Full-Stack Real-Time Chat Application

This is a modern, full-stack real-time chat application built with React, Node.js, Express, Socket.io, and MongoDB.

Features

• Real-Time Messaging: Built with Socket.io for instant message delivery.
• Authentication: JWT-based user signup and login.
• Modern UI: Clean, responsive design with glassmorphism effects and dark mode support using Vanilla CSS.
• Typing Indicators: See when the other person is typing in real-time.
• Group Chats & 1-on-1 Chats: Support for private and group conversations.

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v16 or higher)
• MongoDB (Local instance or MongoDB Atlas)

Getting Started

1. Database Setup

1. Ensure MongoDB is running locally on mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017 or update the MONGO_URI environment variable in backend/config/db.js with your MongoDB Atlas connection string.

Project Status

Current Version: 1.0.0 Last Updated: May 2026

The project is currently in active development, with all core real-time features implemented and stable.

2. Backend Setup

1. Navigate to the backend directory:

   cd backend

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Start the server:

   node server.js

   The server will run on http://localhost:5000

3. Frontend Setup

1. Navigate to the frontend directory:

   cd frontend

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Start the Vite development server:

   npm run dev

   The frontend will run on http://localhost:5173