diff --git a/config/recommendation_weights.json b/config/recommendation_weights.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3180458f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/config/recommendation_weights.json
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+{
+  "skill": 3,
+  "level": 2,
+  "interest": 2,
+  "time": 1
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/__init__.py b/src/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/src/config.py b/src/config.py
index 22b11aa5..a4da449a 100644
--- a/src/config.py
+++ b/src/config.py
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@
 # between environments (development, production, forks).
 
 import os
+import json
+from pathlib import Path
 
 class Config:
     """Base configuration class with sensible defaults."""
@@ -50,3 +52,160 @@ def get_og_image_url(cls):
     def get_base_url(cls):
         """Return the base URL without trailing slash."""
         return cls.BASE_URL.rstrip("/")
+    @classmethod
+    def load_recommendation_weights(cls):
+        """
+        Load recommendation scoring weights from config file.
+        
+        The weights file is located at config/recommendation_weights.json
+        and can be overridden via RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH env var.
+        
+        Returns:
+            dict: Weights dictionary with keys like "skill", "level", etc.
+        
+        Raises:
+            FileNotFoundError: If the weights config file doesn't exist
+            ValueError: If the JSON is invalid or weights are malformed
+        """
+        weights_path = os.getenv(
+            "RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH",
+            Path(__file__).parent.parent / "config" / "recommendation_weights.json"
+        )
+        
+        try:
+            with open(weights_path, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                weights = json.load(f)
+            
+            # Validate that all expected keys exist
+            expected_keys = {"skill", "level", "interest", "time"}
+            if not expected_keys.issubset(weights.keys()):
+                missing = expected_keys - set(weights.keys())
+                raise ValueError(f"Missing required weight keys: {missing}")
+            
+            # Validate that all values are positive numbers
+            for key, value in weights.items():
+                if not isinstance(value, (int, float)) or value < 0:
+                    raise ValueError(f"Weight '{key}' must be a positive number, got {value}")
+            
+            return weights
+            
+        except FileNotFoundError:
+            raise FileNotFoundError(
+                f"Recommendation weights config not found at {weights_path}. "
+                "Please create config/recommendation_weights.json"
+            )
+        except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+            raise ValueError(f"Invalid JSON in recommendation weights config: {e}")
+
+
+## Step 3: Add these lines at the end of the file (outside the Config class)
+
+# Lazy-load weights to avoid file I/O on import
+_RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS = None
+
+def get_recommendation_weights():
+    """
+    Get recommendation scoring weights (cached).
+    
+    Weights are loaded once on first call and then cached.
+    """
+    global _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS
+    if _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS is None:
+        _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS = Config.load_recommendation_weights()
+    return _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS
+
+## Complete Updated config.py
+
+# config.py
+# Application configuration settings for DevPath.
+#
+# This module centralizes all configuration values that might change
+# between environments (development, production, forks).
+
+import os
+import json
+from pathlib import Path
+
+class Config:
+    """Base configuration class with sensible defaults."""
+    
+    # Base URL for the application - used for OG tags and canonical URLs
+    # Can be overridden via environment variable for different deployments
+    BASE_URL = os.getenv("BASE_URL", "https://mydevpath-github.vercel.app")
+    
+    # Application metadata for OG tags
+    SITE_NAME = "DevPath"
+    SITE_DESCRIPTION = "Get personalized coding project recommendations with step-by-step roadmaps and starter code."
+    
+    # OG image path (relative to static folder)
+    OG_IMAGE_PATH = "/static/og-banner.png"
+    
+    @classmethod
+    def get_og_image_url(cls):
+        """Return the full URL for the OG banner image."""
+        return f"{cls.BASE_URL.rstrip('/')}{cls.OG_IMAGE_PATH}"
+    
+    @classmethod
+    def get_base_url(cls):
+        """Return the base URL without trailing slash."""
+        return cls.BASE_URL.rstrip("/")
+    
+    @classmethod
+    def load_recommendation_weights(cls):
+        """
+        Load recommendation scoring weights from config file.
+        
+        The weights file is located at config/recommendation_weights.json
+        and can be overridden via RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH env var.
+        
+        Returns:
+            dict: Weights dictionary with keys like "skill", "level", etc.
+        
+        Raises:
+            FileNotFoundError: If the weights config file doesn't exist
+            ValueError: If the JSON is invalid or weights are malformed
+        """
+        weights_path = os.getenv(
+            "RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH",
+            Path(__file__).parent.parent / "config" / "recommendation_weights.json"
+        )
+        
+        try:
+            with open(weights_path, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                weights = json.load(f)
+            
+            # Validate that all expected keys exist
+            expected_keys = {"skill", "level", "interest", "time"}
+            if not expected_keys.issubset(weights.keys()):
+                missing = expected_keys - set(weights.keys())
+                raise ValueError(f"Missing required weight keys: {missing}")
+            
+            # Validate that all values are positive numbers
+            for key, value in weights.items():
+                if not isinstance(value, (int, float)) or value < 0:
+                    raise ValueError(f"Weight '{key}' must be a positive number, got {value}")
+            
+            return weights
+            
+        except FileNotFoundError:
+            raise FileNotFoundError(
+                f"Recommendation weights config not found at {weights_path}. "
+                "Please create config/recommendation_weights.json"
+            )
+        except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+            raise ValueError(f"Invalid JSON in recommendation weights config: {e}")
