StudyBuddy Backend API

StudyBuddy is a Flask-based RESTful API designed to help students connect and form productive study groups. The platform features a unique matching system, direct database image storage, and integrated scheduling tools.

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Features

• Secure Authentication: robust User Signup and Login endpoints.

• Rich Profiles: Supports detailed student data including Majors, Courses, and Preferred Study Areas.

• Binary Image Storage: Profile pictures are stored as BLOBs (Binary Large Objects) directly in the database, ensuring your data is portable and contained in a single file (app.db).

• UserMatchStatus: Tracks "Likes" and "Dislikes" to curate potential partner suggestions.

• Mutual Matches: Automatically triggers a "Match" when two users show mutual interest.

• Communication: Integrated private messaging system for coordinated studying.

• Scheduling: Built-in meeting coordinator with support for locations and timestamps.

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Tech Stack

• Language: Python 3.x
• Framework: Flask
• ORM: Flask-SQLAlchemy
• Database: SQLite (Development)
• Data Handling: Base64 encoding for seamless image transmission via JSON.

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Quick Start

1. Set Up Virtual Environment

python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

2. Install Dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the Server

python3 app.py

The database (app.db) will automatically initialize on the first launch.

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Core Endpoints

Profiles & Media

Method	Endpoint	Description
POST	/profiles/	Create a student profile.
POST	/profiles/<id>/image/	Upload a profile picture (Binary).
GET	/profiles/<id>/image/	Retrieve and render the profile image.

Social & Matching

Method	Endpoint	Description
GET	/users/<id>/suggestions/	Get profiles you haven't swiped on yet.
POST	/swipes/	Record a Like/Dislike and check for mutual matches.
GET	/users/<id>/matches/	View your confirmed study partners.

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Project Structure

StudyBuddy/
└── backend/
    ├── app.py          # Main application & Route definitions
    ├── db.py           # SQLAlchemy Models & Schema
    ├── requirements.txt# Dependencies
    ├── app.db          # SQLite Database (Auto-generated)
    └── venv/           # Virtual Environment