essential forum code

backend/models/ForumComment.js

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+const { DataTypes } = require('sequelize');
+const sequelize = require('../config/database');
+
+const ForumComment = sequelize.define('ForumComment', {
+  id: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    defaultValue: DataTypes.UUIDV4,
+    primaryKey: true
+  },
+  postId: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    allowNull: false,
+    references: {
+      model: 'ForumPosts',
+      key: 'id'
+    }
+  },
+  authorId: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    allowNull: false,
+    references: {
+      model: 'Users',
+      key: 'id'
+    }
+  },
+  content: {
+    type: DataTypes.TEXT,
+    allowNull: false
+  },
+  parentCommentId: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    allowNull: true,
+    references: {
+      model: 'ForumComments',
+      key: 'id'
+    }
+  },
+  isDeleted: {
+    type: DataTypes.BOOLEAN,
+    defaultValue: false
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = ForumComment;

backend/models/ForumPost.js

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+const { DataTypes } = require('sequelize');
+const sequelize = require('../config/database');
+
+const ForumPost = sequelize.define('ForumPost', {
+  id: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    defaultValue: DataTypes.UUIDV4,
+    primaryKey: true
+  },
+  title: {
+    type: DataTypes.STRING,
+    allowNull: false
+  },
+  content: {
+    type: DataTypes.TEXT,
+    allowNull: false
+  },
+  authorId: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    allowNull: false,
+    references: {
+      model: 'Users',
+      key: 'id'
+    }
+  },
+  category: {
+    type: DataTypes.ENUM('item_request', 'technical_support', 'community_resources', 'general_discussion'),
+    allowNull: false,
+    defaultValue: 'general_discussion'
+  },
+  status: {
+    type: DataTypes.ENUM('open', 'solved', 'closed'),
+    defaultValue: 'open'
+  },
+  viewCount: {
+    type: DataTypes.INTEGER,
+    defaultValue: 0
+  },
+  commentCount: {
+    type: DataTypes.INTEGER,
+    defaultValue: 0
+  },
+  isPinned: {
+    type: DataTypes.BOOLEAN,
+    defaultValue: false
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = ForumPost;

backend/models/ItemRequest.js

@@ -1,76 +0,0 @@
-const { DataTypes } = require('sequelize');
-const sequelize = require('../config/database');
-
-const ItemRequest = sequelize.define('ItemRequest', {
-  id: {
-    type: DataTypes.UUID,
-    defaultValue: DataTypes.UUIDV4,
-    primaryKey: true
-  },
-  title: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING,
-    allowNull: false
-  },
-  description: {
-    type: DataTypes.TEXT,
-    allowNull: false
-  },
-  address1: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  },
-  address2: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  },
-  city: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  },
-  state: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  },
-  zipCode: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  },
-  country: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  },
-  latitude: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 8)
-  },
-  longitude: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(11, 8)
-  },
-  maxPricePerHour: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 2)
-  },
-  maxPricePerDay: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 2)
-  },
-  preferredStartDate: {
-    type: DataTypes.DATE
-  },
-  preferredEndDate: {
-    type: DataTypes.DATE
-  },
-  isFlexibleDates: {
-    type: DataTypes.BOOLEAN,
-    defaultValue: true
-  },
-  status: {
-    type: DataTypes.ENUM('open', 'fulfilled', 'closed'),
-    defaultValue: 'open'
-  },
-  requesterId: {
-    type: DataTypes.UUID,
-    allowNull: false,
-    references: {
-      model: 'Users',
-      key: 'id'
-    }
-  },
-  responseCount: {
-    type: DataTypes.INTEGER,
-    defaultValue: 0
-  }
-});
-
-module.exports = ItemRequest;

backend/models/ItemRequestResponse.js

@@ -1,65 +0,0 @@
-const { DataTypes } = require('sequelize');
-const sequelize = require('../config/database');
-
-const ItemRequestResponse = sequelize.define('ItemRequestResponse', {
-  id: {
-    type: DataTypes.UUID,
-    defaultValue: DataTypes.UUIDV4,
-    primaryKey: true
-  },
-  itemRequestId: {
-    type: DataTypes.UUID,
-    allowNull: false,
-    references: {
-      model: 'ItemRequests',
-      key: 'id'
-    }
-  },
-  responderId: {
-    type: DataTypes.UUID,
-    allowNull: false,
-    references: {
-      model: 'Users',
-      key: 'id'
-    }
-  },
-  message: {
-    type: DataTypes.TEXT,
-    allowNull: false
-  },
-  offerPricePerHour: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 2)
-  },
-  offerPricePerDay: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 2)
-  },
-  offerPricePerWeek: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 2)
-  },
-  offerPricePerMonth: {
-    type: DataTypes.DECIMAL(10, 2)
-  },
-  availableStartDate: {
-    type: DataTypes.DATE
-  },
-  availableEndDate: {
-    type: DataTypes.DATE
-  },
-  existingItemId: {
-    type: DataTypes.UUID,
-    allowNull: true,
-    references: {
-      model: 'Items',
-      key: 'id'
-    }
-  },
-  status: {
-    type: DataTypes.ENUM('pending', 'accepted', 'declined', 'expired'),
-    defaultValue: 'pending'
-  },
-  contactInfo: {
-    type: DataTypes.STRING
-  }
-});
-
-module.exports = ItemRequestResponse;

backend/models/PostTag.js

@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+const { DataTypes } = require('sequelize');
+const sequelize = require('../config/database');
+
+const PostTag = sequelize.define('PostTag', {
+  id: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    defaultValue: DataTypes.UUIDV4,
+    primaryKey: true
+  },
+  postId: {
+    type: DataTypes.UUID,
+    allowNull: false,
+    references: {
+      model: 'ForumPosts',
+      key: 'id'
+    }
+  },
+  tagName: {
+    type: DataTypes.STRING,
+    allowNull: false
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = PostTag;

backend/models/index.js

@@ -3,8 +3,9 @@ const User = require("./User");
 const Item = require("./Item");
 const Rental = require("./Rental");
 const Message = require("./Message");
-const ItemRequest = require("./ItemRequest");
+const ForumPost = require("./ForumPost");
-const ItemRequestResponse = require("./ItemRequestResponse");
+const ForumComment = require("./ForumComment");
+const PostTag = require("./PostTag");
 const UserAddress = require("./UserAddress");
 const ConditionCheck = require("./ConditionCheck");
 const AlphaInvitation = require("./AlphaInvitation");
@@ -31,29 +32,22 @@ Message.belongsTo(Message, {
   foreignKey: "parentMessageId",
 });
 
-User.hasMany(ItemRequest, { as: "itemRequests", foreignKey: "requesterId" });
+// Forum associations
-ItemRequest.belongsTo(User, { as: "requester", foreignKey: "requesterId" });
+User.hasMany(ForumPost, { as: "forumPosts", foreignKey: "authorId" });
+ForumPost.belongsTo(User, { as: "author", foreignKey: "authorId" });
 
-User.hasMany(ItemRequestResponse, {
+User.hasMany(ForumComment, { as: "forumComments", foreignKey: "authorId" });
-  as: "itemRequestResponses",
+ForumComment.belongsTo(User, { as: "author", foreignKey: "authorId" });
-  foreignKey: "responderId",
+
-});
+ForumPost.hasMany(ForumComment, { as: "comments", foreignKey: "postId" });
-ItemRequest.hasMany(ItemRequestResponse, {
+ForumComment.belongsTo(ForumPost, { as: "post", foreignKey: "postId" });
-  as: "responses",
+
-  foreignKey: "itemRequestId",
+// Self-referential association for nested comments
-});
+ForumComment.hasMany(ForumComment, { as: "replies", foreignKey: "parentCommentId" });
-ItemRequestResponse.belongsTo(User, {
+ForumComment.belongsTo(ForumComment, { as: "parentComment", foreignKey: "parentCommentId" });
-  as: "responder",
+
-  foreignKey: "responderId",
+ForumPost.hasMany(PostTag, { as: "tags", foreignKey: "postId" });
-});
+PostTag.belongsTo(ForumPost, { as: "post", foreignKey: "postId" });
-ItemRequestResponse.belongsTo(ItemRequest, {
-  as: "itemRequest",
-  foreignKey: "itemRequestId",
-});
-ItemRequestResponse.belongsTo(Item, {
-  as: "existingItem",
-  foreignKey: "existingItemId",
-});
 
 User.hasMany(UserAddress, { as: "addresses", foreignKey: "userId" });
 UserAddress.belongsTo(User, { as: "user", foreignKey: "userId" });
@@ -93,8 +87,9 @@ module.exports = {
   Item,
   Rental,
   Message,
-  ItemRequest,
+  ForumPost,
-  ItemRequestResponse,
+  ForumComment,
+  PostTag,
   UserAddress,
   ConditionCheck,
   AlphaInvitation,

backend/routes/forum.js

@@ -0,0 +1,641 @@
+const express = require('express');
+const { Op } = require('sequelize');
+const { ForumPost, ForumComment, PostTag, User } = require('../models');
+const { authenticateToken } = require('../middleware/auth');
+const logger = require('../utils/logger');
+const router = express.Router();
+
+// Helper function to build nested comment tree
+const buildCommentTree = (comments) => {
+  const commentMap = {};
+  const rootComments = [];
+
+  // Create a map of all comments
+  comments.forEach(comment => {
+    commentMap[comment.id] = { ...comment.toJSON(), replies: [] };
+  });
+
+  // Build the tree structure
+  comments.forEach(comment => {
+    if (comment.parentCommentId && commentMap[comment.parentCommentId]) {
+      commentMap[comment.parentCommentId].replies.push(commentMap[comment.id]);
+    } else if (!comment.parentCommentId) {
+      rootComments.push(commentMap[comment.id]);
+    }
+  });
+
+  return rootComments;
+};
+
+// GET /api/forum/posts - Browse all posts
+router.get('/posts', async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const {
+      search,
+      category,
+      tag,
+      status,
+      page = 1,
+      limit = 20,
+      sort = 'recent'
+    } = req.query;
+
+    const where = {};
+
+    if (category) {
+      where.category = category;
+    }
+
+    if (status) {
+      where.status = status;
+    }
+
+    if (search) {
+      where[Op.or] = [
+        { title: { [Op.iLike]: `%${search}%` } },
+        { content: { [Op.iLike]: `%${search}%` } }
+      ];
+    }
+
+    const offset = (page - 1) * limit;
+
+    // Determine sort order
+    let order;
+    switch (sort) {
+      case 'comments':
+        order = [['commentCount', 'DESC'], ['createdAt', 'DESC']];
+        break;
+      case 'views':
+        order = [['viewCount', 'DESC'], ['createdAt', 'DESC']];
+        break;
+      case 'recent':
+      default:
+        order = [['isPinned', 'DESC'], ['updatedAt', 'DESC']];
+        break;
+    }
+
+    const include = [
+      {
+        model: User,
+        as: 'author',
+        attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+      },
+      {
+        model: PostTag,
+        as: 'tags',
+        attributes: ['tagName']
+      }
+    ];
+
+    // Filter by tag if provided
+    if (tag) {
+      include[1].where = { tagName: tag };
+      include[1].required = true;
+    }
+
+    const { count, rows } = await ForumPost.findAndCountAll({
+      where,
+      include,
+      limit: parseInt(limit),
+      offset: parseInt(offset),
+      order,
+      distinct: true
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum posts fetched", {
+      search,
+      category,
+      tag,
+      status,
+      postsCount: count,
+      page: parseInt(page),
+      limit: parseInt(limit)
+    });
+
+    res.json({
+      posts: rows,
+      totalPages: Math.ceil(count / limit),
+      currentPage: parseInt(page),
+      totalPosts: count
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum posts fetch failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      query: req.query
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// GET /api/forum/posts/:id - Get single post with all comments
+router.get('/posts/:id', async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        },
+        {
+          model: PostTag,
+          as: 'tags',
+          attributes: ['tagName']
+        },
+        {
+          model: ForumComment,
+          as: 'comments',
+          where: { isDeleted: false },
+          required: false,
+          include: [
+            {
+              model: User,
+              as: 'author',
+              attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+            }
+          ],
+          order: [['createdAt', 'ASC']]
+        }
+      ]
+    });
+
+    if (!post) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
+    }
+
+    // Increment view count
+    await post.increment('viewCount');
+
+    // Build nested comment tree
+    const postData = post.toJSON();
+    postData.comments = buildCommentTree(post.comments);
+    postData.viewCount += 1; // Reflect the increment
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum post fetched", {
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: post.authorId
+    });
+
+    res.json(postData);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum post fetch failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      postId: req.params.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// POST /api/forum/posts - Create new post
+router.post('/posts', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { title, content, category, tags } = req.body;
+
+    const post = await ForumPost.create({
+      title,
+      content,
+      category,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+
+    // Create tags if provided
+    if (tags && Array.isArray(tags) && tags.length > 0) {
+      const tagPromises = tags.map(tagName =>
+        PostTag.create({
+          postId: post.id,
+          tagName: tagName.toLowerCase().trim()
+        })
+      );
+      await Promise.all(tagPromises);
+    }
+
+    const postWithDetails = await ForumPost.findByPk(post.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        },
+        {
+          model: PostTag,
+          as: 'tags',
+          attributes: ['tagName']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum post created", {
+      postId: post.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id,
+      category,
+      title
+    });
+
+    res.status(201).json(postWithDetails);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum post creation failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      authorId: req.user.id,
+      postData: logger.sanitize(req.body)
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// PUT /api/forum/posts/:id - Update post
+router.put('/posts/:id', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id);
+
+    if (!post) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (post.authorId !== req.user.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
+    }
+
+    const { title, content, category, tags } = req.body;
+
+    await post.update({ title, content, category });
+
+    // Update tags if provided
+    if (tags !== undefined) {
+      // Delete existing tags
+      await PostTag.destroy({ where: { postId: post.id } });
+
+      // Create new tags
+      if (Array.isArray(tags) && tags.length > 0) {
+        const tagPromises = tags.map(tagName =>
+          PostTag.create({
+            postId: post.id,
+            tagName: tagName.toLowerCase().trim()
+          })
+        );
+        await Promise.all(tagPromises);
+      }
+    }
+
+    const updatedPost = await ForumPost.findByPk(post.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        },
+        {
+          model: PostTag,
+          as: 'tags',
+          attributes: ['tagName']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum post updated", {
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+
+    res.json(updatedPost);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum post update failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// DELETE /api/forum/posts/:id - Delete post
+router.delete('/posts/:id', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id);
+
+    if (!post) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (post.authorId !== req.user.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
+    }
+
+    // Delete associated tags and comments
+    await PostTag.destroy({ where: { postId: post.id } });
+    await ForumComment.destroy({ where: { postId: post.id } });
+    await post.destroy();
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum post deleted", {
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+
+    res.status(204).send();
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum post deletion failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// PATCH /api/forum/posts/:id/status - Update post status
+router.patch('/posts/:id/status', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { status } = req.body;
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id);
+
+    if (!post) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (post.authorId !== req.user.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Only the author can update post status' });
+    }
+
+    if (!['open', 'solved', 'closed'].includes(status)) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invalid status value' });
+    }
+
+    await post.update({ status });
+
+    const updatedPost = await ForumPost.findByPk(post.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        },
+        {
+          model: PostTag,
+          as: 'tags',
+          attributes: ['tagName']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum post status updated", {
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      newStatus: status,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+
+    res.json(updatedPost);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum post status update failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// POST /api/forum/posts/:id/comments - Add comment/reply
+router.post('/posts/:id/comments', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { content, parentCommentId } = req.body;
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(req.params.id);
+
+    if (!post) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Post not found' });
+    }
+
+    // Validate parent comment if provided
+    if (parentCommentId) {
+      const parentComment = await ForumComment.findByPk(parentCommentId);
+      if (!parentComment || parentComment.postId !== post.id) {
+        return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Invalid parent comment' });
+      }
+    }
+
+    const comment = await ForumComment.create({
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id,
+      content,
+      parentCommentId: parentCommentId || null
+    });
+
+    // Increment comment count
+    await post.increment('commentCount');
+
+    const commentWithDetails = await ForumComment.findByPk(comment.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum comment created", {
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      commentId: comment.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id,
+      isReply: !!parentCommentId
+    });
+
+    res.status(201).json(commentWithDetails);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum comment creation failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      postId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// PUT /api/forum/comments/:id - Edit comment
+router.put('/comments/:id', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { content } = req.body;
+    const comment = await ForumComment.findByPk(req.params.id);
+
+    if (!comment) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Comment not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (comment.authorId !== req.user.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
+    }
+
+    if (comment.isDeleted) {
+      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Cannot edit deleted comment' });
+    }
+
+    await comment.update({ content });
+
+    const updatedComment = await ForumComment.findByPk(comment.id, {
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        }
+      ]
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum comment updated", {
+      commentId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+
+    res.json(updatedComment);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum comment update failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      commentId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// DELETE /api/forum/comments/:id - Soft delete comment
+router.delete('/comments/:id', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const comment = await ForumComment.findByPk(req.params.id);
+
+    if (!comment) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Comment not found' });
+    }
+
+    if (comment.authorId !== req.user.id) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
+    }
+
+    // Soft delete
+    await comment.update({ isDeleted: true, content: '[deleted]' });
+
+    // Decrement comment count
+    const post = await ForumPost.findByPk(comment.postId);
+    if (post && post.commentCount > 0) {
+      await post.decrement('commentCount');
+    }
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Forum comment deleted", {
+      commentId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id,
+      postId: comment.postId
+    });
+
+    res.status(204).send();
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Forum comment deletion failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      commentId: req.params.id,
+      authorId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// GET /api/forum/my-posts - Get user's posts
+router.get('/my-posts', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const posts = await ForumPost.findAll({
+      where: { authorId: req.user.id },
+      include: [
+        {
+          model: User,
+          as: 'author',
+          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
+        },
+        {
+          model: PostTag,
+          as: 'tags',
+          attributes: ['tagName']
+        }
+      ],
+      order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("User forum posts fetched", {
+      userId: req.user.id,
+      postsCount: posts.length
+    });
+
+    res.json(posts);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("User forum posts fetch failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      userId: req.user.id
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+// GET /api/forum/tags - Get all unique tags for autocomplete
+router.get('/tags', async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const { search } = req.query;
+
+    const where = {};
+    if (search) {
+      where.tagName = { [Op.iLike]: `%${search}%` };
+    }
+
+    const tags = await PostTag.findAll({
+      where,
+      attributes: [
+        'tagName',
+        [require('sequelize').fn('COUNT', require('sequelize').col('tagName')), 'count']
+      ],
+      group: ['tagName'],
+      order: [[require('sequelize').fn('COUNT', require('sequelize').col('tagName')), 'DESC']],
+      limit: 50
+    });
+
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.info("Tags fetched", {
+      search,
+      tagsCount: tags.length
+    });
+
+    res.json(tags);
+  } catch (error) {
+    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
+    reqLogger.error("Tags fetch failed", {
+      error: error.message,
+      stack: error.stack,
+      query: req.query
+    });
+    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
+  }
+});
+
+module.exports = router;

