chown -R $USER:$USER .
+```
+
+**Windows:**
+
+- Run Docker Desktop as Administrator
+- Enable WSL 2 backend
+
+### Build Failures
+
+```bash
+# Clear Docker cache and rebuild
+docker-compose -f docker-compose.fullstack.yaml build --no-cache
+
+# Remove all containers and images
+docker-compose -f docker-compose.fullstack.yaml down
+docker system prune -a
+```
+
+### Cannot Connect to Backend from Frontend
+
+**Solution:**
+
+- Ensure both services are on the same Docker network
+- Check `VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN` environment variable
+- For fullstack mode, use `http://localhost:8000` (not `http://server:8000` from browser)
+
+---
+
+## Production Build
+
+### Frontend Production Build
+
+```bash
+# Build production image
+cd client
+docker build --target production -t code-a2z-client:prod .
+
+# Run production container
+docker run -p 80:80 code-a2z-client:prod
+```
+
+**Access:** `http://localhost`
+
+### Backend Production Build
+
+```bash
+# Build production image
+cd server
+docker build --target production -t code-a2z-server:prod .
+
+# Run production container
+docker run -p 8000:8000 --env-file .env code-a2z-server:prod
+```
+
+---
+
+## Docker Compose File Reference
+
+### Backend Only: `server/docker-compose.yaml`
+
+- **Location:** `server/docker-compose.yaml`
+- **Services:** `server`, `mongo`
+- **Networks:** `code-a2z-network`
+- **Volumes:** `mongo-data` (persistent)
+- **Ports:** 8000 (server), 27017 (mongo)
+- **Usage:** `cd server && npm run docker:up`
+
+### Frontend Only: `client/docker-compose.yaml`
+
+- **Location:** `client/docker-compose.yaml`
+- **Services:** `client`
+- **Networks:** `code-a2z-network`
+- **Ports:** 5173 (client)
+- **External API:** Uses deployed backend
+- **Usage:** `cd client && npm run docker:up`
+
+### Full Stack: `docker-compose.yaml`
+
+- **Location:** Root directory (`docker-compose.yaml`)
+- **Services:** `client`, `server`, `mongo`
+- **Networks:** `code-a2z-network`
+- **Volumes:** `mongo-data` (persistent)
+- **Ports:** 5173 (client), 8000 (server), 27017 (mongo)
+- **Usage:** `npm run docker:up` (from root)
+
+---
+
+## Best Practices
+
+### Development
+
+1. **Use volume mounts** for hot reload during development
+2. **Keep `.env` files up to date** with required variables
+3. **Run `docker-compose logs -f`** to monitor issues in real-time
+4. **Use named volumes** for databases to prevent data loss
+
+### Cleanup
+
+```bash
+# Stop all containers
+docker stop $(docker ps -aq)
+
+# Remove all containers
+docker rm $(docker ps -aq)
+
+# Remove all images
+docker rmi $(docker images -q)
+
+# Remove all volumes (WARNING: deletes database data)
+docker volume prune
+
+# Complete cleanup
+docker system prune -a --volumes
+```
+
+### Optimization
+
+1. **Use multi-stage builds** for smaller production images
+2. **Leverage `.dockerignore`** to exclude unnecessary files
+3. **Cache dependencies** by copying `package.json` before source code
+4. **Use Alpine images** for smaller footprint
+
+---
+
+## Switching Between Modes
+
+### From Frontend-Only to Full Stack
+
+```bash
+# Stop frontend-only (from root)
+npm run docker:client:down
+
+# Update client/.env
+echo "VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN=http://localhost:8000" > client/.env
+
+# Start full stack
+npm run docker:up
+```
+
+### From Full Stack to Backend-Only
+
+```bash
+# Stop full stack (from root)
+npm run docker:down
+
+# Start backend only
+npm run docker:server:up
+```
+
+### From Backend-Only to Frontend-Only
+
+```bash
+# Stop backend (from root)
+npm run docker:server:down
+
+# Start frontend
+npm run docker:client:up
+```
+
+### Quick Switch Examples
+
+```bash
+# Switch from client to server
+npm run docker:client:down && npm run docker:server:up
+
+# Switch from server to full stack
+npm run docker:server:down && npm run docker:up
+
+# Restart everything
+npm run docker:down && npm run docker:up
+```
+
+---
+
+## Common Use Cases
+
+### 1. Working on Backend APIs
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:server:up
+# Make changes to server/src files
+# Changes auto-reload with nodemon
+
+# View logs
+npm run docker:server:logs
+
+# Stop when done
+npm run docker:server:down
+```
+
+**Or from server directory:**
+
+```bash
+cd server
+npm run docker:up
+# Make changes to server/src files
+# Changes auto-reload with nodemon
+```
+
+### 2. Working on UI Components
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:client:up
