narrow_casting_system/CONTRIBUTING.md

Contributing to SnowWorld Narrowcasting System

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the SnowWorld Narrowcasting System! This document provides guidelines and instructions for contributing to the project.

🎯 Project Overview

This is a narrowcasting system developed for SnowWorld as part of an MBO Challenge. The system manages and displays content on various screens within the ski resort.

🏗️ Architecture

• Backend: Node.js with Express
• Database: SQLite
• Frontend: Vanilla HTML/CSS/JavaScript
• Real-time: WebSocket (Socket.io)

🚀 Quick Start

1. Fork the repository
2. Clone your fork: git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/narrow-casting-system.git
3. Install dependencies: npm run setup
4. Start development: npm run dev

📋 Development Guidelines

Code Style

• Use consistent indentation (2 spaces)
• Follow camelCase for variables and functions
• Use descriptive variable names
• Add comments for complex logic
• Keep functions small and focused

File Structure

backend/
├── server.js           # Main server file
├── database/           # Database logic
├── services/           # Business logic
└── utils/             # Utility functions

admin/
├── index.html         # Main HTML
├── styles.css         # Styles
└── js/                # JavaScript modules

client/
├── index.html         # Display HTML
├── styles.css         # Display styles
└── js/                # Display logic

Commit Messages

Use clear, descriptive commit messages:

• feat: add real-time content updates
• fix: resolve WebSocket connection issues
• docs: update API documentation
• style: improve responsive design

🔧 Development Process

1. Backend Development

cd backend
npm run dev  # Starts with nodemon for auto-reload

2. Frontend Development

For admin dashboard:

cd admin
npm start    # Serves on http://localhost:8080

For client display:

# Open client/index.html in browser
# Or use live server for development

3. Testing

Run system tests:

node test_system.js

🐛 Bug Reports

When reporting bugs, please include:

• Steps to reproduce
• Expected behavior
• Actual behavior
• Browser/environment info
• Screenshots if applicable

💡 Feature Requests

For feature requests, please:

• Check if the feature already exists
• Describe the use case clearly
• Explain why this feature would be valuable
• Consider implementation complexity

🔒 Security

Reporting Security Issues

DO NOT report security vulnerabilities publicly. Instead:

1. Email security concerns to: [security@snowworld.com]
2. Include detailed description of the vulnerability
3. Provide steps to reproduce if possible
4. Allow time for investigation before disclosure

Security Guidelines

• Never commit sensitive data (passwords, API keys)
• Validate all user inputs
• Use parameterized queries
• Implement proper CORS policies
• Keep dependencies updated

📊 Performance Guidelines

• Minimize database queries
• Use appropriate indexing
• Implement caching where beneficial
• Optimize file uploads
• Consider bandwidth limitations

🎨 UI/UX Guidelines

Design Principles

• Keep the winter/snow theme consistent
• Ensure high contrast for readability
• Make interfaces intuitive and simple
• Consider different screen sizes
• Test on various devices

Color Scheme

• Primary: #0066cc (blue)
• Secondary: #e6f3ff (light blue)
• Accent: #00a8ff (bright blue)
• Background: Blue to purple gradients
• Text: High contrast with backgrounds

📝 Documentation

• Update README.md for new features
• Document API changes
• Include code comments for complex logic
• Update technical documentation

🔄 Deployment

Development

npm run dev     # Development server
npm run admin   # Admin dashboard

Production

npm start       # Production server
npm run build   # Build for production

📋 Pull Request Process

1. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature
2. Make your changes following the guidelines
3. Test thoroughly
4. Commit with descriptive messages
5. Push to your fork: git push origin feature/amazing-feature
6. Create a Pull Request with:
   • Clear title and description
   • List of changes made
   • Screenshots for UI changes
   • Test results

PR Requirements

• All tests must pass
• No linting errors
• Documentation updated
• Code reviewed by maintainer

🏷️ Version Management

We use semantic versioning:

• MAJOR: Breaking changes
• MINOR: New features (backward compatible)
• PATCH: Bug fixes

📞 Support

For questions and support:

• Check existing documentation
• Search closed issues
• Create a new issue with proper labels
• Be patient and respectful

🏆 Recognition

Contributors will be recognized in:

• README.md contributors section
• Release notes
• Project documentation

📄 License

By contributing, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the same license as the project.

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Thank you for contributing to the SnowWorld Narrowcasting System! ❄️