Here’s your updated README template with the backend repository link included:

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Daraja M-Pesa Payment Integration Template

This repository is a full-stack template designed to simplify the process of integrating M-Pesa Express (STK Push) payments using the Daraja API. It includes a Node.js backend with Express and a React.js frontend, styled with Tailwind CSS.

Table of Contents

• Features
• Prerequisites
• Installation
• Environment Variables
• Running the Application
• Usage
• License

Features

• Node.js Backend: Handles API requests to the M-Pesa Daraja API. The backend code can be found at mpesa-express-backend.
• React.js Frontend: Provides a responsive and modern UI for initiating payments.
• Tailwind CSS: Ensures the frontend is clean and mobile-responsive.
• CORS Support: Configured to handle cross-origin requests securely.
• Error Handling: Provides meaningful feedback to the user in case of errors.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed on your system:

• Node.js (v20.15.0 or later)
• npm (v10.7.0 or later)
• A Daraja API account with necessary credentials

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/felixkamau/mpesa-react-payment-form.git
   cd mpesa-react-payment-form

2. Install backend dependencies:

   cd backend
   npm install

3. Install frontend dependencies:

   cd ../frontend
   npm install

Environment Variables

Create a .env file in the backend directory and configure the following variables:

BASE_URL=https://sandbox.safaricom.co.ke
CONSUMER_KEY=your_consumer_key
CONSUMER_SECRET=your_consumer_secret
SHORT_CODE=your_short_code
PASSKEY=your_passkey
CALLBACK_URL=https://yourdomain.com/callback

• BASE_URL: The base URL for the Daraja API (use the sandbox or production URL as required).
• CONSUMER_KEY: Your Daraja API consumer key.
• CONSUMER_SECRET: Your Daraja API consumer secret.
• SHORT_CODE: The short code for your M-Pesa account.
• PASSKEY: The passkey provided by Daraja for your M-Pesa account.
• CALLBACK_URL: The URL where M-Pesa will send payment notifications.

Running the Application

1. Start the backend server:

   cd backend
   node server.js

2. Start the frontend development server:

   cd ../frontend
   npm run dev

3. Access the application: Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5173.

Usage

• Initiate a Payment: Enter the required details (phone number, amount) in the form provided on the frontend and submit.
• Feedback: The application will provide real-time feedback on the status of the payment request, including any errors encountered.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

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