backend/routes/itemRequests.js

@@ -1,396 +0,0 @@
-const express = require('express');
-const { Op } = require('sequelize');
-const { ItemRequest, ItemRequestResponse, User, Item } = require('../models');
-const { authenticateToken } = require('../middleware/auth');
-const logger = require('../utils/logger');
-const router = express.Router();
-
-router.get('/', async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const {
-      search,
-      status = 'open',
-      page = 1,
-      limit = 20
-    } = req.query;
-
-    const where = { status };
-    
-    if (search) {
-      where[Op.or] = [
-        { title: { [Op.iLike]: `%${search}%` } },
-        { description: { [Op.iLike]: `%${search}%` } }
-      ];
-    }
-
-    const offset = (page - 1) * limit;
-
-    const { count, rows } = await ItemRequest.findAndCountAll({
-      where,
-      include: [
-        { 
-          model: User, 
-          as: 'requester', 
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName'] 
-        }
-      ],
-      limit: parseInt(limit),
-      offset: parseInt(offset),
-      order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-    });
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item requests fetched", {
-      search,
-      status,
-      requestsCount: count,
-      page: parseInt(page),
-      limit: parseInt(limit)
-    });
-
-    res.json({
-      requests: rows,
-      totalPages: Math.ceil(count / limit),
-      currentPage: parseInt(page),
-      totalRequests: count
-    });
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item requests fetch failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      query: req.query
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.get('/my-requests', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const requests = await ItemRequest.findAll({
-      where: { requesterId: req.user.id },
-      include: [
-        { 
-          model: User, 
-          as: 'requester', 
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName'] 
-        },
-        {
-          model: ItemRequestResponse,
-          as: 'responses',
-          include: [
-            {
-              model: User,
-              as: 'responder',
-              attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-            },
-            {
-              model: Item,
-              as: 'existingItem'
-            }
-          ]
-        }
-      ],
-      order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-    });
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("User item requests fetched", {
-      userId: req.user.id,
-      requestsCount: requests.length
-    });
-
-    res.json(requests);
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("User item requests fetch failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      userId: req.user.id
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.get('/:id', async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const request = await ItemRequest.findByPk(req.params.id, {
-      include: [
-        { 
-          model: User, 
-          as: 'requester', 
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName'] 
-        },
-        {
-          model: ItemRequestResponse,
-          as: 'responses',
-          include: [
-            {
-              model: User,
-              as: 'responder',
-              attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-            },
-            {
-              model: Item,
-              as: 'existingItem'
-            }
-          ]
-        }
-      ]
-    });
-
-    if (!request) {
-      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    }
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item request fetched", {
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      requesterId: request.requesterId
-    });
-
-    res.json(request);
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item request fetch failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      requestId: req.params.id
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.post('/', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const request = await ItemRequest.create({
-      ...req.body,
-      requesterId: req.user.id
-    });
-
-    const requestWithRequester = await ItemRequest.findByPk(request.id, {
-      include: [
-        { 
-          model: User, 
-          as: 'requester', 
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName'] 
-        }
-      ]
-    });
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item request created", {
-      requestId: request.id,
-      requesterId: req.user.id,
-      title: req.body.title
-    });
-
-    res.status(201).json(requestWithRequester);
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item request creation failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      requesterId: req.user.id,
-      requestData: logger.sanitize(req.body)
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.put('/:id', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const request = await ItemRequest.findByPk(req.params.id);
-
-    if (!request) {
-      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    }
-
-    if (request.requesterId !== req.user.id) {
-      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
-    }
-
-    await request.update(req.body);
-
-    const updatedRequest = await ItemRequest.findByPk(request.id, {
-      include: [
-        { 
-          model: User, 
-          as: 'requester', 
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName'] 
-        }
-      ]
-    });
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item request updated", {
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      requesterId: req.user.id
-    });
-
-    res.json(updatedRequest);
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item request update failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      requesterId: req.user.id
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.delete('/:id', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const request = await ItemRequest.findByPk(req.params.id);
-
-    if (!request) {
-      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    }
-
-    if (request.requesterId !== req.user.id) {
-      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
-    }
-
-    await request.destroy();
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item request deleted", {
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      requesterId: req.user.id
-    });
-
-    res.status(204).send();
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item request deletion failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      requesterId: req.user.id
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.post('/:id/responses', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const request = await ItemRequest.findByPk(req.params.id);
-
-    if (!request) {
-      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    }
-
-    if (request.requesterId === req.user.id) {
-      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Cannot respond to your own request' });
-    }
-
-    if (request.status !== 'open') {
-      return res.status(400).json({ error: 'Cannot respond to closed request' });
-    }
-
-    const response = await ItemRequestResponse.create({
-      ...req.body,
-      itemRequestId: req.params.id,
-      responderId: req.user.id
-    });
-
-    await request.increment('responseCount');
-
-    const responseWithDetails = await ItemRequestResponse.findByPk(response.id, {
-      include: [
-        {
-          model: User,
-          as: 'responder',
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-        },
-        {
-          model: Item,
-          as: 'existingItem'
-        }
-      ]
-    });
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item request response created", {
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      responseId: response.id,
-      responderId: req.user.id
-    });
-
-    res.status(201).json(responseWithDetails);
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item request response creation failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      requestId: req.params.id,
-      responderId: req.user.id
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-router.put('/responses/:responseId/status', authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
-  try {
-    const { status } = req.body;
-    const response = await ItemRequestResponse.findByPk(req.params.responseId, {
-      include: [
-        {
-          model: ItemRequest,
-          as: 'itemRequest'
-        }
-      ]
-    });
-
-    if (!response) {
-      return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Response not found' });
-    }
-
-    if (response.itemRequest.requesterId !== req.user.id) {
-      return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Only the requester can update response status' });
-    }
-
-    await response.update({ status });
-
-    if (status === 'accepted') {
-      await response.itemRequest.update({ status: 'fulfilled' });
-    }
-
-    const updatedResponse = await ItemRequestResponse.findByPk(response.id, {
-      include: [
-        {
-          model: User,
-          as: 'responder',
-          attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-        },
-        {
-          model: Item,
-          as: 'existingItem'
-        }
-      ]
-    });
-
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.info("Item request response status updated", {
-      responseId: req.params.responseId,
-      newStatus: status,
-      requesterId: req.user.id,
-      requestFulfilled: status === 'accepted'
-    });
-
-    res.json(updatedResponse);
-  } catch (error) {
-    const reqLogger = logger.withRequestId(req.id);
-    reqLogger.error("Item request response status update failed", {
-      error: error.message,
-      stack: error.stack,
-      responseId: req.params.responseId,
-      requesterId: req.user.id
-    });
-    res.status(500).json({ error: error.message });
-  }
-});
-
-module.exports = router;

backend/server.js

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ const userRoutes = require("./routes/users");
 const itemRoutes = require("./routes/items");
 const rentalRoutes = require("./routes/rentals");
 const messageRoutes = require("./routes/messages");
-const itemRequestRoutes = require("./routes/itemRequests");
+const forumRoutes = require("./routes/forum");
 const stripeRoutes = require("./routes/stripe");
 const mapsRoutes = require("./routes/maps");
 const conditionCheckRoutes = require("./routes/conditionChecks");
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ app.use("/api/users", requireAlphaAccess, userRoutes);
 app.use("/api/items", requireAlphaAccess, itemRoutes);
 app.use("/api/rentals", requireAlphaAccess, rentalRoutes);
 app.use("/api/messages", requireAlphaAccess, messageRoutes);
-app.use("/api/item-requests", requireAlphaAccess, itemRequestRoutes);
+app.use("/api/forum", requireAlphaAccess, forumRoutes);
 app.use("/api/stripe", requireAlphaAccess, stripeRoutes);
 app.use("/api/maps", requireAlphaAccess, mapsRoutes);
 app.use("/api/condition-checks", requireAlphaAccess, conditionCheckRoutes);