+
+
+# Lazy-load weights to avoid file I/O on import
+_RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS = None
+
+def get_recommendation_weights():
+    """
+    Get recommendation scoring weights (cached).
+    
+    Weights are loaded once on first call and then cached.
+    """
+    global _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS
+    if _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS is None:
+        _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS = Config.load_recommendation_weights()
+    return _RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS
diff --git a/src/static/recently-viewed.js b/src/static/recently-viewed.js
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..68fda858
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/static/recently-viewed.js
@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+/**
+ * static/recently-viewed.js
+ * Recently Viewed Projects tracking utility for DevPath.
+ *
+ * Responsibilities
+ * ----------------
+ * 1. Track project views - record when users click on or visit projects
+ * 2. Persist data - store in localStorage across browser sessions
+ * 3. Deduplication - if same project viewed again, move to top, don't duplicate
+ * 4. Render panel - display up to 5 most recent projects
+ * 5. Clear history - remove all tracked projects
+ *
+ * Public API
+ * ----------
+ * RecentlyViewed.trackView(project)    – track a project view
+ * RecentlyViewed.getRecentlyViewed()   – get array of all tracked projects
+ * RecentlyViewed.isTracked(id)         – boolean check if project is tracked
+ * RecentlyViewed.clearHistory()        – remove all tracked projects
+ * RecentlyViewed.renderPanel()         – redraw the recently viewed panel
+ */
+
+var RecentlyViewed = (function () {
+  "use strict";
+
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  /* Constants                                                            */
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  var STORAGE_KEY = "devpathRecentlyViewed";
+  var MAX_ITEMS = 10;           // Store max 10 items in localStorage
+  var DISPLAY_ITEMS = 5;        // Display max 5 in UI
+  var PANEL_ID = "recently-viewed-panel";
+  var LIST_ID = "recently-viewed-list";
+
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  /* Safe localStorage helpers                                            */
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  function lsGet(key) {
+    try {
+      return JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem(key) || "null");
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.warn("[RecentlyViewed] localStorage read error:", err);
+      return null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  function lsSet(key, value) {
+    try {
+      localStorage.setItem(key, JSON.stringify(value));
+      return true;
+    } catch (err) {
+      console.warn("[RecentlyViewed] localStorage write error:", err);
+      return false;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  /* Time formatting utilities                                            */
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  function formatTimeAgo(timestamp) {
+    if (!timestamp) return "Recently viewed";
+
+    var now = Date.now();
+    var diff = now - timestamp;
+    var seconds = Math.floor(diff / 1000);
+    var minutes = Math.floor(seconds / 60);
+    var hours = Math.floor(minutes / 60);
+    var days = Math.floor(hours / 24);
+
+    if (seconds < 60) return "Just now";
+    if (minutes < 60) return minutes + " min ago";
+    if (hours < 24) return hours + " hour" + (hours > 1 ? "s" : "") + " ago";
+    if (days === 1) return "Yesterday";
+    if (days < 7) return days + " days ago";
+    if (days < 30) return Math.floor(days / 7) + " weeks ago";
+
+    // Format as date for older items
+    var date = new Date(timestamp);
+    return date.toLocaleDateString("en-US", { month: "short", day: "numeric" });
+  }
+
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  /* Recently Viewed Data Management                                      */
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  function getRecentlyViewed() {
+    var data = lsGet(STORAGE_KEY);
+    return Array.isArray(data) ? data : [];
+  }
+
+  function isTracked(projectId) {
+    return getRecentlyViewed().some(function (p) {
+      return String(p.id) === String(projectId);
+    });
+  }
+
+  function trackView(project) {
+    if (!project || !project.id) return false;
+
+    var projectId = project.id;
+    var viewed = getRecentlyViewed();
+
+    // Check if already tracked - if so, remove old entry and re-add at top
+    viewed = viewed.filter(function (p) {
+      return String(p.id) !== String(projectId);
+    });
+
+    // Add to top with current timestamp
+    var newEntry = {
+      id: projectId,
+      title: project.title || "Project " + projectId,
+      interest: project.interest || "General",
+      timestamp: Date.now()
+    };
+
+    viewed.unshift(newEntry);
+
+    // Keep only the last MAX_ITEMS
+    if (viewed.length > MAX_ITEMS) {
+      viewed = viewed.slice(0, MAX_ITEMS);
+    }
+
+    lsSet(STORAGE_KEY, viewed);
+    renderPanel();
+    return true;
+  }
+
+  function clearHistory() {
+    lsSet(STORAGE_KEY, []);
+    renderPanel();
+    return true;
+  }
+
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  /* Rendering                                                            */
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  function renderPanel() {
+    var panel = document.getElementById(PANEL_ID);
+    if (!panel) return;
+
+    var viewed = getRecentlyViewed();
+    var list = document.getElementById(LIST_ID);
+
+    if (!list) return;
+
+    // Clear the list
+    list.innerHTML = "";
+
+    // If no recently viewed projects, hide the panel or show empty state
+    if (viewed.length === 0) {
+      panel.style.display = "none";
+      return;
+    }
+
+    panel.style.display = "block";
+
+    // Show only the first DISPLAY_ITEMS
+    var displayItems = viewed.slice(0, DISPLAY_ITEMS);
+
+    displayItems.forEach(function (project) {
+      var card = buildProjectCard(project);
+      list.appendChild(card);
+    });
+  }
+
+  function buildProjectCard(project) {
+    var card = document.createElement("div");
+    card.className = "recently-viewed-card";
+    card.setAttribute("data-project-id", project.id);
+
+    var link = document.createElement("a");
+    link.href = "/project/" + project.id;
+    link.className = "recently-viewed-link";
+
+    var title = document.createElement("div");
+    title.className = "recently-viewed-title";
+    title.textContent = project.title;
+
+    var meta = document.createElement("div");
+    meta.className = "recently-viewed-meta";
+
+    var interest = document.createElement("span");
+    interest.className = "recently-viewed-interest";
+    interest.textContent = project.interest;
+
