oscurprof / LMS---Library-Management-System

A Library Management System (LMS) application built in Java for managing books, users, and library transactions efficiently.

📚 Library Management System (LMS)

Table of Contents

• Project Overview
• Key Features
  • User Authentication & Security
  • Book Management
  • Patron Management
  • Advanced Search Functionality
  • Borrowing System
  • Returns Processing
  • System Integrity Safeguards
• Technical Specifications
• Installation & Setup

Project Overview

The Library Management System (LMS) is a comprehensive Java-based application designed to modernize and simplify library operations. Built as a Semester 3 project, this system provides an intuitive interface for managing books, patrons, and lending activities with robust features to ensure data integrity and ease of use.

Key Features

1. User Authentication & Security

• Multi-user support with secure account creation and login
• Role-based access control for system functionality
• Password encryption for enhanced security

2. Book Management

• Complete book cataloging with details including:
  • ISBN/Book ID
  • Title and author information
  • Publication details
  • Genre classification
  • Availability status
• Add, update, and remove book records with data validation
• Prevent deletion of books currently on loan

3. Patron Management

• Comprehensive patron record system including:
  • Member ID and contact information
  • Membership type and status
  • Membership expiry tracking
  • Borrowing history
• Add, update, and delete patron records with referential integrity
• Automatic handling of related records when a patron is removed

4. Advanced Search Functionality

• Multi-criteria search options across all database fields
• Real-time search results filtering
• Quick access to borrowing and management functions from search results

5. Borrowing System

Multiple convenient options for registering book loans:

1. Direct entry mode - Manual input of both Book ISBN and Member ID
2. Book-centered flow - Search and select a book, then enter patron details
3. Patron-centered flow - Select a patron first, then register books against their account

System validations ensure:

• Book exists in the catalog and is available
• Patron is registered with an active membership
• Borrowing limits are not exceeded

6. Returns Processing

• One-click return processing
• Automatic due date tracking
• Fine calculation based on configurable parameters
• Return receipt generation

7. System Integrity Safeguards

• Book deletion protection: System prevents deletion of books currently on loan
• Cascading patron deletion: When removing patron records, all associated borrowing history is properly managed

Technical Specifications

• Core Java & OOP Implementation:

The system is built entirely using Core Java concepts including:

• Inheritance for extending base functionality

• Polymorphism for flexible operations on different types of library items

• Encapsulation to protect data integrity

• Exception handling for robust error management

• Collections framework for efficient data manipulation

• File I/O operations for persistent storage

• Custom data structures for optimized performance

• Java Swing GUI:

The entire user interface is built using Java Swing components, providing a responsive and intuitive experience across different operating systems. Custom components and event handling showcase advanced GUI programming techniques.

• File-Based Data Storage:

Instead of using a traditional database, the system implements a robust file-based data storage mechanism. All records of books, patrons, borrowings, and returns are stored in files, demonstrating advanced file I/O operations in Java while maintaining data integrity and relationships between records.

Installation & Setup

Follow these steps to set up and run the LMS project on your machine.

1. Download & Install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition

• IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition is free and recommended for this project (Ultimate is paid!).
• Download from the official site: IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition.
• Install by following the on-screen instructions.

2. Download JDK

• Open IntelliJ IDEA.
• Create a new project (File > New > Project).
• In the project setup wizard, download the JDK:
  • Select "Download JDK" (see the reference image below for guidance).
  • Choose a version (e.g., JDK 17 or later) and complete the download.

3. Open the Project

• Option 1: Right-click the project folder (LMS - Library Management System) and select "Open as IntelliJ IDEA Project."
• Option 2: In IntelliJ, go to File > Open, navigate to the project folder, and select src > main.java.

4. Trust the Project

• IntelliJ may prompt you to "Trust Project" for security. Click "Trust Project" to proceed.

5. Find and Open the Main Class

• The main class is located in the src folder (it's the last file in the directory, likely named Main.java).
• Double-click to open it in the editor.

6. Run the Project

• Press Shift+F10 or click the green "Play" icon at the top of IntelliJ to run the project.
• The LMS application will launch, and you can start exploring its features.

Enjoy!