backend/tests/unit/routes/itemRequests.test.js

@@ -1,823 +0,0 @@
-const request = require('supertest');
-const express = require('express');
-const itemRequestsRouter = require('../../../routes/itemRequests');
-
-// Mock all dependencies
-jest.mock('../../../models', () => ({
-  ItemRequest: {
-    findAndCountAll: jest.fn(),
-    findAll: jest.fn(),
-    findByPk: jest.fn(),
-    create: jest.fn(),
-  },
-  ItemRequestResponse: {
-    findByPk: jest.fn(),
-    create: jest.fn(),
-  },
-  User: jest.fn(),
-  Item: jest.fn(),
-}));
-
-jest.mock('../../../middleware/auth', () => ({
-  authenticateToken: jest.fn((req, res, next) => {
-    req.user = { id: 1 };
-    next();
-  }),
-}));
-
-jest.mock('sequelize', () => ({
-  Op: {
-    or: Symbol('or'),
-    iLike: Symbol('iLike'),
-  },
-}));
-
-const { ItemRequest, ItemRequestResponse, User, Item } = require('../../../models');
-
-// Create express app with the router
-const app = express();
-app.use(express.json());
-app.use('/item-requests', itemRequestsRouter);
-
-// Mock models
-const mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll = ItemRequest.findAndCountAll;
-const mockItemRequestFindAll = ItemRequest.findAll;
-const mockItemRequestFindByPk = ItemRequest.findByPk;
-const mockItemRequestCreate = ItemRequest.create;
-const mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk = ItemRequestResponse.findByPk;
-const mockItemRequestResponseCreate = ItemRequestResponse.create;
-
-describe('ItemRequests Routes', () => {
-  beforeEach(() => {
-    jest.clearAllMocks();
-  });
-
-  describe('GET /', () => {
-    it('should get item requests with default pagination and status', async () => {
-      const mockRequestsData = {
-        count: 25,
-        rows: [
-          {
-            id: 1,
-            title: 'Need a Camera',
-            description: 'Looking for a DSLR camera for weekend photography',
-            status: 'open',
-            requesterId: 2,
-            createdAt: '2024-01-15T10:00:00.000Z',
-            requester: {
-              id: 2,
-              username: 'jane_doe',
-              firstName: 'Jane',
-              lastName: 'Doe'
-            }
-          },
-          {
-            id: 2,
-            title: 'Power Drill Needed',
-            description: 'Need a drill for home improvement project',
-            status: 'open',
-            requesterId: 3,
-            createdAt: '2024-01-14T10:00:00.000Z',
-            requester: {
-              id: 3,
-              username: 'bob_smith',
-              firstName: 'Bob',
-              lastName: 'Smith'
-            }
-          }
-        ]
-      };
-
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockResolvedValue(mockRequestsData);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({
-        requests: mockRequestsData.rows,
-        totalPages: 2,
-        currentPage: 1,
-        totalRequests: 25
-      });
-      expect(mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        where: { status: 'open' },
-        include: [
-          {
-            model: User,
-            as: 'requester',
-            attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-          }
-        ],
-        limit: 20,
-        offset: 0,
-        order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should filter requests with search query', async () => {
-      const mockSearchResults = {
-        count: 5,
-        rows: [
-          {
-            id: 1,
-            title: 'Need a Camera',
-            description: 'Looking for a DSLR camera',
-            status: 'open'
-          }
-        ]
-      };
-
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockResolvedValue(mockSearchResults);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests?search=camera&page=1&limit=10');
-
-      const { Op } = require('sequelize');
-      expect(mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        where: {
-          status: 'open',
-          [Op.or]: [
-            { title: { [Op.iLike]: '%camera%' } },
-            { description: { [Op.iLike]: '%camera%' } }
-          ]
-        },
-        include: expect.any(Array),
-        limit: 10,
-        offset: 0,
-        order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle custom pagination', async () => {
-      const mockData = { count: 50, rows: [] };
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockResolvedValue(mockData);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests?page=3&limit=5');
-
-      expect(mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        where: { status: 'open' },
-        include: expect.any(Array),
-        limit: 5,
-        offset: 10, // (3-1) * 5
-        order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should filter by custom status', async () => {
-      const mockData = { count: 10, rows: [] };
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockResolvedValue(mockData);
-
-      await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests?status=fulfilled');
-
-      expect(mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        where: { status: 'fulfilled' },
-        include: expect.any(Array),
-        limit: 20,
-        offset: 0,
-        order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('GET /my-requests', () => {
-    it('should get user\'s own requests with responses', async () => {
-      const mockRequests = [
-        {
-          id: 1,
-          title: 'My Camera Request',
-          description: 'Need a camera',
-          status: 'open',
-          requesterId: 1,
-          requester: {
-            id: 1,
-            username: 'john_doe',
-            firstName: 'John',
-            lastName: 'Doe'
-          },
-          responses: [
-            {
-              id: 1,
-              message: 'I have a Canon DSLR available',
-              responder: {
-                id: 2,
-                username: 'jane_doe',
-                firstName: 'Jane',
-                lastName: 'Doe'
-              },
-              existingItem: {
-                id: 5,
-                name: 'Canon EOS 5D',
-                description: 'Professional DSLR camera'
-              }
-            }
-          ]
-        }
-      ];
-
-      mockItemRequestFindAll.mockResolvedValue(mockRequests);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests/my-requests');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual(mockRequests);
-      expect(mockItemRequestFindAll).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        where: { requesterId: 1 },
-        include: [
-          {
-            model: User,
-            as: 'requester',
-            attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-          },
-          {
-            model: ItemRequestResponse,
-            as: 'responses',
-            include: [
-              {
-                model: User,
-                as: 'responder',
-                attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-              },
-              {
-                model: Item,
-                as: 'existingItem'
-              }
-            ]
-          }
-        ],
-        order: [['createdAt', 'DESC']]
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindAll.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests/my-requests');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('GET /:id', () => {
-    it('should get specific request with responses', async () => {
-      const mockRequest = {
-        id: 1,
-        title: 'Camera Request',
-        description: 'Need a DSLR camera',
-        status: 'open',
-        requesterId: 2,
-        requester: {
-          id: 2,
-          username: 'jane_doe',
-          firstName: 'Jane',
-          lastName: 'Doe'
-        },
-        responses: [
-          {
-            id: 1,
-            message: 'I have a Canon DSLR',
-            responder: {
-              id: 1,
-              username: 'john_doe',
-              firstName: 'John',
-              lastName: 'Doe'
-            },
-            existingItem: null
-          }
-        ]
-      };
-
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockRequest);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests/1');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual(mockRequest);
-      expect(mockItemRequestFindByPk).toHaveBeenCalledWith('1', {
-        include: [
-          {
-            model: User,
-            as: 'requester',
-            attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-          },
-          {
-            model: ItemRequestResponse,
-            as: 'responses',
-            include: [
-              {
-                model: User,
-                as: 'responder',
-                attributes: ['id', 'username', 'firstName', 'lastName']
-              },
-              {
-                model: Item,
-                as: 'existingItem'
-              }
-            ]
-          }
-        ]
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should return 404 for non-existent request', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(null);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests/999');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(404);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests/1');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('POST /', () => {
-    it('should create a new item request', async () => {
-      const requestData = {
-        title: 'Need a Drill',
-        description: 'Looking for a power drill for weekend project',
-        category: 'tools',
-        budget: 50,
-        location: 'New York'
-      };
-
-      const mockCreatedRequest = {
-        id: 3,
-        ...requestData,
-        requesterId: 1,
-        status: 'open'
-      };
-
-      const mockRequestWithRequester = {
-        ...mockCreatedRequest,
-        requester: {
-          id: 1,
-          username: 'john_doe',
-          firstName: 'John',
-          lastName: 'Doe'
-        }
-      };
-
-      mockItemRequestCreate.mockResolvedValue(mockCreatedRequest);
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockRequestWithRequester);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests')
-        .send(requestData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(201);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual(mockRequestWithRequester);
-      expect(mockItemRequestCreate).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        ...requestData,
-        requesterId: 1
-      });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors during creation', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestCreate.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests')
-        .send({
-          title: 'Test Request',
-          description: 'Test description'
-        });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('PUT /:id', () => {
-    const mockRequest = {
-      id: 1,
-      title: 'Original Title',
-      requesterId: 1,
-      update: jest.fn()
-    };
-
-    beforeEach(() => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockRequest);
-    });
-
-    it('should update item request for owner', async () => {
-      const updateData = {
-        title: 'Updated Title',
-        description: 'Updated description'
-      };
-
-      const mockUpdatedRequest = {
-        ...mockRequest,
-        ...updateData,
-        requester: {
-          id: 1,
-          username: 'john_doe',
-          firstName: 'John',
-          lastName: 'Doe'
-        }
-      };
-
-      mockRequest.update.mockResolvedValue();
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(mockRequest)
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(mockUpdatedRequest);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/1')
-        .send(updateData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({
-        id: 1,
-        title: 'Updated Title',
-        description: 'Updated description',
-        requesterId: 1,
-        requester: {
-          id: 1,
-          username: 'john_doe',
-          firstName: 'John',
-          lastName: 'Doe'
-        }
-      });
-      expect(mockRequest.update).toHaveBeenCalledWith(updateData);
-    });
-
-    it('should return 404 for non-existent request', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(null);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/999')
-        .send({ title: 'Updated' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(404);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    });
-
-    it('should return 403 for unauthorized user', async () => {
-      const unauthorizedRequest = { ...mockRequest, requesterId: 2 };
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(unauthorizedRequest);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/1')
-        .send({ title: 'Updated' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(403);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/1')
-        .send({ title: 'Updated' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('DELETE /:id', () => {
-    const mockRequest = {
-      id: 1,
-      requesterId: 1,
-      destroy: jest.fn()
-    };
-
-    beforeEach(() => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockRequest);
-    });
-
-    it('should delete item request for owner', async () => {
-      mockRequest.destroy.mockResolvedValue();
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .delete('/item-requests/1');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(204);
-      expect(mockRequest.destroy).toHaveBeenCalled();
-    });
-
-    it('should return 404 for non-existent request', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(null);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .delete('/item-requests/999');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(404);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    });
-
-    it('should return 403 for unauthorized user', async () => {
-      const unauthorizedRequest = { ...mockRequest, requesterId: 2 };
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(unauthorizedRequest);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .delete('/item-requests/1');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(403);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .delete('/item-requests/1');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('POST /:id/responses', () => {
-    const mockRequest = {
-      id: 1,
-      requesterId: 2,
-      status: 'open',
-      increment: jest.fn()
-    };
-
-    const mockResponseData = {
-      message: 'I have a drill you can borrow',
-      price: 25,
-      existingItemId: 5
-    };
-
-    const mockCreatedResponse = {
-      id: 1,
-      ...mockResponseData,
-      itemRequestId: 1,
-      responderId: 1
-    };
-
-    const mockResponseWithDetails = {
-      ...mockCreatedResponse,
-      responder: {
-        id: 1,
-        username: 'john_doe',
-        firstName: 'John',
-        lastName: 'Doe'
-      },
-      existingItem: {
-        id: 5,
-        name: 'Power Drill',
-        description: 'Cordless power drill'
-      }
-    };
-
-    beforeEach(() => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockRequest);
-      mockItemRequestResponseCreate.mockResolvedValue(mockCreatedResponse);
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockResponseWithDetails);
-    });
-
-    it('should create a response to item request', async () => {
-      mockRequest.increment.mockResolvedValue();
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests/1/responses')
-        .send(mockResponseData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(201);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual(mockResponseWithDetails);
-      expect(mockItemRequestResponseCreate).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        ...mockResponseData,
-        itemRequestId: '1',
-        responderId: 1
-      });
-      expect(mockRequest.increment).toHaveBeenCalledWith('responseCount');
-    });
-
-    it('should return 404 for non-existent request', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(null);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests/999/responses')
-        .send(mockResponseData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(404);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Item request not found' });
-    });
-
-    it('should prevent responding to own request', async () => {
-      const ownRequest = { ...mockRequest, requesterId: 1 };
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(ownRequest);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests/1/responses')
-        .send(mockResponseData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(400);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Cannot respond to your own request' });
-    });
-
-    it('should prevent responding to closed request', async () => {
-      const closedRequest = { ...mockRequest, status: 'fulfilled' };
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(closedRequest);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests/1/responses')
-        .send(mockResponseData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(400);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Cannot respond to closed request' });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestResponseCreate.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests/1/responses')
-        .send(mockResponseData);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('PUT /responses/:responseId/status', () => {
-    const mockResponse = {
-      id: 1,
-      status: 'pending',
-      itemRequest: {
-        id: 1,
-        requesterId: 1
-      },
-      update: jest.fn()
-    };
-
-    beforeEach(() => {
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockResponse);
-    });
-
-    it('should update response status to accepted and fulfill request', async () => {
-      const updatedResponse = {
-        ...mockResponse,
-        status: 'accepted',
-        responder: {
-          id: 2,
-          username: 'jane_doe',
-          firstName: 'Jane',
-          lastName: 'Doe'
-        },
-        existingItem: null
-      };
-
-      mockResponse.update.mockResolvedValue();
-      mockResponse.itemRequest.update = jest.fn().mockResolvedValue();
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(mockResponse)
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(updatedResponse);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/responses/1/status')
-        .send({ status: 'accepted' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({
-        id: 1,
-        status: 'accepted',
-        itemRequest: {
-          id: 1,
-          requesterId: 1
-        },
-        responder: {
-          id: 2,
-          username: 'jane_doe',
-          firstName: 'Jane',
-          lastName: 'Doe'
-        },
-        existingItem: null
-      });
-      expect(mockResponse.update).toHaveBeenCalledWith({ status: 'accepted' });
-      expect(mockResponse.itemRequest.update).toHaveBeenCalledWith({ status: 'fulfilled' });
-    });
-
-    it('should update response status without fulfilling request', async () => {
-      const updatedResponse = { ...mockResponse, status: 'declined' };
-      mockResponse.update.mockResolvedValue();
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(mockResponse)
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(updatedResponse);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/responses/1/status')
-        .send({ status: 'declined' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(mockResponse.update).toHaveBeenCalledWith({ status: 'declined' });
-      expect(mockResponse.itemRequest.update).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
-    });
-
-    it('should return 404 for non-existent response', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(null);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/responses/999/status')
-        .send({ status: 'accepted' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(404);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Response not found' });
-    });
-
-    it('should return 403 for unauthorized user', async () => {
-      const unauthorizedResponse = {
-        ...mockResponse,
-        itemRequest: { ...mockResponse.itemRequest, requesterId: 2 }
-      };
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(unauthorizedResponse);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/responses/1/status')
-        .send({ status: 'accepted' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(403);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Only the requester can update response status' });
-    });
-
-    it('should handle database errors', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestResponseFindByPk.mockRejectedValue(new Error('Database error'));
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .put('/item-requests/responses/1/status')
-        .send({ status: 'accepted' });
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(500);
-      expect(response.body).toEqual({ error: 'Database error' });
-    });
-  });
-
-  describe('Edge cases', () => {
-    it('should handle empty search results', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockResolvedValue({ count: 0, rows: [] });
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests?search=nonexistent');
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(200);
-      expect(response.body.requests).toEqual([]);
-      expect(response.body.totalRequests).toBe(0);
-    });
-
-    it('should handle zero page calculation', async () => {
-      mockItemRequestFindAndCountAll.mockResolvedValue({ count: 0, rows: [] });
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .get('/item-requests');
-
-      expect(response.body.totalPages).toBe(0);
-    });
-
-    it('should handle request without optional fields', async () => {
-      const minimalRequest = {
-        title: 'Basic Request',
-        description: 'Simple description'
-      };
-
-      const mockCreated = { id: 1, ...minimalRequest, requesterId: 1 };
-      const mockWithRequester = {
-        ...mockCreated,
-        requester: { id: 1, username: 'test' }
-      };
-
-      mockItemRequestCreate.mockResolvedValue(mockCreated);
-      mockItemRequestFindByPk.mockResolvedValue(mockWithRequester);
-
-      const response = await request(app)
-        .post('/item-requests')
-        .send(minimalRequest);
-
-      expect(response.status).toBe(201);
-      expect(mockItemRequestCreate).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
-        ...minimalRequest,
-        requesterId: 1
-      });
-    });
-  });
-});

frontend/src/App.tsx

@@ -22,10 +22,10 @@ import Profile from './pages/Profile';
 import PublicProfile from './pages/PublicProfile';
 import Messages from './pages/Messages';
 import MessageDetail from './pages/MessageDetail';
-import ItemRequests from './pages/ItemRequests';
+import ForumPosts from './pages/ForumPosts';
-import ItemRequestDetail from './pages/ItemRequestDetail';
+import ForumPostDetail from './pages/ForumPostDetail';
-import CreateItemRequest from './pages/CreateItemRequest';
+import CreateForumPost from './pages/CreateForumPost';
-import MyRequests from './pages/MyRequests';
+import MyPosts from './pages/MyPosts';
 import EarningsDashboard from './pages/EarningsDashboard';
 import FAQ from './pages/FAQ';
 import PrivateRoute from './components/PrivateRoute';
@@ -158,21 +158,21 @@ const AppContent: React.FC = () => {
               </PrivateRoute>
             }
           />
-          <Route path="/item-requests" element={<ItemRequests />} />
+          <Route path="/forum" element={<ForumPosts />} />
-          <Route path="/item-requests/:id" element={<ItemRequestDetail />} />
+          <Route path="/forum/:id" element={<ForumPostDetail />} />
           <Route
-            path="/create-item-request"
+            path="/forum/create"
             element={
               <PrivateRoute>
-                <CreateItemRequest />
+                <CreateForumPost />
               </PrivateRoute>
             }
           />
           <Route
-            path="/my-requests"
+            path="/my-posts"
             element={
               <PrivateRoute>
-                <MyRequests />
+                <MyPosts />
               </PrivateRoute>
             }
           />

frontend/src/components/CategoryBadge.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+import React from 'react';
+
+interface CategoryBadgeProps {
+  category: "item_request" | "technical_support" | "community_resources" | "general_discussion";
+}
+
+const CategoryBadge: React.FC<CategoryBadgeProps> = ({ category }) => {
+  const getCategoryConfig = (cat: string) => {
+    switch (cat) {
+      case 'item_request':
+        return { label: 'Item Request', color: 'primary', icon: 'bi-box-seam' };
+      case 'technical_support':
+        return { label: 'Technical Support', color: 'warning', icon: 'bi-tools' };
+      case 'community_resources':
+        return { label: 'Community Resources', color: 'info', icon: 'bi-people' };
+      case 'general_discussion':
+        return { label: 'General Discussion', color: 'secondary', icon: 'bi-chat-dots' };
+      default:
+        return { label: 'General', color: 'secondary', icon: 'bi-chat' };
+    }
+  };
+
+  const config = getCategoryConfig(category);
+
+  return (
+    <span className={`badge bg-${config.color}`}>
+      <i className={`bi ${config.icon} me-1`}></i>
+      {config.label}
+    </span>
+  );
+};
+
+export default CategoryBadge;

frontend/src/components/CommentForm.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+import React, { useState } from 'react';
+
+interface CommentFormProps {
+  onSubmit: (content: string) => Promise<void>;
+  onCancel?: () => void;
+  placeholder?: string;
+  buttonText?: string;
+  isReply?: boolean;
+}
+
+const CommentForm: React.FC<CommentFormProps> = ({
+  onSubmit,
+  onCancel,
+  placeholder = 'Write your comment...',
+  buttonText = 'Post Comment',
+  isReply = false,
+}) => {
+  const [content, setContent] = useState('');
+  const [isSubmitting, setIsSubmitting] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState('');
+
+  const handleSubmit = async (e: React.FormEvent) => {
+    e.preventDefault();
+
+    if (!content.trim()) {
+      setError('Comment cannot be empty');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    setIsSubmitting(true);
+    setError('');
+
+    try {
+      await onSubmit(content);
+      setContent('');
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      setError(err.message || 'Failed to post comment');
+    } finally {
+      setIsSubmitting(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className={isReply ? 'ms-4' : ''}>
+      <div className="mb-2">
+        <textarea
+          className={`form-control ${error ? 'is-invalid' : ''}`}
+          rows={isReply ? 2 : 3}
+          value={content}
+          onChange={(e) => setContent(e.target.value)}
+          placeholder={placeholder}
+          disabled={isSubmitting}
+        />
+        {error && <div className="invalid-feedback">{error}</div>}
+      </div>
+      <div className="d-flex gap-2">
+        <button
+          type="submit"
+          className={`btn btn-${isReply ? 'sm btn-outline-' : ''}primary`}
+          disabled={isSubmitting || !content.trim()}
+        >
+          {isSubmitting ? (
+            <>
+              <span className="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-2" role="status" aria-hidden="true"></span>
+              Posting...
+            </>
+          ) : (
+            buttonText
+          )}
+        </button>
+        {onCancel && (
+          <button
+            type="button"
+            className={`btn btn-${isReply ? 'sm btn-outline-' : ''}secondary`}
+            onClick={onCancel}
+            disabled={isSubmitting}
+          >
+            Cancel
+          </button>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    </form>
+  );
+};
+
+export default CommentForm;

frontend/src/components/CommentThread.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,227 @@
+import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import { ForumComment } from '../types';
+import CommentForm from './CommentForm';
+
+interface CommentThreadProps {
+  comment: ForumComment;
+  onReply: (commentId: string, content: string) => Promise<void>;
+  onEdit?: (commentId: string, content: string) => Promise<void>;
+  onDelete?: (commentId: string) => Promise<void>;
+  currentUserId?: string;
+  depth?: number;
+}
+
+const CommentThread: React.FC<CommentThreadProps> = ({
+  comment,
+  onReply,
+  onEdit,
+  onDelete,
+  currentUserId,
+  depth = 0,
+}) => {
+  const [showReplyForm, setShowReplyForm] = useState(false);
+  const [isEditing, setIsEditing] = useState(false);
+  const [editContent, setEditContent] = useState(comment.content);
+  const [isCollapsed, setIsCollapsed] = useState(false);
+
+  const formatDate = (dateString: string) => {
+    const date = new Date(dateString);
+    const now = new Date();
+    const diffMs = now.getTime() - date.getTime();
+    const diffMinutes = Math.floor(diffMs / (1000 * 60));
+    const diffHours = Math.floor(diffMinutes / 60);
+    const diffDays = Math.floor(diffHours / 24);
+
+    if (diffMinutes < 1) {
+      return 'Just now';
+    } else if (diffMinutes < 60) {
+      return `${diffMinutes}m ago`;
+    } else if (diffHours < 24) {
+      return `${diffHours}h ago`;
+    } else if (diffDays < 7) {
+      return `${diffDays}d ago`;
+    } else {
+      return date.toLocaleDateString();
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleReply = async (content: string) => {
+    await onReply(comment.id, content);
+    setShowReplyForm(false);
+  };
+
+  const handleEdit = async () => {
+    if (onEdit && editContent.trim() !== comment.content) {
+      await onEdit(comment.id, editContent);
+      setIsEditing(false);
+    } else {
+      setIsEditing(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleDelete = async () => {
+    if (onDelete && window.confirm('Are you sure you want to delete this comment?')) {
+      await onDelete(comment.id);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const isAuthor = currentUserId === comment.authorId;
+  const maxDepth = 5;
+  const canNest = depth < maxDepth;
+
+  if (comment.isDeleted) {
+    return (
+      <div className={`comment-deleted ${depth > 0 ? 'ms-4' : ''} mb-3`}>
+        <div className="card bg-light">
+          <div className="card-body py-2">
+            <small className="text-muted fst-italic">
+              [Comment deleted]
+            </small>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+        {comment.replies && comment.replies.length > 0 && (
+          <div className="replies mt-2">
+            {comment.replies.map((reply) => (
+              <CommentThread
+                key={reply.id}
+                comment={reply}
+                onReply={onReply}
+                onEdit={onEdit}
+                onDelete={onDelete}
+                currentUserId={currentUserId}
+                depth={depth + 1}
+              />
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className={`comment ${depth > 0 ? 'ms-4' : ''} mb-3`}>
+      <div className="card">
+        <div className="card-body">
+          <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-2">
+            <div className="d-flex align-items-center">
+              <div className="avatar bg-primary text-white rounded-circle d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center me-2"
+                   style={{ width: '32px', height: '32px', fontSize: '14px' }}>
+                {comment.author?.firstName?.charAt(0) || '?'}
+              </div>
+              <div>
+                <strong className="d-block">
+                  {comment.author?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {comment.author?.lastName || ''}
+                </strong>
+                <small className="text-muted">
+                  {formatDate(comment.createdAt)}
+                  {comment.updatedAt !== comment.createdAt && ' (edited)'}
+                </small>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+            {comment.replies && comment.replies.length > 0 && (
+              <button
+                className="btn btn-sm btn-link text-decoration-none"
+                onClick={() => setIsCollapsed(!isCollapsed)}
+              >
+                <i className={`bi bi-chevron-${isCollapsed ? 'down' : 'up'}`}></i>
+              </button>
+            )}
+          </div>
+
+          {isEditing ? (
+            <div className="mb-2">
+              <textarea
+                className="form-control mb-2"
+                rows={3}
+                value={editContent}
+                onChange={(e) => setEditContent(e.target.value)}
+              />
+              <div className="d-flex gap-2">
+                <button
+                  className="btn btn-sm btn-primary"
+                  onClick={handleEdit}
+                  disabled={!editContent.trim()}
+                >
+                  Save
+                </button>
+                <button
+                  className="btn btn-sm btn-secondary"
+                  onClick={() => {
+                    setIsEditing(false);
+                    setEditContent(comment.content);
+                  }}
+                >
+                  Cancel
+                </button>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          ) : (
+            <p className="card-text mb-2" style={{ whiteSpace: 'pre-wrap' }}>
+              {comment.content}
+            </p>
+          )}
+
+          <div className="d-flex gap-2">
+            {!isEditing && canNest && (
+              <button
+                className="btn btn-sm btn-link text-decoration-none p-0"
+                onClick={() => setShowReplyForm(!showReplyForm)}
+              >
+                <i className="bi bi-reply me-1"></i>
+                Reply
+              </button>
+            )}
+            {isAuthor && onEdit && !isEditing && (
+              <button
+                className="btn btn-sm btn-link text-decoration-none p-0"
+                onClick={() => setIsEditing(true)}
+              >
+                <i className="bi bi-pencil me-1"></i>
+                Edit
+              </button>
+            )}
+            {isAuthor && onDelete && !isEditing && (
+              <button
+                className="btn btn-sm btn-link text-danger text-decoration-none p-0"
+                onClick={handleDelete}
+              >
+                <i className="bi bi-trash me-1"></i>
+                Delete
+              </button>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      {showReplyForm && (
+        <div className="mt-2">
+          <CommentForm
+            onSubmit={handleReply}
+            onCancel={() => setShowReplyForm(false)}
+            placeholder="Write your reply..."
+            buttonText="Post Reply"
+            isReply={true}
+          />
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {!isCollapsed && comment.replies && comment.replies.length > 0 && (
+        <div className="replies mt-2">
+          {comment.replies.map((reply) => (
+            <CommentThread
+              key={reply.id}
+              comment={reply}
+              onReply={onReply}
+              onEdit={onEdit}
+              onDelete={onDelete}
+              currentUserId={currentUserId}
+              depth={depth + 1}
+            />
+          ))}
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default CommentThread;

