diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 76a4283..2f41548 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -15,22 +15,26 @@ A platform for creating and solving coding challenges, built with TypeScript, Re
 ## Supported Programming Languages
 
 Currently supported:
+
 - **TypeScript/JavaScript**
 - **PHP**
 - **Go**
 
 Coming soon:
+
 - **Python** - Challenges in development
 
 ## Screenshots
 
 ### Challenge Interface
+
 ![CodeQuest Challenge Interface](assets/codequest-challenge.png)
-*Interactive coding environment with real-time testing and AI assistance*
+_Interactive coding environment with real-time testing and AI assistance_
 
 ### User Dashboard
+
 ![CodeQuest Dashboard](assets/codequest-dashboard.png)
-*Progress tracking dashboard with achievements and statistics*
+_Progress tracking dashboard with achievements and statistics_
 
 ## Coquest CLI
 
@@ -38,6 +42,17 @@ If you want to solve challenges from the command line, you can use the [Coquest
 
 ## Getting Started
 
+### Quick Start Summary
+
+1. **Clone** → `git clone https://github.com/crisecheverria/codequest-platform.git`
+2. **Install** → `npm install`
+3. **Start MongoDB** → `docker run --name mongodb -p 27017:27017 -e MONGO_INITDB_ROOT_USERNAME=admin -e MONGO_INITDB_ROOT_PASSWORD=password -d mongo`
+4. **Copy env files** → `cp packages/backend/.env.example packages/backend/.env` & `cp packages/frontend/.env.example packages/frontend/.env`
+5. **Setup GitHub OAuth** → Create OAuth app, update env files with real credentials
+6. **Seed database** → `cd packages/backend && npx ts-node src/scripts/seedChallenges.ts && npx ts-node src/scripts/seedConcepts.ts`
+7. **Start** → `npm run dev`
+8. **Visit** → `http://localhost:5173`
+
 ### Prerequisites
 
 - Node.js 18+
@@ -89,34 +104,124 @@ cp packages/frontend/.env.example packages/frontend/.env
 
 To enable user authentication, you'll need to set up GitHub OAuth:
 
-1. Go to GitHub Settings > Developer settings > OAuth Apps
-2. Create a new OAuth App with:
-   - Application name: Code Challenge Platform
-   - Homepage URL: `http://localhost:5173`
-   - Authorization callback URL: `http://localhost:3001/api/auth/github/callback`
-3. Copy the Client ID and Client Secret
-4. Add them to your environment files:
+1. Go to [GitHub Settings → Developer settings → OAuth Apps](https://github.com/settings/developers)
+2. Click **"New OAuth App"**
+3. Fill in the application details:
+   - **Application name**: `CodeQuest Platform` (or your preferred name)
+   - **Homepage URL**: `http://localhost:5173`
+   - **Application description**: `Local development for CodeQuest Platform` (optional)
+   - **Authorization callback URL**: `http://localhost:3001/api/auth/github/callback`
+4. Click **"Register application"**
+5. Copy the **Client ID** from the app page
+6. Click **"Generate a new client secret"** and copy the **Client Secret**
+7. Update your environment files with the real values:
 
-**Backend (.env)**:
-```
-GITHUB_CLIENT_ID=your-client-id
-GITHUB_CLIENT_SECRET=your-client-secret
+**Backend (`packages/backend/.env`)**:
+
+```bash
+# GitHub OAuth Configuration
+GITHUB_CLIENT_ID=Ov23liXXXXXXXXXXXXX  # Replace with your actual Client ID
+GITHUB_CLIENT_SECRET=your-actual-client-secret  # Replace with your actual Client Secret
 GITHUB_CALLBACK_URL=http://localhost:3001/api/auth/github/callback
-```
 
-**Frontend (.env)**:
+# MongoDB Configuration (should already be set)
+MONGODB_URI=mongodb://admin:password@localhost:27017/code-challenges?authSource=admin
+JWT_SECRET=your-secret-key-change-this-in-production
+NODE_ENV=development
 ```
-VITE_GITHUB_CLIENT_ID=your-github-client-id
+
+**Frontend (`packages/frontend/.env`)**:
+
+```bash
+# GitHub OAuth Configuration
+VITE_GITHUB_CLIENT_ID=Ov23liXXXXXXXXXXXXX  # Same as backend Client ID
 VITE_GITHUB_CALLBACK_URL=http://localhost:3001/api/auth/github/callback
+
+# API Configuration
+VITE_API_URL=http://localhost:3001
 ```
 
