1. Create .env files:

   • Create a .env file in the root directory of the project.
   • Add the necessary environment variables. For example:

     DATABASE_URL=your_database_url
     SECRET_KEY=your_secret_key
     TOKEN_SECRET=your_token_secret  # Used by the authentication microservice for signing tokens
     

   • Refer to the project documentation or team lead for the complete list of required variables.

2. Using the Makefile to Run Docker Containers:

   • Ensure you have Docker and make installed on your system.
   • Use the following commands:
     • make build: Build the Docker containers.
     • make up: Start the Docker containers.
     • make down: Stop the Docker containers.
     • make logs: View the logs of the running containers.
     • make rm_images: Remove Docker images to ensure they are updated during the development process.
   • Check the Makefile for additional commands and their descriptions.

For further assistance, contact the development team.