frontend/src/components/ForumPostCard.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+import React from 'react';
+import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';
+import { ForumPost } from '../types';
+import CategoryBadge from './CategoryBadge';
+import PostStatusBadge from './PostStatusBadge';
+
+interface ForumPostCardProps {
+  post: ForumPost;
+  showActions?: boolean;
+}
+
+const ForumPostCard: React.FC<ForumPostCardProps> = ({ post, showActions = true }) => {
+  const formatDate = (dateString: string) => {
+    const date = new Date(dateString);
+    const now = new Date();
+    const diffMs = now.getTime() - date.getTime();
+    const diffHours = Math.floor(diffMs / (1000 * 60 * 60));
+    const diffDays = Math.floor(diffHours / 24);
+
+    if (diffHours < 1) {
+      return 'Just now';
+    } else if (diffHours < 24) {
+      return `${diffHours}h ago`;
+    } else if (diffDays < 7) {
+      return `${diffDays}d ago`;
+    } else {
+      return date.toLocaleDateString();
+    }
+  };
+
+  // Strip HTML tags for preview
+  const getTextPreview = (html: string, maxLength: number = 150) => {
+    const text = html.replace(/<[^>]*>/g, '');
+    return text.length > maxLength ? `${text.substring(0, maxLength)}...` : text;
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div className="card h-100 shadow-sm hover-shadow">
+      <div className="card-body">
+        {post.isPinned && (
+          <div className="mb-2">
+            <span className="badge bg-danger">
+              <i className="bi bi-pin-angle-fill me-1"></i>
+              Pinned
+            </span>
+          </div>
+        )}
+
+        <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-2">
+          <h5 className="card-title text-truncate flex-grow-1 me-2">{post.title}</h5>
+          <PostStatusBadge status={post.status} />
+        </div>
+
+        <div className="mb-2">
+          <CategoryBadge category={post.category} />
+        </div>
+
+        <p className="card-text text-muted small mb-2">
+          {getTextPreview(post.content)}
+        </p>
+
+        {post.tags && post.tags.length > 0 && (
+          <div className="mb-2">
+            {post.tags.slice(0, 3).map((tag) => (
+              <span key={tag.id} className="badge bg-light text-dark me-1 mb-1">
+                #{tag.tagName}
+              </span>
+            ))}
+            {post.tags.length > 3 && (
+              <span className="badge bg-light text-dark">
+                +{post.tags.length - 3}
+              </span>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        )}
+
+        <div className="mb-2">
+          <small className="text-muted">
+            <i className="bi bi-person me-1"></i>
+            {post.author?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {post.author?.lastName || ''}
+          </small>
+        </div>
+
+        <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center">
+          <div className="d-flex gap-3">
+            <small className="text-muted">
+              <i className="bi bi-chat me-1"></i>
+              {post.commentCount || 0}
+            </small>
+            <small className="text-muted">
+              <i className="bi bi-eye me-1"></i>
+              {post.viewCount || 0}
+            </small>
+          </div>
+          <small className="text-muted">
+            {formatDate(post.updatedAt)}
+          </small>
+        </div>
+
+        {showActions && (
+          <div className="d-grid gap-2 mt-3">
+            <Link
+              to={`/forum/${post.id}`}
+              className="btn btn-outline-primary btn-sm"
+            >
+              View Post
+            </Link>
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default ForumPostCard;

frontend/src/components/ItemRequestCard.tsx

@@ -1,111 +0,0 @@
-import React from 'react';
-import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';
-import { ItemRequest } from '../types';
-
-interface ItemRequestCardProps {
-  request: ItemRequest;
-  showActions?: boolean;
-}
-
-const ItemRequestCard: React.FC<ItemRequestCardProps> = ({ request, showActions = true }) => {
-  const formatDate = (dateString?: string) => {
-    if (!dateString) return 'Flexible';
-    const date = new Date(dateString);
-    return date.toLocaleDateString();
-  };
-
-  const getLocationString = () => {
-    const parts = [];
-    if (request.city) parts.push(request.city);
-    if (request.state) parts.push(request.state);
-    return parts.join(', ') || 'Location not specified';
-  };
-
-  const getStatusColor = (status: string) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case 'open':
-        return 'success';
-      case 'fulfilled':
-        return 'primary';
-      case 'closed':
-        return 'secondary';
-      default:
-        return 'secondary';
-    }
-  };
-
-  return (
-    <div className="card h-100 shadow-sm hover-shadow">
-      <div className="card-body">
-        <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-2">
-          <h5 className="card-title text-truncate flex-grow-1 me-2">{request.title}</h5>
-          <span className={`badge bg-${getStatusColor(request.status)}`}>
-            {request.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + request.status.slice(1)}
-          </span>
-        </div>
-        
-        <p className="card-text text-muted small mb-2">
-          {request.description.length > 100 
-            ? `${request.description.substring(0, 100)}...` 
-            : request.description
-          }
-        </p>
-
-        <div className="mb-2">
-          <small className="text-muted">
-            <i className="bi bi-geo-alt me-1"></i>
-            {getLocationString()}
-          </small>
-        </div>
-
-        <div className="mb-2">
-          <small className="text-muted">
-            <i className="bi bi-person me-1"></i>
-            Requested by {request.requester?.firstName || 'Unknown'}
-          </small>
-        </div>
-
-        {(request.maxPricePerDay || request.maxPricePerHour) && (
-          <div className="mb-2">
-            <small className="text-muted">
-              <i className="bi bi-currency-dollar me-1"></i>
-              Budget: 
-              {request.maxPricePerDay && ` $${request.maxPricePerDay}/day`}
-              {request.maxPricePerHour && ` $${request.maxPricePerHour}/hour`}
-            </small>
-          </div>
-        )}
-
-        <div className="mb-3">
-          <small className="text-muted">
-            <i className="bi bi-calendar me-1"></i>
-            Dates: {formatDate(request.preferredStartDate)} - {formatDate(request.preferredEndDate)}
-            {request.isFlexibleDates && ' (Flexible)'}
-          </small>
-        </div>
-
-        <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center">
-          <small className="text-muted">
-            {request.responseCount || 0} response{request.responseCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
-          </small>
-          <small className="text-muted">
-            {new Date(request.createdAt).toLocaleDateString()}
-          </small>
-        </div>
-
-        {showActions && (
-          <div className="d-grid gap-2 mt-3">
-            <Link 
-              to={`/item-requests/${request.id}`} 
-              className="btn btn-outline-primary btn-sm"
-            >
-              View Details
-            </Link>
-          </div>
-        )}
-      </div>
-    </div>
-  );
-};
-
-export default ItemRequestCard;

frontend/src/components/Navbar.tsx

@@ -253,9 +253,9 @@ const Navbar: React.FC = () => {
                             </Link>
                           </li>
                           <li>
-                            <Link className="dropdown-item" to="/my-requests">
+                            <Link className="dropdown-item" to="/forum">
-                              <i className="bi bi-clipboard-check me-2"></i>
+                              <i className="bi bi-chat-dots me-2"></i>
-                              Looking For
+                              Forum
                             </Link>
                           </li>
                           <li>

frontend/src/components/PostStatusBadge.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+import React from 'react';
+
+interface PostStatusBadgeProps {
+  status: "open" | "solved" | "closed";
+}
+
+const PostStatusBadge: React.FC<PostStatusBadgeProps> = ({ status }) => {
+  const getStatusConfig = (stat: string) => {
+    switch (stat) {
+      case 'open':
+        return { label: 'Open', color: 'success', icon: 'bi-circle' };
+      case 'solved':
+        return { label: 'Solved', color: 'info', icon: 'bi-check-circle' };
+      case 'closed':
+        return { label: 'Closed', color: 'secondary', icon: 'bi-x-circle' };
+      default:
+        return { label: status, color: 'secondary', icon: 'bi-circle' };
+    }
+  };
+
+  const config = getStatusConfig(status);
+
+  return (
+    <span className={`badge bg-${config.color}`}>
+      <i className={`bi ${config.icon} me-1`}></i>
+      {config.label}
+    </span>
+  );
+};
+
+export default PostStatusBadge;

frontend/src/components/RequestResponseModal.tsx

@@ -1,295 +0,0 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect } from "react";
-import { useAuth } from "../contexts/AuthContext";
-import { itemRequestAPI, itemAPI } from "../services/api";
-import { ItemRequest, Item } from "../types";
-
-interface RequestResponseModalProps {
-  show: boolean;
-  onHide: () => void;
-  request: ItemRequest | null;
-  onResponseSubmitted: () => void;
-}
-
-const RequestResponseModal: React.FC<RequestResponseModalProps> = ({
-  show,
-  onHide,
-  request,
-  onResponseSubmitted,
-}) => {
-  const { user } = useAuth();
-  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
-  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
-  const [userItems, setUserItems] = useState<Item[]>([]);
-
-  const [formData, setFormData] = useState({
-    message: "",
-    offerPricePerHour: "",
-    offerPricePerDay: "",
-    availableStartDate: "",
-    availableEndDate: "",
-    existingItemId: "",
-    contactInfo: "",
-  });
-
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (show && user) {
-      fetchUserItems();
-      resetForm();
-    }
-  }, [show, user]);
-
-  const fetchUserItems = async () => {
-    try {
-      const response = await itemAPI.getItems({ owner: user?.id });
-      setUserItems(response.data.items || []);
-    } catch (err) {
-      console.error("Failed to fetch user items:", err);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const resetForm = () => {
-    setFormData({
-      message: "",
-      offerPricePerHour: "",
-      offerPricePerDay: "",
-      availableStartDate: "",
-      availableEndDate: "",
-      existingItemId: "",
-      contactInfo: "",
-    });
-    setError(null);
-  };
-
-  const handleChange = (
-    e: React.ChangeEvent<
-      HTMLInputElement | HTMLTextAreaElement | HTMLSelectElement
-    >
-  ) => {
-    const { name, value } = e.target;
-    setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, [name]: value }));
-  };
-
-  const handleSubmit = async (e: React.FormEvent) => {
-    e.preventDefault();
-    if (!request || !user) return;
-
-    setLoading(true);
-    setError(null);
-
-    try {
-      const responseData = {
-        ...formData,
-        offerPricePerHour: formData.offerPricePerHour
-          ? parseFloat(formData.offerPricePerHour)
-          : null,
-        offerPricePerDay: formData.offerPricePerDay
-          ? parseFloat(formData.offerPricePerDay)
-          : null,
-        existingItemId: formData.existingItemId || null,
-        availableStartDate: formData.availableStartDate || null,
-        availableEndDate: formData.availableEndDate || null,
-      };
-
-      await itemRequestAPI.respondToRequest(request.id, responseData);
-      onResponseSubmitted();
-      onHide();
-    } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || "Failed to submit response");
-    } finally {
-      setLoading(false);
-    }
-  };
-
-  if (!request) return null;
-
-  return (
-    <div
-      className={`modal fade ${show ? "show d-block" : ""}`}
-      tabIndex={-1}
-      style={{ backgroundColor: show ? "rgba(0,0,0,0.5)" : "transparent" }}
-    >
-      <div className="modal-dialog modal-lg">
-        <div className="modal-content">
-          <div className="modal-header">
-            <h5 className="modal-title">Respond to Request</h5>
-            <button
-              type="button"
-              className="btn-close"
-              onClick={onHide}
-            ></button>
-          </div>
-
-          <div className="modal-body">
-            <div className="mb-3 p-3 bg-light rounded">
-              <h6>{request.title}</h6>
-              <p className="text-muted small mb-0">{request.description}</p>
-            </div>
-
-            {error && (
-              <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
-                {error}
-              </div>
-            )}
-
-            <form onSubmit={handleSubmit}>
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <label htmlFor="message" className="form-label">
-                  Your Message *
-                </label>
-                <textarea
-                  className="form-control"
-                  id="message"
-                  name="message"
-                  rows={4}
-                  value={formData.message}
-                  onChange={handleChange}
-                  placeholder="Explain how you can help, availability, condition of the item, etc."
-                  required
-                />
-              </div>
-
-              {userItems.length > 0 && (
-                <div className="mb-3">
-                  <label htmlFor="existingItemId" className="form-label">
-                    Do you have an existing listing for this item?
-                  </label>
-                  <select
-                    className="form-select"
-                    id="existingItemId"
-                    name="existingItemId"
-                    value={formData.existingItemId}
-                    onChange={handleChange}
-                  >
-                    <option value="">No existing listing</option>
-                    {userItems.map((item) => (
-                      <option key={item.id} value={item.id}>
-                        {item.name} - ${item.pricePerDay}/day
-                      </option>
-                    ))}
-                  </select>
-                  <div className="form-text">
-                    If you have an existing listing that matches this request,
-                    select it here.
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-              )}
-
-              <div className="row mb-3">
-                <div className="col-md-6">
-                  <label htmlFor="offerPricePerDay" className="form-label">
-                    Your Price per Day
-                  </label>
-                  <div className="input-group">
-                    <span className="input-group-text">$</span>
-                    <input
-                      type="number"
-                      className="form-control"
-                      id="offerPricePerDay"
-                      name="offerPricePerDay"
-                      value={formData.offerPricePerDay}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                      step="0.01"
-                      min="0"
-                      placeholder="0.00"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-                <div className="col-md-6">
-                  <label htmlFor="offerPricePerHour" className="form-label">
-                    Your Price per Hour
-                  </label>
-                  <div className="input-group">
-                    <span className="input-group-text">$</span>
-                    <input
-                      type="number"
-                      className="form-control"
-                      id="offerPricePerHour"
-                      name="offerPricePerHour"
-                      value={formData.offerPricePerHour}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                      step="0.01"
-                      min="0"
-                      placeholder="0.00"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="row mb-3">
-                <div className="col-md-6">
-                  <label htmlFor="availableStartDate" className="form-label">
-                    Available From
-                  </label>
-                  <input
-                    type="date"
-                    className="form-control"
-                    id="availableStartDate"
-                    name="availableStartDate"
-                    value={formData.availableStartDate}
-                    onChange={handleChange}
-                    min={new Date().toLocaleDateString()}
-                  />
-                </div>
-                <div className="col-md-6">
-                  <label htmlFor="availableEndDate" className="form-label">
-                    Available Until
-                  </label>
-                  <input
-                    type="date"
-                    className="form-control"
-                    id="availableEndDate"
-                    name="availableEndDate"
-                    value={formData.availableEndDate}
-                    onChange={handleChange}
-                    min={
-                      formData.availableStartDate ||
-                      new Date().toLocaleDateString()
-                    }
-                  />
-                </div>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <label htmlFor="contactInfo" className="form-label">
-                  Contact Information
-                </label>
-                <input
-                  type="text"
-                  className="form-control"
-                  id="contactInfo"
-                  name="contactInfo"
-                  value={formData.contactInfo}
-                  onChange={handleChange}
-                  placeholder="Phone number, email, or preferred contact method"
-                />
-                <div className="form-text">
-                  How should the requester contact you if they're interested?
-                </div>
-              </div>
-            </form>
-          </div>
-
-          <div className="modal-footer">
-            <button
-              type="button"
-              className="btn btn-secondary"
-              onClick={onHide}
-            >
-              Cancel
-            </button>
-            <button
-              type="button"
-              className="btn btn-primary"
-              onClick={handleSubmit}
-              disabled={loading || !formData.message.trim()}
-            >
-              {loading ? "Submitting..." : "Submit Response"}
-            </button>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-    </div>
-  );
-};
-
-export default RequestResponseModal;

