GetCam - Online Camera Rentals Platform

This project documentation provides an overview of GetCam, an online camera rentals platform designed for photographers, content creators, and filmmakers. The platform offers exclusive features such as peer-to-peer (P2P) lending and multi-vendor functionality. This document aims to outline the project's key features, system architecture, user roles, user stories, wireframes, database schema, APIs and external services used, security considerations, testing approach, deployment strategy, and potential future enhancements.

GetCam is an innovative online platform that connects camera owners (lenders) with individuals in need of camera equipment (renters). The platform simplifies the process of renting camera gear, providing convenience and accessibility to both parties. It allows photographers, content creators, and filmmakers to find and rent the perfect camera equipment for their projects without the need for traditional rental services.

User Registration and Authentication: Users can create an account, log in, and manage their profiles.

Camera Listings: Users can browse and search for available camera equipment based on their preferences.

Booking System: Users can view camera availability, book equipment for specific dates, and manage their bookings.

P2P Lending: Users can lend their camera gear to others and earn income by setting rental rates and availability.

Multi-Vendor Functionality: The platform supports multiple camera gear vendors, allowing users to choose from a wide range of options.

Payment Integration: Users can securely make payments for rentals through integrated payment gateways.

Review and Rating System: Users can leave reviews and ratings for both lenders and renters, enhancing trust and transparency.

Notifications: Users receive email or push notifications for booking confirmations, updates, and reminders.

Messaging System: Users can communicate with each other through an in-app messaging system to discuss rental details.

Admin Dashboard: An admin dashboard is provided to manage user accounts, listings, payments, and resolve disputes if needed.

GetCam follows a client-server architecture, with the frontend and backend components communicating via APIs. The frontend is built using React.js, which interacts with the backend server implemented in Node.js and Express.js. The server connects to the MongoDB database to store and retrieve user data, camera listings, bookings, and reviews. Payment integration is handled through a third-party payment gateway such as Stripe or PayPal.

Frontend: React.js, HTML5, CSS3

Backend: Node.js, Express.js

Database: MongoDB

Payment Integration: Stripe or PayPal

Hosting: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Guest: Unauthenticated users who can browse camera listings but cannot book or lend equipment.

Renter: Authenticated users who can search, book, and rent camera equipment.

Lender: Authenticated users who can list their camera gear, manage availability, and earn income from rentals.

Admin: Superuser role with access to the admin dashboard for managing users, listings, payments, and disputes.

As a guest, I want to browse camera listings and see details about available equipment.

As a renter, I want to search for camera gear based on my requirements and book the equipment for specific dates.

As a lender, I want to list my camera gear, set rental rates, and manage availability.

As a renter, I want to securely make payments for the camera rentals.

As a user, I want to receive notifications about booking confirmations, updates, and reminders.

As a user, I want to communicate with other users through an in-app messaging system to discuss rental details.

As an admin, I want to manage user accounts, camera listings, payments, and resolve disputes if necessary.

The wireframes and UI design of the GetCam platform include:

Home page showcasing popular camera listings and search functionality.

User registration and login pages.

Camera listing pages with detailed information about equipment.

Booking and checkout process with payment integration.

User profile pages for renters and lenders.

Admin dashboard for managing users, listings, payments, and disputes.

The database schema for GetCam includes the following collections:

Users: Stores user information such as name, email, password, and role.

Cameras: Contains details about camera equipment, including make, model, specifications, availability, and rental rates.

Bookings: Tracks booking information, including the renter, lender, booking dates, and status.

Reviews: Stores user reviews and ratings for rentals and users.

GetCam utilizes the following APIs and external services:

Stripe API: For payment integration and secure transactions.

Email and push notification service: To send notifications to users regarding booking confirmations, updates, and reminders.

Google Maps API: To provide location-based search functionality and display camera rental locations on a map.

User authentication and authorization using secure token-based authentication.

Encryption of sensitive data such as user passwords and payment information.

Implementing input validation and sanitization to prevent common security vulnerabilities.

Protection against common web application attacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).

GetCam can be deployed using a cloud hosting platform such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The application's frontend can be hosted on a static file server, while the backend can be deployed on a virtual machine or containerized using Docker. Continuous integration and deployment pipelines can be set up to automate the deployment process.

Some potential future enhancements for GetCam could include:

Social media integration for users to share their rental experiences.

Advanced search filters based on camera specifications and location.

In-app dispute resolution system for resolving conflicts between users.

Integration with third-party gear insurance providers to offer optional insurance coverage for rentals.

Mobile application development for enhanced accessibility and user convenience.

This project documentation provided an overview of GetCam, an online camera rentals platform designed for photographers, content creators, and filmmakers. It outlined the key features, technology stack, system architecture, user roles, user stories, wireframes, database schema, APIs and external services used, security considerations, testing approach, deployment strategy, and potential