firebase_setup_guide.md

description	Setup Firebase Authentication and Firestore for the Signify app

Firebase Setup Guide

Follow these steps to fully configure the backend for Signify.

Step 1: Create Firebase Project

1. Go to Firebase Console.
2. Click "Add project".
3. Name it Signify (or similar).
4. Disable Google Analytics (optional, makes setup faster).
5. Click "Create Project".

Step 2: Register the App

1. On the Project Overview page, click the Web icon (</>).
2. App nickname: Signify-Web.
3. Uncheck "Also set up Firebase Hosting" (we are using Vercel).
4. Click "Register app".
5. COPY the firebaseConfig object shown on screen. It looks like this:

   const firebaseConfig = {
     apiKey: "AIzaSy...",
     authDomain: "...",
     projectId: "...",
     storageBucket: "...",
     messagingSenderId: "...",
     appId: "..."
   };

Step 3: Enable Authentication

1. Go to Build > Authentication in the left sidebar.
2. Click "Get Started".
3. Select "Email/Password" from the Sign-in method list.
4. Toggle "Enable".
5. Click "Save".

Step 4: Setup Database (Firestore)

1. Go to Build > Firestore Database.
2. Click "Create Database".
3. Choose a location (e.g., nam5 (us-central)).
4. IMPORTANT: Start in Test Mode.
   • Security Warning: Test mode allows anyone to read/write for 30 days. For a hackathon/demo, this is fine. For production, you will need security rules.
5. Click "Create".

Step 5: Update Code

1. Open services/firebaseService.ts in your editor.
2. Replace the firebaseConfig object (blocks lines 15-22) with the ONE you copied in Step 2.
3. You can either hardcode them (easier for hackathon) or use environment variables.

Step 6: Final Verification

1. Run npm run dev locally.
2. Create a new account on the Login screen.
3. Check your Firebase Console > Authentication > Users tab. You should see the new user there.