+# Make changes to client/src files
+# Changes auto-reload with Vite
+
+# View logs
+npm run docker:client:logs
+
+# Stop when done
+npm run docker:client:down
+```
+
+**Or from client directory:**
+
+```bash
+cd client
+npm run docker:up
+# Make changes to client/src files
+# Changes auto-reload with Vite
+```
+
+### 3. Full Feature Development
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+npm run docker:up
+# Work on both frontend and backend
+# Both auto-reload on changes
+
+# View all logs
+npm run docker:logs
+
+# Stop when done
+npm run docker:down
+```
+
+### 4. Database Operations
+
+```bash
+# Access MongoDB shell
+docker exec -it code-a2z-mongo mongosh
+
+# Backup database
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongodump --out /backup
+
+# Restore database
+docker exec code-a2z-mongo mongorestore /backup
+```
+
+### 5. Rebuilding Images After Dependency Changes
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+# Rebuild specific service
+npm run docker:client:build
+npm run docker:server:build
+
+# Or rebuild all services
+npm run docker:build
+```
+
+### 6. Cleaning Up Docker Resources
+
+**From root directory:**
+
+```bash
+# Stop and remove all containers, volumes, and prune system
+npm run docker:clean
+
+# Or just stop services
+npm run docker:down
+```
+
+---
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- [Docker Documentation](https://docs.docker.com/)
+- [Docker Compose Documentation](https://docs.docker.com/compose/)
+- [MongoDB Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/_/mongo)
+- [Node.js Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/_/node)
+- [Nginx Docker Hub](https://hub.docker.com/_/nginx)
+
+---
+
+## Getting Help
+
+If you encounter issues:
+
+1. Check the **Troubleshooting** section above
+2. Review Docker logs: `docker-compose logs -f`
+3. Verify environment variables in `.env` files
+4. Ensure Docker Desktop is running
+5. Try rebuilding: `docker-compose build --no-cache`
+6. Ask in the project's Discord community
+
+---
+
+## Summary
+
+| Mode              | Root Command               | Directory Command                | Use Case                                |
+| ----------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
+| **Full Stack**    | `npm run docker:up`        | N/A                              | Features requiring both FE & BE changes |
+| **Frontend Only** | `npm run docker:client:up` | `cd client && npm run docker:up` | UI/UX, components, client-side logic    |
+| **Backend Only**  | `npm run docker:server:up` | `cd server && npm run docker:up` | API development, database work          |
+
+**Directory Structure:**
+
+- **Root**: Full stack development (`docker-compose.yaml`)
+- **`client/`**: Frontend-only development (`docker-compose.yaml`)
+- **`server/`**: Backend-only development (`docker-compose.yaml`)
+
+**Access URLs:**
+
+- **Frontend**: `http://localhost:5173`
+- **Backend API**: `http://localhost:8000`
+- **MongoDB**: `mongodb://localhost:27017/code-a2z`
+- **mongo-express**: `http://localhost:8081` (admin/admin123)
+
+**Pro Tip:** All commands can be run from the root directory for maximum convenience! 🚀
+
+### Complete Command Reference
+
+```bash
+# Full Stack (from root)
+npm run docker:up                # Start all services
+npm run docker:down              # Stop all services
+npm run docker:logs              # View logs
+npm run docker:build             # Build images
+npm run docker:restart           # Restart services
+npm run docker:clean             # Clean up everything
+
+# Frontend Only (from root)
+npm run docker:client:up         # Start frontend
+npm run docker:client:down       # Stop frontend
+npm run docker:client:logs       # View logs
+npm run docker:client:build      # Build image
+npm run docker:client:restart    # Restart
+
+# Backend Only (from root)
+npm run docker:server:up         # Start backend + MongoDB
+npm run docker:server:down       # Stop backend + MongoDB
+npm run docker:server:logs       # View logs
+npm run docker:server:build      # Build image
+npm run docker:server:restart    # Restart
+```
+
+Choose the mode that fits your development needs and start coding! 🚀
diff --git a/docs/SETUP.md b/docs/SETUP.md
index 5e295e81..b8e2ce0e 100644
--- a/docs/SETUP.md
+++ b/docs/SETUP.md
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ npm run client
 **Reason:** Wrong `VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN`
 **Fix:**
 
