Add SQLite database backend with REST API for locations and characters

[Copilot]

This PR implements a complete SQLite database integration for the Armchair dialogue editor, adding persistent storage for locations and characters with a RESTful API backend.

Problem Statement

The application previously stored all data in memory using Re-frame state management with only file-based import/export capabilities. This limited data persistence and made it difficult to manage larger datasets or provide multi-user access to shared game data.

Solution Overview

Added a Node.js Express backend with SQLite database that provides REST API endpoints for locations and characters, while preserving the existing ClojureScript frontend architecture.

Backend Implementation

• SQLite Database: Two tables with comprehensive schemas matching existing data models
  • locations: id, display_name, bounds, sprite layers, blocked positions, placements, connection triggers
  • characters: id, display_name, color, sprite file and coordinates
• REST API Endpoints:
  • GET /api/locations - Retrieve all locations
  • GET /api/locations/:id - Retrieve specific location by ID
  • GET /api/characters - Retrieve all characters
  • GET /api/characters/:id - Retrieve specific character by ID
  • GET /api/health - Server health check
• Data Seeding: Sample locations (Village, Tavern) and characters (Hugo, Gustav, Conni)

Frontend Integration

• API Client: HTTP client (src/cljs/armchair/api.cljs) using fetch with async/await patterns
• Re-frame Events: New events for loading data from API while maintaining existing state management patterns
• React Components: New "Database View" page displaying locations and characters from the backend
• Efficient Data Fetching: Caching utilities and individual item refresh capabilities

Key Features

• Minimal Architecture Changes: Preserves existing ClojureScript/Re-frame patterns
• Data Compatibility: API returns data in the same format as existing data models
• Development Workflow: Single npm run dev starts both frontend and backend
• Comprehensive Testing: Backend API tests verify all endpoints work correctly
• Error Handling: Graceful fallbacks and user feedback for API failures

Database Schema

The SQLite schema supports the full complexity of the existing data models:

• Locations store sprite layers, blocked positions, character placements, and connection triggers as JSON
• Characters maintain color, sprite coordinates, and display names
• All entities use UUID primary keys matching the existing system

Usage

# Start full development environment
npm run dev

# Seed database with sample data  
npm run seed

# Run API endpoint tests
npm run test:api

The "Database View" menu item provides access to the new interface showing real-time data from the SQLite backend.


This implementation provides a solid foundation for data persistence while maintaining the existing editor functionality and user experience.

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