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AT
DELHI TECHNICAL CAMPUS
SUBMITTED BY
DHRUV KUMAR JHA - 09318002721
CHAAHAT CHOWLA - 07918002721
ISHITA ARYA - 10118002721
7th Semester
2024-25
SUBMITTED TO
3 Ms. Rashmi Sharma
(Assistant Professor)
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
User need to create a public discussion group providing a heading along with some description
and would have to ask a question to initiate the discussion. Descriptions can also be posted in the
form of audio and video.
Rest of the users can reply to the asked question and a cross-question can be asked by anyone
from the given reply following this reply can also be provided by anybody for the cross-question
and this goes on. Any user can ask another question related to that topic and the same things can
also be done on that question.
The Head of the discussion group would be the user who will have created that and anytime the
complete discussion can be removed by the author means it will not be visible to rest of the
users.
A web forum web application is incredibly useful for fostering online communities, enabling
user engagement, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and ideas. It provides a centralized
platform where individuals can ask questions, share expertise, and engage in discussions on a
wide range of topics. Whether for technical support, community building, education, or
interest-based groups, a forum encourages collaboration and user-generated content, making it an
invaluable tool for both individuals and businesses. It also facilitates knowledge retention, as
discussions and solutions remain accessible to future users. Additionally, web forums allow for
efficient problem-solving through peer support, and they can help organizations gather feedback,
generate ideas, and improve customer service. The ability to moderate discussions ensures a safe
and respectful environment, enhancing user experience and engagement. As a scalable,
interactive platform, web forums provide a cost-effective and sustainable way for users to stay
connected, share experiences, and grow communities over time.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Web forums have been a cornerstone of online communication since the early days of the
internet. They are digital platforms where users can interact by posting messages, asking
questions, sharing knowledge, and engaging in discussions on a variety of topics. Over the years,
web forums have evolved significantly, and today they are integral to online communities,
customer support systems, knowledge-sharing platforms, and social networks. This literature
review examines the role of web forums in web application development, highlighting their
importance, key features, benefits, and challenges.
Web forums began as simple bulletin board systems (BBS), allowing users to post and reply to
messages. Over time, these systems evolved into more complex platforms, incorporating features
like user authentication, file sharing, and private messaging. Modern forums are built on
frameworks such as PHP, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails, with databases like MySQL or
MongoDB used for managing large amounts of user-generated content. Forums today have
evolved into platforms that allow for dynamic interaction, live updates, and multimedia content
sharing.
Community Engagement: They help create and nurture communities around specific topics,
interests, or industries, allowing users to build relationships and share knowledge. For example,
Reddit, Stack Overflow, and Quora are prominent forums that allow users to interact and
contribute knowledge within communities.
Customer Support: Many companies integrate forums into their support systems to provide
customers with a space to ask questions, report issues, and share experiences. These forums
reduce customer service costs and provide long-term value as solutions are publicly available for
others to reference.
Educational Use: Web forums facilitate online learning, enabling educators and students to
discuss course material, ask questions, and share resources.
Knowledge Sharing: Forums are valuable repositories of knowledge. Users can post solutions,
advice, and resources, which are accessible to anyone, anytime.
Peer-to-Peer Support: In forums, individuals can receive support from peers rather than customer
service agents. This peer-to-peer support is especially important in technical forums where users
help each other troubleshoot problems.
Scalability: Modern web forum applications are designed to scale, meaning they can handle large
numbers of users and posts. Frameworks like Node.js, React, and databases like MongoDB allow
web forums to accommodate growth seamlessly.
Content Moderation: Ensuring that discussions are civil and that inappropriate content is
removed can be challenging. Automation tools (e.g., AI-based content moderation) are being
developed to assist in this process.
User Engagement: Encouraging users to remain active and contribute regularly can be difficult.
Platforms often incorporate gamification strategies such as badges, reputation points, and
leaderboards to maintain engagement.
Security: Web forums are susceptible to spam, hacking attempts, and data breaches. Robust
security measures, including encryption, anti-spam filters, and secure user authentication
methods, are critical in protecting users and the integrity of the forum.
Stack Overflow: A prominent example of a successful web forum is Stack Overflow, which
serves the programming community. It allows users to ask questions, provide answers, and build
a reputation within the community. Stack Overflow has become an essential resource for
software developers, and its forum-based structure promotes continuous learning.