-- Local mode → set to `http://localhost:8000/api`
+- Local mode → set to `http://localhost:8000`
 - Frontend mode → set to deployed backend
 
 ### File uploads not working

From 51ac2323ac8f0c1f40b369e4da33abb6f32f2620 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:06:30 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 05/12] add docker npm scripts

---
 client/package.json |  7 ++++++-
 package.json        | 20 ++++++++++++++++++--
 server/package.json |  7 ++++++-
 3 files changed, 30 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/client/package.json b/client/package.json
index 4a5e9518..50995590 100644
--- a/client/package.json
+++ b/client/package.json
@@ -18,7 +18,12 @@
     "dev": "vite",
     "build": "tsc -b && vite build",
     "lint": "eslint .",
-    "preview": "vite preview"
+    "preview": "vite preview",
+    "docker:up": "docker-compose up -d",
+    "docker:down": "docker-compose down",
+    "docker:logs": "docker-compose logs -f",
+    "docker:build": "docker-compose build",
+    "docker:restart": "docker-compose restart"
   },
   "dependencies": {
     "@editorjs/attaches": "^1.3.2",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index b04731fc..7135ebfb 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
     "test": "echo \"Error: no test specified\" && exit 1",
     "install:client": "cd client && npm install",
     "install:server": "cd server && npm install",
-    "install:all": "npm install && cd client && npm install && cd ../server && npm install",
+    "install": "npm install && cd client && npm install && cd ../server && npm install",
     "client": "cd client && npm run dev",
     "server": "cd server && npm run dev",
     "dev": "concurrently -n \"CLIENT,SERVER\" -c \"bgBlue.bold,bgMagenta.bold\" \"npm run client\" \"npm run server\"",
@@ -39,7 +39,23 @@
     "format:client": "prettier --write \"client/src/**/*.{ts,tsx,js,jsx,css,html}\"",
     "format:server": "prettier --write \"server/**/*.js\"",
     "format:docs": "prettier --write \"*.{json,md,yml,yaml}\"",
-    "precommit-check": "npm run lint && npm run format:check"
+    "precommit-check": "npm run lint && npm run format:check",
+    "docker:up": "docker-compose up -d",
+    "docker:down": "docker-compose down",
+    "docker:logs": "docker-compose logs -f",
+    "docker:build": "docker-compose build",
+    "docker:restart": "docker-compose restart",
+    "docker:clean": "docker-compose down -v && docker system prune -f",
+    "docker:client:up": "cd client && docker-compose up -d",
+    "docker:client:down": "cd client && docker-compose down",
+    "docker:client:logs": "cd client && docker-compose logs -f",
+    "docker:client:build": "cd client && docker-compose build",
+    "docker:client:restart": "cd client && docker-compose restart",
+    "docker:server:up": "cd server && docker-compose up -d",
+    "docker:server:down": "cd server && docker-compose down",
+    "docker:server:logs": "cd server && docker-compose logs -f",
+    "docker:server:build": "cd server && docker-compose build",
+    "docker:server:restart": "cd server && docker-compose restart"
   },
   "devDependencies": {
     "@eslint/css": "^0.10.0",
diff --git a/server/package.json b/server/package.json
index b5e43771..b1d4f016 100644
--- a/server/package.json
+++ b/server/package.json
@@ -23,7 +23,12 @@
     "test": "echo \"Error: no test specified\" && exit 1",
     "start": "node index.js",
     "dev": "nodemon index.js",
-    "build": "echo 'No build process required'"
+    "build": "echo 'No build process required'",
+    "docker:up": "docker-compose up -d",
+    "docker:down": "docker-compose down",
+    "docker:logs": "docker-compose logs -f",
+    "docker:build": "docker-compose build",
+    "docker:restart": "docker-compose restart"
   },
   "dependencies": {
     "bcrypt": "^5.1.1",

