START_BACKEND_NOW.md

🚀 Start Backend NOW - Simple Instructions

The Problem

You're getting: "Cannot connect to backend server"

This means the backend is not running. Let's fix it!

Solution: 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Open PowerShell/Terminal

Press Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell" or "Terminal"

Step 2: Navigate to Backend

Copy and paste this:

cd "D:\My Projects\HackPrinceton2025\GenLab\backend"

Step 3: Install Dependencies (First Time Only)

pip install -r requirements.txt

Wait for this to finish! It may take a few minutes.

Step 4: Start the Backend

python run_backend_simple.py

You should see:

Starting server on http://localhost:8000
INFO:     Uvicorn running on http://127.0.0.1:8000

✅ SUCCESS! The backend is now running.

Step 5: Keep It Running

DO NOT CLOSE THIS WINDOW! Minimize it if you want, but keep it running.

Step 6: Test It

Open your browser and go to:

• http://localhost:8000/health

You should see: {"status":"healthy"}

Step 7: Use Your Frontend

Now go back to your frontend - the error should be gone! 🎉

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Alternative: Use npm (Easier!)

From the root directory (GenLab/):

cd "D:\My Projects\HackPrinceton2025\GenLab"
npm start

This starts both frontend and backend together!

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Troubleshooting

"python not found"

Try: py run_backend_simple.py instead

"ModuleNotFoundError"

Run: pip install -r requirements.txt

"Port 8000 already in use"

Close the other application using port 8000

Still not working?

Run the health check:

cd backend
python check_backend.py

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Remember

The backend MUST stay running for your frontend to work!

You can:

• ✅ Minimize the terminal (it still runs)
• ✅ Use npm start to run both together
• ✅ Keep the terminal open in the background

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Quick Test

After starting, test in a new terminal:

curl http://localhost:8000/health

Or open in browser: http://localhost:8000/docs