Real-Time Chat Web Application

Objective

Build a real-time chat application using the MERN Stack (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js) to assess skills in backend development, API design, real-time data handling, and full-stack application architecture.

🌟 Unique Project Features

1. Contact-Based Messaging System

• Exclusive Communication:
  • Users can only chat with contacts they have explicitly saved in their contact list
  • Provides an additional layer of privacy and security
  • Prevents random strangers from initiating conversations

2. Advanced Authentication Mechanisms

• Multi-Layer Security:
  • JWT Token Authentication
  • OTP (One-Time Password) Verification
  • Email-based Account Activation
  • Secure password hashing
  • Comprehensive user validation process

3. Real-Time Communication Enhancements

• Intelligent Presence Tracking:
  • Detailed online/offline status indicators
  • Real-time presence updates using WebSockets
  • Instant notification of user connection status

4. Sophisticated Messaging Experience

• Enhanced Message Interactions:
  • Typing indicators
  • Read receipts
  • Precise message timestamps
  • Automatic chat window scrolling
  • Email notifications for account activities

5. Adaptive User Interface

• Flexible Design Architecture:
  • Multi-theme support
  • Minimalist and responsive design
  • Seamless cross-device experience
  • Adaptive UI components

6. Communication Security Features

• Privacy-Focused Messaging:
  • Contacts-only messaging restriction
  • Secure message storage in MongoDB
  • End-to-end communication tracking
  • Comprehensive user authentication

7. Notification and Communication Intelligence

• Smart Notification System:
  • Email notifications on account creation
  • OTP verification via email
  • Detailed account activity tracking
  • Intelligent user connection management

8. Performance and Scalability

• Robust Technical Architecture:
  • WebSocket-based real-time communication
  • Efficient backend with Node.js and Express
  • Scalable MongoDB database design
  • Optimized frontend with React

9. User Experience Innovations

• Contextual Communication:
  • User-centric contact management
  • Intuitive interface design
  • Seamless real-time interactions
  • Minimal cognitive load for users

10. Extensible Ecosystem

• Future-Ready Design:
  • Modular architecture
  • Easy integration of new features
  • Potential for group chat expansion
  • Flexible authentication mechanisms

Project Features

1. User Authentication

• Secure user registration and login
• JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for session management
• Secure user details storage in MongoDB
• Password validation and hashing
• OTP Verification via email

2. Chat Functionality

• Real-time messaging for authenticated users
• WebSocket implementation using Socket.io
• Live chat without page refresh
• Chat history persistence in MongoDB
• Chat only possible between users with saved contacts

3. User Interface

• React-based frontend
• Online users list
• Simple chat interface
• Message input field
• Chat message display area

4. Advanced Features

• Online/Offline presence indicator
• Typing indicators
• Message timestamps
• Read receipts
• Multi-theme support
• Minimalist design

Technical Requirements

Backend

• Node.js and Express server
• RESTful API endpoints
• MongoDB for data storage
• Socket.io for real-time communication
• JWT Authentication

Frontend

• React
• Socket.io-client
• Responsive design

Database Schema

User Profile

• Username
• Email
• Password (hashed)
• Phone Number
• Contacts

Message

• Sender
• Receiver
• Message Content
• Timestamp
• Read Status

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14+)
• npm (v6+)
• MongoDB
• Git

Installation and Setup

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/12fahed/Real-Time-Chat-Application.git
cd Real-Time-Chat-Application

1. Backend Setup

cd backend
npm install

Create .env in backend directory:

MONGODB_URI=your_mongodb_connection_string
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret
EMAIL_SERVICE_CONFIG=your_email_service_configuration

Run backend:

npm run dev

2. Frontend Setup

cd ../frontend
npm install

Create .env in frontend directory:

REACT_APP_API_URL=http://localhost:5000

Run frontend:

npm run dev

Usage Instructions

1. Create an account with:

   • Email
   • Name
   • Password
   • Phone Number

2. Verify account via OTP sent to email

3. Add contacts by phone number

4. Start chatting with saved contacts

Authorization Methods

• JWT Token Authentication
• OTP Email Verification

Security Features

• Secure password storage
• Contact-based messaging
• Email verification
• Token-based authentication

Themes

• Multiple theme support
• Minimalist design
• Easy theme switching

Contribution Guidelines

1. Fork the repository
2. Create feature branch: git checkout -b feature/YourFeature
3. Commit changes: git commit -m 'Add YourFeature'
4. Push to branch: git push origin feature/YourFeature
5. Open Pull Request

Recommended Development Environment

• Visual Studio Code
• MongoDB Compass
• Postman for API testing

Troubleshooting

• Ensure all environment variables are correctly set
• Check MongoDB connection
• Verify Node.js and npm versions
• Ensure all dependencies are installed

Performance Optimization

• Implement pagination for chat history
• Use efficient indexing in MongoDB
• Optimize WebSocket connections
• Implement caching mechanisms

Future Enhancements

• Group chat functionality
• File sharing
• Advanced user profiles
• End-to-end encryption
• Video/Audio chat integration

Contact

Fahed Khan