From 00087579435d5fecf94fdff470d8d59d4b9ad969 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:06:53 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 06/12] fixed CORS error

---
 server/src/server.js | 6 +++---
 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/server/src/server.js b/server/src/server.js
index 31650e16..2d9ce00d 100644
--- a/server/src/server.js
+++ b/server/src/server.js
@@ -24,10 +24,10 @@ server.use(express.json());
 server.use(cookieParser());
 server.use(
   cors({
-    origin: '*',
+    origin: true,
     credentials: true,
-    methods: 'GET,POST,PUT,DELETE',
-    allowedHeaders: 'Content-Type,Authorization',
+    methods: ['GET', 'POST', 'PUT', 'DELETE', 'OPTIONS'],
+    allowedHeaders: ['Content-Type', 'Authorization', 'X-Requested-With'],
   })
 );
 

From 79a330298ab154be076d91000c4cc4f5d00240a4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:13:57 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 07/12] Initial plan


From 62296c4d84efa72f4b76990bc1f5c2fb8d77f0fe Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:19:07 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 08/12] Address PR review comments: security, Docker best
 practices, and documentation fixes

Co-authored-by: Avdhesh-Varshney <114330097+Avdhesh-Varshney@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 client/.dockerignore       |  1 -
 client/nginx.conf          |  1 +
 docker-compose.yaml        | 26 +++++++++++++++++++-------
 docs/DOCKER.md             |  4 ++--
 server/.dockerignore       |  2 +-
 server/Dockerfile          |  2 +-
 server/docker-compose.yaml |  6 +++---
 7 files changed, 27 insertions(+), 15 deletions(-)

diff --git a/client/.dockerignore b/client/.dockerignore
index 0b0e02a6..a3d834c9 100644
--- a/client/.dockerignore
+++ b/client/.dockerignore
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 node_modules
 npm-debug.log
 yarn-error.log
-package-lock.json
 yarn.lock
 
 # Build output
diff --git a/client/nginx.conf b/client/nginx.conf
index 4c1c2a06..32dcd5be 100644
--- a/client/nginx.conf
+++ b/client/nginx.conf
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ server {
   add_header X-Frame-Options "SAMEORIGIN" always;
   add_header X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff" always;
   add_header X-XSS-Protection "1; mode=block" always;
+  add_header Referrer-Policy "strict-origin-when-cross-origin" always;
 
   # Handle React Router
   location / {
diff --git a/docker-compose.yaml b/docker-compose.yaml
index 48cc6532..01a494a7 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yaml
+++ b/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -9,12 +9,10 @@ services:
       - '5173:5173'
     env_file:
       - ./client/.env
-    environment:
-      - VITE_SERVER_DOMAIN=http://localhost:8000
     volumes:
       - ./client/src:/app/src
       - ./client/public:/app/public
-      - /app/node_modules
+      - client_node_modules:/app/node_modules
     depends_on:
       - server
     restart: unless-stopped
@@ -30,7 +28,8 @@ services:
     ports:
       - '8000:8000'
     depends_on:
-      - mongo
+      mongo:
+        condition: service_healthy
     env_file:
       - ./server/.env
     environment:
@@ -40,17 +39,29 @@ services:
       - ./server/src:/app/src
       - ./server/logs:/app/logs
     restart: unless-stopped
+    healthcheck:
+      test: ["CMD", "wget", "--no-verbose", "--tries=1", "--spider", "http://localhost:8000/monitor/health"]
+      interval: 30s
+      timeout: 10s
+      retries: 3
+      start_period: 40s
     networks:
       - code-a2z-network
 
