Welcome to the innovative world of Blockchain-based e-voting! In this guide, we’ll walk you through building a reliable and secure voting application developed by the brilliant minds at Shri Bhagubhai Mafatlal Polytechnic, including yours truly—Sayyam Gada, along with my talented teammate Charmee Mehta. Let’s dive right in!
Setting Up Your Development Environment
To set up your project environment, follow these simple steps:
- Install dependencies with the following command:
npm install
npm start
Setting Up Environment Variables
You need to create a b.env file to store crucial configuration details. Populate it with the following:
EMAIL=YOUR_EMAIL_ID
PASSWORD=YOUR_PASSWORD_FOR_EMAIL_ID
Essential Tools
Before proceeding, ensure you have installed the following:
- MetaMask Extension: Download it from here and set it up.
- Ether: Make sure to have some Ether to test the application locally. Fetch it from the Rinkeby Faucet.
Important Requirements
- Install Node.js version 11.14.0 to avoid any compatibility issues; testing with other versions has yet to be completed.
- Ensure MongoDB is running in the background on localhost:27017.
Tech Stack Used
Here’s a quick look at the technologies we utilized to bring this project to life:
- Solidity
- Web3 (for writing and connecting the Blockchain contract)
- Next.js
- Semantic UI React (front-end)
- MongoDB
- ExpressJS
- Node.js (back-end)
- IPFS (file storage for images)
Understanding the Code with an Analogy
Imagine you are a chef preparing a multi-course meal. Each ingredient represents a piece of technology that contributes to the dish. Here’s how we mix it all together:
- Solidity: Think of this as your recipe—the instructions on how to create your dish (the blockchain contract).
- Web3: This is your kitchen utensils, allowing you to manipulate ingredients effectively (interact with your contracts).
- Next.js & Semantic UI React: These are the presentation dishes where you place your meal to serve it beautifully.
- MongoDB: Think of this as your pantry, storing all the necessary ingredients (data) you will need.
- IPFS: This acts as your freezer for images, ensuring they are securely saved and can be accessed when needed.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you encounter any issues during the setup, here are some troubleshooting ideas:
- Make sure your Node.js version aligns with the recommended version to avoid compatibility issues.
- Check that MongoDB is running on your local machine.
- Ensure your b.env file is correctly configured with valid information.
- If you’re experiencing issues with MetaMask, consider reinstalling the extension or refreshing your browser.
For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.
Final Thoughts
At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.
We hope this guide has been helpful in starting your journey with a blockchain-based e-voting application. Happy coding!