frontend/src/components/TagInput.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+import React, { useState, useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
+import { forumAPI } from '../services/api';
+
+interface TagInputProps {
+  selectedTags: string[];
+  onChange: (tags: string[]) => void;
+  placeholder?: string;
+}
+
+const TagInput: React.FC<TagInputProps> = ({
+  selectedTags,
+  onChange,
+  placeholder = 'Add tags...',
+}) => {
+  const [inputValue, setInputValue] = useState('');
+  const [suggestions, setSuggestions] = useState<string[]>([]);
+  const [showSuggestions, setShowSuggestions] = useState(false);
+  const [activeSuggestion, setActiveSuggestion] = useState(0);
+  const inputRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null);
+  const suggestionsRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const fetchSuggestions = async () => {
+      if (inputValue.length >= 2) {
+        try {
+          const response = await forumAPI.getTags({ search: inputValue });
+          const tags = response.data.map((tag: any) => tag.tagName);
+          setSuggestions(tags.filter((tag: string) => !selectedTags.includes(tag)));
+          setShowSuggestions(true);
+        } catch (error) {
+          console.error('Failed to fetch tag suggestions:', error);
+        }
+      } else {
+        setSuggestions([]);
+        setShowSuggestions(false);
+      }
+    };
+
+    const debounceTimer = setTimeout(fetchSuggestions, 300);
+    return () => clearTimeout(debounceTimer);
+  }, [inputValue, selectedTags]);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const handleClickOutside = (event: MouseEvent) => {
+      if (
+        suggestionsRef.current &&
+        !suggestionsRef.current.contains(event.target as Node) &&
+        inputRef.current &&
+        !inputRef.current.contains(event.target as Node)
+      ) {
+        setShowSuggestions(false);
+      }
+    };
+
+    document.addEventListener('mousedown', handleClickOutside);
+    return () => document.removeEventListener('mousedown', handleClickOutside);
+  }, []);
+
+  const addTag = (tag: string) => {
+    const normalizedTag = tag.toLowerCase().trim();
+    if (normalizedTag && !selectedTags.includes(normalizedTag)) {
+      onChange([...selectedTags, normalizedTag]);
+      setInputValue('');
+      setSuggestions([]);
+      setShowSuggestions(false);
+      setActiveSuggestion(0);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const removeTag = (tagToRemove: string) => {
+    onChange(selectedTags.filter((tag) => tag !== tagToRemove));
+  };
+
+  const handleKeyDown = (e: React.KeyboardEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
+    if (e.key === 'Enter') {
+      e.preventDefault();
+      if (showSuggestions && suggestions.length > 0 && activeSuggestion < suggestions.length) {
+        addTag(suggestions[activeSuggestion]);
+      } else if (inputValue.trim()) {
+        addTag(inputValue);
+      }
+    } else if (e.key === 'ArrowDown') {
+      e.preventDefault();
+      setActiveSuggestion((prev) => Math.min(prev + 1, suggestions.length - 1));
+    } else if (e.key === 'ArrowUp') {
+      e.preventDefault();
+      setActiveSuggestion((prev) => Math.max(prev - 1, 0));
+    } else if (e.key === 'Escape') {
+      setShowSuggestions(false);
+    } else if (e.key === 'Backspace' && !inputValue && selectedTags.length > 0) {
+      removeTag(selectedTags[selectedTags.length - 1]);
+    }
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div className="tag-input-container">
+      <div className="form-control d-flex flex-wrap gap-1 p-2" style={{ minHeight: '45px' }}>
+        {selectedTags.map((tag) => (
+          <span key={tag} className="badge bg-primary d-flex align-items-center gap-1">
+            #{tag}
+            <button
+              type="button"
+              className="btn-close btn-close-white"
+              style={{ fontSize: '0.6rem' }}
+              onClick={() => removeTag(tag)}
+              aria-label="Remove tag"
+            ></button>
+          </span>
+        ))}
+        <input
+          ref={inputRef}
+          type="text"
+          className="border-0 flex-grow-1"
+          style={{ outline: 'none', minWidth: '150px' }}
+          value={inputValue}
+          onChange={(e) => setInputValue(e.target.value)}
+          onKeyDown={handleKeyDown}
+          onFocus={() => {
+            if (suggestions.length > 0) setShowSuggestions(true);
+          }}
+          placeholder={selectedTags.length === 0 ? placeholder : ''}
+        />
+      </div>
+
+      {showSuggestions && suggestions.length > 0 && (
+        <div
+          ref={suggestionsRef}
+          className="list-group position-absolute w-100 shadow-sm"
+          style={{ zIndex: 1000, maxHeight: '200px', overflowY: 'auto' }}
+        >
+          {suggestions.map((suggestion, index) => (
+            <button
+              key={suggestion}
+              type="button"
+              className={`list-group-item list-group-item-action ${
+                index === activeSuggestion ? 'active' : ''
+              }`}
+              onClick={() => addTag(suggestion)}
+              onMouseEnter={() => setActiveSuggestion(index)}
+            >
+              #{suggestion}
+            </button>
+          ))}
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      <small className="form-text text-muted">
+        Press Enter to add a tag. Use letters, numbers, and hyphens only.
+      </small>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default TagInput;

frontend/src/pages/CreateForumPost.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,310 @@
+import React, { useState } from "react";
+import { useNavigate, Link } from "react-router-dom";
+import { useAuth } from "../contexts/AuthContext";
+import { forumAPI } from "../services/api";
+import TagInput from "../components/TagInput";
+
+const CreateForumPost: React.FC = () => {
+  const { user } = useAuth();
+  const navigate = useNavigate();
+  const [isSubmitting, setIsSubmitting] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
+
+  const [formData, setFormData] = useState({
+    title: "",
+    content: "",
+    category: "general_discussion" as
+      | "item_request"
+      | "technical_support"
+      | "community_resources"
+      | "general_discussion",
+    tags: [] as string[],
+  });
+
+  const categories = [
+    {
+      value: "item_request",
+      label: "Item Request",
+      description: "Looking to rent a specific item",
+    },
+    {
+      value: "technical_support",
+      label: "Technical Support",
+      description: "Get help with using the platform",
+    },
+    {
+      value: "community_resources",
+      label: "Community Resources",
+      description: "Share tips, guides, and resources",
+    },
+    {
+      value: "general_discussion",
+      label: "General Discussion",
+      description: "Open-ended conversations",
+    },
+  ];
+
+  const handleInputChange = (
+    e: React.ChangeEvent<
+      HTMLInputElement | HTMLTextAreaElement | HTMLSelectElement
+    >
+  ) => {
+    const { name, value } = e.target;
+    setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, [name]: value }));
+  };
+
+  const handleTagsChange = (tags: string[]) => {
+    setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, tags }));
+  };
+
+  const handleSubmit = async (e: React.FormEvent) => {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    setError(null);
+
+    // Validation
+    if (!formData.title.trim()) {
+      setError("Title is required");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (formData.title.length < 10) {
+      setError("Title must be at least 10 characters long");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (!formData.content.trim()) {
+      setError("Content is required");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (formData.content.length < 20) {
+      setError("Content must be at least 20 characters long");
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      setIsSubmitting(true);
+      const response = await forumAPI.createPost(formData);
+      navigate(`/forum/${response.data.id}`);
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      setError(err.response?.data?.error || "Failed to create post");
+      setIsSubmitting(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  if (!user) {
+    return (
+      <div className="container mt-4">
+        <div className="alert alert-warning" role="alert">
+          <i className="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-2"></i>
+          You must be logged in to create a post.
+        </div>
+        <Link to="/forum" className="btn btn-secondary">
+          <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
+          Back to Forum
+        </Link>
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="container mt-4">
+      <nav aria-label="breadcrumb" className="mb-3">
+        <ol className="breadcrumb">
+          <li className="breadcrumb-item">
+            <Link to="/forum">Forum</Link>
+          </li>
+          <li className="breadcrumb-item active" aria-current="page">
+            Create Post
+          </li>
+        </ol>
+      </nav>
+
+      <div className="row">
+        <div className="col-lg-8 mx-auto">
+          {/* Guidelines Card */}
+          <div className="card mb-3">
+            <div className="card-header">
+              <h6 className="mb-0">
+                <i className="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>
+                Community Guidelines
+              </h6>
+            </div>
+            <div className="card-body">
+              <ul className="mb-0">
+                <li>Be respectful and courteous to others</li>
+                <li>Stay on topic and relevant to the category</li>
+                <li>No spam, advertising, or self-promotion</li>
+                <li>Search before posting to avoid duplicates</li>
+                <li>Use clear, descriptive titles</li>
+                <li>Provide helpful and constructive feedback</li>
+              </ul>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          <div className="card">
+            <div className="card-header">
+              <h3 className="mb-0">Create New Post</h3>
+            </div>
+            <div className="card-body">
+              {error && (
+                <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
+                  {error}
+                </div>
+              )}
+
+              <form onSubmit={handleSubmit}>
+                {/* Title */}
+                <div className="mb-3">
+                  <label htmlFor="title" className="form-label">
+                    Title <span className="text-danger">*</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <input
+                    type="text"
+                    className="form-control"
+                    id="title"
+                    name="title"
+                    value={formData.title}
+                    onChange={handleInputChange}
+                    placeholder="Enter a descriptive title..."
+                    maxLength={200}
+                    disabled={isSubmitting}
+                    required
+                  />
+                  <div className="form-text">
+                    {formData.title.length}/200 characters (minimum 10)
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Category */}
+                <div className="mb-3">
+                  <label htmlFor="category" className="form-label">
+                    Category <span className="text-danger">*</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <select
+                    className="form-select"
+                    id="category"
+                    name="category"
+                    value={formData.category}
+                    onChange={handleInputChange}
+                    disabled={isSubmitting}
+                    required
+                  >
+                    {categories.map((cat) => (
+                      <option key={cat.value} value={cat.value}>
+                        {cat.label}
+                      </option>
+                    ))}
+                  </select>
+                  <div className="form-text">
+                    Choose the category that best fits your post
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Content */}
+                <div className="mb-3">
+                  <label htmlFor="content" className="form-label">
+                    Content <span className="text-danger">*</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <textarea
+                    className="form-control"
+                    id="content"
+                    name="content"
+                    rows={10}
+                    value={formData.content}
+                    onChange={handleInputChange}
+                    placeholder="Write your post content here..."
+                    disabled={isSubmitting}
+                    required
+                  />
+                  <div className="form-text">
+                    {formData.content.length} characters (minimum 20)
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Tags */}
+                <div className="mb-4">
+                  <label className="form-label">
+                    Tags <span className="text-muted">(optional)</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <TagInput
+                    selectedTags={formData.tags}
+                    onChange={handleTagsChange}
+                    placeholder="Add tags to help others find your post..."
+                  />
+                  <div className="form-text">
+                    Add up to 5 relevant tags. Press Enter after each tag.
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Category-specific guidelines */}
+                {formData.category === "item_request" && (
+                  <div className="alert alert-info mb-3">
+                    <strong>Item Request Tips:</strong>
+                    <ul className="mb-0 mt-2">
+                      <li>Be specific about what you're looking for</li>
+                      <li>Include your general location</li>
+                      <li>Specify when you need the item</li>
+                      <li>Mention your budget range if applicable</li>
+                    </ul>
+                  </div>
+                )}
+
+                {formData.category === "technical_support" && (
+                  <div className="alert alert-info mb-3">
+                    <strong>Technical Support Tips:</strong>
+                    <ul className="mb-0 mt-2">
+                      <li>Describe the issue you're experiencing</li>
+                      <li>Include steps to reproduce the problem</li>
+                      <li>Mention your device/browser if relevant</li>
+                      <li>Include any error messages you see</li>
+                    </ul>
+                  </div>
+                )}
+
+                {/* Submit buttons */}
+                <div className="d-flex gap-2">
+                  <button
+                    type="submit"
+                    className="btn btn-primary"
+                    disabled={
+                      isSubmitting ||
+                      !formData.title.trim() ||
+                      !formData.content.trim()
+                    }
+                  >
+                    {isSubmitting ? (
+                      <>
+                        <span
+                          className="spinner-border spinner-border-sm me-2"
+                          role="status"
+                          aria-hidden="true"
+                        ></span>
+                        Creating...
+                      </>
+                    ) : (
+                      <>
+                        <i className="bi bi-send me-2"></i>
+                        Create Post
+                      </>
+                    )}
+                  </button>
+                  <Link
+                    to="/forum"
+                    className={`btn btn-secondary ${
+                      isSubmitting ? "disabled" : ""
+                    }`}
+                  >
+                    Cancel
+                  </Link>
+                </div>
+              </form>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default CreateForumPost;