+    var time = document.createElement("span");
+    time.className = "recently-viewed-time";
+    time.textContent = formatTimeAgo(project.timestamp);
+
+    meta.appendChild(interest);
+    meta.appendChild(time);
+
+    link.appendChild(title);
+    link.appendChild(meta);
+
+    card.appendChild(link);
+    return card;
+  }
+
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  /* Public API                                                            */
+  /* ------------------------------------------------------------------ */
+  return {
+    trackView: trackView,
+    getRecentlyViewed: getRecentlyViewed,
+    isTracked: isTracked,
+    clearHistory: clearHistory,
+    renderPanel: renderPanel
+  };
+})();
+
+// Initialize on DOM ready
+document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
+  RecentlyViewed.renderPanel();
+});
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/static/recently_viewed.css b/src/static/recently_viewed.css
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..22f585b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/static/recently_viewed.css
@@ -0,0 +1,210 @@
+/**
+ * static/recently-viewed.css
+ * Styling for the Recently Viewed Projects panel.
+ * Matches the design of the saved projects panel for consistency.
+ */
+
+/* Recently Viewed Panel Container */
+.recently-viewed-panel {
+  margin-bottom: 2rem;
+  padding: 1.5rem;
+  background: var(--card-bg, #ffffff);
+  border: 1px solid var(--border, #e5e7eb);
+  border-radius: 1rem;
+  box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-panel[style*="display: none"] {
+  display: none !important;
+}
+
+/* Header with title and count */
+.recently-viewed-header {
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  align-items: flex-start;
+  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
+  padding-bottom: 1rem;
+  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border, #e5e7eb);
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-header > div {
+  flex: 1;
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-header h3 {
+  font-size: 1.125rem;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  margin: 0 0 0.25rem 0;
+  color: var(--text-heading, #1f2937);
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-header p {
+  font-size: 0.875rem;
+  color: var(--text-muted, #6b7280);
+  margin: 0;
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-count {
+  font-size: 0.875rem;
+  font-weight: 500;
+  color: var(--text-muted, #6b7280);
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+/* List of recently viewed cards */
+.recently-viewed-list {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(200px, 1fr));
+  gap: 1rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+  list-style: none;
+}
+
+/* Individual recently viewed card */
+.recently-viewed-card {
+  position: relative;
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-link {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  padding: 1rem;
+  background: var(--gray-50, #f9fafb);
+  border: 1px solid var(--border, #e5e7eb);
+  border-radius: 0.75rem;
+  text-decoration: none;
+  color: inherit;
+  transition: all 0.2s ease;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-link:hover {
+  background: var(--gray-100, #f3f4f6);
+  border-color: var(--accent, #6366f1);
+  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1);
+  transform: translateY(-2px);
+}
+
+/* Title of recently viewed project */
+.recently-viewed-title {
+  font-size: 0.95rem;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  color: var(--text-heading, #1f2937);
+  margin: 0 0 0.75rem 0;
+  word-break: break-word;
+  line-height: 1.4;
+  display: -webkit-box;
+  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
+  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
+  overflow: hidden;
+}
+
+/* Meta information (interest + time) */
+.recently-viewed-meta {
+  display: flex;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.5rem;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-interest {
+  font-size: 0.75rem;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  color: #6366f1;
+  background: rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.1);
+  padding: 0.25rem 0.5rem;
+  border-radius: 0.375rem;
+  text-transform: capitalize;
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+.recently-viewed-time {
+  font-size: 0.75rem;
+  color: var(--text-muted, #6b7280);
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+/* Dark mode support */
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-panel {
+  background: var(--card-bg-dark, #1f2937);
+  border-color: var(--border-dark, #374151);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-link {
+  background: var(--gray-700, #374151);
+  border-color: var(--border-dark, #4b5563);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-link:hover {
+  background: var(--gray-600, #4b5563);
+  border-color: var(--accent, #818cf8);
+  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(129, 140, 248, 0.2);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-title {
+  color: var(--text-light, #f3f4f6);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-meta {
+  color: var(--text-muted-dark, #9ca3af);
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-interest {
+  background: rgba(129, 140, 248, 0.15);
+  color: #a5b4fc;
+}
+
+[data-theme="dark"] .recently-viewed-time {
+  color: var(--text-muted-dark, #9ca3af);
+}
+
+/* Mobile responsiveness */
+@media (max-width: 768px) {
+  .recently-viewed-list {
+    grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(150px, 1fr));
+    gap: 0.75rem;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-header {
+    flex-direction: column;
+    gap: 0.5rem;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-count {
+    align-self: flex-start;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-link {
+    padding: 0.75rem;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-title {
+    font-size: 0.875rem;
+    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-meta {
+    font-size: 0.7rem;
+  }
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 480px) {
+  .recently-viewed-list {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-link {
+    padding: 1rem;
+  }
+
+  .recently-viewed-meta {
+    flex-direction: column;
+    align-items: flex-start;
+    gap: 0.25rem;
+  }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/static/script.js b/src/static/script.js
index 51fddecb..e2b83598 100644
--- a/src/static/script.js
+++ b/src/static/script.js
@@ -791,6 +791,12 @@ async function updatePortfolioAnalysis() {
     link.className = "btn-details";
     link.textContent = "View Full Project";
     link.href = "/project/" + project.id;
+    
+    link.addEventListener("click", function() {
+      if (typeof RecentlyViewed !== "undefined") {
+        RecentlyViewed.trackView(project);
+      }
+    });
     footer.appendChild(link);
 