Reddit: Reddit is one of the largest online forums, supporting a variety of interest-based
communities or "subreddits." Each subreddit functions as its own mini-forum, allowing niche
groups to thrive while contributing to a larger platform.
Quora: Another widely used web forum is Quora, which allows users to ask questions and
provide answers. Unlike traditional forums, Quora is designed to generate knowledge through
crowd-sourced contributions, where answers are ranked by quality and user interaction.
CHAPTER 2
PROJECT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
TECHNOLOGY USED
4 The MERN stack, consisting of MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, is a robust and
modern technology stack that can greatly enhance the development and performance of a web
forum. Here's how each component of the MERN stack contributes to building a dynamic,
scalable, and efficient web forum application
5 MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents, making it a
natural fit for applications like web forums where content is dynamic and unstructured.
1 Express.js is a lightweight web framework for Node.js that simplifies building APIs and
handling HTTP requests.
React.js is a powerful JavaScript library for building user interfaces, making it ideal for creating
the interactive, dynamic frontend of a web forum.
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine that enables backend development
with JavaScript.
SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE
Approach of Design
Functional Requirements :
1. User Authentication & Authorization : Allow users to register using their email,
username, and password.
2. Login and Logout: Users should be able to log in using their registered credentials
(username/email and password).Implement JWT (JSON Web Token) authentication to
securely maintain user sessions.Users can log out, terminating their active session.
3. Role-Based Access Control: Admins have full control (can manage users, moderate
content, configure settings).Moderators can remove inappropriate content but cannot
manage users.Members can post threads, reply to posts, and upvote/downvote content.
4. Creating Threads: Users can create new discussion threads (topics) under specific
categories or tags.
5. Posting Replies: Users can reply to existing threads or posts.Replies should be listed in a
threaded format (chronologically or according to the user’s preferences).
6. Content Deletion: Users should be able to delete their own posts and threads.
CHAPTER 3
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
6 The MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js) is an excellent choice for
building scalable, high-performance web applications, including a web forum. In this section, we
will discuss the results of implementing a web forum application using the MERN stack, as well
as the challenges encountered and the performance and functionality outcomes.
The MERN stack enabled the development of a highly interactive and responsive forum
platform.
MongoDB's NoSQL database handled large volumes of unstructured data (e.g., posts, threads,
comments) effectively, enabling fast retrieval and storage of forum data.
React.js provided a smooth user experience with its ability to update the user interface
dynamically without requiring page reloads. This made for a fast and fluid user interaction.
Node.js with Express.js served as an efficient backend, managing server-side requests and
responses.
The scalability of the MERN stack was tested through stress testing by simulating multiple
concurrent users. The web forum application performed well under load, with minimal delays in
posting and retrieving content. The React frontend dynamically rendered new threads and
replies, which improved the user experience, especially in high-traffic scenarios.
MongoDB was ideal for the forum’s needs because of its ability to handle diverse and
unstructured data with ease. Its horizontal scaling and sharding mechanisms allowed for better
management of large datasets without performance degradation.
Real-time updates made the forum more interactive, where users could see new posts or replies
instantly, improving the engagement levels within the community.
JWT-based authentication (using JSON Web Tokens) was implemented successfully for secure
user login, registration, and session management.
Users could register, log in, and reset passwords, with bcrypt used to hash and secure passwords.
Role-based access control (RBAC) was implemented for different user types (Admin, Moderator,
Member), which ensured that only authorized users could access certain features (e.g., deleting
posts, banning users).
The implementation of secure authentication and authorization using JWT was successful. This
ensured that user sessions were securely maintained, and sensitive data, such as passwords, were
encrypted using bcrypt.
Role-based access control (RBAC) worked as expected, ensuring that admins could manage
users, moderate content, and configure forum settings, while moderators could only moderate
content without altering user permissions. Regular users had access only to community
engagement features (posting, replying, upvoting).
The user experience was smooth, with minimal friction during registration and login processes.
However, some issues were noted with ensuring token expiration management on the frontend,
which required additional work in handling session timeouts.
CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
7 In conclusion, the development of a web forum application using the MERN stack (MongoDB,
Express.js, React.js, and Node.js) has proven to be an effective and efficient approach for
building a dynamic, scalable, and interactive platform. By leveraging the strengths of each
component of the MERN stack, the application provides a seamless user experience, real-time
interactions, and robust content management capabilities.
Despite its success, the project also highlighted areas for improvement, including database
optimization for handling large datasets, more advanced spam detection mechanisms, and
fine-tuning the real-time notifications to avoid overwhelming users. Addressing these challenges
will be crucial for ensuring the long-term scalability and usability of the platform.
Overall, the MERN stack proved to be a powerful combination for building a modern, scalable
web forum. The project serves as a solid foundation for further development, with potential for
adding more advanced features and scaling the platform to accommodate larger user bases and
communities. The experience gained in building this application also showcases the potential of
the MERN stack for developing complex, full-stack web applications in various domains beyond
just forums.
CHAPTER 5
FUTURE SCOPE
FUTURE SCOPE
The web forum web application developed using the MERN stack holds significant potential for
future enhancement and expansion. As technology evolves and user needs grow, there are several
areas where the project can be improved and extended. The future scope includes a variety of
features, optimizations, and integrations to enhance the user experience, improve system
performance, and expand the platform's functionality.
As the user base grows, the volume of data (posts, threads, comments, and media) will increase.
Sharding and replication in MongoDB can be implemented to distribute the load across multiple
servers, ensuring the system can handle high traffic without performance degradation.
Caching mechanisms (e.g., using Redis) can be introduced to cache frequently accessed data
such as popular threads, hot topics, or user profiles. This will speed up the retrieval of
information and reduce database load.
As user-generated content grows, using AI-based tools (e.g., Google Perspective API, Hate
Speech Detection, or custom AI models) can help detect inappropriate language, spam, or hate
speech automatically. This would reduce the load on human moderators and ensure timely action
on harmful content.
Integration with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) can allow users to
share their posts or achievements from the forum to their social media profiles. Additionally,
users could log in or register via their social media accounts for convenience
REFERENCES
[5]. https://www.mongodb.com/resources/languages/mern-stack
[6]. https://www.bocasay.com/how-does-the-mern-stack-work/
[7]. https://expressjs.com/en/advanced/best-practice-performance.html
[8]. https://www.icoderzsolutions.com/blog/most-popular-websites-built-with-reactjs/
Madhumita Mahapatra.
research paper
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The development of a Tradition web application into a responsive and closer to native mobile applications in terms
LAMP-based web forum involves transitioning the existing of performance and interactivity [5]. Today, web
web-based application into a forum platform powered by applications continue to evolve with the integration of cloud
the LAMP stack—Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.The computing, microservices architecture, and progressive web
first step is to analyze the existing Tradition application to apps (PWAs), making them more scalable, reliable, and
ensure compatibility with forum functionalities such as user capable of providing native-like experiences across various
registration, authentication, and content management. The devices [6].
database schema is redesigned to include forum-specific
tables for users, threads, posts, categories, and roles [1]. IV. METHODOLOGY
Next, the existing application needs to be analyzed to
9 understand its data structure, authentication systems, and Web application development using the MERN stack
business logic, ensuring it can be adapted to a forum model. (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) has become a
The database schema must be extended or redesigned to popular approach for building modern, scalable, and
support forum-specific features like threads, posts, dynamic web applications. The MERN stack is based on
22 categories, and user roles. PHP is then used to implement JavaScript, offering a unified language for both the
essential features such as user registration, thread creation, front-end and back-end, which simplifies the development
5 and post replies, while ensuring secure authentication and process. MongoDB, a NoSQL database, allows for flexible
session management. The user interface (UI) is redesigned data storage, making it suitable for applications with
17 to facilitate smooth interaction, with pages for viewing dynamic data structures. Express.js, a web framework for
threads, posting content, and managing profiles. Node.js, provides a robust and minimal set of features for
Additionally, an admin panel is developed to allow building server-side applications. Node.js itself allows for
moderators and administrators to manage users, delete efficient handling of asynchronous requests, making it ideal
inappropriate content, and control forum settings. for applications that require high concurrency, such as
Throughout development, security measures like password social media platforms or real-time web forums. React, a
19 hashing, input validation, and protection against common front-end JavaScript library, enables the creation of
web vulnerabilities are prioritized. Finally, thorough testing dynamic and interactive user interfaces with a
and debugging ensure a secure, responsive, and component-based architecture, making it easy to manage
user-friendly forum. Once complete, the application is and update the user interface efficiently.
deployed on a server running the LAMP stack, ready for
public use. The use of MERN in web development promotes rapid
development due to its rich ecosystem of tools and libraries.
