Backend for Student Project Tracker

Imagine you're helping build a simple student project tracker for a school. Your task is to set up the backend using Node.js and Express.js, and connect it to a MongoDB database using Mongoose.

This assignment gives you mentor-supported, hands-on practice with writing the connection logic, using environment variables, and verifying whether your Express server is successfully connected to the MongoDB database.

Instructions

1. Initialize the Project

• Start with the provided Express boilerplate project.

• Install the dependencies using:

  npm install

2. Set Up Environment Configuration

• Create a .env file in the root directory of the project.

• Add the MongoDB connection string in the .env file as shown below:

  MONGO_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/studentProjectsDB
  

• Using environment variables helps keep sensitive information separate from your code.

3. Connect Express to MongoDB

• Open index.js in your project.

• Make sure the Express server is set up.

• Use Mongoose to:

  • Load the MongoDB connection string from the .env file.

  • Connect to the studentProjectsDB database.

  • Log a message based on whether the connection is successful or fails:

    • Success: Connected to MongoDB
    • Failure: Error connecting to MongoDB: <error details>

4. Test Your Backend

• Start the server using node index.js or npm start.
• Check the terminal output to confirm that the database connection message is displayed.

How to Fork and Set Up Your Repository

1. Fork the StackBlitz Repository

• A StackBlitz starter link will be provided for this assignment.
• Open the link and click Fork to create your own working copy.

2. Push to Your GitHub Repository

You can either push manually or directly from StackBlitz.

Option A: Manual Push

1. Download your project files from StackBlitz.

2. Use your terminal to run the following commands:

   git init
   git remote add origin <your_github_repo_url>
   git add .
   git commit -m "Completed student project tracker DB connection"
   git push -u origin main

Option B: Direct Push via StackBlitz

• Use StackBlitz’s Push to GitHub feature to upload your work.

3. Submit Your Work

• Once your code is on GitHub:

  1. Copy the GitHub repository URL.
  2. Submit the link through the assignment submission form.

Format:

https://github.com/<your_username>/<repository_name>

Example Submission

If your GitHub username is anikaDev and the repository is student-tracker-backend, submit: https://github.com/anikaDev/student-tracker-backend