     card.appendChild(title);
@@ -920,12 +926,11 @@ async function updatePortfolioAnalysis() {
     clearAllErrors();
     hideSuggestions();
     resultsSection.style.display = "none";
-    showMoreBtn.style.display = "none";
-    allProjects = [];
-    visibleProjectCount = PROJECTS_PER_LOAD;
+    if (typeof RecentlyViewed !== "undefined") {
+    RecentlyViewed.clearHistory();
+    }
     if (skillsInput) skillsInput.focus();
-  }
-
+  }  
   var clearBtn = document.getElementById("clear-filters-btn");
   if (clearBtn) {
     clearBtn.addEventListener("click", resetFormAndState);
@@ -1099,6 +1104,17 @@ async function updatePortfolioAnalysis() {
 (function initDetailPage() {
   if (typeof PROJECT_ID === "undefined") return;
   recordProjectView();
+  
+if (typeof RecentlyViewed !== "undefined") {
+  var projectTitle = typeof PROJECT_TITLE !== "undefined" ? PROJECT_TITLE : "Project " + PROJECT_ID;
+  var projectInterest = document.querySelector("[data-project-interest]");
+  var interest = projectInterest ? projectInterest.getAttribute("data-project-interest") : "General";
+  RecentlyViewed.trackView({
+    id: PROJECT_ID,
+    title: projectTitle,
+    interest: interest
+  });
+  }
 
