Charon/PROJECT_PLANNING.md

CaddyProxyManager+ Project Planning & Issues

Project Vision

Bridge the gap between Nginx Proxy Manager's simplicity and Caddy's modern design, targeting home-lab users running arr suite, Plex, Jellyfin, and similar services.

Core Value Propositions

• "Set it and forget it" HTTPS (Caddy's specialty)
• Simple "front door" for all services
• Protection from bots and scanners with CrowdSec
• Modern security features with NPM-like simplicity

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Development Milestones

Milestone 1: Foundation & Alpha Build (Completed)

Target: Core functionality with basic proxy management and HTTPS

Milestone 2: Beta Build (In Progress)

Target: Full security features, SSO, and monitoring

Milestone 3: Production v1.0

Target: Polished UI, documentation, and stability

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Issue Structure

🏗️ FOUNDATION (Alpha - Phase 1)

Issue #1: Project Architecture & Tech Stack Selection

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, architecture, critical Description: Define the technical foundation for CaddyProxyManager+.

Tasks:

• Choose backend framework (Go for native Caddy integration vs. Node.js/Python for rapid dev)
• Choose frontend framework (React, Vue, Svelte)
• Define database (SQLite for simplicity vs. PostgreSQL for scale)
• Design API architecture (REST vs. GraphQL)
• Define project structure and monorepo vs. multi-repo
• Document tech stack decisions
• Create initial project scaffold

Acceptance Criteria:

• Tech stack documented in README.md
• Project structure created
• Development environment setup instructions
• Build system configured

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Issue #2: Caddy Integration & Configuration Management

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, backend, critical, caddy Description: Build the core bridge between the web UI and Caddy server.

Tasks:

• Implement Caddy API client/wrapper
• Design Caddyfile generation system from database
• Implement configuration validation
• Create config reload mechanism (zero-downtime)
• Error handling and rollback on invalid configs
• Unit tests for config generation

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can programmatically generate valid Caddyfiles
• Can reload Caddy configuration via API
• Invalid configs are caught before reload
• Automatic rollback on failure

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Issue #3: Database Schema & Models

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, backend, critical, database Description: Design and implement the database layer for storing proxy configurations.

Tasks:

• Design database schema (hosts, certificates, users, settings)
• Implement ORM/query builder integration
• Create migration system
• Implement models for: Proxy Hosts, SSL Certificates, Access Lists, Users
• Add database seeding for development
• Write database documentation

Acceptance Criteria:

• Schema supports all planned features
• Migrations run cleanly
• Models have proper relationships
• Database can be backed up and restored

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Issue #4: Basic Web UI Foundation

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, frontend, critical, ui Description: Create the foundational web interface structure.

Tasks:

• Design UI/UX wireframes
• Implement authentication/login page
• Create dashboard layout with navigation
• Implement responsive design framework
• Set up state management (Redux/Vuex/etc.)
• Create reusable component library
• Implement dark/light theme support

Acceptance Criteria:

• Clean, modern interface inspired by NPM
• Mobile responsive
• Consistent design language
• Working navigation structure

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Issue #5: Proxy Host Management (Core Feature)

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, feature, critical Description: Implement the core proxy host creation and management.

Tasks:

• Create "Add Proxy Host" form (domain, scheme, forward hostname, port)
• Implement proxy host listing/grid view
• Add edit/delete functionality
• Implement proxy host enable/disable toggle
• Add WebSocket support toggle
• Implement custom locations/paths
• Add advanced options (headers, caching)
• Implement Docker/Podman container auto-discovery (via socket)

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can create basic proxy hosts
• Hosts appear in list immediately
• Changes reflect in Caddy config
• Can proxy HTTP/HTTPS services successfully
• Can select local containers from a list

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Issue #6: Automatic HTTPS & Certificate Management

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, feature, critical, ssl Description: Implement Caddy's automatic HTTPS with UI controls.

