HANDL — Backend

//IN PROGRESS//

Backend repository for HANDL, a full-stack web app that helps users create, manage, and share shopping lists in real time. Whether you're planning groceries solo or coordinating with family, HANDL keeps everything in sync across devices.

⚙️ Tech Stack

• Node.js + Express
• PostgreSQL
• Passport (Session-based auth)
• Nodemailer
• SSE (Server-Sent Events for real-time updates)
• REST API

🧑‍💻 Getting Started

Prerequisites

• PostgreSQL database
• Node.js (v18+)
• .env file with required variables

Installation

git clone https://github.com/gitXite/handl_backend.git
cd handl_backend
npm install

The app can be installed locally as a progressive web app (PWA).

Environment Setup

Create a .env file in the root with the following:

PORT=5000
SESSION_SECRET=your_secret
DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:pass@localhost:5432/handl
[email protected]
EMAIL_PASS=yourpassword
CLIENT_URL=http://localhost:3000

Running the App

npm run dev

📂 Project Structure

handl_backend/
├── src/
|    ├── config/         # DB and email configuration
|    ├── controllers/    # Express route handlers
|    ├── middleware/     # Auth, error handling
|    ├── routes/         # API endpoints
|    ├── services/       # Business logic
|    ├── index.js        # Entry point
├── .env.example
├── README.md
├── package.json

🛡️ Authentication

Session-based authentication using Passport

Email confirmation & password reset via token logic

🔄 Real-time Features

Server-Sent Events (SSE) for real-time list updates and sharing

📦 Deployment Notes

Be sure to use secure cookies and HTTPS in production

Configure CORS and sessions properly with frontend origin