🖥️ ContestHub – Server Side (Backend)

This is the backend server for ContestHub, a full-stack contest management platform where users can create, join, and manage creative contests.
The backend is built with Node.js, Express, MongoDB, and Firebase Authentication, and includes Stripe payment integration and role-based access control.

---

🌐 Live Server URL

https://your-server-live-url.vercel.app

---

⚙️ Core Responsibilities

• REST API for contests, users, payments, and submissions
• Role-based authorization (Admin, Creator, User)
• Secure APIs using Firebase JWT
• Stripe payment session & verification
• Contest participation & winner declaration
• Admin moderation (users & contests)

---

🛠 Tech Stack

• Runtime: Node.js
• Framework: Express.js
• Database: MongoDB (Atlas)
• Authentication: Firebase Admin SDK (JWT)
• Payment Gateway: Stripe
• Deployment: Vercel

---

🔐 Authentication & Security

• Firebase ID Token (JWT) verification
• Protected routes using verifyToken middleware
• Role-based access using verifyAdmin
• Sensitive keys stored in environment variables
• No secret keys pushed to GitHub

---

📦 Installed Packages

express
cors
dotenv
mongodb
firebase-admin
stripe

server/
│
├─ index.js                 # Main server entry
├─ verifyToken.js           # JWT verification middleware
├─ firebase-services-account.json (ignored in git)
├─ .env                     # Environment variables
├─ package.json
└─ README.md