Tasks:

• Implement "Force SSL" toggle per host
• Add certificate status display (valid, expiring, failed)
• Create certificate list view
• Implement HTTP to HTTPS redirect
• Add HSTS header toggle with max-age configuration
• Show certificate details (expiry, issuer, domains)
• Implement certificate renewal monitoring

Acceptance Criteria:

• Automatic certificate acquisition works
• Certificate status visible in UI
• Warnings for expiring certificates
• Force SSL works correctly

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Issue #7: User Authentication & Authorization

Priority: high Labels: alpha, security, high Description: Implement secure user management for the admin panel.

Tasks:

• Implement user registration/login system
• Add password hashing (bcrypt/argon2)
• Create session management with JWT/cookies
• Implement basic RBAC (admin vs. user roles)
• Add "Change Password" functionality
• Implement account lockout after failed attempts
• Add session timeout

Acceptance Criteria:

• Secure login protects admin panel
• Passwords properly hashed
• Sessions expire appropriately
• Multiple users supported with roles

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Issue #8: Basic Access Logging

Priority: medium Labels: alpha, backend, medium Description: Implement basic access logging for troubleshooting.

Tasks:

• Configure Caddy access logging format
• Create log viewer in UI
• Implement log rotation policy
• Add API endpoint to retrieve logs

Acceptance Criteria:

• Access logs visible in UI
• Logs rotate automatically
• API returns log content securely

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Issue #9: Settings & Configuration UI

Priority: high Labels: alpha, ui, high Description: Create settings interface for global configurations.

Tasks:

• Create settings page layout
• Implement default certificate email configuration
• Add Caddy admin API endpoint configuration
• Implement backup/restore settings
• Add system status display (Caddy version, uptime)
• Create health check endpoint
• Implement update check mechanism

Acceptance Criteria:

• All global settings configurable
• Settings persist across restarts
• System health visible at a glance

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Issue #10: Docker & Deployment Configuration

Priority: critical Labels: alpha, devops, critical Description: Finalize Docker configuration for production deployment.

Tasks:

• Optimize Dockerfile (multi-stage build)
• Create docker-compose.yml for production
• Create docker-compose.dev.yml for development
• Configure volume persistence
• Set up environment variable configuration
• Implement health checks in Docker
• Add container restart policies

Acceptance Criteria:

• Container builds successfully
• Container size optimized
• Data persists across restarts
• Development environment easy to spin up

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🔐 AUTHENTICATION & ACCESS CONTROL (Beta - Phase 1)

Issue #11: Forward Auth Integration (SSO - Easy Mode)

Priority: critical Labels: beta, security, critical, sso Description: Implement forward authentication for SSO integration.

Tasks:

• Design forward auth configuration UI
• Implement Caddy forward_auth directive generation
• Add per-host "Enable Forward Auth" toggle
• Create forward auth provider templates (Authelia, Authentik, Pomerium)
• Add custom forward auth endpoint configuration
• Implement trusted header forwarding
• Add bypass rules (for API endpoints, webhooks)
• Create forward auth testing tool

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can enable forward auth per proxy host
• Templates work with popular SSO providers
• Protected services require authentication
• API endpoints can bypass auth

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Issue #12: Built-in OAuth/OIDC Server (SSO - Plus Feature)

Priority: high Labels: beta, security, high, sso, plus Description: Implement internal authentication server using caddy-security plugin.

Tasks:

• Integrate caddy-security plugin
• Design user/group management UI
• Implement local user creation with password hashing
• Add OAuth/OIDC provider configuration
• Create application registration system
• Implement consent screen
• Add 2FA/TOTP support
• Create identity provider dashboard

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can create local users for authentication
• Can protect services with built-in SSO
• 2FA works correctly
• External OIDC providers can be configured

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Issue #13: HTTP Basic Authentication

Priority: high Labels: beta, security, high Description: Implement simple HTTP Basic Auth for services.

Tasks:

• Add "Enable Basic Auth" toggle per host
• Create username/password input with hashing
• Implement Caddy basicauth directive generation
• Add multiple user support per host
• Create basic auth realm configuration
• Implement password strength validation
• Add basic auth testing tool

Acceptance Criteria:

• Basic auth protects services
• Multiple users per host supported
• Passwords securely hashed
• Browser prompts correctly

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Issue #14: IP-based Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Priority: high Labels: beta, security, high Description: Implement IP whitelisting/blacklisting and geo-blocking.

