FULL-STACK CHAT APP

Project report in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Technology
In
Computer Science and Engineering

Submitted By

Shuvo Biswas University Roll No. 12020009001268

Tapalabdha Bhattacharjee University Roll No.12020009001073

Ankur Datta University Roll No.12020009001267

Amritendu Banerjee University Roll No.12020009001234

Dibabosu Chatterjee University Roll No.12020009001266

Soumyaraj Dutta University Roll No.12020009001093

Ankan Laskar University Roll No.12020009001085

Sanchita Karmakar University Roll No.12020009001314

Saptarshi Dey University Roll No.12020009001187

Under the guidance of

Prof. Bipasha Mukhopadhyay
&
Prof. Varsha Poddar
Department of Computer Science and Engineering

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT, KOLKATA

University Area, Plot No. III – B/5, New Town, Action Area – III, Kolkata – 700160.
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project titled Full-Stack Chat App submitted by Shuvo Biswas (University
Roll No.12020009001268), Tapalabdha Bhattacharjee (University Roll No.12020009001268), Ankur
Datta (University Roll No.12020009001267), Amritendu Banerjee (University Roll
No.12020009001234), Dibabosu Chatterjee (University Roll No.12020009001266), Soumyaraj Dutta
(University Roll No.12020009001093), Ankan Laskar ( University Roll No.12020009001085),
Sanchita Karmakar (University Roll No.12020009001314) and Saptarshi Dey (University Roll
No.12020009001187) students of UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT, KOLKATA,
in partial fulfillment of requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and
Engineering , is a bonafide work carried out by them under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Varsha
Poddar & Prof. Bipasha Mukhopadhyay during 7th Semester of academic session of 2023 - 2024. The
content of this report has not been submitted to any other university or institute. I am glad to inform that
the work is entirely original and its performance is found to be quite satisfactory.

_______________________________ _________________________________

Signature of Guide Signature of Guide

_________________________________

Signature of Head of the Department

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone whose cooperation and encouragement
throughout the ongoing course of this project remains invaluable to us.

We are sincerely grateful to our guide Prof. Bipasha Mukhopadhyay and Prof. Varsha Poddar of the
Department of Computer Science and Engineering , UEM, Kolkata, for their wisdom, guidance and
inspiration that helped us to go through with this project and take it to where it stands now.

Last but not the least, we would like to extend our warm regards to our families and peers who have kept
supporting us and always had faith in our work.

Shuvo Biswas

Tapalabdha Bhattacharjee

Ankur Dutta

Amritendu Banerjee

Dibabosu Chatterjee

Soumyaraj Dutta

Ankan Laskar

Sanchita Karmakar

Saptarshi Dey
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................PAGE NO 5

CHAPTER – 1: INTRODUCTION.....................................................................PAGE NO 6

CHAPTER – 2: LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 React Js ...........................................................................................................PAGE NO 7

2.2 Node Js ...........................................................................................................PAGE NO 8

2.3 CSS .................................................................................................................PAGE NO 9

2.4 API ..................................................................................................................PAGE NO 10

CHAPTER – 3: PROBLEM STATEMENT

3.1 User privacy and experience, Interoperability............................................PAGE NO 11

3.2 Real time communication challenges............................................................PAGE NO 11

3.3 Integration of Multimedia and Rich content...............................................PAGE NO 11

3.4 Cross-platform compatibility, Accessibility & Inclusivity.........................PAGE NO 12

3.5 Spams and Unwanted messages....................................................................PAGE NO 12

CHAPTER – 4: PROPOSED SOLUTION

4.1 Enhanced security, Interoperability standards...........................................PAGE NO 12

4.2 Optimised user experience.............................................................................PAGE NO 13

4.2 Real-time communication improvement, Cross-platform consistency......PAGE NO 13

4.2 Mutimedia Integration & Accessibility features…………………………..PAGE NO 13

4.2 Spam Detection & Prevention………….. .....................................................PAGE NO 13

CHAPTER – 5 : EXPERIMENTAL SETUP AND RESULT ANALYSIS

5.1 Code Snippets..................................................................................................PAGE NO 14

5.2 App preview.....................................................................................................PAGE NO 15

CHAPTER – 6 : CONCLUSION & FUTURE SCOPE

6.1 Possibilities in near future to shape the upcoming chatbots......................PAGE NO 16

6.2 Conclusion.......................................................................................................PAGE NO 18

BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................PAGE NO 19
 ABSTRACT

This report explores the evolving landscape of chat applications, delving into their
key features, challenges, and potential future developments. Chat apps have
become integral to modern communication, offering instant messaging, multimedia
sharing, voice and video calls, group chats, and more. Despite their widespread
use, challenges such as security concerns, privacy issues, and intense competition
persist. Looking forward, the report suggests potential advancements, including
artificial intelligence integration, augmented reality enhancements, and improved
cross-platform integration. The conclusion emphasizes the transformative impact of
chat applications on communication and highlights the importance of balancing
innovation with robust security measures.

INTRODUCTION
Chat applications, also known as messaging apps, have revolutionized the way
people communicate. These applications enable users to exchange text messages,
multimedia content, and engage in voice and video calls. With the increasing
reliance on digital communication, chat apps have become essential tools for
personal and professional interactions.

The Languages used in preparing this website are:-

React JavaScript

Node JavaScript

CSS

Api

LITERATURE SURVEY
React JavaScript-
React.js, commonly known as React, is an open-source JavaScript library developed
and maintained by Facebook. It is primarily used for building user interfaces (UIs)
for single-page applications where the content is updated dynamically without
requiring a full page reload. React was first released in 2013 and has since gained
widespread adoption due to its efficiency and flexibility .

Key features and concepts of React.js include:

 Component-Based Architecture: React follows a component-based

architecture, where the UI is broken down into reusable and independent
components. Each component manages its state and behavior, making it
easier to build and maintain complex UIs.
 Virtual DOM: React uses a virtual DOM to optimize rendering performance.
Instead of directly manipulating the browser's DOM, React creates a virtual
representation of it in memory. When changes occur, React compares the
virtual DOM with the real DOM and updates only the necessary parts,
minimizing the need for expensive DOM operations.
 Declarative Syntax: React uses a declarative approach to define how the UI
should look based on its state. Developers specify the desired UI state, and
React takes care of updating the DOM to match that state efficiently.
 JSX (JavaScript XML): React uses JSX, a syntax extension for JavaScript that
looks similar to XML or HTML. JSX allows developers to write UI components in
a syntax that closely resembles the final output, making the code more
readable.
 Unidirectional Data Flow: React follows a unidirectional data flow, where
data changes propagate in a single direction—from parent components to
child components. This helps maintain a clear and predictable flow of data
within the application.
 React Router: For managing navigation and creating single-page
applications, React Router is often used. It enables developers to define
routes and navigation within a React application.
 State and Props: React components can have state, which represents the
local state of a component, and props (short for properties), which are used
to pass data from parent components to child components.

React is widely used in web development to create interactive and dynamic user
interfaces. It is often combined with other tools and libraries, such as Redux for
state management, to build scalable and maintainable applications. React's
popularity and strong community support have led to its adoption by numerous
companies and developers for building modern web applications.

Node JavaScript-
Node.js is an open-source, server-side JavaScript runtime environment that
allows developers to run JavaScript code on the server. It was created by Ryan
Dahl in 2009 and has since gained widespread adoption in the web development
community. Node.js is built on the V8 JavaScript runtime engine, the same
engine that powers the Google Chrome browser.

Key features and concepts of Node.js include:

 Asynchronous and Event-Driven: Node.js is designed to be non-

blocking and asynchronous. This means that it can handle a large number
of concurrent connections without waiting for one operation to complete
before moving on to the next. This asynchronous, event-driven
architecture is well-suited for building scalable network applications.
 Single-Threaded, Event Loop: Node.js uses a single-threaded event
loop to handle multiple concurrent connections. The event loop efficiently
manages I/O operations, allowing Node.js to handle many connections
simultaneously.
 NPM: NPM is the default package manager for Node.js, providing a vast
ecosystem of open-source libraries and tools. Developers can easily install,
share, and manage dependencies for their Node.js projects using NPM.
 Server-Side JavaScript: With Node.js, developers can use JavaScript on
the server side, which provides a unified language for both client and
server development. This allows for easier sharing of code and expertise
between front-end and back-end development.
 Cross-Platform: Node.js is cross-platform and runs on various operating
systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it versatile for
building applications that can run on different environments.
 Modules: Node.js uses a modular system, allowing developers to organize
their code into reusable modules. CommonJS is the module system used in
Node.js, enabling developers to create modular and maintainable code.
 Scalability: Node.js is well-suited for building scalable applications,
particularly those with a large number of simultaneous connections. Its
event-driven, non-blocking architecture makes it efficient in handling many
requests concurrently.
 Community and Ecosystem: Node.js has a vibrant and active
community that contributes to its growth and development. The
ecosystem includes a vast number of libraries and frameworks, making it
easier for developers to build a wide range of applications.

