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README.md

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 # shopping-assistant-web-client
+Client web interface for a Shopping Assistant that utilizes Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology to interpret user queries for products and gifts. Users interact through a chat-style interface to communicate their shopping requirements.
+
+## Table of Contents
+- [Features](#features)
+- [Stack](#stack)
+- [Installation](#installation)
+  - [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
+  - [Setup Instructions](#setup-instructions)
+- [Configuration](#configuration)
+
+## Features
+- Chat-style interface for querying products and gifts using natural language.
+- Personalized wishlists and cart management.
+- Real-time chat message updates and suggestion handling.
+- User authentication with email or phone number.
+- User profile management and settings.
+- Display of top deals and product cards with images, ratings, and prices.
+- Integration with Amazon through affiliate links.
+- Responsive frontend built with Blazor Server.
+- Confirmation modals for destructive actions (e.g., deleting chats).
+- Use of GraphQL for API communication.
+
+## Stack
+- C# & .NET 7.0 with Blazor Server for frontend.
+- GraphQL.Client for API and GraphQL interactions.
+- Newtonsoft.Json for JSON serialization/deserialization.
+- Blazored.Modal for modal dialogs.
+- CSS with Bootstrap 5 for styling.
+- Natural Language Processing (NLP) support via backend (API).
+- Azure DevOps / GitHub Actions for CI/CD and deployment.
+
+## Installation
+
+### Prerequisites
+- .NET 7.0 SDK or later.
+- A code editor or IDE compatible with Blazor, e.g., Visual Studio 2022 or VS Code with C# extension.
+- Docker (optional) if using the provided devcontainer setup.
+- Internet access for restoring NuGet packages.
+- Access to the corresponding backend API (shopping-assistant-api).
+
+### Setup Instructions
+1. Clone this repository:
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/Shchoholiev/shopping-assistant-web-client.git
+   cd shopping-assistant-web-client
+   ```
+2. Open the solution file `ShoppingAssistantWebClient.sln` in your IDE.
+3. Restore the NuGet packages:
+   ```bash
+   dotnet restore
+   ```
+4. Configure API URL in `appsettings.Development.json` or `appsettings.Production.json`.
+5. Run the project:
+   ```bash
+   dotnet run --project ShoppingAssistantWebClient.Web
+   ```
+   or use your IDE's run/debug feature.
+6. Access the client at `https://localhost:{port}` as indicated in the launch settings.
+7. Use the chat interface to start interacting with the shopping assistant.
+
+*Optional*:  
+- Use the `.devcontainer/devcontainer.json` to run with VS Code Remote - Containers extension for a ready development environment.
+- Use GitHub Actions workflows for automated build and deployment to Azure.
+
+## Configuration
+
+### API URL
+Set the backend API URL in the respective environment configuration file:
+
+- For development: `ShoppingAssistantWebClient.Web/appsettings.Development.json`
+- For production: `ShoppingAssistantWebClient.Web/appsettings.Production.json`
+
+Example:
+```json
+{
+  "ApiUrl": "https://shopping-assistant-api.azurewebsites.net/"
+}
+```
+
+### Environment Variables
+- `ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT`: Set to `Development` or `Production` accordingly.