Tasks:

• Design ACL management UI
• Implement IP/CIDR whitelist per host
• Add blacklist functionality
• Implement "Local Network Only" toggle (RFC1918)
• Add geo-blocking with country selection
• Integrate MaxMind GeoIP2 database
• Create ACL templates (local only, US only, etc.)
• Implement ACL testing tool

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can restrict access by IP/CIDR
• Local network toggle works
• Geo-blocking blocks correctly
• ACLs apply to specific hosts

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🛡️ THREAT PROTECTION (Beta - Phase 2)

Issue #15: CrowdSec Integration

Priority: critical Labels: beta, security, critical, crowdsec Description: Integrate CrowdSec for active threat protection.

Tasks:

• Design CrowdSec integration architecture
• Implement CrowdSec bouncer for Caddy
• Create CrowdSec installation wizard in UI
• Add CrowdSec status monitoring
• Implement banned IP dashboard
• Add manual IP ban/unban functionality
• Create scenario/collection management UI
• Add CrowdSec log parsing setup

Acceptance Criteria:

• CrowdSec blocks malicious IPs automatically
• Banned IPs visible in dashboard
• Can manually ban/unban IPs
• CrowdSec status visible

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Issue #16: Web Application Firewall (WAF) Integration

Priority: high Labels: beta, security, high, waf, plus Description: Integrate Coraza WAF with OWASP Core Rule Set.

Tasks:

• Integrate caddy-coraza-filter plugin
• Implement "Enable WAF" toggle per host
• Add OWASP CRS rule set management
• Create WAF rule exclusion system (for false positives)
• Implement WAF logging and alerts
• Add WAF statistics dashboard
• Create paranoia level selector
• Implement custom WAF rules

Acceptance Criteria:

• WAF blocks common attacks (SQLi, XSS)
• Can enable/disable per host
• False positives manageable
• WAF events logged and visible

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Issue #17: Rate Limiting & DDoS Protection

Priority: high Labels: beta, security, high Description: Implement request rate limiting per host.

Tasks:

• Implement Caddy rate_limit directive integration
• Create rate limit preset templates (login, API, standard)
• Add custom rate limit configuration
• Implement per-IP rate limiting
• Add per-endpoint rate limits
• Create rate limit bypass list (trusted IPs)
• Add rate limit violation logging
• Implement rate limit testing tool

Acceptance Criteria:

• Rate limits prevent brute force
• Presets work correctly
• Legitimate traffic not affected
• Rate limit hits logged

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Issue #18: HTTP Security Headers

Priority: medium Labels: beta, security, medium Description: Implement automatic security header injection.

Tasks:

• Create security headers configuration UI
• Implement HSTS with preload support
• Add Content-Security-Policy builder
• Implement X-Frame-Options (DENY/SAMEORIGIN)
• Add X-Content-Type-Options (nosniff)
• Implement Referrer-Policy configuration
• Add Permissions-Policy headers
• Create security header presets (basic, strict, paranoid)
• Implement security score calculator

Acceptance Criteria:

• Security headers automatically added
• CSP configurable without breaking sites
• Presets available for easy setup
• Security score shown in UI

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🚦 TRAFFIC & TLS MANAGEMENT (Beta - Phase 3)

Issue #19: DNS Challenge Support for Wildcard Certificates

Priority: critical Labels: beta, ssl, critical Description: Implement DNS challenge for users behind firewalls.

Tasks:

• Design DNS provider configuration UI
• Implement DNS provider dropdown (Cloudflare, Route53, etc.)
• Add API token/credential secure storage
• Implement wildcard certificate support
• Add DNS provider testing/validation
• Create DNS challenge troubleshooting guide
• Implement credential encryption at rest
• Add popular provider quick-setup guides

Acceptance Criteria:

• Wildcard certificates work
• Popular DNS providers supported
• Credentials stored securely
• Clear error messages for failures

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Issue #20: Custom Certificate Upload & Management

Priority: high Labels: beta, ssl, high Description: Allow users to upload their own certificates.