Node.js is commonly used for building web servers, API servers, real-time
applications, and microservices. It has become a popular choice for developers
due to its efficiency, speed, and the ability to use JavaScript for both client-side
and server-side development.

CSS-
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is a style sheet language used for describing the
presentation of a document written in HTML or XML (including XML dialects such
as SVG or XHTML). CSS describes how elements should be displayed on the
screen, in print, or other media types. It allows developers and designers to
control the layout, styling, and appearance of web pages.

Key concepts and features of CSS include:

 Selectors: Selectors are patterns that are used to select and style HTML
elements. They can target elements based on their tag names, classes,
IDs, attributes, and relationships with other elements.
 Properties: CSS properties define the style and layout of elements.
Examples of properties include color, font-size, margin, padding, and
border. Each property has a value that determines how the style should be
applied.
 Values: Values are assigned to properties and define the specific style
that should be applied. For example, the value for the color property could
be a specific color name, a hexadecimal code, or an RGB value .
 Box Model: The CSS box model describes how elements are structured
and how they interact with each other. It consists of content, padding,
border, and margin. Understanding the box model is crucial for controlling
the layout and spacing of elements on a webpage.
 Layouts: CSS provides various techniques for controlling the layout of
web pages. This includes positioning elements using properties like position,
float, and display. Flexbox and Grid are more recent layout models that offer
powerful and flexible ways to design complex layouts.
 Responsive Design: CSS supports responsive design, allowing
developers to create layouts that adapt to different screen sizes and
devices. Media queries are commonly used to apply different styles based
on the characteristics of the device, such as its width, height, and
orientation.
 Cascade and Specificity: The "C" in CSS stands for "Cascading," which
refers to the order of priority when multiple style sheets are applied to the
same document. Specificity determines which styles are applied when
there are conflicting rules. Styles can be inherited, overridden, or
combined based on the specificity of the selectors.
 Transition and Animations: CSS allows for the creation of smooth
transitions and animations, enhancing the user experience. Properties like
transition and animation enable the gradual change of style properties
over time.

CSS is an integral part of web development and is used in conjunction with HTML and
JavaScript to create visually appealing and interactive websites. It separates the content
(HTML) from the presentation (CSS), making it easier to maintain and update the design
of a website.
API-
API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of rules and protocols that
allows one software application to interact with another. APIs define how software
components should communicate, making it possible for different systems to work
together, share data, and perform specific functions.

key features and concepts related to APIs include:

 Endpoints: APIs expose specific endpoints or URLs that applications can

use to access the functionality or data provided by the API. Each endpoint
represents a specific operation or resource.
 HTTP Methods: APIs often use standard HTTP methods such as GET,
POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform different actions. For example, a GET
request might retrieve data, while a POST request might submit data to be
processed.
 Request and Response: API communication involves making requests
and receiving responses. A request is made by an application to a specific
endpoint, specifying the desired action and providing any required data.
The API then processes the request and sends back a response, which
typically includes the requested data or confirmation of the action.
 Authentication: APIs often require authentication to ensure that only
authorized users or applications can access their resources. This can
involve the use of API keys, tokens, or other authentication mechanisms.
 Data Formats: APIs transfer data between applications in a structured
format. Common data formats include JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
and XML (eXtensible Markup Language). These formats make it easy for
systems to understand and interpret the data being exchanged.
 REST: REST is an architectural style for designing networked applications.
RESTful APIs adhere to the principles of REST, using standard HTTP
methods and following a stateless client-server communication model .
 SDK: Some APIs come with SDKs that provide pre-built libraries, tools, and
documentation to simplify the integration of the API into a specific
programming language or platform.

APIs are used in a variety of contexts, including web development, mobile app
development, and integrations between different software systems. They enable
developers to leverage existing services, access data, and build upon the functionality
of other applications, fostering interoperability and innovation in the software
development ecosystem.