frontend/src/pages/CreateItemRequest.tsx

@@ -1,333 +0,0 @@
-import React, { useState } from "react";
-import { useNavigate } from "react-router-dom";
-import { useAuth } from "../contexts/AuthContext";
-import { itemRequestAPI } from "../services/api";
-
-const CreateItemRequest: React.FC = () => {
-  const navigate = useNavigate();
-  const { user } = useAuth();
-  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
-  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
-
-  const [formData, setFormData] = useState({
-    title: "",
-    description: "",
-    address1: "",
-    address2: "",
-    city: "",
-    state: "",
-    zipCode: "",
-    country: "US",
-    latitude: undefined as number | undefined,
-    longitude: undefined as number | undefined,
-    maxPricePerHour: "",
-    maxPricePerDay: "",
-    preferredStartDate: "",
-    preferredEndDate: "",
-    isFlexibleDates: true,
-  });
-
-  const handleChange = (
-    e: React.ChangeEvent<
-      HTMLInputElement | HTMLTextAreaElement | HTMLSelectElement
-    >
-  ) => {
-    const { name, value, type } = e.target;
-    if (type === "checkbox") {
-      const checked = (e.target as HTMLInputElement).checked;
-      setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, [name]: checked }));
-    } else {
-      setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, [name]: value }));
-    }
-  };
-
-
-  const handleSubmit = async (e: React.FormEvent) => {
-    e.preventDefault();
-    if (!user) return;
-
-    setLoading(true);
-    setError(null);
-
-    try {
-      const requestData = {
-        ...formData,
-        maxPricePerHour: formData.maxPricePerHour
-          ? parseFloat(formData.maxPricePerHour)
-          : null,
-        maxPricePerDay: formData.maxPricePerDay
-          ? parseFloat(formData.maxPricePerDay)
-          : null,
-        preferredStartDate: formData.preferredStartDate || null,
-        preferredEndDate: formData.preferredEndDate || null,
-      };
-
-      await itemRequestAPI.createItemRequest(requestData);
-      navigate("/my-requests");
-    } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || "Failed to create item request");
-      setLoading(false);
-    }
-  };
-
-  if (!user) {
-    return (
-      <div className="container mt-5">
-        <div className="alert alert-warning" role="alert">
-          Please log in to create item requests.
-        </div>
-      </div>
-    );
-  }
-
-  return (
-    <div className="container mt-4">
-      <div className="row justify-content-center">
-        <div className="col-md-8">
-          <div className="card">
-            <div className="card-header">
-              <h2 className="mb-0">Request an Item</h2>
-              <p className="text-muted mb-0">
-                Can't find what you need? Request it and let others know!
-              </p>
-            </div>
-            <div className="card-body">
-              {error && (
-                <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
-                  {error}
-                </div>
-              )}
-
-              <form onSubmit={handleSubmit}>
-                <div className="mb-3">
-                  <label htmlFor="title" className="form-label">
-                    What are you looking for? *
-                  </label>
-                  <input
-                    type="text"
-                    className="form-control"
-                    id="title"
-                    name="title"
-                    value={formData.title}
-                    onChange={handleChange}
-                    placeholder="e.g., Power drill, Camera lens, Camping tent"
-                    required
-                  />
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="mb-3">
-                  <label htmlFor="description" className="form-label">
-                    Description *
-                  </label>
-                  <textarea
-                    className="form-control"
-                    id="description"
-                    name="description"
-                    rows={4}
-                    value={formData.description}
-                    onChange={handleChange}
-                    placeholder="Describe what you need it for, any specific requirements, condition preferences, etc."
-                    required
-                  />
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="row mb-3">
-                  <div className="col-md-6">
-                    <label htmlFor="maxPricePerDay" className="form-label">
-                      Max Price per Day
-                    </label>
-                    <div className="input-group">
-                      <span className="input-group-text">$</span>
-                      <input
-                        type="number"
-                        className="form-control"
-                        id="maxPricePerDay"
-                        name="maxPricePerDay"
-                        value={formData.maxPricePerDay}
-                        onChange={handleChange}
-                        step="0.01"
-                        min="0"
-                        placeholder="0.00"
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="col-md-6">
-                    <label htmlFor="maxPricePerHour" className="form-label">
-                      Max Price per Hour
-                    </label>
-                    <div className="input-group">
-                      <span className="input-group-text">$</span>
-                      <input
-                        type="number"
-                        className="form-control"
-                        id="maxPricePerHour"
-                        name="maxPricePerHour"
-                        value={formData.maxPricePerHour}
-                        onChange={handleChange}
-                        step="0.01"
-                        min="0"
-                        placeholder="0.00"
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="mb-3">
-                  <label htmlFor="address1" className="form-label">Address</label>
-                  <input
-                    type="text"
-                    className="form-control"
-                    id="address1"
-                    name="address1"
-                    value={formData.address1}
-                    onChange={handleChange}
-                    placeholder="Enter your address or area"
-                  />
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="row mb-3">
-                  <div className="col-md-6">
-                    <label htmlFor="address2" className="form-label">
-                      Apartment, suite, etc.
-                    </label>
-                    <input
-                      type="text"
-                      className="form-control"
-                      id="address2"
-                      name="address2"
-                      value={formData.address2}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                      placeholder="Apt 2B, Suite 100, etc."
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="col-md-6">
-                    <label htmlFor="city" className="form-label">
-                      City
-                    </label>
-                    <input
-                      type="text"
-                      className="form-control"
-                      id="city"
-                      name="city"
-                      value={formData.city}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                      placeholder="City"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="row mb-3">
-                  <div className="col-md-6">
-                    <label htmlFor="state" className="form-label">
-                      State
-                    </label>
-                    <input
-                      type="text"
-                      className="form-control"
-                      id="state"
-                      name="state"
-                      value={formData.state}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                      placeholder="State"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="col-md-6">
-                    <label htmlFor="zipCode" className="form-label">
-                      ZIP Code
-                    </label>
-                    <input
-                      type="text"
-                      className="form-control"
-                      id="zipCode"
-                      name="zipCode"
-                      value={formData.zipCode}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                      placeholder="12345"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-
-                <div className="mb-3">
-                  <div className="form-check">
-                    <input
-                      className="form-check-input"
-                      type="checkbox"
-                      id="isFlexibleDates"
-                      name="isFlexibleDates"
-                      checked={formData.isFlexibleDates}
-                      onChange={handleChange}
-                    />
-                    <label
-                      className="form-check-label"
-                      htmlFor="isFlexibleDates"
-                    >
-                      I'm flexible with dates
-                    </label>
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-
-                {!formData.isFlexibleDates && (
-                  <div className="row mb-3">
-                    <div className="col-md-6">
-                      <label
-                        htmlFor="preferredStartDate"
-                        className="form-label"
-                      >
-                        Preferred Start Date
-                      </label>
-                      <input
-                        type="date"
-                        className="form-control"
-                        id="preferredStartDate"
-                        name="preferredStartDate"
-                        value={formData.preferredStartDate}
-                        onChange={handleChange}
-                        min={new Date().toLocaleDateString()}
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                    <div className="col-md-6">
-                      <label htmlFor="preferredEndDate" className="form-label">
-                        Preferred End Date
-                      </label>
-                      <input
-                        type="date"
-                        className="form-control"
-                        id="preferredEndDate"
-                        name="preferredEndDate"
-                        value={formData.preferredEndDate}
-                        onChange={handleChange}
-                        min={
-                          formData.preferredStartDate ||
-                          new Date().toLocaleDateString()
-                        }
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-                )}
-
-                <div className="d-grid gap-2">
-                  <button
-                    type="submit"
-                    className="btn btn-primary"
-                    disabled={loading}
-                  >
-                    {loading ? "Creating Request..." : "Create Request"}
-                  </button>
-                  <button
-                    type="button"
-                    className="btn btn-secondary"
-                    onClick={() => navigate(-1)}
-                  >
-                    Cancel
-                  </button>
-                </div>
-              </form>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-    </div>
-  );
-};
-
-export default CreateItemRequest;

frontend/src/pages/ForumPostDetail.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,397 @@
+import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+import { useParams, useNavigate, Link } from 'react-router-dom';
+import { useAuth } from '../contexts/AuthContext';
+import { forumAPI } from '../services/api';
+import { ForumPost, ForumComment } from '../types';
+import CategoryBadge from '../components/CategoryBadge';
+import PostStatusBadge from '../components/PostStatusBadge';
+import CommentThread from '../components/CommentThread';
+import CommentForm from '../components/CommentForm';
+import AuthButton from '../components/AuthButton';
+
+const ForumPostDetail: React.FC = () => {
+  const { id } = useParams<{ id: string }>();
+  const { user } = useAuth();
+  const navigate = useNavigate();
+  const [post, setPost] = useState<ForumPost | null>(null);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
+  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [actionLoading, setActionLoading] = useState(false);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (id) {
+      fetchPost();
+    }
+  }, [id]);
+
+  const fetchPost = async () => {
+    try {
+      setLoading(true);
+      const response = await forumAPI.getPost(id!);
+      setPost(response.data);
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to fetch post');
+    } finally {
+      setLoading(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleAddComment = async (content: string) => {
+    if (!user) {
+      alert('Please log in to comment');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await forumAPI.createComment(id!, { content });
+      await fetchPost(); // Refresh to get new comment
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      throw new Error(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to post comment');
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleReply = async (parentCommentId: string, content: string) => {
+    if (!user) {
+      alert('Please log in to reply');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await forumAPI.createComment(id!, { content, parentCommentId });
+      await fetchPost(); // Refresh to get new reply
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      throw new Error(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to post reply');
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleEditComment = async (commentId: string, content: string) => {
+    try {
+      await forumAPI.updateComment(commentId, { content });
+      await fetchPost(); // Refresh to get updated comment
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      throw new Error(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to update comment');
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleDeleteComment = async (commentId: string) => {
+    try {
+      await forumAPI.deleteComment(commentId);
+      await fetchPost(); // Refresh to remove deleted comment
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      alert(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to delete comment');
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleStatusChange = async (newStatus: string) => {
+    try {
+      setActionLoading(true);
+      await forumAPI.updatePostStatus(id!, newStatus);
+      await fetchPost();
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      alert(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to update status');
+    } finally {
+      setActionLoading(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleDeletePost = async () => {
+    if (!window.confirm('Are you sure you want to delete this post? This action cannot be undone.')) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      setActionLoading(true);
+      await forumAPI.deletePost(id!);
+      navigate('/forum');
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      alert(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to delete post');
+      setActionLoading(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const formatDate = (dateString: string) => {
+    const date = new Date(dateString);
+    return date.toLocaleString();
+  };
+
+  if (loading) {
+    return (
+      <div className="container mt-4">
+        <div className="text-center py-5">
+          <div className="spinner-border" role="status">
+            <span className="visually-hidden">Loading...</span>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (error || !post) {
+    return (
+      <div className="container mt-4">
+        <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
+          {error || 'Post not found'}
+        </div>
+        <Link to="/forum" className="btn btn-secondary">
+          <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
+          Back to Forum
+        </Link>
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  const isAuthor = user?.id === post.authorId;
+
+  return (
+    <div className="container mt-4">
+      <nav aria-label="breadcrumb" className="mb-3">
+        <ol className="breadcrumb">
+          <li className="breadcrumb-item">
+            <Link to="/forum">Forum</Link>
+          </li>
+          <li className="breadcrumb-item active" aria-current="page">
+            {post.title}
+          </li>
+        </ol>
+      </nav>
+
+      <div className="row">
+        <div className="col-lg-8">
+          {/* Post Content */}
+          <div className="card mb-4">
+            <div className="card-body">
+              <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-3">
+                <div className="flex-grow-1">
+                  {post.isPinned && (
+                    <span className="badge bg-danger me-2">
+                      <i className="bi bi-pin-angle-fill me-1"></i>
+                      Pinned
+                    </span>
+                  )}
+                  <h1 className="h3 mb-2">{post.title}</h1>
+                  <div className="d-flex gap-2 mb-2">
+                    <CategoryBadge category={post.category} />
+                    <PostStatusBadge status={post.status} />
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+
+              {post.tags && post.tags.length > 0 && (
+                <div className="mb-3">
+                  {post.tags.map((tag) => (
+                    <Link
+                      key={tag.id}
+                      to={`/forum?tag=${tag.tagName}`}
+                      className="badge bg-light text-dark me-1 mb-1 text-decoration-none"
+                    >
+                      #{tag.tagName}
+                    </Link>
+                  ))}
+                </div>
+              )}
+
+              <div className="mb-3">
+                <div className="d-flex align-items-center">
+                  <div className="avatar bg-primary text-white rounded-circle d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center me-2"
+                       style={{ width: '40px', height: '40px' }}>
+                    {post.author?.firstName?.charAt(0) || '?'}
+                  </div>
+                  <div>
+                    <strong>
+                      {post.author?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {post.author?.lastName || ''}
+                    </strong>
+                    <br />
+                    <small className="text-muted">
+                      Posted {formatDate(post.createdAt)}
+                      {post.updatedAt !== post.createdAt && ' (edited)'}
+                    </small>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+
+              <hr />
+
+              <div className="post-content mb-3" style={{ whiteSpace: 'pre-wrap' }}>
+                {post.content}
+              </div>
+
+              <div className="d-flex gap-3 text-muted small">
+                <span>
+                  <i className="bi bi-chat me-1"></i>
+                  {post.commentCount || 0} comments
+                </span>
+                <span>
+                  <i className="bi bi-eye me-1"></i>
+                  {post.viewCount || 0} views
+                </span>
+              </div>
+
+              {isAuthor && (
+                <>
+                  <hr />
+                  <div className="d-flex gap-2 flex-wrap">
+                    {post.status === 'open' && (
+                      <button
+                        className="btn btn-sm btn-success"
+                        onClick={() => handleStatusChange('solved')}
+                        disabled={actionLoading}
+                      >
+                        <i className="bi bi-check-circle me-1"></i>
+                        Mark as Solved
+                      </button>
+                    )}
+                    {post.status !== 'closed' && (
+                      <button
+                        className="btn btn-sm btn-secondary"
+                        onClick={() => handleStatusChange('closed')}
+                        disabled={actionLoading}
+                      >
+                        <i className="bi bi-x-circle me-1"></i>
+                        Close Post
+                      </button>
+                    )}
+                    {post.status === 'closed' && (
+                      <button
+                        className="btn btn-sm btn-success"
+                        onClick={() => handleStatusChange('open')}
+                        disabled={actionLoading}
+                      >
+                        <i className="bi bi-arrow-counterclockwise me-1"></i>
+                        Reopen Post
+                      </button>
+                    )}
+                    <Link
+                      to={`/forum/${post.id}/edit`}
+                      className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-primary"
+                    >
+                      <i className="bi bi-pencil me-1"></i>
+                      Edit
+                    </Link>
+                    <button
+                      className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-danger"
+                      onClick={handleDeletePost}
+                      disabled={actionLoading}
+                    >
+                      <i className="bi bi-trash me-1"></i>
+                      Delete
+                    </button>
+                  </div>
+                </>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Comments Section */}
+          <div className="card">
+            <div className="card-header">
+              <h5 className="mb-0">
+                <i className="bi bi-chat-dots me-2"></i>
+                Comments ({post.commentCount || 0})
+              </h5>
+            </div>
+            <div className="card-body">
+              {user ? (
+                <div className="mb-4">
+                  <h6>Add a comment</h6>
+                  <CommentForm
+                    onSubmit={handleAddComment}
+                    placeholder="Share your thoughts..."
+                    buttonText="Post Comment"
+                  />
+                </div>
+              ) : (
+                <div className="alert alert-info mb-4">
+                  <i className="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>
+                  <AuthButton mode="login" className="alert-link" asLink>Log in</AuthButton> to join the discussion.
+                </div>
+              )}
+
+              <hr />
+
+              {post.comments && post.comments.length > 0 ? (
+                <div className="comments-list">
+                  {post.comments.map((comment: ForumComment) => (
+                    <CommentThread
+                      key={comment.id}
+                      comment={comment}
+                      onReply={handleReply}
+                      onEdit={handleEditComment}
+                      onDelete={handleDeleteComment}
+                      currentUserId={user?.id}
+                    />
+                  ))}
+                </div>
+              ) : (
+                <div className="text-center py-4 text-muted">
+                  <i className="bi bi-chat display-4 d-block mb-2"></i>
+                  <p>No comments yet. Be the first to comment!</p>
+                </div>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Sidebar */}
+        <div className="col-lg-4">
+          <div className="card mb-3">
+            <div className="card-header">
+              <h6 className="mb-0">About this post</h6>
+            </div>
+            <div className="card-body">
+              <div className="mb-2">
+                <small className="text-muted">Category:</small>
+                <div>
+                  <CategoryBadge category={post.category} />
+                </div>
+              </div>
+              <div className="mb-2">
+                <small className="text-muted">Status:</small>
+                <div>
+                  <PostStatusBadge status={post.status} />
+                </div>
+              </div>
+              <div className="mb-2">
+                <small className="text-muted">Created:</small>
+                <div>{formatDate(post.createdAt)}</div>
+              </div>
+              <div className="mb-2">
+                <small className="text-muted">Last updated:</small>
+                <div>{formatDate(post.updatedAt)}</div>
+              </div>
+              <div className="mb-2">
+                <small className="text-muted">Author:</small>
+                <div>
+                  <Link to={`/users/${post.authorId}`}>
+                    {post.author?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {post.author?.lastName || ''}
+                  </Link>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          <div className="card">
+            <div className="card-header">
+              <h6 className="mb-0">Actions</h6>
+            </div>
+            <div className="card-body">
+              <div className="d-grid gap-2">
+                <Link to="/forum" className="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm">
+                  <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
+                  Back to Forum
+                </Link>
+                {user && (
+                  <Link to="/forum/create" className="btn btn-outline-primary btn-sm">
+                    <i className="bi bi-plus-circle me-2"></i>
+                    Create New Post
+                  </Link>
+                )}
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default ForumPostDetail;

frontend/src/pages/ForumPosts.tsx

@@ -1,43 +1,61 @@
 import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';
 import { useAuth } from '../contexts/AuthContext';
-import { itemRequestAPI } from '../services/api';
+import { forumAPI } from '../services/api';
-import { ItemRequest } from '../types';
+import { ForumPost } from '../types';
-import ItemRequestCard from '../components/ItemRequestCard';
+import ForumPostCard from '../components/ForumPostCard';
 import AuthButton from '../components/AuthButton';
 
-const ItemRequests: React.FC = () => {
+const ForumPosts: React.FC = () => {
   const { user } = useAuth();
-  const [requests, setRequests] = useState<ItemRequest[]>([]);
+  const [posts, setPosts] = useState<ForumPost[]>([]);
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [currentPage, setCurrentPage] = useState(1);
   const [totalPages, setTotalPages] = useState(1);
-  const [totalRequests, setTotalRequests] = useState(0);
+  const [totalPosts, setTotalPosts] = useState(0);
 
   const [filters, setFilters] = useState({
     search: '',
-    status: 'open'
+    category: '',
+    tag: '',
+    status: '',
+    sort: 'recent'
   });
 
+  const categories = [
+    { value: '', label: 'All Categories' },
+    { value: 'item_request', label: 'Item Requests' },
+    { value: 'technical_support', label: 'Technical Support' },
+    { value: 'community_resources', label: 'Community Resources' },
+    { value: 'general_discussion', label: 'General Discussion' },
+  ];
+
   useEffect(() => {
-    fetchRequests();
+    fetchPosts();
   }, [currentPage, filters]);
 
-  const fetchRequests = async () => {
+  const fetchPosts = async () => {
     try {
       setLoading(true);
-      const response = await itemRequestAPI.getItemRequests({
+      const params: any = {
         page: currentPage,
         limit: 20,
-        ...filters
+        sort: filters.sort
-      });
+      };
 
-      setRequests(response.data.requests);
+      if (filters.search) params.search = filters.search;
+      if (filters.category) params.category = filters.category;
+      if (filters.tag) params.tag = filters.tag;
+      if (filters.status) params.status = filters.status;
+
+      const response = await forumAPI.getPosts(params);
+
+      setPosts(response.data.posts);
       setTotalPages(response.data.totalPages);
-      setTotalRequests(response.data.totalRequests);
+      setTotalPosts(response.data.totalPosts);
     } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to fetch item requests');
+      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to fetch forum posts');
     } finally {
       setLoading(false);
     }
@@ -51,36 +69,56 @@ const ItemRequests: React.FC = () => {
 
   const handleSearch = (e: React.FormEvent) => {
     e.preventDefault();
-    fetchRequests();
+    fetchPosts();
   };
 
   const handlePageChange = (page: number) => {
     setCurrentPage(page);
   };
 