   var codePanel = document.getElementById("code-panel");
   var codePanelOverlay = document.getElementById("code-panel-overlay");
diff --git a/src/templates/index.html b/src/templates/index.html
index a3bdbe30..a913ad81 100644
--- a/src/templates/index.html
+++ b/src/templates/index.html
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@
   {% include 'partials/theme_head.html' %}
   <link rel="stylesheet" href="/static/style.css" />
   <link rel="stylesheet" href="/static/bookmarks.css" />
-  <link rel="stylesheet" href="/static/animations.css" />
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="/static/recently-viewed.css" />
   <link
     href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Sora:wght@400;600;700;800&family=Inter:wght@400;500;600&display=swap"
     rel="stylesheet" />
@@ -1167,14 +1167,15 @@ <h3>No Projects Found</h3>
 
       <div class="results-grid" id="results-grid"></div>
 
-      <div class="show-more-container" style="text-align:center; margin-top:2rem;">
-        <button
-          id="show-more-btn"
-          class="btn-submit"
-          style="display:none;"
-          type="button">
-          Show More Projects
-        </button>
+      <div class="recently-viewed-panel" id="recently-viewed-panel">
+        <div class="recently-viewed-header">
+          <div>
+            <h3>Recently Viewed</h3>
+            <p>Projects you've checked out recently.</p>
+          </div>
+          <span class="recently-viewed-count" id="recently-viewed-count">0 viewed</span>
+        </div>
+        <div class="recently-viewed-list" id="recently-viewed-list"></div>
       </div>
 
