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AOSSIE | DebateAI
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---
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## About DebateAI
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**DebateAI** is an AI-enhanced, real-time debating platform designed to sharpen communication skills. Whether competing against human opponents or LLM-powered AI challengers, users can participate in structured debates that mimic formal competitions.
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### Key Features
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- **User vs. User Debates**
- Real-time debates via **WebSockets**, **WebRTC** (audio/video/text)
- Structured formats: **opening**, **cross-exam**, and **closing**
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- **User vs. AI Debates**
- LLM-generated counterarguments that adapt to your input
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- **Custom Debate Rooms**
- Create private, topic-specific debate spaces
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---
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## Project Setup Guide
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### Backend Configuration
### Prerequisites
- Go (version 1.20 or later)
- MongoDB (local instance or MongoDB Atlas)
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---
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### 1. Create the Backend Config File
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The backend expects a `config.prod.yml` file at runtime.
Only a sample config file is provided in the repository.
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Create the required config file by copying the sample:
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```bash
cd backend/config
cp config.prod.sample.yml config.prod.yml
```
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---
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### 2. Configure MongoDB
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Update `backend/config/config.prod.yml` with a valid MongoDB connection string:
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```yaml
database:
uri: ""
```
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Without a valid MongoDB URI, the backend will fail to start.
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---
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### 3. (Optional) Gemini API Configuration
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If the Gemini API key is not configured, the backend will still run, but AI-related features will be disabled.
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```yaml
gemini:
apiKey: ""
```
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---
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### 4. Run the Backend Server
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From the `backend` directory, start the server:
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```bash
go run cmd/server/main.go
```
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The server will start on the port defined in the config file (default: `1313`).
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---
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### Notes
- Do **not** commit `config.prod.yml` to version control.
- Only `config.prod.sample.yml` should remain committed.
-
-
### Frontend Configuration
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1. In the `frontend/` directory, create a file named `.env`.
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2. Add the following environment variables to the `.env` file:
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```
-VITE_BASE_URL="http://localhost:1313"
-VITE_GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID=""
+VITE_BASE_URL=http://localhost:1313
+VITE_GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID=
+> **Note:** Do NOT wrap values in quotes. Restart frontend after changes.
```
-
- Replace `` with your actual Google OAuth Client ID from Google Cloud Console.
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> **Note:** Do **not** commit this file to a public repository. Add `.env` to your `.gitignore` to keep it secure.
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---
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### Running the Frontend (React + Vite)
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1. Open a new terminal and navigate to the frontend directory:
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```
cd frontend
```
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2. Install dependencies:
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```
npm install
```
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-3. Create a `.env` file and add:
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- ```
- VITE_BASE_URL="http://localhost:1313"
- ```
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+3. See the earlier "Frontend Configuration" section for required environment variables.
4. Start the development server:
```
npm run dev
```
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---
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+### Google OAuth Setup (Local Development)
+1. Go to the [Google Cloud Console](https://console.cloud.google.com/).
+2. Create a new project or select an existing one.
+3. Enable the Google OAuth2 API.
+4. Go to "Credentials" in the left sidebar.
+5. Click "Create Credentials" > "OAuth 2.0 Client IDs".
+6. Set Application type to "Web application".
+7. In the "Authorized JavaScript origins", add:
+ - http://localhost:5173
+ - http://127.0.0.1:5173
+ - http://localhost:1313
+ - http://127.0.0.1:1313
+8. **(Optional) Authorized redirect URIs:** Not required for this client-side Google One Tap flow. The ID token is obtained client-side and sent to the backend for validation. Only **Authorized JavaScript Origins** are required.
+9. Download the credentials JSON file and note your Client ID.
+10. Exact match of URLs is required for proper functioning.
+### Email Verification Setup (Gmail SMTP App Password)
+For email verification functionality, DebateAI uses SMTP for sending emails. If using Gmail:
+1. Enable 2-Factor Authentication on your Gmail account.
+2. Go to Google Account settings.
+3. Navigate to Security > 2-Step Verification > App passwords.
+4. Generate a new app password for "Mail".
+5. Use this app password in your SMTP configuration instead of your regular Gmail password.
+Example SMTP configuration in config.prod.yml:
+```yaml
+smtp:
+ host: "smtp.gmail.com"
+ port: 587
+ username: "your-email@gmail.com"
+ password: "your-app-password-here"
+ senderEmail: "your-email@gmail.com"
+```
+> **Warning:** Never commit credentials to version control.
## Contribution Guidelines
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Thank you for your interest in contributing to **DebateAI**! We appreciate your efforts in making this project better. Please follow these best practices to ensure smooth collaboration.
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### How to Contribute
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#### 1. Fork the Repository
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- Navigate to the [DebateAI repository](https://github.com/AOSSIE-Org/DebateAI).
- Click the **Fork** button in the top right corner.
- Clone the forked repository to your local machine:
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```sh
git clone https://github.com/your-username/DebateAI.git
cd DebateAI
```
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#### 2. Create a Feature Branch
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- Always create a new branch for your contributions:
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```sh
git checkout -b feature-name
```
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#### 3. Make Changes and Commit
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- Follow coding best practices and maintain code consistency.
- Write clear commit messages:
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```sh
git commit -m "Added [feature/fix]: Short description"
```
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#### 4. Push Changes and Open a Pull Request
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- Push your changes to your forked repository:
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```sh
git push origin feature-name
```
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- Navigate to the original repository and open a **Pull Request (PR)**.
- Provide a detailed description of the changes in the PR.
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---
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### Best Practices
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- **Code Quality**: Ensure your code is clean, readable, and consistent with the existing codebase.
- **Testing**: Test your changes locally before submitting a PR.
- **Security**: Never commit sensitive information (e.g., API keys or passwords).
- **Communication**: Be responsive to reviews and update your PRs as requested.
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---
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### Submitting a Video Demonstration
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To help maintainers understand your changes, consider submitting a short video showcasing the feature or fix:
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- Record a short demo (you can use tools like Loom or OBS).
- Upload and include the video link in your Pull Request description.
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---
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### Reporting Issues
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If you find a bug or have a feature request:
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- Open an issue [here](https://github.com/AOSSIE-Org/DebateAI/issues).
- Clearly describe the problem and, if possible, suggest solutions.
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We look forward to your contributions!
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---
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## License
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MIT © [AOSSIE](https://aossie.org)
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---