TalkSpace

Welcome to TalkSpace, a feature-rich messaging application designed with efficiency and performance in mind. This app leverages the power of MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js to create a seamless, real-time communication experience for users. It also utilizes Socket.io for real-time bidirectional event-based communication.

Features

User Authentication: Utilizes JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for secure user authentication and protecting routes.
Real-time Communication: Users can send and receive messages instantly using Socket.io.
Group Chat: Create, join, and communicate in group chats with multiple users.
Direct Messaging: Communicate directly with any other user on the platform.
Persistent Storage: All conversations are stored in MongoDB and can be retrieved and continued at any time.
Responsive Design: Built with React.js and Chakra UI, TalkSpace is designed to look great on all devices and screen sizes.

Getting Started

These instructions will get you a copy of the project up and running on your local machine for development and testing purposes.

Prerequisites

Node.js and npm installed on your local machine.
MongoDB installed locally or MongoDB Atlas (Cloud version).

Installation

Clone the git repository

  git clone https://github.com/Constantine7s/talkspace

Install NPM packages for both the server and client

  cd talkspace
  npm install
  cd frontend/
  npm install

Create a .env file in the root directory and set your environment variables for your MongoDB URI, JWT Secret and port

  PORT=8000
  MONGO_URI=your_mongodb_uri
  JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret

Start the server and client concurrently

  npm run start

  //open new terminal
  cd frontend
  npm start

Now, you should be able to view the application on localhost:3000.

Usage

Register as a new user or use the guest user credentials, login, and start chatting. You can create new chat groups, join existing ones, and send direct messages to users.

Constantine7s / talkspace