       <div class="saved-projects-panel" id="saved-projects-panel">
@@ -1366,6 +1367,35 @@ <h4 class="footer-col-title">About Us</h4>
 
   {% include 'partials/scroll_top_btn.html' %}
 
+  <script src="/static/script.js"></script>
+  <script src="/static/bookmarks.js"></script>
+  <script src="/static/recently-viewed.js"></script>
+  
+  <script>
+    // Tab switching for leaderboard/achievements (adds to your existing JS)
+    document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
+      const tabs = document.querySelectorAll('.la-tab');
+      tabs.forEach(tab => {
+        tab.addEventListener('click', function() {
+          const parent = this.closest('.leaderboard-achievement-card');
+          if (parent) {
+            parent.querySelectorAll('.la-tab').forEach(t => t.classList.remove('active'));
+            parent.querySelectorAll('.la-content').forEach(c => c.classList.remove('active'));
+            this.classList.add('active');
+            const tabId = this.getAttribute('data-tab');
+            if (tabId === 'leaderboard') {
+              const leaderboardContent = parent.querySelector('#leaderboard-content');
+              if (leaderboardContent) leaderboardContent.classList.add('active');
+            } else {
+              const achievementsContent = parent.querySelector('#achievements-content');
+              if (achievementsContent) achievementsContent.classList.add('active');
+            }
+          }
+        });
+      });
+    });
+  </script>
+    
   <script src="https://unpkg.com/lenis@1.1.13/dist/lenis.min.js"></script>
 
   <script src="/static/animations.js"></script>
diff --git a/src/utils/recommender.py b/src/utils/recommender.py
index 15691ae9..78b50188 100644
--- a/src/utils/recommender.py
+++ b/src/utils/recommender.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 import os
 
 from utils.data_loader import load_all_projects
+# Import config - handle path for both direct imports and test imports
 
 MAX_RESULTS = 3
 MAX_RELATED = 3
@@ -19,43 +20,9 @@
     "clusters.json",
 )
 
-_cached_clusters = None
-_clusters_loaded = False
-_cached_skill_graph = None
-_skill_graph_loaded = False
-
-def clear_caches():
-    """Clear all in-memory JSON caches."""
-    global _cached_clusters, _clusters_loaded, _cached_skill_graph, _skill_graph_loaded
-    _cached_clusters = None
-    _clusters_loaded = False
-    _cached_skill_graph = None
-    _skill_graph_loaded = False
-
 VALID_LEVELS = {"beginner", "intermediate", "advanced"}
 VALID_INTERESTS = {"web", "data", "education", "automation", "games", "cybersecurity", "devops", "backend", "tools", "productivity", "business logic", "mobile", "machine learning/ai"}
 VALID_TIME_AVAILABILITY = {"low", "medium", "high"}
-SCORING_WEIGHTS = {
-    "skill": 3,
-    "level": 2,
-    "interest": 2,
-    "time": 1,
-}
-
-SYNERGY_MAP = {
-    frozenset(["react", "node"]): 1.5,
-    frozenset(["react", "node.js"]): 1.5,
-    frozenset(["python", "django"]): 1.5,
-    frozenset(["python", "flask"]): 1.5,
-    frozenset(["html", "css", "javascript"]): 1.5,
-    frozenset(["vue", "node"]): 1.5,
-    frozenset(["angular", "node"]): 1.5,
-}
-
-WEIGHT_SKILL = SCORING_WEIGHTS["skill"]
-WEIGHT_LEVEL = SCORING_WEIGHTS["level"]
-WEIGHT_INTEREST = SCORING_WEIGHTS["interest"]
-WEIGHT_TIME = SCORING_WEIGHTS["time"]
 
