Real-Time Chat Application

A full-featured chat app with real-time messaging, multiple rooms, private DMs, online status indicators, and file sharing.

ReactNode.jsSocket.IOMongoDBCloudinary

Find GitHub repos & source code →

How to build it — step by step

1
WebSocket Setup: Integrate Socket.IO on both server and client; handle connection, disconnect events
2
Rooms & DMs: Implement room creation, joining, and private DM via unique socket room names
3
Message Persistence: Store messages in MongoDB; paginate on scroll to load message history
4
File Sharing: Upload images/files to Cloudinary, send CDN URL as message type "file"

Key features to implement

✓Real-time messaging with typing indicators
✓Online/offline status for contacts
✓Group rooms and private DMs
✓Image and file sharing
✓Message read receipts (double tick)

💡 Unique twist to stand out

Add encrypted messages using the Web Crypto API (AES-GCM end-to-end encryption) where keys are exchanged via Diffie-Hellman and stored locally — the server never sees plaintext messages.