Freelancer Connect

A comprehensive freelancing platform designed to bridge the gap between freelancers and companies. This platform enables seamless interaction, job posting, secure payments, project purchases, and professional networking through blogs and reviews.

Overview

Freelancer Connect provides a secure and efficient ecosystem for freelancers and companies. Companies can post jobs, freelancers can accept projects, and both parties can leave reviews to maintain transparency and trust. The platform now features a robust workflow, including an escrow system to secure payments and a dedicated admin and support channel for dispute resolution, ensuring a fair and reliable environment.

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Motivation

The freelancing industry faces issues like unreliable job postings, delayed payments, and credibility concerns. This platform addresses these by:

• Implementing a robust escrow system to secure payments until a project is completed.
• Providing a transparent and fair dispute resolution process.
• Encouraging professional reviews to build a credible community.
• Creating a transparent hiring process

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Features

• User Registration/Login : Separate registration for freelancers and companies.
• Job Posting & Project Management : Companies can post new projects and manage their progress.
• Job Discovery & Application : Freelancers can search for and apply to jobs.
• Secure Escrow System : Funds are held in a secure escrow account and released only upon project completion.
• Review & Rating System : A two-way feedback system for building a trustworthy community.
• Admin & Support Flow: A dedicated channel for resolving disputes between freelancers and employers.
• User Dashboard: A personalized dashboard for each user to manage their profile, projects, and payments.

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System Architecture

Workflow:

Tech Stack

Frontend: React.js
Backend: Node.js, Express.js Database: MongoDB
Authentication: JWT (JSON Web Token)
Payment Gateway: Razorpay Design: Figma

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Installation & Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Omkrishna-git/freelancingWeb.git
   cd freelancingWeb
   

2. Install Dependencies

   npm install
   

3. Create .env file Create a new .env file in the project's root directory and add the following environment variables.

   MONGO_URI=
   JWT_SECRET=
   PORT=
   RAZORPAY_KEY_ID=
   RAZORPAY_SECRET=
   API_BASE_URL=
   VITE_API_URL=
   VITE_RAZORPAY_KEY_ID=
   

4. Start Development Server

   npm start
   

5. Start Frontend Server

   npm run dev
   

Advantages:

• Enhanced Credibility: A transparent review and rating system builds trust.

• Secure Transactions: The escrow system ensures payments are protected until work is approved.

• Fair Dispute Resolution: The dedicated admin flow provides a formal process for resolving conflicts.

• Clear Workflow: The defined user flows make the platform intuitive and easy to use.

Limitations

Monetization Model: The current README does not specify a clear business or monetization model for the platform.

Feature Scope: The current features may be basic and could be expanded with real-time communication tools and advanced AI matching.

Future Enhancements

• AI-Powered Matching: Develop an AI system to match freelancers with relevant jobs based on their skills and portfolio.

• Chat/Messaging System: Integrate a real-time messaging feature for direct communication.

• Video Conferencing: Add a video call option for interviews and project meetings.

• Mobile Application: Develop a native mobile app for both iOS and Android to increase accessibility.

Contributors

1. Onkar Patil
2. Dhanvantari Pawar
3. Revati Ranade
4. Rutuja Uplenchwar