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Cloud Server Installation Guide

This guide explains how to set up and run the Cloud Storage Server including both the Backend API and Frontend Application.

1. Prerequisites​

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • Node.js 18+ installed
  • MySQL database available
  • Git installed
  • Stripe account (optional for payments)
  • OAuth credentials for Google/Discord (optional)

2. Repository Structure​

root/
 ├── backend/    → Backend API (Node.js + Prisma)
 └── frontend/   → Next.js Frontend

3. Environment Variables

You must configure two separate .env files: one for the backend and one for the frontend.

3.1 Backend API .env​

Create storage-service/.env:

DATABASE_URL=""
BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=""
FRONTEND_URL=""
PORT=""
DEBUG=

3.2 Frontend .env​

Rename website/.env.example to website/.env:

BETTER_AUTH_URL=""
BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=""
NEXT_PUBLIC_COMPANY_NAME=""
NEXT_PUBLIC_CURRENCY_SYMBOL="£"
NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPPORT_EMAIL=""

BACKEND_URL=""
DATABASE_URL=""

## Social Providers
DISCORD_CLIENT_ID=""
DISCORD_CLIENT_SECRET=""

GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID=""
GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET=""

## Stripe integration
STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=""
STRIPE_WEBHOOK_SECRET=""

## Email integration
EMAIL_SERVER_HOST=""
EMAIL_SERVER_PORT=""
EMAIL_SERVER_USER=""
EMAIL_SERVER_PASSWORD=""

4. Backend Installation

Navigate to the backend folder:

cd backend

Install dependencies:

npm install

Run initial database migration:

npx prisma migrate dev --name init

Generate Prisma client:

npx prisma generate

Start the backend:

npm run start

The backend API should now be running on the port specified in .env.

5. Frontend Installation

Navigate to the frontend folder:

cd frontend

Install dependencies:

npm install

Generate Prisma client (required if using Prisma in Frontend utilities):

npx prisma generate

Build the production bundle:

npm run build

Start the server:

npm run start

The frontend should now be accessible in your browser.

6. Common Issues

  • Prisma error: DATABASE_URL not found → Ensure .env exists in both backend & frontend.
  • CORS errors → Check FRONTEND_URL and BACKEND_URL values.
  • Authentication errors → Make sure BETTER_AUTH_SECRET matches across both services.
  • Webhook signature invalid → Verify STRIPE_WEBHOOK_SECRET.

7. Deployment Tips

  • Use PM2 or Docker to keep services running.
  • Use Nginx reverse proxy for HTTPS.
  • Configure environment variables in your deployment provider.