Blockchain-Integrated Backend Architecture

Overview

Blockchain integrated backend is the Hybrid backend of the NFT Marketplace decentralized application (dApp) designed to create a cost-efficient and secure marketplace for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). This project integrates both centralized and decentralized backends to optimize cost without compromising security. The smart contracts used in this project are developed with a focus on cost efficiency while ensuring the security of the marketplace. Additionally, this project serves as an educational resource for anyone interested in learning about building dApps and NFT marketplaces.

Features

• Decentralized and Centralized Backend Combines the strengths of both decentralized and centralized systems to balance cost and performance.
• Cost-Efficient Smart Contracts Designed to minimize gas fees and other costs associated with blockchain transactions.
• Secure Transactions Emphasis on maintaining the security and integrity of the NFT store.
• Technology Stack Utilizes Node.js with Express for the backend, and various databases, including MongoDB, to manage and store data efficiently.

Technology Stack

• Decentralized Backend (Blockchain) Smart contracts developed using Hardhat and OpenZeppelin, deployed on a blockchain platform
• Centralized Backend Node.js, Express, GraphQl, Ethers.js, and more...
• InterPlanetary File System This project leverages Pinata for storing and retrieving media on IPFS, enhancing its decentralized architecture. Additionally, it’s designed to facilitate a smooth transition to a fully serverless backend. However, you have the option to modify the project to store all data on a central server instead of IPFS
• Databases This project is initially designed to work seamlessly with MongoDB by default. However, it can easily be adapted to integrate with other centralized or decentralized database solutions

Installation

1. Clone the Repository

   git clone https://github.com/AnasElii/blockchain-integrated-backend-architecture.git
   cd blockchain-integrated-backend-architecture

2. Install Dependencies

   npm install

3. Configure Environment Variables

   • Create a .env file in the root directory.
   • add MONGODB_URI to hold the MONGODB URI
   • add the COUNTERS_CONTRACT_ADDRESS to hold the Counters address
   • add the NFT_MARKETPLACE_CONTRACT_ADDRESS to hold the NFT Marketplace address
   • add PORT with the desired port value as example 4000. If you need another value you need to update it in the mintNFT API
   • add ALCHEMY_API_KEY to hold the Alchemy API key of the project or if you are using Infura use INFURA_API_KEY
   • Visit Pinata Cloud to sign up for a new free account.
   • add the PINATA_JWT_TOKEN and NEXT_PUBLIC_NFT_MARKETPLACE_ADDRESS fields
   • Add necessary configuration settings (database credentials, blockchain network settings, etc.).

Usage

1. Deploy Smart Contracts Follow the instructions in the contracts/ directory to deploy smart contracts using Hardhat to your preferred blockchain network.

2. Start the Backend Server

   node ./index.js

   Ensure your Express server is configured correctly and running.

3. Access the Marketplace Backend Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:4000, and also the http://localhost:4000/graphql To access the NFT_MArketplace Grpahql playground.

Note You can update the port value from the envirment by chaging the PORT value in the .evn file

Educational Resource

This project is designed to be an educational resource. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, you can use this project as a starting point to learn about building decentralized applications and NFT marketplaces.

Contributing

We welcome contributions to enhance the NFT Marketplace. To contribute:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch (git checkout -b feature-branch).
3. Make your changes and commit them (git commit -m 'Add new feature').
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature-branch).
5. Open a pull request to the main branch.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for more details.

Contact

For any questions or feedback, please open an issue on GitHub or reach out to us directly.

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We hope you enjoy using the NFT Marketplace! If you have any suggestions or encounter any issues, please don't hesitate to let us know.