Tasks:

• Create certificate upload UI
• Implement certificate validation (format, expiry)
• Add private key upload with encryption
• Support certificate chains/intermediates
• Implement certificate assignment to hosts
• Add expiry warnings for custom certificates
• Create certificate export functionality
• Support PEM, PFX, DER formats

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can upload custom certificates
• Certificates validated before acceptance
• Private keys securely stored
• Expiry warnings work

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Issue #21: Client Certificate Authentication (mTLS)

Priority: medium Labels: beta, security, medium, plus Description: Implement mutual TLS for zero-trust setups.

Tasks:

• Design mTLS configuration UI
• Implement client CA upload
• Add "Require Client Certificate" toggle per host
• Create client certificate generation tool
• Implement certificate revocation checking
• Add client certificate verification logging
• Create mTLS troubleshooting guide
• Implement certificate DN-based authorization

Acceptance Criteria:

• mTLS protects sensitive services
• Client certificates required when enabled
• Invalid certificates rejected
• mTLS events logged

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Issue #22: Advanced TLS Configuration

Priority: medium Labels: beta, ssl, medium Description: Expose advanced TLS options for power users.

Tasks:

• Add TLS version selector (1.2, 1.3)
• Implement cipher suite configuration
• Add ALPN protocol configuration
• Implement OCSP stapling toggle
• Add certificate transparency logging
• Create TLS security score calculator
• Implement SSL Labs integration for testing
• Add "Modern/Intermediate/Old" compatibility presets

Acceptance Criteria:

• TLS configuration customizable
• Presets available for common scenarios
• Security score displayed
• Changes applied correctly

---

📊 MONITORING & LOGGING (Beta - Phase 4)

Issue #23: Enhanced Dashboard with Statistics

Priority: high Labels: beta, monitoring, high Description: Create a comprehensive dashboard with service statistics.

Tasks:

• Design dashboard layout with widgets
• Implement request count statistics (24h, 7d, 30d)
• Add top accessed hosts chart
• Create HTTP status code distribution chart
• Implement traffic volume graphs
• Add certificate expiry warnings
• Create service health indicators
• Implement real-time update with WebSockets

Acceptance Criteria:

• Dashboard shows key metrics at a glance
• Charts update in real-time
• Performance remains smooth
• Mobile responsive

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Issue #24: CrowdSec Dashboard Integration

Priority: high Labels: beta, monitoring, high, crowdsec Description: Embed CrowdSec metrics and decisions in the UI.

Tasks:

• Create CrowdSec metrics dashboard tab
• Display active bans with reasons
• Show CrowdSec scenarios triggered
• Implement ban history timeline
• Add top attacking IPs chart
• Create attack type breakdown
• Implement CrowdSec alert notifications
• Add ban export functionality

Acceptance Criteria:

• CrowdSec activity visible in UI
• Bans displayed with context
• Historical data available
• Notifications work

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Issue #25: GoAccess Integration for Analytics

Priority: medium Labels: beta, monitoring, medium Description: Integrate GoAccess for beautiful log analysis.

Tasks:

• Integrate GoAccess binary or build from source
• Create "Generate Report" button in UI
• Implement GoAccess HTML report embedding
• Add scheduled report generation
• Implement report caching for performance
• Add report date range selector
• Create per-host GoAccess reports
• Implement report export functionality

Acceptance Criteria:

• GoAccess reports generated successfully
• Reports embedded in UI
• Performance acceptable
• Reports accurate

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Issue #26: Live Log Viewer & Search

Priority: high Labels: beta, monitoring, high Description: Create a powerful log viewer with real-time updates.

Tasks:

• Implement log streaming via WebSocket
• Create log viewer UI with syntax highlighting
• Add log level filtering (error, warn, info, debug)
• Implement full-text log search
• Add timestamp range filtering
• Create per-host log filtering
• Implement log export (CSV, JSON)
• Add "Follow" mode for real-time tailing

Acceptance Criteria:

• Logs stream in real-time
• Search is fast and accurate
• Filters work correctly
• Export works for large logs

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Issue #27: Alerting & Notifications System

Priority: medium Labels: beta, monitoring, medium Description: Implement alerting for critical events.