+  const handleCategoryClick = (category: string) => {
+    setFilters(prev => ({ ...prev, category }));
+    setCurrentPage(1);
+  };
+
   return (
     <div className="container mt-4">
       <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center mb-4">
         <div>
-          <h1>Item Requests</h1>
+          <h1>Community Forum</h1>
-          <p className="text-muted">Help others by fulfilling their item requests</p>
+          <p className="text-muted">Discuss, share, and connect with the community</p>
         </div>
         {user && (
-          <Link to="/create-item-request" className="btn btn-primary">
+          <Link to="/forum/create" className="btn btn-primary">
             <i className="bi bi-plus-circle me-2"></i>
-            Create Request
+            Create Post
           </Link>
         )}
       </div>
 
+      {/* Category Tabs */}
+      <ul className="nav nav-tabs mb-4">
+        {categories.map((cat) => (
+          <li key={cat.value} className="nav-item">
+            <button
+              className={`nav-link ${filters.category === cat.value ? 'active' : ''}`}
+              onClick={() => handleCategoryClick(cat.value)}
+            >
+              {cat.label}
+            </button>
+          </li>
+        ))}
+      </ul>
+
+      {/* Filters */}
       <div className="row mb-4">
-        <div className="col-md-8">
+        <div className="col-md-6">
           <form onSubmit={handleSearch}>
             <div className="input-group">
               <input
                 type="text"
                 className="form-control"
-                placeholder="Search item requests..."
+                placeholder="Search posts..."
                 name="search"
                 value={filters.search}
                 onChange={handleFilterChange}
@@ -91,16 +129,29 @@ const ItemRequests: React.FC = () => {
             </div>
           </form>
         </div>
-        <div className="col-md-4">
+        <div className="col-md-3">
           <select
             className="form-select"
             name="status"
             value={filters.status}
             onChange={handleFilterChange}
           >
-            <option value="open">Open Requests</option>
+            <option value="">All Status</option>
-            <option value="fulfilled">Fulfilled Requests</option>
+            <option value="open">Open</option>
-            <option value="closed">Closed Requests</option>
+            <option value="solved">Solved</option>
+            <option value="closed">Closed</option>
+          </select>
+        </div>
+        <div className="col-md-3">
+          <select
+            className="form-select"
+            name="sort"
+            value={filters.sort}
+            onChange={handleFilterChange}
+          >
+            <option value="recent">Most Recent</option>
+            <option value="comments">Most Commented</option>
+            <option value="views">Most Viewed</option>
           </select>
         </div>
       </div>
@@ -121,32 +172,32 @@ const ItemRequests: React.FC = () => {
         <>
           <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center mb-3">
             <p className="text-muted mb-0">
-              Showing {requests.length} of {totalRequests} requests
+              Showing {posts.length} of {totalPosts} posts
             </p>
           </div>
 
-          {requests.length === 0 ? (
+          {posts.length === 0 ? (
             <div className="text-center py-5">
               <i className="bi bi-inbox display-1 text-muted"></i>
-              <h3 className="mt-3">No requests found</h3>
+              <h3 className="mt-3">No posts found</h3>
               <p className="text-muted">
-                {filters.search 
+                {filters.search || filters.category || filters.tag
                   ? "Try adjusting your search terms or filters."
-                  : "Be the first to create an item request!"
+                  : "Be the first to start a discussion!"
                 }
               </p>
-              {user && !filters.search && (
+              {user && !filters.search && !filters.category && (
-                <Link to="/create-item-request" className="btn btn-primary">
+                <Link to="/forum/create" className="btn btn-primary">
-                  Create First Request
+                  Create First Post
                 </Link>
               )}
             </div>
           ) : (
             <>
               <div className="row g-4">
-                {requests.map((request) => (
+                {posts.map((post) => (
-                  <div key={request.id} className="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
+                  <div key={post.id} className="col-md-6 col-lg-4">
-                    <ItemRequestCard request={request} />
+                    <ForumPostCard post={post} />
                   </div>
                 ))}
               </div>
@@ -201,7 +252,7 @@ const ItemRequests: React.FC = () => {
         <div className="mt-4">
           <div className="alert alert-info" role="alert">
             <i className="bi bi-info-circle me-2"></i>
-            <AuthButton mode="login" className="alert-link" asLink>Log in</AuthButton> to create your own item requests or respond to existing ones.
+            <AuthButton mode="login" className="alert-link" asLink>Log in</AuthButton> to create posts and join the discussion.
           </div>
         </div>
       )}
@@ -209,4 +260,4 @@ const ItemRequests: React.FC = () => {
   );
 };
 
-export default ItemRequests;
+export default ForumPosts;

frontend/src/pages/ItemRequestDetail.tsx

@@ -1,363 +0,0 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
-import { useParams, useNavigate, Link } from 'react-router-dom';
-import { useAuth } from '../contexts/AuthContext';
-import { itemRequestAPI } from '../services/api';
-import { ItemRequest, ItemRequestResponse } from '../types';
-import RequestResponseModal from '../components/RequestResponseModal';
-import AuthButton from '../components/AuthButton';
-
-const ItemRequestDetail: React.FC = () => {
-  const { id } = useParams<{ id: string }>();
-  const navigate = useNavigate();
-  const { user } = useAuth();
-  const [request, setRequest] = useState<ItemRequest | null>(null);
-  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
-  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
-  const [showResponseModal, setShowResponseModal] = useState(false);
-
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (id) {
-      fetchRequest();
-    }
-  }, [id]);
-
-  const fetchRequest = async () => {
-    try {
-      setLoading(true);
-      const response = await itemRequestAPI.getItemRequest(id!);
-      setRequest(response.data);
-    } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to fetch request details');
-    } finally {
-      setLoading(false);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const handleResponseSubmitted = () => {
-    fetchRequest();
-  };
-
-  const getStatusColor = (status: string) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case 'open':
-        return 'success';
-      case 'fulfilled':
-        return 'primary';
-      case 'closed':
-        return 'secondary';
-      default:
-        return 'secondary';
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getResponseStatusColor = (status: string) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case 'pending':
-        return 'warning';
-      case 'accepted':
-        return 'success';
-      case 'declined':
-        return 'danger';
-      case 'expired':
-        return 'secondary';
-      default:
-        return 'secondary';
-    }
-  };
-
-  const formatDate = (dateString?: string) => {
-    if (!dateString) return 'Not specified';
-    const date = new Date(dateString);
-    return date.toLocaleDateString();
-  };
-
-  const getLocationString = () => {
-    if (!request) return '';
-    const parts = [];
-    if (request.city) parts.push(request.city);
-    if (request.state) parts.push(request.state);
-    return parts.join(', ') || 'Location not specified';
-  };
-
-  if (loading) {
-    return (
-      <div className="container mt-5">
-        <div className="text-center">
-          <div className="spinner-border" role="status">
-            <span className="visually-hidden">Loading...</span>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-    );
-  }
-
-  if (error || !request) {
-    return (
-      <div className="container mt-5">
-        <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
-          {error || 'Request not found'}
-        </div>
-        <button className="btn btn-secondary" onClick={() => navigate(-1)}>
-          Go Back
-        </button>
-      </div>
-    );
-  }
-
-  const isOwner = user?.id === request.requesterId;
-  const canRespond = user && !isOwner && request.status === 'open';
-
-  return (
-    <div className="container mt-4">
-      <div className="row">
-        <div className="col-lg-8">
-          <div className="card">
-            <div className="card-body">
-              <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-3">
-                <div>
-                  <h1 className="card-title">{request.title}</h1>
-                  <p className="text-muted mb-2">
-                    Requested by {request.requester?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {request.requester?.lastName || ''}
-                  </p>
-                </div>
-                <span className={`badge bg-${getStatusColor(request.status)} fs-6`}>
-                  {request.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + request.status.slice(1)}
-                </span>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="mb-4">
-                <h5>Description</h5>
-                <p className="card-text">{request.description}</p>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="row mb-4">
-                <div className="col-md-6">
-                  <h6><i className="bi bi-geo-alt me-2"></i>Location</h6>
-                  <p className="text-muted">{getLocationString()}</p>
-                </div>
-                <div className="col-md-6">
-                  <h6><i className="bi bi-calendar me-2"></i>Timeline</h6>
-                  <p className="text-muted">
-                    {request.isFlexibleDates ? (
-                      'Flexible dates'
-                    ) : (
-                      `${formatDate(request.preferredStartDate)} - ${formatDate(request.preferredEndDate)}`
-                    )}
-                  </p>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-
-              {(request.maxPricePerDay || request.maxPricePerHour) && (
-                <div className="mb-4">
-                  <h6><i className="bi bi-currency-dollar me-2"></i>Budget</h6>
-                  <div className="text-muted">
-                    {request.maxPricePerDay && <div>Up to ${request.maxPricePerDay} per day</div>}
-                    {request.maxPricePerHour && <div>Up to ${request.maxPricePerHour} per hour</div>}
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-              )}
-
-              <div className="mb-4">
-                <small className="text-muted">
-                  Created on {new Date(request.createdAt).toLocaleDateString()} • 
-                  {request.responseCount || 0} response{request.responseCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
-                </small>
-              </div>
-
-              {canRespond && (
-                <div className="d-grid">
-                  <button
-                    className="btn btn-primary"
-                    onClick={() => setShowResponseModal(true)}
-                  >
-                    <i className="bi bi-reply me-2"></i>
-                    Respond to Request
-                  </button>
-                </div>
-              )}
-
-              {isOwner && (
-                <div className="d-flex gap-2">
-                  <Link to={`/my-requests`} className="btn btn-outline-primary">
-                    <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
-                    Back to My Requests
-                  </Link>
-                </div>
-              )}
-            </div>
-          </div>
-
-          {request.responses && request.responses.length > 0 && (
-            <div className="card mt-4">
-              <div className="card-body">
-                <h5 className="mb-4">Responses ({request.responses.length})</h5>
-                
-                {request.responses.map((response: ItemRequestResponse) => (
-                  <div key={response.id} className="border-bottom pb-4 mb-4 last:border-bottom-0 last:pb-0 last:mb-0">
-                    <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-3">
-                      <div className="d-flex align-items-center">
-                        <div className="me-3">
-                          <div className="bg-light rounded-circle d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center" style={{ width: '40px', height: '40px' }}>
-                            <i className="bi bi-person"></i>
-                          </div>
-                        </div>
-                        <div>
-                          <strong>{response.responder?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {response.responder?.lastName || ''}</strong>
-                          <br />
-                          <small className="text-muted">
-                            {new Date(response.createdAt).toLocaleDateString()} at {new Date(response.createdAt).toLocaleTimeString()}
-                          </small>
-                        </div>
-                      </div>
-                      <span className={`badge bg-${getResponseStatusColor(response.status)}`}>
-                        {response.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + response.status.slice(1)}
-                      </span>
-                    </div>
-
-                    <div className="ms-5">
-                      <p className="mb-3">{response.message}</p>
-
-                      {(response.offerPricePerDay || response.offerPricePerHour) && (
-                        <div className="mb-2">
-                          <strong>Offered Price:</strong>
-                          <div className="text-muted">
-                            {response.offerPricePerDay && <div>${response.offerPricePerDay} per day</div>}
-                            {response.offerPricePerHour && <div>${response.offerPricePerHour} per hour</div>}
-                          </div>
-                        </div>
-                      )}
-
-                      {(response.availableStartDate || response.availableEndDate) && (
-                        <div className="mb-2">
-                          <strong>Availability:</strong>
-                          <div className="text-muted">
-                            {formatDate(response.availableStartDate)} - {formatDate(response.availableEndDate)}
-                          </div>
-                        </div>
-                      )}
-
-                      {response.contactInfo && (
-                        <div className="mb-2">
-                          <strong>Contact:</strong>
-                          <span className="text-muted ms-2">{response.contactInfo}</span>
-                        </div>
-                      )}
-
-                      {response.existingItem && (
-                        <div className="mb-2">
-                          <strong>Related Item:</strong>
-                          <Link to={`/items/${response.existingItem.id}`} className="ms-2 text-decoration-none">
-                            {response.existingItem.name}
-                          </Link>
-                        </div>
-                      )}
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-                ))}
-              </div>
-            </div>
-          )}
-        </div>
-
-        <div className="col-lg-4">
-          <div className="card">
-            <div className="card-body">
-              <h6>Request Summary</h6>
-              
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <strong>Status:</strong>
-                <span className={`badge bg-${getStatusColor(request.status)} ms-2`}>
-                  {request.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + request.status.slice(1)}
-                </span>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <strong>Requested by:</strong>
-                <div className="mt-1">
-                  <Link to={`/users/${request.requester?.id}`} className="text-decoration-none">
-                    {request.requester?.firstName || 'Unknown'} {request.requester?.lastName || ''}
-                  </Link>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-
-              {(request.maxPricePerDay || request.maxPricePerHour) && (
-                <div className="mb-3">
-                  <strong>Budget Range:</strong>
-                  <div className="text-muted mt-1">
-                    {request.maxPricePerDay && <div>≤ ${request.maxPricePerDay}/day</div>}
-                    {request.maxPricePerHour && <div>≤ ${request.maxPricePerHour}/hour</div>}
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-              )}
-
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <strong>Timeline:</strong>
-                <div className="text-muted mt-1">
-                  {request.isFlexibleDates ? (
-                    'Flexible dates'
-                  ) : (
-                    <div>
-                      <div>From: {formatDate(request.preferredStartDate)}</div>
-                      <div>To: {formatDate(request.preferredEndDate)}</div>
-                    </div>
-                  )}
-                </div>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <strong>Location:</strong>
-                <div className="text-muted mt-1">{getLocationString()}</div>
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="mb-3">
-                <strong>Responses:</strong>
-                <div className="text-muted mt-1">{request.responseCount || 0} received</div>
-              </div>
-
-              <hr />
-
-              <div className="d-grid gap-2">
-                {canRespond ? (
-                  <button
-                    className="btn btn-success"
-                    onClick={() => setShowResponseModal(true)}
-                  >
-                    <i className="bi bi-reply me-2"></i>
-                    Respond to Request
-                  </button>
-                ) : user && !isOwner ? (
-                  <div className="text-muted text-center">
-                    <small>This request is {request.status}</small>
-                  </div>
-                ) : !user ? (
-                  <div className="text-center">
-                    <AuthButton mode="login" className="btn btn-outline-primary">
-                      Log in to Respond
-                    </AuthButton>
-                  </div>
-                ) : null}
-
-                <button
-                  className="btn btn-outline-secondary"
-                  onClick={() => navigate(-1)}
-                >
-                  <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
-                  Go Back
-                </button>
-              </div>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      </div>
-
-      <RequestResponseModal
-        show={showResponseModal}
-        onHide={() => setShowResponseModal(false)}
-        request={request}
-        onResponseSubmitted={handleResponseSubmitted}
-      />
-    </div>
-  );
-};
-
-export default ItemRequestDetail;

