RealTimeChat

A real-time chat application that enables users to connect and communicate instantly with friends, colleagues, and communities.

Overview

RealTimeChat is a lightweight, browser-based chat application built with Node.js, Express, and Socket.io. It allows users to join chat rooms, send public messages in global chat, and communicate privately with other users in real-time.

Register

Group Char layout

Private chat layout

Features

• User Authentication: Simple username-based login system
• Global Chat Room: Public chat space for all connected users
• Private Messaging: One-on-one conversations between users
• Active User List: Shows all currently connected users
• Real-time Updates: Instant message delivery and user status updates
• Responsive Design: Works on both desktop and mobile devices

Technical Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Backend: Node.js, Express
• Real-time Communication: Socket.io
• Development Tools: Nodemon

Project Structure

realtimechat/
├── .gitignore           # Git ignore file
├── README.md            # Project documentation
├── package.json         # Project dependencies
├── package-lock.json    # Dependency lock file
├── server.js            # Main server file with Socket.io setup
├── app.js               # Client-side Socket.io implementation
├── index.html           # Main entry page with login form
├── favicon.png          # Website favicon

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/realtimechat.git
   

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd realtimechat
   

3. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

4. Start the development server:

   npm start
   

5. Open your browser and navigate to:

   http://localhost:3000
   

Usage

1. Enter a username on the login page
2. Join the global chat room automatically
3. View active users in the sidebar
4. Click on a user's name to start a private conversation
5. Type messages in the input field and press Enter or click the send button

Deployment

The application is currently deployed on Vercel at: https://real-time-chat-anyone.vercel.app/

Development

To contribute to this project:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

This project is licensed under the ISC License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Socket.io for the powerful real-time engine
• Express.js for the web server framework
• Node.js community for incredible tools and support