This repository contains the source code and documentation for an Online Chat App, a web application that allows users to communicate with each other in real-time. The app is built using modern web technologies and follows a client-server architecture.

• Real-time Messaging: Users can send and receive messages instantly, enabling real-time communication.
• User Authentication: The app supports user authentication, ensuring that only registered users can access the chat system.
• User Profiles: Each user has a profile where they can update their information and display a profile picture.
• Private and Group Chats: Users can engage in one-on-one private chats or join group chats based on their interests.
• Message Notifications: Users receive notifications for new messages, ensuring they never miss an important conversation.
• Message History: The app keeps a record of chat messages, allowing users to view previous conversations.
• Emojis and File Sharing: Users can express themselves with emojis and share files within the chat interface.

The Online Chat App is built using the following technologies:

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Backend: Firebase
• Database: NO-SQL
• Real-time Communication: Socket.IO
• User Authentication: JSON Web Tokens (JWT)
• Image/File Upload: Multer

To run the Online Chat App locally, follow these steps:

1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/your-username/online-chat-app.git
2. Navigate to the project directory: cd online-chat-app
3. Install the dependencies: npm install
4. Create a MongoDB database and update the connection string in the .env file.
5. Start the development server: npm start
6. Access the app in your browser at http://localhost:3000

The repository follows a specific folder structure:

• app.js: Entry point of the application.
• routes/: Contains route handlers for different API endpoints.
• models/: Defines the database models and schemas.
• controllers/: Implements the logic for different routes.
• views/: Contains the HTML templates for rendering views.
• public/: Includes static files such as CSS stylesheets and client-side JavaScript.
• config/: Contains configuration files for the app.
• middleware/: Defines middleware functions used in the app.
• uploads/: Stores uploaded files.
• utils/: Includes utility functions used throughout the app.

Contributions to the Online Chat App are welcome! If you have any ideas or suggestions, please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch: git checkout -b feature/your-feature.
3. Make your changes and commit them: git commit -m 'Add some feature'.
4. Push to the branch: git push origin feature/your-feature.
5. Open a pull request.

Please ensure that your code follows the existing coding style and includes appropriate tests.

Non

• This project was inspired by the need for a modern and efficient online chat application.
• Thanks to the open-source community for providing the tools and libraries used in this project.