The evolution of web applications has been marked by For instance, React facilitates the creation of single-page
significant technological advancements, shifting from static applications (SPAs) that offer seamless user experiences,
HTML pages to dynamic, interactive platforms that rely on while Node.js supports real-time communication with its
complex server-side logic. In the early stages of the web, event-driven architecture. Additionally, the integration of
websites were static, consisting of HTML pages with MongoDB with Express.js and Node.js simplifies handling
limited interactivity. As web technologies advanced, the JSON-like data structures across the entire stack, improving
introduction of JavaScript allowed for basic interactivity on scalability. Together, these technologies allow developers to
the client-side, transforming websites into more engaging build full-stack applications with streamlined development
experiences [2]. The development of server-side scripting processes, improving maintainability and performance.
languages such as PHP, Ruby, and Python, alongside
21 databases like MySQL, enabled the creation of dynamic
web applications that could interact with users and store
data [3]. This led to the rise of Content Management
Systems (CMS) and web applications like blogs and
e-commerce sites, which relied on real-time data retrieval
and user authentication. The introduction of AJAX
(Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) in the early 2000s
further revolutionized web apps by allowing content to be
updated asynchronously without requiring a full page
reload, enhancing user experience [4]. More recently, the
shift towards Single Page Applications (SPAs) powered by
21 frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js has made web
apps more Fig. 1. MERN Stack Architecture
13 The following section will discuss MERN Stack While MongoDB is a NoSQL database, it has added
components and their implementation. support for multi-document ACID transactions starting with
version 4.0, making it suitable for applications that require
A . MongoDB transaction-based operations and data consistency across
multiple documents. This brings MongoDB closer to the
MongoDB is a NoSQL database developed with a focus on reliability and data integrity features typically found in
3 high performance, scalability, and flexibility for handling traditional relational databases.
large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data. It
was initially created by 10gen (now MongoDB, Inc.) and MongoDB is highly useful for big data management due to
released in 2009 as an open-source document-oriented its flexibility, scalability, and performance characteristics
database. The database is designed to store data in a format that align well with the demands of handling large volumes
called BSON (Binary JSON), which allows it to store of complex data.
complex and nested data structures, making it more flexible
than traditional relational databases.
PUT, DELETE) and map them to specific functions or updates the Virtual DOM first and then compares it to the
handlers. This is especially helpful in modern RESTful API real DOM using a process called reconciliation. Only the
development, which is a common requirement in modern differences between the Virtual DOM and the real DOM are
15 web applications. applied, which results in fewer and more efficient updates
to the actual DOM.This makes React applications highly
One of Express’s defining features is its middleware performant, especially when handling large and dynamic
system. Middleware functions sit between the request and UIs, by reducing unnecessary re-renders and providing a
response cycle, allowing you to process requests, perform smoother user experience.
operations like authentication, data parsing, logging, etc.,
before sending a response back to the client.Express allows React can also be used for mobile app development through
24 you to add middleware globally or for specific routes. This React Native. React Native enables developers to build
modularity makes it very useful in modern applications, native mobile applications for iOS and Android using the
where you may need to process requests at different stages same concepts and components as React for web
of the application lifecycle. development.With React Native, you can reuse the same
codebase (or most of it) for both web and mobile platforms,
Express.js has become one of the most popular frameworks reducing development time and cost.
for building modern web applications, particularly in
server-side JavaScript (Node.js) environments. Its
flexibility, minimalist approach, middleware support, and
ease of use make it an ideal choice for developing both
10 traditional web applications and modern APIs. Whether
you're building a RESTful API, a real-time web application,
or integrating with front-end frameworks, Express.js
provides a robust foundation to support these
functionalities.