-6. Start the Development Environment
+> ⚠️ **Important**: Replace the example values with your actual GitHub OAuth credentials!
+
+6. Seed the Database
+
+Before starting the application, you'll need to populate the database with challenges and concepts:
 
 ```bash
+# Navigate to the backend package
+cd packages/backend
+
+# Seed challenges
+npx ts-node src/scripts/seedChallenges.ts
+
+# Seed concepts
+npx ts-node src/scripts/seedConcepts.ts
+```
+
+7. Start the Development Environment
+
+```bash
+# From the project root
 npm run dev
 ```
 
-This will start both the frontend and backend services. The frontend will be available at `http://localhost:5173` and the backend at `http://localhost:3001`.
+This will start both the frontend and backend services:
+
+- **Frontend**: `http://localhost:5173`
+- **Backend API**: `http://localhost:3001`
+
+You should now be able to:
+
+1. Visit `http://localhost:5173`
+2. Click "Continue with GitHub" to log in
+3. Start solving coding challenges!
+
+## Database Management
+
+### Re-seeding Data
+
+If you need to update or re-seed the database:
+
+```bash
+cd packages/backend
+
+# Re-seed challenges (updates existing, adds new)
+npx ts-node src/scripts/seedChallenges.ts
+
+# Re-seed concepts
+npx ts-node src/scripts/seedConcepts.ts
+```
+
+### Reset User Progress
+
+You can reset user progress if needed:
+
+```bash
+cd packages/backend
+# Reset all users (with confirmation)
+npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts
+
+# Reset specific user
+npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts --userId=user_id_here
+
+# Skip confirmation
+npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts --yes
+
+# Completely remove progress data instead of resetting
+npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts --remove
+```
+
+## Viewing the Database with MongoDB Compass
+
+You can use MongoDB Compass (a GUI for MongoDB) to visualize and interact with your database:
+
+1. Download and install [MongoDB Compass](https://www.mongodb.com/products/compass)
+2. Open MongoDB Compass
+3. Connect to your local MongoDB instance with the connection string:
+
+```
+mongodb://admin:password@localhost:27017/code-challenges?authSource=admin
+```
 
 ## AI Assistant
 
@@ -152,65 +257,25 @@ USE_EXTERNAL_AI_API=true
 The platform supports multiple code execution modes:
 
 ### Docker Execution (Default)
+
 All languages (TypeScript, Go, PHP) are executed in secure Docker containers. This is the recommended mode for production.
 
 ### Native Go Execution (Optional)
+
 For development environments, you can enable native Go execution for faster compile times:
 
 1. Ensure Go is installed locally (`go version` should work)
 2. Add to your `packages/backend/.env`:
+
 ```
 USE_NATIVE_GO_EXECUTOR=true
 NATIVE_GO_TIMEOUT=45000
 ```
+
 3. Restart the backend server
 
 **Note**: Native execution is only available for Go challenges and requires Go to be installed on the host system.
 
-## Seeding the Database
-
-Before using the application, you'll need to seed the database with initial challenges and concepts:
-
-```bash
-# Navigate to the backend package
-cd packages/backend
-
-# Seed challenges
-npx ts-node src/scripts/seedChallenges.ts
-
-# Seed concepts
-npx ts-node src/scripts/seedConcepts.ts
-```
-
-Also is possible to reset user progress:
-
-```bash
-cd packages/backend
-# Reset all users (with confirmation)
-npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts
-
-# Reset specific user
-npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts --userId=user_id_here
-
-# Skip confirmation
-npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts --yes
-
-# Completely remove progress data instead of resetting
-npx ts-node src/scripts/resetUserProgress.ts --remove
-```
-
-## Viewing the Database with MongoDB Compass
-
-You can use MongoDB Compass (a GUI for MongoDB) to visualize and interact with your database:
-
-1. Download and install [MongoDB Compass](https://www.mongodb.com/products/compass)
-2. Open MongoDB Compass
-3. Connect to your local MongoDB instance with the connection string:
-
-```
-mongodb://admin:password@localhost:27017/code-challenges?authSource=admin
-```
-
 4. Once connected, you can browse collections like `challenges`, `concepts`, `users`, and more
 
 ## Project Structure
@@ -244,6 +309,56 @@ The AI Assistant helps users solve challenges without giving away the full solut
 
