docs/INSTALLATION_GUIDE.md

# Installation Guide

## Prerequisites
- Python 3.10 or higher
- pip package manager
- Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

## Step-by-Step Installation

### Step 1: Navigate to the Project Directory
```bash
cd C:\Users\ZAEEM\CascadeProjects\credit-card-anomaly
```

### Step 2: Install Python Dependencies
```bash
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

This will install all required packages including:
- Flask 3.0.0
- Scikit-learn 1.4.0
- Pandas 2.1.4
- NumPy 1.26.2
- Joblib 1.3.2
- Flask-CORS
- OpenPyXL
- PyArrow

### Step 3: Verify Installation
```bash
python --version
```
Ensure Python 3.10 or higher is installed.

### Step 4: Run the Application
```bash
python app.py
```

You should see output indicating the server is running:
```
 * Running on http://0.0.0.0:7860
```

### Step 5: Access the Application
Open your web browser and navigate to:
```
http://localhost:7860
```

## Troubleshooting

### Issue: Module not found error
**Solution**: Make sure you installed all dependencies:
```bash
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

### Issue: Port 7860 already in use
**Solution**: Change the port in `app.py`:
```python
if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=7861, debug=True)
```

### Issue: Permission denied on Windows
**Solution**: Run Command Prompt as Administrator

## Next Steps
After successful installation, refer to the [Usage Guide](USAGE_GUIDE.md) for detailed instructions on how to use the application.