SkillSwap - Real-Time Skill Barter Platform

SkillSwap is a unique, real-time skill barter platform where users can trade their skills with each other. It's a modern digital version of the barter system — no money involved! Users can offer their expertise (e.g., web development, design) and receive other skills in return (e.g., marketing, content creation).

This project was built as part of a hackathon using the MERN stack and real-time communication features.

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🚀 Features

• Skill Profiles: Users create profiles showcasing their skills (what they offer and what they want).
• Smart Matchmaking: Real-time skill-matching algorithm based on skill tags, availability, and ratings.
• Live Chat: Real-time chat for negotiating trades with optional contracts.
• Trade Valuation: AI-based estimation of fair skill trade values.

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🛠️ Technologies Used

• Frontend:

  • React.js + Tailwind CSS (UI)
  • WebSockets (real-time chat)

• Backend:

  • Node.js + Express.js
  • MongoDB for database
  • Socket.IO for real-time communication
  • Google Gemini API (optional AI-powered trade value estimation)
  • Google O-Auth for user authentication

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⚡ Features Breakdown

1. Skill Profiles

Users can create a profile to list their skills, both for what they offer and what they seek in return.

2. Real-Time Skill Matching

We use a smart matchmaking system based on user skills, availability, and proximity. The system pairs users who have matching skill sets or who can benefit from each other's expertise.

3. Live Chat and Negotiation

A chat feature allows users to negotiate their skills exchange in real-time. Users can also create and manage skill barter contracts.

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📂 Project Structure

• backend/: Contains all the backend logic (routes, models, services).
• frontend/: React.js frontend for user interaction.
• .env: Store environment variables like DB credentials and API keys.
• README.md: Project overview and instructions.

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🚀 Getting Started

To set up the project locally:

1. Clone the repo:

   git clone https://github.com/CodeNex-Club-SRMIST/hackslash-pixelpilots-sakshambajpai1604-armaanit.git
   cd hackslash-pixelpilots-sakshambajpai1604-armaanit

2. Backend Setup:

   • Navigate to the backend/ directory:

   cd backend

   • Install dependencies:

   npm install

   • Create a .env file and add your environment variables:

     DB_URI=mongodb://localhost/skill-swap
     JWT_SECRET=your_secret_key
     GEMINI_API_KEY=your_gemini_api_key
     

   • Run the backend server:

   npm start

3. Frontend Setup:

   • Navigate to the frontend/ directory:

   cd frontend

   • Install dependencies:

   npm install

   • Run the frontend app:

   npm start

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📈 Future Enhancements

• AI-Powered Skill Matching: More advanced matchmaking algorithms based on user preferences.
• Mobile App: Create a mobile app version of the platform using React Native.
• Blockchain: Integrate blockchain for secure and transparent barter transactions.
• Skill Trading Points: Allow users to accumulate points for skills provided.

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🤝 Contributing

Feel free to fork this repository and contribute. If you have any questions or ideas, open an issue or submit a pull request.

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📝 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.