Tasks:

• Design notification system architecture
• Implement email notifications (SMTP)
• Add webhook notifications (Discord, Slack, custom)
• Create alert rules (certificate expiry, service down, ban threshold)
• Implement notification testing
• Add notification history log
• Create alert rule templates
• Implement notification rate limiting

Acceptance Criteria:

• Alerts sent for critical events
• Multiple notification channels supported
• Alert rules customizable
• No spam (rate limited)

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🎨 USER EXPERIENCE (Beta - Phase 5)

Issue #28: Onboarding Wizard & First-Time Setup

Priority: high Labels: beta, ui, high Description: Create a smooth first-time user experience.

Tasks:

• Design multi-step setup wizard
• Implement admin account creation
• Add domain/email configuration
• Create first proxy host tutorial
• Implement DNS challenge provider setup wizard
• Add CrowdSec installation wizard
• Create "Quick Start" templates (Plex, Sonarr, etc.)
• Implement interactive tooltips/hints

Acceptance Criteria:

• New users guided through setup
• Can create first proxy host easily
• Common services have templates
• Setup completes successfully

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Issue #29: Import from Nginx Proxy Manager

Priority: medium Labels: beta, feature, medium Description: Allow users to migrate from NPM.

Tasks:

• Design NPM database import system
• Parse NPM SQLite/MySQL database
• Map NPM proxy hosts to Caddy config
• Import SSL certificates
• Convert NPM access lists to ACLs
• Create import preview/validation
• Implement backup before import
• Create migration guide documentation

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can import NPM database
• Proxy hosts converted correctly
• Certificates imported
• Rollback available if issues

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Issue #30: Configuration Backup & Restore

Priority: high Labels: beta, feature, high Description: Implement comprehensive backup system.

Tasks:

• Create backup format (database + configs + certificates)
• Implement one-click backup button
• Add scheduled automatic backups
• Create restore functionality with validation
• Implement backup encryption (optional)
• Add backup to remote storage (S3, SFTP)
• Create backup history management
• Implement disaster recovery guide

Acceptance Criteria:

• Backups contain all critical data
• Restore works flawlessly
• Automatic backups run on schedule
• Remote backup options available

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Issue #31: Multi-language Support (i18n)

Priority: low Labels: beta, ui, low Description: Internationalize the interface.

Tasks:

• Implement i18n framework
• Extract all strings to translation files
• Add language selector in settings
• Translate to: Spanish, French, German, Chinese
• Create translation contribution guide
• Implement date/time localization
• Add RTL language support framework
• Create translation verification tests

Acceptance Criteria:

• UI supports multiple languages
• Language switching works instantly
• All strings translatable
• Community can contribute translations

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Issue #32: Dark Mode & Theme Customization

Priority: low Labels: beta, ui, low Description: Implement theme system beyond basic dark/light.

Tasks:

• Create comprehensive theme system
• Implement custom color picker
• Add pre-built theme gallery
• Create theme import/export
• Add logo customization
• Implement CSS custom properties
• Create theme preview
• Add "Follow System" option

Acceptance Criteria:

• Themes change entire UI
• Custom themes saveable
• Pre-built themes available
• System theme sync works

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🔌 CONNECTIVITY & REMOTE ACCESS (Beta - Phase 6)

Issue #41: Remote Server & VPN Integrations

Priority: high Labels: beta, feature, high, connectivity Description: Integrate VPN and tunnel providers to securely proxy services from remote networks.

Tasks:

• Implement Remote Server management system
• Add Tailscale integration (with Headscale support)
• Add ZeroTier integration
• Add Cloudflare Tunnel integration
• Implement connection health monitoring
• Create UI for managing remote providers
• Add "Use Custom Control Server" option for Headscale

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can connect to remote networks via VPN/Tunnel
• Remote hosts available as proxy targets
• Headscale supported as Tailscale alternative
• Connection status visible in UI

🔧 ADVANCED FEATURES (Post-Beta)

Issue #33: API & CLI Tools

Priority: medium Labels: post-beta, feature, medium Description: Expose REST API and CLI for automation.

