Backend Implementation for Menu Editor and Section Management #35
Description
Backend Implementation for Menu Editor and Section Management
Overview
Implement the backend infrastructure for a comprehensive menu editor system that allows admins to create hierarchical menus with sections and items. This will replace the current simple menu-dish relationship with a more flexible structure supporting drag-and-drop ordering and better organization.
Current State
- Existing Menu model that directly references Dish models
- Need to create intermediate models for better menu organization
Requirements
New Model Structure
Create a hierarchical menu system with the following flow:
Menu → Menu Section → Menu Item → Dish/Bundle
Core Models Needed
- MenuSection: Represents sections within a menu (e.g., "Appetizers", "Main Courses", "Desserts")
- MenuItem: Links sections to dishes/bundles with ordering and customization options
- Menu modifications: Update existing Menu model to work with the new structure
Section Management
- Section Creation: Ability to create, edit, and delete menu sections
- Section Ordering: Support for drag-and-drop ordering of sections within a menu
- Section Customization: Allow custom names, descriptions, and display options for sections
Menu Item Management
- Item Assignment: Assign dishes or bundles to specific menu sections
- Item Ordering: Support ordering of items within sections
- Item Customization: Override dish names, descriptions, or prices for specific menu contexts
- Availability Control: Enable/disable specific items without affecting the base dish
API Endpoints
- Menu Structure: Endpoints to retrieve complete menu hierarchy
- Section Operations: CRUD operations for menu sections with ordering
- Item Operations: CRUD operations for menu items with section assignment
- Bulk Operations: Support for bulk reordering and updates
Data Integrity
- Ordering System: Maintain consistent ordering across sections and items
- Cascade Handling: Proper handling when dishes or bundles are deleted
- Validation: Ensure menu structure integrity and prevent circular references
Performance Considerations
- Efficient Queries: Optimize for loading complete menu structures
- Batch Operations: Support for bulk updates during drag-and-drop operations
- Caching Strategy: Cache menu structures for public-facing displays
Success Criteria
- Menu structure supports the required hierarchy: Menu → Section → Item → Dish/Bundle
- Drag-and-drop ordering is supported through proper ordering fields and APIs
- All CRUD operations work efficiently for sections and items
- Menu editor can retrieve and update complete menu structures
- Performance remains good even with complex menus
- Data integrity is maintained during all operations
Dependencies
- Existing Menu and Dish models
- Bundle model (if implemented)
- Admin authentication system
Related Issues
- Blocks frontend menu editor implementation
- Part of the broader menu management system