frontend/src/pages/MyPosts.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,274 @@
+import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';
+import { useAuth } from '../contexts/AuthContext';
+import { forumAPI } from '../services/api';
+import { ForumPost } from '../types';
+import CategoryBadge from '../components/CategoryBadge';
+import PostStatusBadge from '../components/PostStatusBadge';
+
+const MyPosts: React.FC = () => {
+  const { user } = useAuth();
+  const [posts, setPosts] = useState<ForumPost[]>([]);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
+  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [actionLoading, setActionLoading] = useState<string | null>(null);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (user) {
+      fetchMyPosts();
+    }
+  }, [user]);
+
+  const fetchMyPosts = async () => {
+    try {
+      setLoading(true);
+      const response = await forumAPI.getMyPosts();
+      setPosts(response.data);
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to fetch your posts');
+    } finally {
+      setLoading(false);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleStatusChange = async (postId: string, newStatus: string) => {
+    try {
+      setActionLoading(postId);
+      await forumAPI.updatePostStatus(postId, newStatus);
+      await fetchMyPosts(); // Refresh list
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      alert(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to update status');
+    } finally {
+      setActionLoading(null);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleDelete = async (postId: string, postTitle: string) => {
+    if (!window.confirm(`Are you sure you want to delete "${postTitle}"? This action cannot be undone.`)) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      setActionLoading(postId);
+      await forumAPI.deletePost(postId);
+      await fetchMyPosts(); // Refresh list
+    } catch (err: any) {
+      alert(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to delete post');
+      setActionLoading(null);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const formatDate = (dateString: string) => {
+    const date = new Date(dateString);
+    const now = new Date();
+    const diffMs = now.getTime() - date.getTime();
+    const diffHours = Math.floor(diffMs / (1000 * 60 * 60));
+    const diffDays = Math.floor(diffHours / 24);
+
+    if (diffHours < 1) {
+      return 'Just now';
+    } else if (diffHours < 24) {
+      return `${diffHours}h ago`;
+    } else if (diffDays < 7) {
+      return `${diffDays}d ago`;
+    } else {
+      return date.toLocaleDateString();
+    }
+  };
+
+  if (!user) {
+    return (
+      <div className="container mt-4">
+        <div className="alert alert-warning" role="alert">
+          <i className="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-2"></i>
+          You must be logged in to view your posts.
+        </div>
+        <Link to="/forum" className="btn btn-secondary">
+          <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
+          Back to Forum
+        </Link>
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (loading) {
+    return (
+      <div className="container mt-4">
+        <div className="text-center py-5">
+          <div className="spinner-border" role="status">
+            <span className="visually-hidden">Loading...</span>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="container mt-4">
+      <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center mb-4">
+        <div>
+          <h1>My Posts</h1>
+          <p className="text-muted">Manage your forum posts and discussions</p>
+        </div>
+        <Link to="/forum/create" className="btn btn-primary">
+          <i className="bi bi-plus-circle me-2"></i>
+          Create Post
+        </Link>
+      </div>
+
+      {error && (
+        <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
+          {error}
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {posts.length === 0 ? (
+        <div className="text-center py-5">
+          <i className="bi bi-inbox display-1 text-muted"></i>
+          <h3 className="mt-3">No posts yet</h3>
+          <p className="text-muted mb-4">
+            Start a conversation by creating your first post!
+          </p>
+          <Link to="/forum/create" className="btn btn-primary">
+            <i className="bi bi-plus-circle me-2"></i>
+            Create Your First Post
+          </Link>
+        </div>
+      ) : (
+        <>
+          <div className="mb-3">
+            <p className="text-muted">
+              You have {posts.length} post{posts.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
+            </p>
+          </div>
+
+          <div className="list-group">
+            {posts.map((post) => (
+              <div key={post.id} className="list-group-item">
+                <div className="row align-items-center">
+                  <div className="col-lg-7">
+                    <div className="d-flex align-items-start mb-2">
+                      {post.isPinned && (
+                        <span className="badge bg-danger me-2">
+                          <i className="bi bi-pin-angle-fill"></i>
+                        </span>
+                      )}
+                      <div className="flex-grow-1">
+                        <h5 className="mb-1">
+                          <Link to={`/forum/${post.id}`} className="text-decoration-none">
+                            {post.title}
+                          </Link>
+                        </h5>
+                        <div className="d-flex gap-2 mb-2">
+                          <CategoryBadge category={post.category} />
+                          <PostStatusBadge status={post.status} />
+                        </div>
+                        {post.tags && post.tags.length > 0 && (
+                          <div className="mb-2">
+                            {post.tags.slice(0, 3).map((tag) => (
+                              <span key={tag.id} className="badge bg-light text-dark me-1">
+                                #{tag.tagName}
+                              </span>
+                            ))}
+                            {post.tags.length > 3 && (
+                              <span className="badge bg-light text-dark">
+                                +{post.tags.length - 3}
+                              </span>
+                            )}
+                          </div>
+                        )}
+                        <div className="d-flex gap-3 text-muted small">
+                          <span>
+                            <i className="bi bi-chat me-1"></i>
+                            {post.commentCount || 0} comments
+                          </span>
+                          <span>
+                            <i className="bi bi-eye me-1"></i>
+                            {post.viewCount || 0} views
+                          </span>
+                          <span>
+                            <i className="bi bi-clock me-1"></i>
+                            {formatDate(post.updatedAt)}
+                          </span>
+                        </div>
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+
+                  <div className="col-lg-5">
+                    <div className="d-flex gap-2 flex-wrap justify-content-lg-end">
+                      <Link
+                        to={`/forum/${post.id}`}
+                        className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-primary"
+                      >
+                        <i className="bi bi-eye me-1"></i>
+                        View
+                      </Link>
+
+                      {post.status === 'open' && (
+                        <button
+                          className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-success"
+                          onClick={() => handleStatusChange(post.id, 'solved')}
+                          disabled={actionLoading === post.id}
+                        >
+                          <i className="bi bi-check-circle me-1"></i>
+                          Mark Solved
+                        </button>
+                      )}
+
+                      {post.status !== 'closed' && (
+                        <button
+                          className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary"
+                          onClick={() => handleStatusChange(post.id, 'closed')}
+                          disabled={actionLoading === post.id}
+                        >
+                          <i className="bi bi-x-circle me-1"></i>
+                          Close
+                        </button>
+                      )}
+
+                      {post.status === 'closed' && (
+                        <button
+                          className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-success"
+                          onClick={() => handleStatusChange(post.id, 'open')}
+                          disabled={actionLoading === post.id}
+                        >
+                          <i className="bi bi-arrow-counterclockwise me-1"></i>
+                          Reopen
+                        </button>
+                      )}
+
+                      <button
+                        className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-danger"
+                        onClick={() => handleDelete(post.id, post.title)}
+                        disabled={actionLoading === post.id}
+                      >
+                        {actionLoading === post.id ? (
+                          <span className="spinner-border spinner-border-sm" role="status" aria-hidden="true"></span>
+                        ) : (
+                          <>
+                            <i className="bi bi-trash me-1"></i>
+                            Delete
+                          </>
+                        )}
+                      </button>
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        </>
+      )}
+
+      <div className="mt-4">
+        <Link to="/forum" className="btn btn-outline-secondary">
+          <i className="bi bi-arrow-left me-2"></i>
+          Back to Forum
+        </Link>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+export default MyPosts;

frontend/src/pages/MyRequests.tsx

@@ -1,264 +0,0 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
-import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';
-import { useAuth } from '../contexts/AuthContext';
-import { itemRequestAPI } from '../services/api';
-import { ItemRequest, ItemRequestResponse } from '../types';
-import ConfirmationModal from '../components/ConfirmationModal';
-
-const MyRequests: React.FC = () => {
-  const { user, openAuthModal } = useAuth();
-  const [requests, setRequests] = useState<ItemRequest[]>([]);
-  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
-  const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
-  const [deleteModal, setDeleteModal] = useState<{ show: boolean; requestId: string | null }>({
-    show: false,
-    requestId: null
-  });
-
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (user) {
-      fetchMyRequests();
-    } else {
-      openAuthModal('login');
-    }
-  }, [user, openAuthModal]);
-
-  const fetchMyRequests = async () => {
-    try {
-      setLoading(true);
-      const response = await itemRequestAPI.getMyRequests();
-      setRequests(response.data);
-    } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to fetch your requests');
-    } finally {
-      setLoading(false);
-    }
-  };
-
-  const handleDelete = async () => {
-    if (!deleteModal.requestId) return;
-
-    try {
-      await itemRequestAPI.deleteItemRequest(deleteModal.requestId);
-      setRequests(prev => prev.filter(req => req.id !== deleteModal.requestId));
-      setDeleteModal({ show: false, requestId: null });
-    } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to delete request');
-    }
-  };
-
-  const handleResponseStatusUpdate = async (responseId: string, status: string) => {
-    try {
-      await itemRequestAPI.updateResponseStatus(responseId, status);
-      fetchMyRequests();
-    } catch (err: any) {
-      setError(err.response?.data?.error || 'Failed to update response status');
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getStatusColor = (status: string) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case 'open':
-        return 'success';
-      case 'fulfilled':
-        return 'primary';
-      case 'closed':
-        return 'secondary';
-      default:
-        return 'secondary';
-    }
-  };
-
-  const getResponseStatusColor = (status: string) => {
-    switch (status) {
-      case 'pending':
-        return 'warning';
-      case 'accepted':
-        return 'success';
-      case 'declined':
-        return 'danger';
-      case 'expired':
-        return 'secondary';
-      default:
-        return 'secondary';
-    }
-  };
-
-  if (!user) {
-    return null;
-  }
-
-  return (
-    <div className="container mt-4">
-      <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center mb-4">
-        <div>
-          <h1>My Item Requests</h1>
-          <p className="text-muted">Manage your item requests and view responses</p>
-        </div>
-        <Link to="/create-item-request" className="btn btn-primary">
-          <i className="bi bi-plus-circle me-2"></i>
-          Create New Request
-        </Link>
-      </div>
-
-      {error && (
-        <div className="alert alert-danger" role="alert">
-          {error}
-        </div>
-      )}
-
-      {loading ? (
-        <div className="text-center py-4">
-          <div className="spinner-border" role="status">
-            <span className="visually-hidden">Loading...</span>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-      ) : requests.length === 0 ? (
-        <div className="text-center py-5">
-          <i className="bi bi-clipboard-x display-1 text-muted"></i>
-          <h3 className="mt-3">No requests yet</h3>
-          <p className="text-muted">Create your first item request to get started!</p>
-          <Link to="/create-item-request" className="btn btn-primary">
-            Create Request
-          </Link>
-        </div>
-      ) : (
-        <div className="row g-4">
-          {requests.map((request) => (
-            <div key={request.id} className="col-12">
-              <div className="card">
-                <div className="card-body">
-                  <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-3">
-                    <div className="flex-grow-1">
-                      <h5 className="card-title">{request.title}</h5>
-                      <p className="card-text text-muted mb-2">
-                        {request.description.length > 200 
-                          ? `${request.description.substring(0, 200)}...` 
-                          : request.description
-                        }
-                      </p>
-                      <small className="text-muted">
-                        Created on {new Date(request.createdAt).toLocaleDateString()}
-                      </small>
-                    </div>
-                    <div className="text-end">
-                      <span className={`badge bg-${getStatusColor(request.status)} mb-2`}>
-                        {request.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + request.status.slice(1)}
-                      </span>
-                      <div>
-                        <small className="text-muted">
-                          {request.responseCount || 0} response{request.responseCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
-                        </small>
-                      </div>
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-
-                  <div className="row mb-3">
-                    <div className="col-md-6">
-                      {(request.maxPricePerDay || request.maxPricePerHour) && (
-                        <small className="text-muted">
-                          <i className="bi bi-currency-dollar me-1"></i>
-                          Budget: 
-                          {request.maxPricePerDay && ` $${request.maxPricePerDay}/day`}
-                          {request.maxPricePerHour && ` $${request.maxPricePerHour}/hour`}
-                        </small>
-                      )}
-                    </div>
-                    <div className="col-md-6">
-                      <small className="text-muted">
-                        <i className="bi bi-calendar me-1"></i>
-                        Dates: {request.isFlexibleDates ? 'Flexible' : 
-                          `${request.preferredStartDate ? new Date(request.preferredStartDate).toLocaleDateString() : 'TBD'} - ${request.preferredEndDate ? new Date(request.preferredEndDate).toLocaleDateString() : 'TBD'}`}
-                      </small>
-                    </div>
-                  </div>
-
-                  {request.responses && request.responses.length > 0 && (
-                    <div className="mb-3">
-                      <h6>Responses:</h6>
-                      {request.responses.map((response: ItemRequestResponse) => (
-                        <div key={response.id} className="border-start ps-3 mb-3">
-                          <div className="d-flex justify-content-between align-items-start mb-2">
-                            <div>
-                              <strong>{response.responder?.firstName || 'Unknown'}</strong>
-                              <small className="text-muted ms-2">
-                                {new Date(response.createdAt).toLocaleDateString()}
-                              </small>
-                            </div>
-                            <span className={`badge bg-${getResponseStatusColor(response.status)}`}>
-                              {response.status.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + response.status.slice(1)}
-                            </span>
-                          </div>
-                          <p className="mb-2">{response.message}</p>
-                          {(response.offerPricePerDay || response.offerPricePerHour) && (
-                            <p className="mb-2 text-muted small">
-                              Offered price: 
-                              {response.offerPricePerDay && ` $${response.offerPricePerDay}/day`}
-                              {response.offerPricePerHour && ` $${response.offerPricePerHour}/hour`}
-                            </p>
-                          )}
-                          {response.contactInfo && (
-                            <p className="mb-2 text-muted small">
-                              Contact: {response.contactInfo}
-                            </p>
-                          )}
-                          {response.status === 'pending' && (
-                            <div className="btn-group btn-group-sm">
-                              <button
-                                className="btn btn-outline-success"
-                                onClick={() => handleResponseStatusUpdate(response.id, 'accepted')}
-                              >
-                                Accept
-                              </button>
-                              <button
-                                className="btn btn-outline-danger"
-                                onClick={() => handleResponseStatusUpdate(response.id, 'declined')}
-                              >
-                                Decline
-                              </button>
-                            </div>
-                          )}
-                        </div>
-                      ))}
-                    </div>
-                  )}
-
-                  <div className="d-flex gap-2 flex-wrap">
-                    <Link
-                      to={`/item-requests/${request.id}`}
-                      className="btn btn-outline-primary btn-sm"
-                    >
-                      <i className="bi bi-eye me-1"></i>
-                      View Details
-                    </Link>
-                    {request.status === 'open' && (
-                      <button
-                        className="btn btn-outline-danger btn-sm"
-                        onClick={() => setDeleteModal({ show: true, requestId: request.id })}
-                      >
-                        <i className="bi bi-trash me-1"></i>
-                        Delete
-                      </button>
-                    )}
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-            </div>
-          ))}
-        </div>
-      )}
-
-      <ConfirmationModal
-        show={deleteModal.show}
-        title="Delete Item Request"
-        message="Are you sure you want to delete this item request? This action cannot be undone."
-        onConfirm={handleDelete}
-        onClose={() => setDeleteModal({ show: false, requestId: null })}
-        confirmText="Delete"
-        confirmButtonClass="btn-danger"
-      />
-    </div>
-  );
-};
-
-export default MyRequests;

frontend/src/services/api.ts

@@ -254,18 +254,22 @@ export const messageAPI = {
   getUnreadCount: () => api.get("/messages/unread/count"),
 };
 
-export const itemRequestAPI = {
+export const forumAPI = {
-  getItemRequests: (params?: any) => api.get("/item-requests", { params }),
+  getPosts: (params?: any) => api.get("/forum/posts", { params }),
-  getItemRequest: (id: string) => api.get(`/item-requests/${id}`),
+  getPost: (id: string) => api.get(`/forum/posts/${id}`),
-  createItemRequest: (data: any) => api.post("/item-requests", data),
+  createPost: (data: any) => api.post("/forum/posts", data),
-  updateItemRequest: (id: string, data: any) =>
+  updatePost: (id: string, data: any) => api.put(`/forum/posts/${id}`, data),
-    api.put(`/item-requests/${id}`, data),
+  deletePost: (id: string) => api.delete(`/forum/posts/${id}`),
-  deleteItemRequest: (id: string) => api.delete(`/item-requests/${id}`),
+  updatePostStatus: (id: string, status: string) =>
-  getMyRequests: () => api.get("/item-requests/my-requests"),
+    api.patch(`/forum/posts/${id}/status`, { status }),
-  respondToRequest: (id: string, data: any) =>
+  getMyPosts: () => api.get("/forum/my-posts"),
-    api.post(`/item-requests/${id}/responses`, data),
+  getTags: (params?: any) => api.get("/forum/tags", { params }),
-  updateResponseStatus: (responseId: string, status: string) =>
+  createComment: (postId: string, data: any) =>
-    api.put(`/item-requests/responses/${responseId}/status`, { status }),
+    api.post(`/forum/posts/${postId}/comments`, data),
+  updateComment: (commentId: string, data: any) =>
+    api.put(`/forum/comments/${commentId}`, data),
+  deleteComment: (commentId: string) =>
+    api.delete(`/forum/comments/${commentId}`),
 };
 
 export const stripeAPI = {

frontend/src/types/index.ts

@@ -255,55 +255,42 @@ export interface ConditionCheckTimeline {
   };
 }
 
-export interface ItemRequest {
+export interface ForumPost {
   id: string;
   title: string;
-  description: string;
+  content: string;
-  address1?: string;
+  authorId: string;
-  address2?: string;
+  category: "item_request" | "technical_support" | "community_resources" | "general_discussion";
-  city?: string;
+  status: "open" | "solved" | "closed";
-  state?: string;
+  viewCount: number;
-  zipCode?: string;
+  commentCount: number;
-  country?: string;
+  isPinned: boolean;
-  latitude?: number;
+  author?: User;
-  longitude?: number;
+  tags?: PostTag[];
-  maxPricePerHour?: number;
+  comments?: ForumComment[];
-  maxPricePerDay?: number;
-  maxPricePerWeek?: number;
-  maxPricePerMonth?: number;
-  preferredStartDate?: string;
-  preferredEndDate?: string;
-  isFlexibleDates: boolean;
-  status: "open" | "fulfilled" | "closed";
-  requesterId: string;
-  requester?: User;
-  responseCount: number;
-  responses?: ItemRequestResponse[];
   createdAt: string;
   updatedAt: string;
 }
 
-export interface ItemRequestResponse {
+export interface ForumComment {
   id: string;
-  itemRequestId: string;
+  postId: string;
-  responderId: string;
+  authorId: string;
-  message: string;
+  content: string;
-  offerPricePerHour?: number;
+  parentCommentId?: string;
-  offerPricePerDay?: number;
+  isDeleted: boolean;
-  offerPricePerWeek?: number;
+  author?: User;
-  offerPricePerMonth?: number;
+  replies?: ForumComment[];
-  availableStartDate?: string;
-  availableEndDate?: string;
-  existingItemId?: string;
-  status: "pending" | "accepted" | "declined" | "expired";
-  contactInfo?: string;
-  responder?: User;
-  existingItem?: Item;
-  itemRequest?: ItemRequest;
   createdAt: string;
   updatedAt: string;
 }
 
+export interface PostTag {
+  id: string;
+  postId: string;
+  tagName: string;
+}
+
 export interface RefundPreview {
   canCancel: boolean;
   cancelledBy: "renter" | "owner";