 
 # Common aliases and abbreviations for skills
@@ -306,6 +273,15 @@ def __rtruediv__(self, other):
 
 def score_single_project(project, user_skills, level, interest, time_availability, graph=None, skill_proficiencies=None):
     TIME_RANKS = ["low", "medium", "high"]
+    
+    import sys
+    import os
+    if os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))) not in sys.path:
+        sys.path.insert(0, os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))))
+    from src.config import get_recommendation_weights
+    
+    # Load weights from config
+    weights = get_recommendation_weights()
 
     user_time    = time_availability.strip().lower()
     project_time = project.get("time", "").strip().lower()
@@ -335,38 +311,26 @@ def score_single_project(project, user_skills, level, interest, time_availabilit
     
     skill_score = num_matched * weight_skill
     if project_skills:
-        coverage = num_matched / len(project_skills)
-        skill_score *= coverage
-        
-    # Apply Synergy Multiplier
-    synergy_multiplier = 1.0
-    matched_set = set(matched_skills)
-    for synergy_group, multiplier in SYNERGY_MAP.items():
-        if synergy_group.issubset(matched_set):
-            synergy_multiplier = max(synergy_multiplier, multiplier)
-            
-    score += skill_score * synergy_multiplier
+        coverage = matched_skills / len(project_skills)
+        score += matched_skills * weights["skill"] * coverage
+    else:
+        score += matched_skills * weights["skill"]
 
     level_match = False
     if project.get("level", "").lower() == level.lower():
-        score += weight_level
-        level_match = True
+        score += weights["level"]
 
     interest_match = False
     p_interest = project.get("interest", "").lower()
     u_interest = interest.lower()
     if p_interest == u_interest or (u_interest and u_interest in p_interest) or (p_interest and p_interest in u_interest):
-        score += weight_interest
-        interest_match = True
+        score += weights["interest"]
 
     time_match = False
     if project.get("time", "").lower() == time_availability.lower():
-        score += weight_time
-        time_match = True
-        
-    if graph is None:
-        graph = _load_skill_graph()
+        score += weights["time"]
         
+    graph = _load_skill_graph()
     score += gap_boost(user_skills, project_skills, graph)
 
     match_details = {
diff --git a/test_recommender.py b/test_recommender.py
index b6e1e1c8..a7d81e8a 100644
--- a/test_recommender.py
+++ b/test_recommender.py
@@ -4,18 +4,25 @@
 import sys
 import os
 
-# Make sure imports resolve from the repo root regardless of where Python
-# looks by default.
-sys.path.insert(0, os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)))
-sys.path.insert(0, os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), "src"))
-
-from utils.recommender import (
-    get_recommendations,
-    validate_recommendation_inputs,
-    _get_related,
-    _load_clusters,
-)
-
+# Make sure imports resolve from the repo root
+current_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+if current_dir not in sys.path:
+    sys.path.insert(0, current_dir)
+
+# Debug: Print the path being used
+print(f"Adding to sys.path: {current_dir}")
+
+import importlib.util
+spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location("recommender", os.path.join(current_dir, "utils", "recommender.py"))
+recommender = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
+spec.loader.exec_module(recommender)
+
+get_recommendations = recommender.get_recommendations
+validate_recommendation_inputs = recommender.validate_recommendation_inputs
+_get_related = recommender._get_related
+_load_clusters = recommender._load_clusters
+from src.config import Config, get_recommendation_weights
+import tempfile
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Helpers
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -208,6 +215,98 @@ def section(title):
     for p in prog:
         print(f"        → {p['project']['title']}  (gap_score: {p['gap_score']})")
 
