ChatApp

A real-time chat application built with the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js).
This project was created for learning purposes and demonstrates a full-stack chat solution with user authentication and real-time messaging.

Features

• User registration and login with JWT authentication
• Real-time messaging (Socket.IO)
• Create and join chat rooms or direct messages
• Responsive, clean UI
• User online/offline status
• Message notifications
• (Optional) Emojis and profile avatars

Tech Stack

• Frontend: React.js (JavaScript), CSS/HTML
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js
• Database: MongoDB
• Real-time: Socket.IO
• Authentication: JWT, bcrypt

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v18+ recommended)
• npm or yarn
• MongoDB (local or Atlas)

Installation

1. Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/blezecon/ChatApp.git
cd ChatApp

2. Install backend dependencies

cd backend
npm install

3. Install frontend dependencies

cd ../frontend
npm install

Environment Variables

Fill the .env file in the backend directory:

PORT=5000
MONGO_URI=your_mongodb_connection_string
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret
CLIENT_URL=http://localhost:3000

Running the App

1. Start backend (from /backend):

npm run dev

2. Start frontend (from /frontend):

npm start

• Backend: http://localhost:5000
• Frontend: http://localhost:3000

Usage

1. Register a new account or log in.
2. Create or join a chat room, or start a private chat.
3. Enjoy messaging in real time!

Folder Structure

ChatApp/
  backend/
    models/
    routes/
    controllers/
    ...
  frontend/
    src/
      components/
      pages/
      ...

Screenshots

License

This project is for learning purposes.
You may use or modify it freely.

Author

• blezecon