SpotCheck - AI Review Summarizer

SpotCheck is a modern web application that aggregates Google Maps reviews and uses AI to summarize them into a clear, actionable verdict. Instead of reading hundreds of reviews, get an instant analysis of the pros, cons, and overall sentiment.

Features

• Instant Search: Search for any location via Google Places API.
• AI Summaries: Uses Groq AI (Llama 3.3 70b) to analyze reviews.
• Sentiment Analysis: Clear Positive, Mixed, or Negative badge.
• Key Insights: distinct Pros (Green) and Cons (Red) lists.
• Common Themes: Identifies recurring topics (e.g., "Great Service", "Long Wait").
• Modern UI: built with React + Tailwind CSS, featuring smooth animations and responsive design.

Tech Stack

Frontend

• React 18: UI Library (Vite)
• Tailwind CSS: Styling
• Axios: HTTP Client
• Lucide React: Icons

Backend

• Node.js & Express: Server
• Google Places API: Location Data
• Groq API: AI Summarization
• Dotenv: Environment Configuration

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v16.0.0 or higher)
• npm (v7.0.0 or higher)
• Google Places API Key
• Groq API Key

Setup & Installation

1. Clone & Structure

The project is structured into two main folders: frontend and backend.

2. Backend Setup

1. Navigate to the backend folder:

   cd backend

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Configure Environment Variables:

   • Create a .env file (copy from .env.example).
   • Add your API keys (see below).

   cp .env.example .env

   File: .env

   GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY=your_google_places_key
   GROQ_API_KEY=your_groq_key
   PORT=3001

4. Start the Server:

   npm run dev
   # Server runs on http://localhost:3001

3. Frontend Setup

1. Open a new terminal and navigate to the frontend folder:

   cd frontend

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Start the Dev Server:

   npm run dev
   # App runs on http://localhost:5173

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Getting API Keys

Google Places API

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console.
2. Create a new project.
3. Enable "Places API (New)" or "Places API".
4. Go to Credentials -> Create Credentials -> API Key.
5. Copy the key into your .env file. Note: You must enable billing for the Places API to work, though it has a free tier.

Groq API

1. Go to the Groq Console.
2. Log in (or sign up).
3. Click "Create API Key".
4. Name it "SpotCheck" and copy the key into your .env file.

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Troubleshooting

• Backend Error: "Location not found":

  • Ensure your Google Places API key is valid and has billing enabled.
  • Try a more specific search term (e.g., "Joe's Pizza New York" instead of "Joe's").

• Frontend Error: "Network Error":

  • Ensure the backend server is running on port 3001.
  • Check the console for CORS errors.

• AI Summary Fails:

  • Ensure your Groq API key is valid.
  • Check backend logs for specific error messages from Groq.

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🚀 Detailed Deployment Guide (Free Hosting)

To keep SpotCheck running 24/7 for free, follow these steps:

1. Backend (Host on Render.com)

1. Create account and click New -> Web Service.
2. Connect your GitHub repository.
3. Configure:
   • Name: spotcheck-backend
   • Root Directory: backend
   • Build Command: npm install
   • Start Command: node server.js
4. Environment Variables (Add these in the Render dashboard):
   • GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY: Your key
   • GROQ_API_KEY: Your key
   • NODE_ENV: production
5. Copy your URL: Render will give you a URL like https://spotcheck-backend.onrender.com.

2. Frontend (Host on Vercel or Netlify)

1. Create account and import your GitHub repository.
2. Configure:
   • Framework Preset: Vite
   • Root Directory: frontend
   • Build Command: npm run build
   • Output Directory: dist
3. Environment Variables (CRITICAL):
   • Add VITE_API_URL and set it to your Render URL + /api.
   • Example: https://spotcheck-backend.onrender.com/api
4. Deploy: Click deploy and your site is live!

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Note: On Render's free tier, the backend "sleeps" after inactivity. The first search might take 30-50 seconds to wake it up.

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Built with ❤️ using React & Node.js