C. ReactJs
Node.js is built on several key components that work real-time user interactions are more efficient. Features like
together to provide a powerful, scalable, and efficient real-time notifications, live chat, and instant updates to
runtime environment for building server-side applications. posts or threads can be implemented seamlessly. For forums
At its core, Node.js is a single-threaded event-driven engine that rely on live discussions or instant feedback, this
12 powered by the V8 JavaScript engine (developed by Google real-time capability is crucial.
12 for Chrome). It employs a highly efficient non-blocking,
asynchronous I/O model that enables it to handle many V. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
simultaneous connections with high throughput.
2 The MERN stack offers a strong foundation for building
1 Node JS Platform does not follow the Request/Response modern web forums that are scalable, interactive, and
1 Multi-Threaded Stateless Model. It follows Single Threaded efficient. However, continued improvements in
1 with Event Loop Model. Node JS Processing model mainly performance optimization, security, AI integration, and
1 based on Javascript Event based model with Javascript real-time features will ensure that MERN remains a
1 callback mechanism. You should have some good powerful tool for building future-proof web forum
1 knowledge about how Javascript events and callback applications. As technology advances, leveraging these
1 mechanisms work. If you don’t know, Please go through enhancements will allow developers to provide even richer,
those posts or tutorials first and get some ideas before more engaging experiences for users, making MERN an
1 moving to the next step in this post. As Node JS follows even more compelling choice for web forum development
1 this architecture, it can handle more and more concurrent in the years to come.
1 client requests very easily. Before discussing this model
internals, first go through the diagram below. I tried to ACKNOWLEDGMENT
design this diagram to explain each and every point of Node
JS Internals. The main heart of Node JS Processing model We would like to acknowledge the creators and maintainers
is “Event Loop” [7]. of the MERN technologies—MongoDB, Express.js,
React.js, and Node.js—for providing the open-source tools
that made this research and development possible. Their
commitment to the growth and innovation of web
technologies continues to inspire developers around the
world.
REFERENCES
[4]. MDN Web Docs. (2023). AJAX - Asynchronous JavaScript and XML.
Fig. 4. NodeJs server https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Guide/AJAX
II. RESULT AND DISCUSSION [5]. Google Developers. (2023). Single Page Application (SPA) Overview.
https://developers.google.com/web/updates/2018/05/inside-browser-pa
rt1
The MERN stack is an excellent choice for developing
modern web forum applications due to its flexibility, speed, [6]. Microsoft. (2023). Progressive Web Apps.
and scalability. It allows for the creation of feature-rich https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/progressive-web-app
forums with real-time communication, efficient data s
management, and responsive user interfaces, making it a
powerful tool for web developers today.
[7]...https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/node-js-architecture
-single-threaded-event-loop
[8]. https://www.mongodb.com/resources/languages/mern-stack
[9]. https://www.bocasay.com/how-does-the-mern-stack-work/
[10]. https://expressjs.com/en/advanced/best-practice-performance.html
[11]...https://www.icoderzsolutions.com/blog/most-popular-websites-built-w
ith-reactjs/
Madhumita Mahapatra.
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On
2
Content
1 Title Page 1
2 Content 2
3 Introduction 4
4 Problem Statements 5
5 Objectives 6
6 Feasibility Study 7
7 Need and Significant 8
8 Intended User 9
9 Abbreviations and Acronyms 10
10 Literature Review 11
11 Proposed Methodology in brief 13
1. Functional Requirements 13
1.1. Modules
2. Non Functional Requirements 14
2.1. Usability
2.2. Availability
2.3. Efficiency
2.4. Accuracy
2.5. Performance
2.6. Reliability
2.7. Maintainability
2.8. Security
3. Hardware Requirements 22
4. Software Requirements 23
4.1 Front end
4.2 Back end
3
5. Diagram 24
6. References 25
4
Introduction
This Advanced Networking and Communication Platform, a Next Generation Chat Application
is a web application. This will provide a public discussion/chat/debate platform for its users. A
user who is having confusion or curiosity which is related to the academics for what he/she
wants that there should be a discussion or debate on the particular topic which ultimate goal is to
clarify the doubt and gain of knowledge can create a public discussion group in web application
which would be headed by the user in which rest of the users can participate.
User need to create a public discussion group providing a heading along with some description
and would have to ask a question to initiate the discussion. Descriptions can also be posted in the
form of audio and video.
