# AeThex - Advanced Development Platform

## Overview
AeThex is a full-stack web application designed as an advanced development platform and community for builders. It integrates features for project collaboration, mentorship programs, research labs, and a creator network. The platform aims to be a single source of truth for identity and project passports, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for creators and developers.

## User Preferences
I prefer detailed explanations.
I want iterative development.
Ask before making major changes.
Do not make changes to the folder `electron/`.
Do not make changes to the folder `services/`.
Do not make changes to the folder `api/`.
Do not make changes to the file `server/index.ts`.

## System Architecture
AeThex is built as a full-stack web application utilizing React 18 with TypeScript for the frontend, Vite 6 as the build tool, and Express.js for the backend. Supabase (PostgreSQL) serves as the primary database. Styling is handled with Tailwind CSS, and UI components leverage Radix UI. TanStack Query is used for state management, and React Router DOM for routing.

The application features a multi-realm system including Nexus, GameForge, Foundation, Labs, Corp, Staff, and Dev-Link (7 total), each with specific functionalities. Key capabilities include community features (feed, posts, comments), a Creator Network with profile passports and achievements, and a Nexus Marketplace for opportunities and contracts.

### Discord Integration Architecture
Discord functionality is split between two deployments:
- **Main Bot (aethex-bot-master.replit.app)**: Handles slash commands, feed sync, role management, and bot presence
- **Activity (aethex.dev)**: Hosts the Discord Activity UI, Activity OAuth, and embedded app experience

Activity-specific endpoints in this project:
- `/api/discord/activity-auth` - Activity authentication
- `/api/discord/token` - OAuth token exchange
- `/api/discord/oauth/*` - OAuth flow handlers
- `/discord-manifest.json` - Activity manifest

The UI/UX emphasizes an isometric 2.5D realm selector, replacing 3D scenes with CSS-based isometric cards for performance. It features responsive grids, ambient particles, and interactive tilt effects. The platform also supports an Electron desktop application with a secure IPC bridge and an automated build/release pipeline for multi-platform distribution.

Domain architecture is centralized around `aethex.foundation` as the Identity Authority (SSOT) for all identity and passport data, with all other platforms acting as OAuth clients. Creator and Project Passports are accessed via wildcard subdomains (`*.aethex.me`, `*.aethex.space`).

## Axiom Model Routing (Legal Entity Separation)
The monolith (`aethex.dev`) implements split routing to enforce legal separation between For-Profit and Non-Profit arms:

| Route | Destination | Legal Entity | Action |
|-------|-------------|--------------|--------|
| `/foundation/*` | `https://aethex.foundation` | Non-Profit (Guardian) | **Redirect** |
| `/gameforge/*` | `https://aethex.foundation/gameforge` | Non-Profit (Program) | **Redirect** |
| `/dashboard/gameforge` | `https://aethex.foundation/gameforge/dashboard` | Non-Profit | **Redirect** |
| `/labs/*` | `https://aethex.studio` | For-Profit (Skunkworks) | **Redirect** |
| `/dashboard/labs` | `https://aethex.studio/dashboard` | For-Profit (Skunkworks) | **Redirect** |
| `/nexus/*` | stays on `aethex.dev` | For-Profit (Monetization) | Local |
| `/corp/*` | stays on `aethex.dev` | For-Profit (Services) | Local |

This ensures the Foundation's user-facing URLs display `aethex.foundation` in the browser, demonstrating operational independence per the Axiom Model.

## Recent Changes (December 2025)
- **Discord Activity UI Improvements**: Comprehensive tabbed dashboard with Feed (live posts), Realms (visual selector linking to main site), Achievements (example badges), Leaderboard (example rankings), Opportunities (live jobs), and Quests (example daily/weekly). Uses relative API paths for Discord CSP compliance. Realm/profile changes link to main site due to Activity auth isolation.
- **Set Realm API**: Added `/api/user/set-realm` endpoint for updating user's primary_arm (requires Supabase auth token)
- **Maintenance Mode**: Site-wide maintenance mode with admin bypass. Admins can toggle via Admin Dashboard overview tab. Uses MAINTENANCE_MODE env var for initial state. Allowed paths during maintenance: /login, /staff/login, /reset-password, /health
- **Health Endpoint**: Added /health endpoint at aethex.dev/health that aggregates platform and Discord bot status
- **Axiom Model Routing**: Foundation and GameForge routes redirect to `aethex.foundation` domain for legal entity separation
- **AI Intelligent Agent Integration**: Added global AI chat with 10 specialized personas (Network Agent, Forge Master, Ethics Sentinel, SBS Architect, Curriculum Weaver, QuantumLeap, Vapor, Apex, Ethos Producer, AeThex Archivist)
- **Tiered Access Control**: AI personas gated by user tier (Free/Architect/Council) based on roles
- **Realm-Aware Suggestions**: AI PersonaSelector suggests relevant personas based on current realm context
- **Secure Backend API**: Chat endpoints at /api/ai/chat and /api/ai/title using Gemini API via Replit secrets
- Enhanced landing page with hero section ("Build the Future" tagline), dual CTAs, and comprehensive footer
- Added Staff and Dev-Link realms to isometric realm selector (now 7 total)
- Created Downloads page with Windows/macOS/Linux platform cards and mobile "Coming Soon" section
- Updated Roadmap with Desktop App milestones (Beta in Now, Stable in Month 2) and Mobile App milestones (iOS/Android in Month 3)
- Fixed GitHub Actions workflows: icon generation pipeline, deprecated action updates, Vitest test command

## External Dependencies
- **Supabase**: Used for database (PostgreSQL), authentication, and real-time features.
- **Discord API**: Integrated for Discord bot functionality, OAuth for user verification and linking, and feed bridging.
- **Vite**: Frontend build tool.
- **Express.js**: Backend web framework.
- **React**: Frontend library.
- **Tailwind CSS**: Utility-first CSS framework.
- **Radix UI**: Unstyled UI component library.
- **TanStack Query**: Data fetching and state management.
- **React Router DOM**: Client-side routing.
- **Electron**: Framework for building desktop applications.