[IMPROVE] Implement Guest Browsing with Limited Functionality

[parazeeknova]

Description

Currently, Zephyr only allows logged-in users to access the application. To enhance accessibility and attract more users, we should allow non-logged-in users (guests) to browse the application with limited functionality. Guests will be able to scroll and view content but will not have access to interactive features like upvoting, viewing Zephyrians, following, or bookmarking etc.

Tasks

Backend:

• Update authentication middleware to identify guest users.
• Create a guest user session that allows read-only access.
• Restrict specific API endpoints for guests (e.g., upvote, follow, bookmark).

Frontend

• Implement UI changes for guests:
  Disable upvote buttons.
  Hide "View Zephyrians" and "Follow" options.
  Show a tooltip or message on interactive elements: "Log in to use this feature."
• Add a banner or call-to-action encouraging guests to sign up/log in.

Testing

• Test guest access to ensure they can view content but cannot interact with it.
• Verify that logged-in users still have full functionality.

Acceptance Criteria

Guests can browse content without logging in.
Guests cannot interact with content (e.g., upvote, bookmark, follow).
Interactive features display a prompt to log in for access.
Logged-in users retain all current functionalities.

Notes

This will provide potential users a sneak peek into the platform, encouraging them to sign up.
Ensure this implementation does not compromise performance or security.

[pushed2prod]

Hi @parazeeknova Can i work on this feature?

[parazeeknova]

sure @pushed2prod :)