Rest of the users can reply to the asked question and a cross-question can be asked by anyone
from the given reply following this reply can also be provided by anybody for the cross-question
and this goes on. Any user can ask another question related to that topic and the same things can
also be done on that question.
The Head of the discussion group would be the user who will have created that and anytime the
complete discussion can be removed by the author means it will not be visible to rest of the
users.
A web forum web application is incredibly useful for fostering online communities, enabling
user engagement, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and ideas. It provides a centralized
platform where individuals can ask questions, share expertise, and engage in discussions on a
wide range of topics. Whether for technical support, community building, education, or
interest-based groups, a forum encourages collaboration and user-generated content, making it an
invaluable tool for both individuals and businesses. It also facilitates knowledge retention, as
discussions and solutions remain accessible to future users. Additionally, web forums allow for
efficient problem-solving through peer support, and they can help organizations gather feedback,
generate ideas, and improve customer service. The ability to moderate discussions ensures a safe
and respectful environment, enhancing user experience and engagement. As a scalable,
interactive platform, web forums provide a cost-effective and sustainable way for users to stay
connected, share experiences, and grow communities over time.
5
Problem Statements
A web forum needs user authentication to allow users to create, edit, and reply to
posts. This includes creating secure login and registration systems. There should be
a system in place to prevent unauthorized access to certain features (e.g., admins
managing posts).
In modern forums, it’s essential to have features like real-time notifications when a
new comment is made or a reply is posted. Users may also want to see live updates
on the status of their posts.
As the number of users and posts grows, performance can become an issue.
Optimizing the application to handle a large number of concurrent users and
frequent database queries is essential.
The user experience is key to the success of the forum. A clean, responsive, and
easy-to-navigate UI will encourage users to engage more with the content.
6
Objectives
Implement a secure authentication system where users can register, log in, and maintain their
sessions for creating and interacting with posts.
Enable users to create, edit, delete, and interact with posts and comments on the forum.
Implement an effective moderation system to maintain the quality of content and manage user
behavior.
Ensure that the forum is fully functional and user-friendly across all devices, including mobile
phones and tablets.
Ensure that the forum application is optimized for high performance and can scale to handle a
growing number of users and content.
Foster community engagement through features that allow users to interact with posts and each
other.
7
Feasibility Study
8 A feasibility study is a critical process to evaluate the viability and practicality of a web forum
application built with the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js). It involves
assessing the technical, economic, operational, and legal feasibility of developing and
maintaining such an application.
MongoDB: MongoDB is a flexible, NoSQL database that is highly suitable for managing
dynamic and unstructured data like user-generated content (posts, comments). It allows for easy
scaling and provides excellent support for high volumes of reads and writes, which is ideal for a
forum environment.
5 Express.js: Express is a lightweight web framework for Node.js that simplifies the creation of
RESTful APIs. It is a good fit for handling HTTP requests and managing server-side logic for
user authentication, post management, etc.
React: React is a powerful front-end library that allows for the creation of dynamic, interactive
user interfaces. React’s component-based architecture helps in building reusable UI components,
making it efficient for building a forum with frequent user interactions.
9 Node.js: Node.js provides an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which is perfect for
handling multiple concurrent users efficiently, making it an ideal choice for a real-time web
application like a forum.
8
Need and Significant
A web forum is a platform that allows users to engage in discussions, share ideas, ask questions,
and interact with a community around a particular subject or interest. Developing such a forum
using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) offers several advantages that
make it a significant solution for various use cases.
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Intended User
2 A web forum application built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and
Node.js) can serve a variety of user types, each with distinct needs and use cases. The forum
application is typically designed to foster communication, information exchange, and community
engagement on specific topics.
2. Moderators
Moderators are responsible for maintaining the integrity and quality of the forum
by enforcing community guidelines. They have higher privileges than regular
users and can manage content, users, and discussions.
3. Admins
Admins are the highest level of authority within the forum and are responsible for
overall management and configuration. They have full control over the forum’s
settings, user roles, and content management.
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
MERN
3 A popular stack of technologies for building full-stack web applications. It includes MongoDB
for the database, Express.js for the server-side framework, React for the front-end, and Node.js
for the server-side runtime environment.