Problem Statement
In the realm of digital communication, the demand for efficient and user-friendly
chat applications continues to grow. However, the current landscape presents
several challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the user experience,
security, and versatility of chat applications. This problem statement aims to
highlight key issues in existing chat applications:

 User Privacy and Data Security: Many chat applications face concerns related
to user privacy and data security. With the increasing frequency of cyber
threats and data breaches, there is a critical need to develop chat
applications that prioritize end-to-end encryption, robust authentication
methods, and secure storage of user data.
 Interoperability and Fragmentation: The current ecosystem is fragmented, with
various chat applications operating in isolation. Users often need multiple
apps to communicate with different contacts, leading to a lack of
interoperability. There is a need for a standardized approach or protocols
that enable seamless communication across different chat platforms.
 User Experience and Interface Design: Some chat applications struggle with
providing an intuitive and consistent user experience. Issues such as
cluttered interfaces, confusing navigation, and limited customization
options can hinder user satisfaction. Improving the user interface design
and experience is essential for widespread adoption.
 Real-time Communication Challenges: Achieving true real-time communication,
especially in large group chats or across different time zones, can be
challenging. Latency issues, synchronization problems, and efficient
handling of high message volumes need to be addressed to ensure smooth
and instantaneous communication.
 Integration of Multimedia and Rich Content: While text remains a primary mode
of communication, the increasing demand for multimedia content (images,
videos, files) poses challenges in terms of efficient handling, storage, and
seamless integration within chat applications. Striking a balance between
functionality and simplicity is crucial.
 Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensuring consistent performance and features
across various devices and operating systems is a significant challenge.
Achieving cross-platform compatibility while maintaining a consistent user
experience is essential for catering to diverse user preferences.
 Accessibility and Inclusivity: Many chat applications lack features that make
them accessible to individuals with disabilities. Implementing features
such as screen reader compatibility, text-to-speech options, and
customizable font sizes is vital for creating inclusive communication
platforms.
 Spam and Unwanted Communication: Users frequently encounter issues related
to spam, unwanted messages, and phishing attempts. Developing
effective mechanisms for spam detection, reporting, and blocking is crucial
to maintaining a safe and positive user environment.

Proposed Solution
 Enhanced Security Measures:
1. End-to-End Encryption: Implement robust end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the
intended recipients can decrypt and read messages.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Integrate MFA options to enhance user authentication and
protect accounts from unauthorized access.
3. Secure Data Storage: Employ secure and compliant data storage practices to safeguard user
information and chat history.
 Interoperability Standards:
1. Adoption of Open Standards: Promote the use of open standards and protocols to enable
interoperability between different chat applications.
2. API Integration: Develop standardized APIs that allow different applications to communicate
seamlessly, fostering cross-platform compatibility.
 Optimized User Experience:
1. Intuitive User Interface: Redesign interfaces to prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness,
reducing clutter and improving navigation.
2. Customization Options: Provide users with customizable themes, layouts, and notification
preferences to enhance personalization.
 Real-time Communication Improvements:
1. Optimized Server Infrastructure: Invest in scalable server infrastructure to reduce latency and
handle real-time communication efficiently.
2. Smart Synchronization: Implement intelligent synchronization mechanisms to ensure real-time
updates across all devices.
 Multimedia Integration:
1. Efficient Media Handling: Improve the handling and storage of multimedia content, optimizing
compression and ensuring seamless integration within chat conversations.
2. Rich Content Previews: Implement rich content previews for links, images, and files to enhance
the overall user experience.
 Cross-Platform Consistency:
1. Responsive Design: Develop responsive design principles to ensure a consistent and adaptive
user experience across various devices and operating systems.
2. Feature Parity: Strive for feature parity across different platforms, minimizing discrepancies in
functionality.
 Accessibility Features:
1. Accessibility Standards: Adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to ensure that chat
applications are usable by individuals with disabilities.
2. User-friendly Accessibility Options: Implement features such as screen reader compatibility,
voice commands, and customizable accessibility settings.
 Spam Detection and Prevention:
1. Machine Learning Algorithms: Employ machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior
and identify patterns indicative of spam or phishing attempts.
2. User Reporting and Blocking: Enable easy reporting and blocking mechanisms for users to take
action against unwanted communication.

