# Product Context

This file provides a high-level overview of the project and the expected product that will be created.
2025-03-26 11:14:00 - Updated with development environment workflow improvements

## Project Goal

Network Events is a WordPress plugin that extends The Events Calendar suite to create a specialized platform for HVAC trainers. The system enables independent trainers to manage their own events, sell tickets, and track performance without accessing the WordPress admin panel.

## Development Environment

### Core Components
* **Container Infrastructure**
  * WordPress (PHP 8.1-FPM)
  * Nginx web server
  * MariaDB database
  * phpMyAdmin utility
* **Development Tools**
  * Docker and Docker Compose
  * Playwright testing framework
  * Git version control
  * Development scripts
  * Debug tools

### Development Workflow
* **Backup-Based Approach**
  * Production data backup creation
  * Local backup storage and management
  * Environment setup from backups
  * Consistent development environments
  * Offline development capability
* **Script Suite**
  * setup-from-backup.sh - Set up environment from backup
  * sync-production.sh - Create backup from production
  * verify-dev.sh - Comprehensive environment verification
  * verify-simple.sh - Basic environment verification
  * manage-db.sh - Database management operations
  * logs.sh - Log viewing and management
  * cleanup.sh - Environment cleanup
  * run-tests.sh - Test execution

### Configuration Management
* **Environment Settings**
  * Development-specific configurations
  * Debug mode enabled
  * Error display active
  * SSL optional
  * Local URLs
* **Production Preparation**
  * Secure configurations ready
  * SSL support prepared
  * Error logging configured
  * Performance optimizations
  * Security measures

## Key Features

* Custom user role for HVAC trainers
* Trainer registration and login system
* Comprehensive trainer dashboard
* Event creation and management
* Event summary and reporting
* Attendee management
* Email communication with attendees (Phase 2)
* Certificate generation and management (Phase 3)
* Integration with The Events Calendar suite
* Future Zoho CRM integration (Phase 2)

## Implementation Phases

### Phase 1 (In Progress)
* Community Login Page (Completed)
* Registration Page (Completed)
* Basic Dashboard (In Progress)
* Create/Modify Event Pages (Planned)
* Event Summary Page (Planned)

### Phase 2 (Future)
* Zoho CRM API Integration
* Email Attendees functionality
* Enhanced event management
* Advanced reporting

### Phase 3 (Future)
* Certificate generation
* Request Training Page
* My Training Page
* Advanced reporting

## Technical Architecture

### WordPress Integration
* Core WordPress 6.7+
* The Events Calendar suite integration
* Custom plugin development
* Theme compatibility
* Security measures

### Required Plugins
1. The Events Calendar Suite:
   * The Events Calendar (6.10.2+)
   * Events Calendar Pro (7.4.2+)
   * Event Tickets (5.19.3+)
   * Event Tickets Plus (6.2.0+)
   * Community Events (4.10.0+)

2. Additional Required Plugins:
   * Spectra Pro (2.0.0+)
   * Premium Starter Templates (4.4.14+)
   * Essential Blocks (5.3.2+)

### Development Standards
* PHP 8.1+ compatibility
* WordPress coding standards
* Modern JavaScript practices
* Responsive design
* Accessibility compliance
* Security best practices

### Testing Strategy
* Unit testing
* Integration testing
* E2E testing with Playwright
* Performance testing
* Security testing

2025-03-26 11:14:00 - Updated with development environment workflow improvements