The Initial Challenge
The project began with a non-functional server facing multiple critical failure points. Our first task was to diagnose and quantify these foundational issues before any progress could be made.
From dependency errors to database conflicts.
No endpoints were functioning correctly.
Raw SQL (`pg`) and an ORM (`Sequelize`) caused seeding failures.
The database was completely empty.
The Resolution Journey
1. Stabilize & Isolate
Installed missing dependencies (`bcrypt`) and corrected basic query syntax errors to get the server running. This allowed us to isolate the deeper, systemic issues.
2. Diagnose Seeding Failure
Identified the core conflict between the `pg` library used by the server and the `Sequelize` ORM used by the seeder, explaining the empty database.
3. Architect the Solution
Designed a robust, relational schema to replace inefficient JSON columns. Created a dedicated `migration.js` script to build this schema reliably.
4. Rewrite & Reseed
Completely rewrote the seeder script using the `pg` library to align with the server's architecture. Populated the newly structured database with 20 unique user profiles.
5. Final Code Synchronization
Fixed all remaining `ReferenceError` issues in the authentication routes, ensuring all functions were called correctly and the API was fully functional.
Architectural Transformation
The most significant accomplishment was the fundamental refactoring of the database schema. This shift not only fixed the errors but also made the entire system more scalable, efficient, and ready for future AI-driven features.
Before: Inefficient & Brittle
- Data stored in unstructured JSON columns (`skills`, `tags`).
- Difficult to query and analyze relationships directly.
- Conflicting database libraries (`pg` vs. `Sequelize`).
- Unreliable table creation on server startup.
- Prone to silent failures and data inconsistencies.
After: Relational & Robust
- Fully relational schema with proper join tables.
- Data is structured, AI-friendly, and easy to query.
- Unified on the `pg` library across the application.
- Dedicated, reliable `migration.js` script for schema management.
- Transactional seeding ensures data integrity.
The Result: A Thriving Digital Village
The outcome is a stable, fully-seeded backend with a diverse user base, ready for front-end development. The geographic distribution of our test users highlights the platform's potential reach across Central Texas.
Seeded User Distribution by Location
Project Status: Complete
The Village API backend is now a solid foundation, ready for the next phase of development. All authentication endpoints are secure and functional, and the database is populated with a rich, high-quality dataset.