Real-Time Chatting Application

This project is a real-time chatting application built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js). It allows users to engage in dynamic, real-time conversations with one another. The application is responsive and scalable, designed to deliver a seamless chatting experience.

Table of Contents

• Features
• Screenshots
• Technologies
• Getting Started
  • Prerequisites
  • Installation
  • Running the Project
• Usage
• Contributing
• License

Features

• Real-time messaging: Users can send and receive messages instantly.
• MongoDB for efficient data storage of conversations and user info.
• Responsive user interface built with React.
• Express and Node.js to manage the backend API and WebSocket connections.
• Socket.io for real-time communication.
• User authentication: Login and registration functionality.

Screenshots

1. Login Page

2. Chat Interface

Technologies

• Frontend: React.js
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js
• Database: MongoDB
• Real-Time Communication: Socket.io

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:

• Node.js (v12 or higher)
• MongoDB (Ensure MongoDB is running locally or on a remote server)
• npm or yarn

Installation

1. Clone this repository: ```bash git clone https://github.com/shambhaveesrivastava12/ChittChat.git cd ChittChat ```

2. Install dependencies for both the frontend and backend:

   • Backend: ```bash cd backend npm install ```
   • Frontend: ```bash cd ../frontend npm install ```

3. Create a .env file in the backend folder to configure environment variables (e.g., MongoDB connection string, JWT secret).

   ```bash PORT=5000 MONGO_DB_URI=your_mongo_db_uri JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret NODE_ENV=development ```

   💡For mongodb link, use cloud.mongodb.com -> Create Deployment -> Create User -> Allow Traffic 0.0.0.0 -> Connect via drivers ->Use username and password in project.

   💡For jwttoken, use '''openssl rand -base64 32''' in your terminal.

Running the Project

1. Start the backend server: ```bash cd backend npm run server ```

2. Start the frontend React app: ```bash cd ../frontend npm run dev ```

3. Access the application: Open your browser and go to http://localhost:5000.

Usage

• Register for an account or log in with an existing one.
• Start a chat with online users and enjoy real-time messaging.

Contributing

If you'd like to contribute, feel free to submit a pull request or open an issue.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

🎉 Hacktoberfest

This project is participating in Hacktoberfest 2025! 🍂 We welcome contributions from developers of all levels.

✅ What you can contribute:

Fix bugs 🐛

Add new features 🚀

Improve documentation 📚

Enhance UI/UX 🎨

❌ What will not be accepted:

Spammy or low-quality PRs

Automated PRs without meaningful contribution

Inspiration: