Welcome to the exciting world of web development! In this blog, we will explore how to create a minimalistic, ready-to-use component for session-based login and sign-up using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js). This component is especially useful for anyone looking to implement user authentication in their projects.

Key Features

• Login page with success/error messages
• Register page with success/error messages
• Protected profile page route requiring authentication
• Session persistence with session ID stored on cookies
• Logout capability that deletes sessions from the database and clears cookies
• Fully responsive design across Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile devices

Prerequisites

Before diving into the implementation, ensure you have the following tools installed:

• Node.js
• NPM (Node Package Manager)
• React
• MongoDB Atlas with MongoURI
• An .env file with ENV variables (a template is provided)

Quick Start Guide

Let’s get your components up and running!

• Clone the repository: https://github.com/shawn-dsilvamern-login-signup-component.git
• Navigate to the Node backend directory:

  cd mern-login-signup-component

• Install the Node backend packages:

  npm install

• Navigate to the React client directory:

  cd mern-login-signup-component/client

• Install the React client packages:

  npm install

Testing Locally

Before starting your dev server, make sure to adjust a couple of settings:

• Remove the following line from client/package.json:

  homepage: https://demos.shawndsilva.com/sessions-auth-app,

• Remove the basename=sessions-auth-app from client/src/index.js

Once these adjustments are made, start your development servers:

npm run dev

Understanding the Code: An Analogy

Think of this MERN Login Signup Component like a smart building. The entrance (login page) welcomes tenants (users) and verifies their identification. If they provide the right credentials, they gain access to the building. The registration page serves as a temporary waiting room for new tenants who need to provide their information before gaining permanent access.

Once the tenants are in, they can visit different rooms (protected profile pages), but only if they have the right key (authentication). Sessions are maintained like a temporary badge that allows them to remain in the building without needing to show their ID repeatedly. When a tenant leaves (logs out), the badge is collected, ensuring no unauthorized access. Each of these roles and functionalities intertwine smoothly to create a cohesive experience!

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while running this code, here are some troubleshooting tips to guide you:

• Double-check your .env file for correct configuration and required variables.
• Make sure MongoDB Atlas is running and accessible from your application.
• If you have updated packages and face breaking changes, consult the package documentation for updates.
• Clear your browser cookies if logout appears to be malfunctioning.
• If the application doesn’t start, ensure that your backend server is running alongside your React app.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

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.

This component serves as a powerful foundation for those embarking on a journey into user authentication. Happy coding!