Tasks:

• Design RESTful API
• Implement API authentication (API keys)
• Create API documentation (OpenAPI/Swagger)
• Build CLI tool for management
• Implement Terraform provider
• Create API client libraries (Python, Go)
• Add API rate limiting
• Create API usage examples

Acceptance Criteria:

• Full API coverage of UI features
• API documented comprehensively
• CLI tool functional
• Automation possible

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Issue #34: High Availability & Clustering

Priority: low Labels: post-beta, feature, low, enterprise Description: Support multiple Caddy instances with shared config.

Tasks:

• Design distributed architecture
• Implement config synchronization
• Add load balancer support
• Create shared certificate storage
• Implement cluster health monitoring
• Add automatic failover
• Create split-brain prevention
• Document HA deployment

Acceptance Criteria:

• Multiple instances share config
• Failover works automatically
• No downtime during updates
• Certificates shared correctly

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Issue #35: Plugin System & Marketplace

Priority: low Labels: post-beta, feature, low Description: Allow community extensions and plugins.

Tasks:

• Design plugin architecture
• Implement plugin loader
• Create plugin API documentation
• Build plugin marketplace UI
• Implement plugin sandboxing
• Add plugin installation/update system
• Create example plugins
• Implement plugin review process

Acceptance Criteria:

• Plugins extend functionality
• Marketplace browseable
• Plugins installable with one click
• Security maintained

---

Issue #36: Advanced Stream (TCP/UDP) Proxying

Priority: medium Labels: post-beta, feature, medium Description: Support non-HTTP protocols via Caddy layer4 plugin.

Tasks:

• Integrate caddy-layer4 plugin
• Design TCP/UDP proxy UI
• Implement port mapping configuration
• Add SNI-based routing for TCP
• Create protocol detection
• Implement connection logging
• Add common protocol templates (SSH, database, etc.)
• Create stream proxy testing tool

Acceptance Criteria:

• Can proxy TCP/UDP services
• SNI routing works
• Common protocols templated
• Performance acceptable

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📚 DOCUMENTATION & TESTING (Continuous)

Issue #37: Comprehensive Documentation

Priority: high Labels: documentation, high Description: Create user and developer documentation.

Tasks:

• Write installation guide
• Create quick start tutorial
• Document all features with screenshots
• Create troubleshooting guide
• Write security best practices guide
• Create API documentation
• Write contributing guide
• Create video tutorials

Acceptance Criteria:

• All features documented
• Screenshots up to date
• Common issues covered
• Videos available

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Issue #38: Automated Testing Suite

Priority: high Labels: testing, high Description: Implement comprehensive test coverage.

Tasks:

• Set up testing framework
• Write unit tests (backend)
• Write integration tests (API)
• Create end-to-end tests (UI)
• Implement CI/CD pipeline
• Add test coverage reporting
• Create performance benchmarks
• Implement security scanning

Acceptance Criteria:

• 80% code coverage

• CI runs on every commit
• E2E tests cover critical paths
• Security scans pass

---

Issue #39: Community & Support Infrastructure

Priority: medium Labels: community, medium Description: Build community support channels.

Tasks:

• Set up Discord/Matrix server
• Create GitHub Discussions
• Set up forum (Discourse)
• Create contribution templates
• Implement issue templates
• Create PR review process
• Set up community guidelines
• Create roadmap page

Acceptance Criteria:

• Community channels active
• Clear contribution process
• Issue templates helpful
• Roadmap transparent

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Issue #40: Performance Optimization & Benchmarking

Priority: medium Labels: performance, medium Description: Ensure CaddyProxyManager+ performs well under load.

Tasks:

• Create performance benchmark suite
• Profile database queries
• Optimize Caddyfile generation
• Implement caching where appropriate
• Test with 100+ proxy hosts
• Optimize frontend bundle size
• Test on low-resource devices (Raspberry Pi)
• Document performance characteristics

Acceptance Criteria:

• Handles 100+ hosts smoothly
• Config reload <1 second
• UI remains responsive
• Works on Raspberry Pi 4

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Label Definitions

Priority Labels

• critical: Must have for the release, blocks other work
• high: Important feature, should be included
• medium: Nice to have, can be deferred
• low: Future enhancement, not urgent

