GeoSpot Setup Guide

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Backend Setup (Render)

We’re hosting the backend on Render, so you don’t need to run it locally. NOTE that the server goes to sleep when there is no activity so initial log in may take slightly longer. Please be patient.

Steps:

1. Go to our Render Dashboard and log in.
2. Locate the geospotbackend service.
3. Click "Deploy latest commit" to update the backend with the latest code.
4. Wait for the deployment logs to show “Live” — this means the backend is running.

Backend API URL:

https://geospotbackend.onrender.com

This is already integrated into the frontend fetch calls.

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Frontend Setup (React Native with Expo)

You’ll be running the frontend using Expo Go on your phone or using the web browser via tunnel.

🔧 Initial Setup (One-Time)

If you haven’t already:

npm install -g expo-cli

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Run the Frontend

1. Open a terminal and go to the root of the project:

   cd geospot  # if not already there

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Start Expo using tunnel mode (important for physical device access):

   npx expo start --tunnel

   This will open Expo DevTools in your browser.

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Run the App on Your Phone

1. Download the Expo Go app:

   • iOS: App Store
   • Android: Google Play

2. Make sure your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

3. In Expo DevTools, scan the QR code shown under "Tunnel" using the Expo Go app.

   Your app should launch on your phone!

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Troubleshooting Tips

• Backend not working? Make sure you clicked Deploy latest commit on Render.
• Can’t scan the QR? Ensure your phone and laptop are on the same Wi-Fi, and you’re using Tunnel mode (--tunnel).

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