Realtime Chat Application (MERN Stack Backend)

Introduction

This repository contains the Backend for a Realtime Chat Application built using the MERN stack. The app features real-time communication, private and group chats, and other modern messaging functionalities.

Feature

• JWT Authentication-Secure user authentication using JSON Web Tokens.
• Private Messaging: Users can engage in one-on-one private conversations.
• Group Chat: Create rooms for group conversations where users can broadcast messages to multiple people.
• Real-Time Updates: Instant updates for messages, user status (online/offline), read/unread indicators, room join/leave notifications, and more.
• Responsive Design & Theming: Supports responsive web design (RWD) and includes light/dark mode themes.

Technologies

• database - MongoDB
• backend - Express.js & Node.js
• frontend - React.js (with styled-components)
• Real-time messages - Socket.io

Deploy

• database: MongoDB Atlas
• backend: Render
• frontend: Vercel

Live Demo

Testing Account

username: Prachi
password: Prachi888

How to use

1. Clone the repo

   git clone https://github.com/prachi888/ConvoMate-backend.git
   

2. Enter the directory

   cd realchat-backend
   

3. Install dependencies

   yarn install
   

4. Change .env.example file

   • change file name to .env
   • go to MongoDB Atlas to create a cluster and change the MONGO_URI
   • Set the CLIENT_URL to your local frontend address (e.g., http://localhost:3000 if the frontend runs on port 3000).
   • Generate random secrets for ACCESS_TOKEN_SECRET, REFRESH_TOKEN_SECRET, and COOKIE_SIGNATURE.

5. Run the app

   yarn dev
   

   Once you see the message App is listening on port YOUR_PORT, DB connection Success, you can proceed to run the frontend.