Experimental Setup and Result Analysis

Setting up an experimental environment for a chat application involves several
steps, including software and hardware considerations, as well as the configuration
of servers, databases, and networking components.

Code Snippets:
App preview-
 Future Scope
The future scope of chat applications is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements,
changing user preferences, and emerging trends in communication. Several exciting possibilities and
trends shape the future of chat apps:

1. Conversational AI and Chatbots:

 Integrating advanced conversational AI and chatbots into chat applications can enhance user
engagement and automate various tasks. Future chat apps may feature more sophisticated bots
capable of understanding natural language, providing personalized recommendations, and
seamlessly handling complex queries.
2. Multimodal Communication:
 The future of chat applications may involve integrating diverse forms of communication,
including video calls, voice messages, and augmented reality (AR). This multimodal approach
aims to create more immersive and expressive conversations.
3. Decentralized and Blockchain-based Messaging:
 Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the security and privacy aspects of chat
applications. Future chat apps may leverage decentralized architectures, ensuring end-to-end
encryption, data ownership, and secure transactions.
4. Integration with Smart Devices:
 With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), chat applications may integrate seamlessly with
smart devices. Users could control and communicate with their connected devices through chat
interfaces, creating a more interconnected and intelligent environment.
5. Enhanced Security and Privacy Features:
 Privacy concerns continue to be a priority. Future chat apps are likely to incorporate advanced
security measures, including zero-knowledge encryption, self-destructing messages, and more
granular control over user data.
6. AI-driven Personalization:
 AI algorithms will play a crucial role in personalizing user experiences within chat applications.
These algorithms can analyze user behavior, preferences, and context to deliver tailored
content, suggestions, and even automate repetitive tasks.
7. Real-Time Language Translation:
 Breaking down language barriers is a growing trend. Chat applications of the future may
seamlessly translate messages in real-time, enabling users from different linguistic backgrounds
to communicate effortlessly.
8. Integration with E-commerce and Services:
 Chat applications may evolve into comprehensive platforms that integrate various services, such
as e-commerce, travel bookings, and food delivery. Users might make transactions, place orders,
and access services without leaving the chat environment.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) Chat Experiences:
 AR features within chat applications could enable users to share augmented reality content,
overlay information on real-world environments, and create interactive and immersive
experiences during conversations.
10. Environmental Integration:
  Chat applications may integrate features related to environmental consciousness, such as
carbon footprint tracking, eco-friendly emojis, and tools for organizing environmentally friendly
events or activities.

The future of chat applications is dynamic and expansive, with a focus on providing richer, more
personalized, and secure communication experiences. As technology continues to advance, chat apps
are likely to become central hubs for a wide range of activities beyond traditional messaging.
 Conclusion
In conclusion, the development and evolution of chat applications have significantly transformed the
landscape of digital communication. As evident from the analysis and exploration of various aspects,
chat apps have become indispensable tools for individuals, businesses, and communities. The
multifaceted nature of these applications encompasses not only text-based messaging but also
incorporates multimedia sharing, real-time collaboration, and integration with a plethora of services.

The report highlighted the challenges faced by contemporary chat applications, such as privacy
concerns, security vulnerabilities, and the need for enhanced features to meet the diverse expectations
of users. However, with each challenge comes an opportunity for innovation and improvement.
Proposed solutions, as outlined in the report, offer a roadmap for creating more secure, interoperable,
and user-friendly chat applications.

The future scope of chat applications is promising, with anticipated advancements in areas like artificial
intelligence, blockchain, multimodal communication, and integration with emerging technologies. These
trends suggest a transformative journey for chat apps, making them more intelligent, versatile, and
capable of providing immersive user experiences.

As the technological landscape continues to evolve, chat applications will likely play a central role in
shaping how individuals and businesses communicate, collaborate, and connect with the digital world.
The potential for increased personalization, security enhancements, and the integration of cutting-edge
technologies positions chat applications as pivotal tools for the future of communication.

In conclusion, the ongoing innovation and development in the realm of chat applications signify a
dynamic and exciting future, where these platforms will continue to be at the forefront of the digital
communication revolution.
 Bibliography

 https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/
 https://chatengine.io/
 https://www.npmjs.com/
 https://blog.chatengine.io/