   mongo:
-    image: mongo:8.2.2-noble
+    image: mongo:7-noble
     container_name: code-a2z-mongo
     ports:
       - '27017:27017'
     volumes:
       - mongo-data:/data/db
     restart: unless-stopped
+    healthcheck:
+      test: ["CMD", "mongosh", "--eval", "db.adminCommand('ping')"]
+      interval: 10s
+      timeout: 5s
+      retries: 5
+      start_period: 10s
     networks:
       - code-a2z-network
 
@@ -61,8 +72,8 @@ services:
       - '8081:8081'
     environment:
       - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017
-      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME=admin
-      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD=admin123
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME=${MONGO_EXPRESS_USER:-admin}
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD=${MONGO_EXPRESS_PASSWORD:-changeme}
       - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_ENABLE_ADMIN=true
     depends_on:
       - mongo
@@ -72,6 +83,7 @@ services:
 
 volumes:
   mongo-data:
+  client_node_modules:
 
 networks:
   code-a2z-network:
diff --git a/docs/DOCKER.md b/docs/DOCKER.md
index ed448e47..3402cd30 100644
--- a/docs/DOCKER.md
+++ b/docs/DOCKER.md
@@ -748,10 +748,10 @@ sudo chown -R $USER:$USER .
 
 ```bash
 # Clear Docker cache and rebuild
-docker-compose -f docker-compose.fullstack.yaml build --no-cache
+docker-compose build --no-cache
 
 # Remove all containers and images
-docker-compose -f docker-compose.fullstack.yaml down
+docker-compose down
 docker system prune -a
 ```
 
diff --git a/server/.dockerignore b/server/.dockerignore
index 6ecd9b3b..5576c198 100644
--- a/server/.dockerignore
+++ b/server/.dockerignore
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 node_modules
 npm-debug.log
 yarn-error.log
-package-lock.json
 yarn.lock
 
 # Environment variables
@@ -37,6 +36,7 @@ Thumbs.db
 
 # Docker
 Dockerfile
+docker-compose*.yml
 docker-compose*.yaml
 .dockerignore
 
diff --git a/server/Dockerfile b/server/Dockerfile
index bd7c685a..a05f1aa5 100644
--- a/server/Dockerfile
+++ b/server/Dockerfile
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ WORKDIR /app
 COPY package*.json ./
 
 # Install only production dependencies
-RUN npm ci --only=production
+RUN npm ci --omit=dev
 
 # Copy source code
 COPY . .
diff --git a/server/docker-compose.yaml b/server/docker-compose.yaml
index 2b39dbb9..cf55f5a0 100644
--- a/server/docker-compose.yaml
+++ b/server/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ services:
       - code-a2z-network
 
   mongo:
-    image: mongo:8.2.2-noble
+    image: mongo:7-noble
     container_name: code-a2z-mongo
     ports:
       - '27017:27017'
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@ services:
       - '8081:8081'
     environment:
       - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_URL=mongodb://mongo:27017
-      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME=admin
-      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD=admin123
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_USERNAME=${MONGO_EXPRESS_USER:-admin}
+      - ME_CONFIG_BASICAUTH_PASSWORD=${MONGO_EXPRESS_PASSWORD:-changeme}
       - ME_CONFIG_MONGODB_ENABLE_ADMIN=true
     depends_on:
       - mongo