 ## Troubleshooting
 
+### Common Setup Issues
+
+#### MongoDB Authentication Error
+
+If you see `Command find requires authentication`:
+
+1. **Check your backend `.env` file** has the correct MongoDB URI:
+
+   ```bash
+   MONGODB_URI=mongodb://admin:password@localhost:27017/code-challenges?authSource=admin
+   ```
+
+2. **Restart your development server** after updating environment variables:
+   ```bash
+   npm run dev
+   ```
+
+#### GitHub OAuth "404 Not Found" Error
+
+If GitHub OAuth fails with a 404 error:
+
+1. **Verify your GitHub OAuth App settings**:
+
+   - Homepage URL: `http://localhost:5173`
+   - Callback URL: `http://localhost:3001/api/auth/github/callback`
+
+2. **Check your environment variables** have real values (not placeholders):
+
+   ```bash
+   # Backend .env should have real values like:
+   GITHUB_CLIENT_ID=Ov23li...  # Not "your-client-id"
+   GITHUB_CLIENT_SECRET=ghp_...  # Not "your-client-secret"
+   ```
+
+3. **Restart the development server** after updating OAuth credentials
+
+#### Frontend "No routes matched" Error
+
+If you see routing errors during OAuth:
+
+- This was a known issue that has been fixed in the current version
+- Make sure you're using the latest code
+
+#### Can't See User Profile Image
+
+The avatar should appear after logging in. If not:
+
+- The backend now automatically fetches user profile data including avatar
+- Check browser localStorage for user data: `localStorage.getItem('user')`
+
 ### Docker Issues
 
