Real-Time Chat Application

advanced

A real-time chat application with multiple channels, direct messaging, typing indicators, message history, and user presence status. Supports emoji reactions and file sharing with a modern, respons...

Target user

Teams and friend groups who need private real-time communication

Problem

Teams need a self-hosted real-time chat solution with presence indicators, message history, and file sharing without depending on third-party services that may not meet privacy requirements.

Requirements

Real-time messaging with WebSocket connections
Multiple channels and direct messaging
Typing indicators and user presence
Message history with pagination
File sharing and emoji reactions

Core technologies

Express, Socket.io, React, TypeScript

Completion criteria

Users can exchange messages in real-time across channels, see presence status, share files, and react with emojis.

Optional extensions

Add voice message support
Implement message search
Add notification preferences
Support message threading