Category Labels

• alpha: Part of initial alpha release
• beta: Part of beta release
• post-beta: Post-beta enhancement
• architecture: System design and structure
• backend: Server-side code
• frontend: UI/UX code
• feature: New functionality
• security: Security-related
• ssl: SSL/TLS certificates
• sso: Single Sign-On
• waf: Web Application Firewall
• crowdsec: CrowdSec integration
• caddy: Caddy-specific
• database: Database-related
• ui: User interface
• deployment: Docker, installation
• monitoring: Logging and statistics
• documentation: Docs and guides
• testing: Test suite
• performance: Optimization
• community: Community building
• plus: Premium/"Plus" feature
• enterprise: Enterprise-grade feature

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Milestones Summary

Alpha (Issues #1-10)

Goal: Basic proxy management with automatic HTTPS Target: 2-3 months Key Features:

• Core proxy host management
• Automatic HTTPS
• Basic web UI
• Docker deployment
• User authentication

Beta (Issues #11-32, #41)

Goal: Full security suite and monitoring Target: 4-6 months Key Features:

• Forward Auth & built-in SSO
• CrowdSec integration
• WAF with OWASP CRS
• Rate limiting
• IP ACLs & geo-blocking
• DNS challenge (wildcard certs)
• Enhanced logging & monitoring
• GoAccess integration
• Remote Access (Tailscale/Headscale, ZeroTier)

Post-Beta (Issues #33-36)

Goal: Advanced features and enterprise capabilities Target: 6+ months Key Features:

• REST API & CLI
• High availability
• Plugin system
• Stream (TCP/UDP) proxying

Continuous (Issues #37-40)

Goal: Documentation, testing, performance Ongoing throughout all phases

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Quick Start Implementation Order

For maximum value delivery, implement in this order:

1. Week 1-2: Issues #1, #2, #3 (Foundation)
2. Week 3-4: Issues #4, #5, #6 (Basic UI + Proxy Management)
3. Week 5-6: Issues #7, #10 (Auth + Docker)
4. Week 7-8: Issues #8, #9 (Logging + Settings)
5. Alpha Release 🎉
6. Month 3-4: Issues #11, #15, #19 (SSO, CrowdSec, DNS Challenge)
7. Month 4-5: Issues #16, #17, #18, #14 (WAF, Rate Limit, ACLs)
8. Month 5-6: Issues #23, #24, #26, #28 (Dashboard, Monitoring, UX)
9. Beta Release 🎉

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Success Metrics

Alpha Success Criteria

• Can replace basic NPM setup
• Automatic HTTPS works flawlessly
• Docker deployment in <5 minutes
• Manages 10+ services easily

Beta Success Criteria

• Advanced security features functional
• CrowdSec blocks real attacks
• SSO protects services
• Community adoption started
• <10 critical bugs reported

V1.0 Success Criteria

• 1000+ Docker Hub pulls
• Active community (Discord/forum)
• Comprehensive documentation
• <5 open critical bugs
• Featured in self-hosted communities

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Risk Assessment

High Risk

1. Caddy API Breaking Changes: Mitigation: Pin Caddy version, test upgrades thoroughly
2. Security Vulnerabilities: Mitigation: Regular audits, security-focused development
3. Performance at Scale: Mitigation: Early benchmarking, optimization sprints

Medium Risk

1. Feature Creep: Mitigation: Strict milestone adherence, MVP mindset
2. Community Adoption: Mitigation: Early marketing, r/selfhosted presence
3. NPM Feature Parity: Mitigation: Don't aim for 100% parity, focus on unique value

Low Risk

1. Caddy Compatibility: Caddy's API is stable
2. Technology Stack: Proven technologies
3. Docker Deployment: Well-understood deployment model

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Marketing & Launch Strategy

Alpha Launch

• Post on r/selfhosted
• Post on r/homelab
• Tweet from personal account
• Create project website
• YouTube demo video

Beta Launch

• Write blog post: "Why We Built This"
• Submit to Awesome Self-Hosted
• Post on Hacker News
• LinuxServer.io container consideration
• Unraid Community Apps submission

V1.0 Launch

• Press release to tech blogs
• Major YouTube creators (NetworkChuck, Techno Tim)
• Conference talk proposals
• Podcast tour (Self-Hosted, Linux Unplugged)

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This planning document is living and will be updated as development progresses.