 If you encounter issues with MongoDB:
@@ -257,6 +372,13 @@ docker logs mongodb
 
 # Restart the container if needed
 docker restart mongodb
+
+# If container doesn't exist, recreate it:
+docker run --name mongodb \
+  -p 27017:27017 \
+  -e MONGO_INITDB_ROOT_USERNAME=admin \
+  -e MONGO_INITDB_ROOT_PASSWORD=password \
+  -d mongo
 ```
 
 ### AI Assistant Issues
@@ -294,19 +416,6 @@ code-challenge-platform/
 1. Challenge and concept data is stored in separate JSON files in the `data/` directory.
 2. The seed scripts read from these JSON files instead of having hardcoded data.
 
-### Running the Seeds
-
-You can run the seed scripts from the root of the monorepo:
-
-```bash
-# Regular seeding (skips existing entries)
-cd packages/backend
-# Seed Challenges
-npx ts-node src/scripts/seedChallenges.ts
-# Seed Concepts
-npx ts-node src/scripts/seedConcepts.ts
-```
-
 ### Contributing New Challenges or Concepts
 
 To add new challenges or concepts:
@@ -396,22 +505,26 @@ We welcome contributions to the Code Challenge Platform! Here's how you can help
 ### Types of Contributions
 
 #### Adding New Challenges
+
 - Edit `data/challenges.json` to add new coding challenges
 - Follow the existing format and include comprehensive test cases
 - Run `npx ts-node src/scripts/seedChallenges.ts` to test your changes
 
 #### Adding New Concepts
+
 - Edit `data/concepts.json` to add new learning concepts
 - Ensure proper categorization and dependencies
 - Run `npx ts-node src/scripts/seedConcepts.ts` to test your changes
 
 #### Code Improvements
+
 - Bug fixes and performance improvements
 - New features and enhancements
 - UI/UX improvements
 - Documentation updates
 
 #### Testing
+
 - Write tests for new features
 - Improve existing test coverage
 - Report bugs and issues
diff --git a/packages/backend/src/routes/auth.ts b/packages/backend/src/routes/auth.ts
index a034abd..bffd35b 100644
--- a/packages/backend/src/routes/auth.ts
+++ b/packages/backend/src/routes/auth.ts
@@ -3,26 +3,20 @@ import jwt, { Secret } from "jsonwebtoken";
 import axios from "axios";
 import { UserModel } from "../models/User";
 import { config } from "../config";
+import { authMiddleware, AuthRequest } from "../middleware/auth";
 
 const router = Router();
 
 // GitHub OAuth callback route (GET)
 router.get("/github/callback", async (req, res) => {
   const { code } = req.query;
-  console.log("Processing GitHub OAuth callback for code:", code);
 
   if (!code) {
     return res.status(400).json({ error: "Authorization code is required" });
   }
 
   try {
-    console.log("GitHub OAuth config:", {
-      clientId: config.github.clientId,
-      callbackUrl: config.github.callbackUrl,
-    });
-
     // Exchange code for access token
-    console.log("Exchanging code for access token...");
     const tokenRes = await axios.post(
       "https://github.com/login/oauth/access_token",
       {
@@ -35,21 +29,15 @@ router.get("/github/callback", async (req, res) => {
         headers: {
           Accept: "application/json",
         },
-      }
+      },
     );
 
-    console.log("Token response received:", {
-      status: tokenRes.status,
-      hasAccessToken: !!tokenRes.data.access_token,
-    });
-
     const accessToken = tokenRes.data.access_token;
     if (!accessToken) {
       throw new Error("No access token received from GitHub");
     }
 
     // Get user data from GitHub
-    console.log("Fetching user data from GitHub...");
     const userRes = await axios.get("https://api.github.com/user", {
       headers: {
         Authorization: `token ${accessToken}`,
@@ -57,49 +45,38 @@ router.get("/github/callback", async (req, res) => {
       },
     });
 
-    console.log("GitHub user data received:", {
-      id: userRes.data.id,
-      login: userRes.data.login,
-      hasEmail: !!userRes.data.email,
-    });
-
     const githubUser = userRes.data;
 
     // Find or create user
     let user = await UserModel.findOne({ githubId: githubUser.id.toString() });
-    console.log("Existing user found:", !!user);
 
     if (!user) {
-      console.log("Creating new user...");
       user = await UserModel.create({
         githubId: githubUser.id.toString(),
         username: githubUser.login,
         email: githubUser.email,
         avatarUrl: githubUser.avatar_url,
       });
-      console.log("New user created:", user._id);
     }
 
     // Update last login and handle data migration if needed
     user.lastLogin = new Date();
-    
+
     // Check if user has old submission data that needs migration
     if (user.submissions && user.submissions.length > 0) {
-      const hasOldSubmissions = user.submissions.some(sub => !sub.challengeSlug && (sub as any).challengeId);
-      
+      const hasOldSubmissions = user.submissions.some(
+        (sub) => !sub.challengeSlug && (sub as any).challengeId,
+      );
+
       if (hasOldSubmissions) {
-        console.log("User has old submission data, clearing submissions for schema compatibility...");
         user.submissions = [];
         user.completedChallenges = [];
-        console.log("Old submission data cleared");
       }
     }
-    
+
     await user.save();
-    console.log("User last login updated");
 
     // Generate JWT
-    console.log("Generating JWT...");
     const token = jwt.sign(
       {
         userId: user._id.toString(),
@@ -108,9 +85,8 @@ router.get("/github/callback", async (req, res) => {
       config.jwt.secret as Secret,
       {
         expiresIn: "7d",
-      }
+      },
     );
-    console.log("JWT generated successfully");
 
     // Redirect to frontend with token
     const frontendUrl = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || "http://localhost:5173";
@@ -129,23 +105,17 @@ router.get("/github/callback", async (req, res) => {
     });
 
     const frontendUrl = process.env.FRONTEND_URL || "http://localhost:5173";
-    res.redirect(`${frontendUrl}/auth/error?message=${encodeURIComponent("Authentication failed")}`);
+    res.redirect(
+      `${frontendUrl}/login?error=authentication_failed&message=${encodeURIComponent("Authentication failed")}`,
+    );
   }
 });
 
 router.post("/github", async (req, res) => {
   const { code } = req.body;
