crowd-funder-for-time-pwa/BUILDING.md

# Building TimeSafari

This guide explains how to build TimeSafari for different platforms.

## Prerequisites

- Node.js (LTS version recommended)
- npm (comes with Node.js)
- Git
- For iOS builds: macOS with Xcode installed
- For Android builds: Android Studio with SDK installed
- For desktop builds: Additional build tools based on your OS

## Initial Setup

1. Clone the repository:
   ```bash
   git clone [repository-url]
   cd TimeSafari
   ```

2. Install dependencies:
   ```bash
   npm install
   ```

## Web Build

To build for web deployment:

1. Run the production build:
   ```bash
   npm run build
   ```

2. The built files will be in the `dist` directory.

3. To test the production build locally:
   ```bash
   npm run serve
   ```

## Desktop Build (Electron)

To build the desktop application:

1. Run the Electron build:
   ```bash
   npm run build -- --mode electron
   ```

2. The built files will be in `dist-electron`.

3. To create installable packages:
   ```bash
   npm run electron:build
   ```

This will create platform-specific installers in `dist-electron-build`:
- Windows: `.exe` installer
- macOS: `.dmg` file
- Linux: `.AppImage` file

## Mobile Builds (Capacitor)

### iOS Build

Prerequisites: macOS with Xcode installed

1. Build the web assets:
   ```bash
   npm run build -- --mode capacitor
   ```

2. Add iOS platform if not already added:
   ```bash
   npx cap add ios
   ```

3. Update iOS project with latest build:
   ```bash
   npx cap sync ios
   ```

4. Open the project in Xcode:
   ```bash
   npx cap open ios
   ```

5. Use Xcode to build and run on simulator or device.

### Android Build

Prerequisites: Android Studio with SDK installed

1. Build the web assets:
   ```bash
   npm run build -- --mode capacitor
   ```

2. Add Android platform if not already added:
   ```bash
   npx cap add android
   ```

3. Update Android project with latest build:
   ```bash
   npx cap sync android
   ```

4. Open the project in Android Studio:
   ```bash
   npx cap open android
   ```

5. Use Android Studio to build and run on emulator or device.

## Development

To run the application in development mode:

1. Start the development server:
   ```bash
   npm run dev
   ```

## Testing

Run local tests:
```bash
npm run test-local
```

Run all tests (includes building):
```bash
npm run test-all
```

## Linting

Check code style:
```bash
npm run lint
```

Fix code style issues:
```bash
npm run lint-fix
```

## Notes

- The application uses PWA (Progressive Web App) features for web builds
- Electron builds disable PWA features automatically
- Build output directories:
  - Web: `dist/`
  - Electron: `dist-electron/`
  - Capacitor: `dist-capacitor/`