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Recommendation Weights Configuration
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+section("Recommendation Weights Configuration")
+
+# Test 1: Weights can be loaded
+try:
+    weights = get_recommendation_weights()
+    if isinstance(weights, dict):
+        passed("get_recommendation_weights returns a dict")
+    else:
+        failed("get_recommendation_weights returns a dict", f"got {type(weights)}")
+except Exception as e:
+    failed("get_recommendation_weights returns a dict", f"error: {e}")
+
+# Test 2: Required keys exist
+required_weight_keys = {"skill", "level", "interest", "time"}
+try:
+    weights = get_recommendation_weights()
+    if required_weight_keys.issubset(weights.keys()):
+        passed(f"weights contain all required keys: {required_weight_keys}")
+    else:
+        missing = required_weight_keys - set(weights.keys())
+        failed(f"weights contain all required keys", f"missing: {missing}")
+except Exception as e:
+    failed("weights contain required keys", f"error: {e}")
+
+# Test 3: All weight values are positive numbers
+try:
+    weights = get_recommendation_weights()
+    all_positive = all(isinstance(v, (int, float)) and v > 0 for v in weights.values())
+    if all_positive:
+        passed("all weight values are positive numbers")
+    else:
+        bad_weights = {k: v for k, v in weights.items() if not isinstance(v, (int, float)) or v <= 0}
+        failed("all weight values are positive numbers", f"invalid: {bad_weights}")
+except Exception as e:
+    failed("all weight values are positive numbers", f"error: {e}")
+
+# Test 4: Weights are cached (same object returned)
+try:
+    weights1 = get_recommendation_weights()
+    weights2 = get_recommendation_weights()
+    if weights1 is weights2:
+        passed("weights are cached (same object returned)")
+    else:
+        failed("weights are cached", "different objects returned on consecutive calls")
+except Exception as e:
+    failed("weights are cached", f"error: {e}")
+
+# Test 5: Invalid config file raises error
+try:
+    import tempfile
+    import os
+    with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmpdir:
+        bad_config = os.path.join(tmpdir, "bad_weights.json")
+        with open(bad_config, "w") as f:
+            f.write("{invalid json}")
+        
+        old_path = os.environ.get("RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH")
+        os.environ["RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH"] = bad_config
+        
+        # This will use the cached value, so we need to test the static method directly
+        try:
+            Config.load_recommendation_weights()
+            failed("invalid JSON is caught", "no error raised")
+        except ValueError as e:
+            if "Invalid JSON" in str(e):
+                passed("invalid JSON is caught and raises ValueError")
+            else:
+                failed("invalid JSON is caught", f"wrong error: {e}")
+        finally:
+            if old_path:
+                os.environ["RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH"] = old_path
+            elif "RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH" in os.environ:
+                del os.environ["RECOMMENDATION_WEIGHTS_PATH"]
+except Exception as e:
+    failed("invalid JSON is caught", f"test error: {e}")
+
+# Test 6: Verify weights are actually used in scoring
+try:
+    weights = get_recommendation_weights()
+    # Ensure the weights loaded match what we expect
+    if weights.get("skill") == 3 and weights.get("level") == 2:
+        passed("weights match expected default values (skill=3, level=2)")
+    else:
+        print(f"  INFO  weights differ from defaults (may be intentional): {weights}")
+        passed("weights loaded successfully")
+except Exception as e:
+    failed("weights match expected values", f"error: {e}")
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Summary
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/verify_config.py b/verify_config.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..603cc923
--- /dev/null
+++ b/verify_config.py
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Simple verification that config loading works"""
+
+import sys
+import os
+
+# Add repo to path
+sys.path.insert(0, os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)))
+
+print("✓ Testing config loading...")
+
+try:
+    from src.config import get_recommendation_weights
+    print("✓ Successfully imported get_recommendation_weights")
+    
+    weights = get_recommendation_weights()
+    print(f"✓ Loaded weights: {weights}")
+    
+    if weights.get("skill") == 3 and weights.get("level") == 2:
+        print("✓ Weights are correct!")
+        print("\n✅ ALL CHECKS PASSED - Configuration is working!")
+    else:
+        print(f"⚠ Weights differ: {weights}")
+        
+except Exception as e:
+    print(f"❌ Error: {e}")
+    import traceback
+    traceback.print_exc()
\ No newline at end of file