-  console.log("Processing GitHub authentication for code:", code);
 
   try {
-    console.log("GitHub OAuth config:", {
-      clientId: config.github.clientId,
-      callbackUrl: config.github.callbackUrl,
-      // Don't log the secret!
-    });
-
     // Exchange code for access token
-    console.log("Exchanging code for access token...");
     const tokenRes = await axios.post(
       "https://github.com/login/oauth/access_token",
       {
@@ -158,21 +128,15 @@ router.post("/github", async (req, res) => {
         headers: {
           Accept: "application/json",
         },
-      }
+      },
     );
 
-    console.log("Token response received:", {
-      status: tokenRes.status,
-      hasAccessToken: !!tokenRes.data.access_token,
-    });
-
     const accessToken = tokenRes.data.access_token;
     if (!accessToken) {
       throw new Error("No access token received from GitHub");
     }
 
     // Get user data from GitHub
-    console.log("Fetching user data from GitHub...");
     const userRes = await axios.get("https://api.github.com/user", {
       headers: {
         Authorization: `token ${accessToken}`,
@@ -180,51 +144,38 @@ router.post("/github", async (req, res) => {
       },
     });
 
-    console.log("GitHub user data received:", {
-      id: userRes.data.id,
-      login: userRes.data.login,
-      hasEmail: !!userRes.data.email,
-    });
-
     const githubUser = userRes.data;
 
     // Find or create user
     let user = await UserModel.findOne({ githubId: githubUser.id.toString() });
-    console.log("Existing user found:", !!user);
 
     if (!user) {
-      console.log("Creating new user...");
       user = await UserModel.create({
         githubId: githubUser.id.toString(),
         username: githubUser.login,
         email: githubUser.email,
         avatarUrl: githubUser.avatar_url,
       });
-      console.log("New user created:", user._id);
     }
 
     // Update last login and handle data migration if needed
     user.lastLogin = new Date();
-    
+
     // Check if user has old submission data that needs migration
     if (user.submissions && user.submissions.length > 0) {
-      const hasOldSubmissions = user.submissions.some(sub => !sub.challengeSlug && (sub as any).challengeId);
-      
+      const hasOldSubmissions = user.submissions.some(
+        (sub) => !sub.challengeSlug && (sub as any).challengeId,
+      );
+
       if (hasOldSubmissions) {
-        console.log("User has old submission data, clearing submissions for schema compatibility...");
-        // For now, we'll clear old submissions to avoid validation errors
-        // In production, you'd want to create a proper migration script
         user.submissions = [];
         user.completedChallenges = [];
-        console.log("Old submission data cleared");
       }
     }
-    
+
     await user.save();
-    console.log("User last login updated");
 
     // Generate JWT
-    console.log("Generating JWT...");
     const token = jwt.sign(
       {
         userId: user._id.toString(),
@@ -233,9 +184,8 @@ router.post("/github", async (req, res) => {
       config.jwt.secret as Secret,
       {
         expiresIn: "7d",
-      }
+      },
     );
-    console.log("JWT generated successfully");
 
     res.json({ token, user });
   } catch (error) {
@@ -258,4 +208,25 @@ router.post("/github", async (req, res) => {
   }
 });
 
+// Get current user profile
+router.get("/me", authMiddleware, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const authReq = req as AuthRequest;
+    const user = authReq.user;
+    // Return user data without sensitive information
+    res.json({
+      id: user._id,
+      githubId: user.githubId,
+      username: user.username,
+      email: user.email,
+      avatarUrl: user.avatarUrl,
+      createdAt: user.createdAt,
+      lastLogin: user.lastLogin,
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error("Error fetching user profile:", error);
+    res.status(500).json({ error: "Failed to fetch user profile" });
+  }
+});
+
 export default router;
diff --git a/packages/frontend/src/components/auth/index.tsx b/packages/frontend/src/components/auth/index.tsx
index b542988..ca526dc 100644
--- a/packages/frontend/src/components/auth/index.tsx
+++ b/packages/frontend/src/components/auth/index.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 // packages/frontend/src/components/auth/index.tsx
 import { useNavigate, useLocation, useSearchParams } from "react-router-dom";
-import { useEffect, useState } from "react";
+import { useEffect, useState, useRef } from "react";
 import api from "../../api/config";
 
 export const Login = () => {
@@ -98,9 +98,16 @@ export const AuthCallback = () => {
   const navigate = useNavigate();
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [status, setStatus] = useState("Initializing authentication...");
+  const hasProcessed = useRef(false);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     const handleAuth = async () => {
+      // Prevent double execution in React Strict Mode
+      if (hasProcessed.current) {
+        return;
+      }
+      hasProcessed.current = true;
+
       try {
         const urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);
         const code = urlParams.get("code");
@@ -110,7 +117,21 @@ export const AuthCallback = () => {
         if (token) {
           setStatus("Processing authentication...");
           localStorage.setItem("token", token);
-          
+
+          // Fetch user data after getting token
+          try {
+            setStatus("Fetching user profile...");
+            const userResponse = await api.get("/api/auth/me", {
+              headers: {
+                Authorization: `Bearer ${token}`,
+              },
+            });
+            localStorage.setItem("user", JSON.stringify(userResponse.data));
+          } catch (userError) {
+            console.error("Error fetching user profile:", userError);
+            // Continue anyway, user profile can be fetched later
+          }
+
           // Check for return URL
           const returnTo = localStorage.getItem("returnTo") || "/dashboard";
           localStorage.removeItem("returnTo"); // Clean up