CollabTable/SERVER_SETUP_IMPLEMENTATION.md

Server Setup Feature - Implementation Summary

Overview

Added a mandatory server setup screen on first app startup with endpoint validation to ensure users configure a valid server URL before using the app.

Features Added

1. First-Run Server Setup Screen

• File: ServerSetupScreen.kt
• Mandatory setup screen shown on first app launch
• User-friendly interface with clear instructions
• Real-time validation feedback with visual indicators
• Cannot be skipped - must validate successfully to proceed
• Tips card with connection examples for emulator and physical devices

2. Server Endpoint Validation

• File: ServerSetupViewModel.kt
• Validates URL format (must start with http:// or https://)
• Tests server connectivity by calling the /health endpoint
• Shows specific error messages:
  • Connection failures
  • Timeout errors
  • Invalid URL format
  • Server error codes
• Loading states with progress indicators
• Success confirmation before proceeding

3. First-Run Detection

• Updated: PreferencesManager.kt
• Added isFirstRun() method to check if app has been configured
• Added setIsFirstRun(Boolean) method to mark setup as complete
• Persists across app restarts using SharedPreferences

4. Updated Navigation Flow

• Updated: AppNavigation.kt
• Dynamically determines start destination based on first-run status
• Shows server_setup screen on first run
• Shows lists screen on subsequent runs
• Prevents navigation back to setup after completion

User Experience Flow

First App Launch:

1. User opens app for the first time
2. Server Setup screen is displayed automatically
3. User enters server URL
4. App validates the endpoint:
   • Shows loading indicator during validation
   • Displays success checkmark if valid
   • Shows error message if invalid
5. On successful validation:
   • Server URL is saved
   • First-run flag is set to false
   • User is navigated to Lists screen
6. User can now use the app normally

Subsequent Launches:

1. User opens app
2. App checks first-run status
3. Directly shows Lists screen (normal flow)
4. User can still change server URL via Settings

Validation Process

The validation performs these checks:

1. URL Format: Ensures URL starts with http:// or https://
2. Normalization: Adds trailing slash if missing
3. Health Check: Calls /health endpoint (converted from /api/ path)
4. Timeout: 10-second timeout for connection attempts
5. Error Handling: User-friendly error messages for common issues

Error Messages

• "URL must start with http:// or https://"
• "Cannot connect to server. Check URL and network."
• "Connection timeout. Server might be offline."
• "Server returned error: [code]"
• "Invalid URL format"
• "Error: [specific error message]"

Settings Integration

Users can still:

• Change server URL later via Settings screen
• Test new URLs at any time
• View connection tips in Settings

Technical Details

Dependencies Used:

• OkHttp for HTTP requests
• Kotlin Coroutines for async operations
• StateFlow for reactive state management
• SharedPreferences for persistence

Network Configuration:

• Connection timeout: 10 seconds
• Read timeout: 10 seconds
• Validates against /health endpoint
• Supports both HTTP and HTTPS

Testing Recommendations

1. First Run Test:

   • Clear app data
   • Launch app
   • Verify server setup screen appears

2. Validation Test:

   • Test with valid URL (should succeed)
   • Test with invalid URL (should show error)
   • Test with unreachable server (should show connection error)
   • Test with malformed URL (should show format error)

3. Subsequent Launch Test:

   • After successful setup, close and reopen app
   • Verify Lists screen appears directly

4. Settings Test:

   • Navigate to Settings
   • Change server URL
   • Verify changes persist

Files Modified/Created

New Files:

• app/src/main/java/com/collabtable/app/ui/screens/ServerSetupScreen.kt
• app/src/main/java/com/collabtable/app/ui/screens/ServerSetupViewModel.kt

Modified Files:

• app/src/main/java/com/collabtable/app/data/preferences/PreferencesManager.kt
• app/src/main/java/com/collabtable/app/ui/navigation/AppNavigation.kt

Build Status

✅ Build successful with all tests passing ✅ No compilation errors ✅ All dependencies resolved correctly