From c965989dbc3ba22610b6cb4160aa227f70450efa Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: "copilot-swe-agent[bot]" <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:25:43 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 09/12] Add MONGO_EXPRESS credentials to server .env.example

Co-authored-by: Avdhesh-Varshney <114330097+Avdhesh-Varshney@users.noreply.github.com>
---
 server/.env.example | 4 ++++
 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+)

diff --git a/server/.env.example b/server/.env.example
index b5ec8cd5..06f32422 100644
--- a/server/.env.example
+++ b/server/.env.example
@@ -7,6 +7,10 @@ VITE_CLIENT_DOMAIN=https://code-a2z.vercel.app
 # Database Configuration
 MONGODB_URL=mongodb://localhost:27017/code-a2z
 
+# Mongo Express Configuration (for Docker only)
+MONGO_EXPRESS_USER=admin
+MONGO_EXPRESS_PASSWORD=changeme
+
 # Authentication Configuration
 JWT_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=
 JWT_ACCESS_EXPIRES_IN=15m

From 9d163c09c5a22709ab52a67a3c727dd42ba83c35 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:17:57 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 10/12] update install command

---
 package.json | 2 +-
 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 7135ebfb..aa0cbd9c 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
     "test": "echo \"Error: no test specified\" && exit 1",
     "install:client": "cd client && npm install",
     "install:server": "cd server && npm install",
-    "install": "npm install && cd client && npm install && cd ../server && npm install",
+    "install:both": "npm install && cd client && npm install && cd ../server && npm install",
     "client": "cd client && npm run dev",
     "server": "cd server && npm run dev",
     "dev": "concurrently -n \"CLIENT,SERVER\" -c \"bgBlue.bold,bgMagenta.bold\" \"npm run client\" \"npm run server\"",

From 33cc6de8600dace91d9f9726947ccc3858c0bf63 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:20:10 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 11/12] format docker-compose file

---
 docker-compose.yaml | 12 ++++++++++--
 1 file changed, 10 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docker-compose.yaml b/docker-compose.yaml
index 01a494a7..3ba36899 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yaml
+++ b/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -40,7 +40,15 @@ services:
       - ./server/logs:/app/logs
     restart: unless-stopped
     healthcheck:
-      test: ["CMD", "wget", "--no-verbose", "--tries=1", "--spider", "http://localhost:8000/monitor/health"]
+      test:
+        [
+          'CMD',
+          'wget',
+          '--no-verbose',
+          '--tries=1',
+          '--spider',
+          'http://localhost:8000/monitor/health',
+        ]
       interval: 30s
       timeout: 10s
       retries: 3
@@ -57,7 +65,7 @@ services:
       - mongo-data:/data/db
     restart: unless-stopped
     healthcheck:
-      test: ["CMD", "mongosh", "--eval", "db.adminCommand('ping')"]
+      test: ['CMD', 'mongosh', '--eval', "db.adminCommand('ping')"]
       interval: 10s
       timeout: 5s
       retries: 5

From fd86b554e479e1d19a5295c33e18f52588c0c9ab Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Avdhesh-Varshney <avdhesh7v@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:37:42 +0530
Subject: [PATCH 12/12] fixed mongodb version

---
 docker-compose.yaml        | 2 +-
 server/docker-compose.yaml | 2 +-
 2 files changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/docker-compose.yaml b/docker-compose.yaml
index 3ba36899..01e73cab 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yaml
+++ b/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ services:
       - code-a2z-network
 
   mongo:
-    image: mongo:7-noble
+    image: mongo:8-noble
     container_name: code-a2z-mongo
     ports:
       - '27017:27017'
diff --git a/server/docker-compose.yaml b/server/docker-compose.yaml
index cf55f5a0..eb6f2e82 100644
--- a/server/docker-compose.yaml
+++ b/server/docker-compose.yaml
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ services:
       - code-a2z-network
 
   mongo:
-    image: mongo:7-noble
+    image: mongo:8-noble
     container_name: code-a2z-mongo
     ports:
       - '27017:27017'