Web Forum
The part of the application that the user interacts with, including the layout, design, and
interactive elements.The overall experience of a person using the forum, focusing on ease of use,
design, and satisfaction.A set of rules and protocols used for building and interacting with the
software components of the forum. In MERN, APIs are created using Express.js.
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Literature Review
Web forums have been a cornerstone of online communication since the early days of the
internet. They are digital platforms where users can interact by posting messages, asking
questions, sharing knowledge, and engaging in discussions on a variety of topics. Over the years,
web forums have evolved significantly, and today they are integral to online communities,
customer support systems, knowledge-sharing platforms, and social networks. This literature
review examines the role of web forums in web application development, highlighting their
importance, key features, benefits, and challenges.
Web forums began as simple bulletin board systems (BBS), allowing users to post and reply to
messages. Over time, these systems evolved into more complex platforms, incorporating features
like user authentication, file sharing, and private messaging. Modern forums are built on
frameworks such as PHP, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails, with databases like MySQL or
MongoDB used for managing large amounts of user-generated content. Forums today have
evolved into platforms that allow for dynamic interaction, live updates, and multimedia content
sharing.
Community Engagement: They help create and nurture communities around specific topics,
interests, or industries, allowing users to build relationships and share knowledge. For example,
Reddit, Stack Overflow, and Quora are prominent forums that allow users to interact and
contribute knowledge within communities.
Customer Support: Many companies integrate forums into their support systems to provide
customers with a space to ask questions, report issues, and share experiences. These forums
reduce customer service costs and provide long-term value as solutions are publicly available for
others to reference.
Educational Use: Web forums facilitate online learning, enabling educators and students to
discuss course material, ask questions, and share resources.
Knowledge Sharing: Forums are valuable repositories of knowledge. Users can post solutions,
advice, and resources, which are accessible to anyone, anytime. Peer-to-Peer Support: In forums,
individuals can receive support from peers rather than customer service agents. This peer-to-peer
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support is especially important in technical forums where users help each other troubleshoot
problems. Scalability: Modern web forum applications are designed to scale, meaning they can
handle large numbers of users and posts. Frameworks like Node.js, React, and databases like
MongoDB allow web forums to accommodate growth seamlessly
.
CHALLENGES IN WEB FORUM DEVELOPMENT
Content Moderation: Ensuring that discussions are civil and that inappropriate content is
removed can be challenging. Automation tools (e.g., AI-based content moderation) are being
developed to assist in this process. User Engagement: Encouraging users to remain active and
contribute regularly can be difficult. Platforms often incorporate gamification strategies such as
badges, reputation points, and leaderboards to maintain engagement.
Security: Web forums are susceptible to spam, hacking attempts, and data breaches. Robust
security measures, including encryption, anti-spam filters, and secure user authentication
methods, are critical in protecting users and the integrity of the forum.
Stack Overflow: A prominent example of a successful web forum is Stack Overflow, which
serves the programming community. It allows users to ask questions, provide answers, and build
a reputation within the community. Stack Overflow has become an essential resource for
software developers, and its forum-based structure promotes continuous learning.
Reddit: Reddit is one of the largest online forums, supporting a variety of interest-based
communities or "subreddits." Each subreddit functions as its own mini-forum, allowing niche
groups to thrive while contributing to a larger platform.
Quora: Another widely used web forum is Quora, which allows users to ask questions and
provide answers. Unlike traditional forums, Quora is designed to generate knowledge through
crowd-sourced contributions, where answers are ranked by quality and user interaction
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Proposed Methodology in brief
Functional Requirements
2 A web forum application built using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and
Node.js) is typically divided into various functional modules, each of which is responsible for
specific operations or features.
Modules
2. User Profile
Users should be able to create and edit their profiles, which may include setting a profile
picture, username, bio, and contact information.Users can configure their preferences,
such as receiving email notifications, changing the display theme (dark mode, light
mode), and notification settings.Users should be able to view their own profile as well as
the profiles of other users.
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Non Functional Requirements
Usability
The registration and login process should be intuitive, allowing users to sign up or log in with
minimal effort.
Provide a simple, user-friendly interface with clear labels, tooltips, and error messages (e.g.,
invalid credentials or missing information).The login process should offer a smooth experience,
allowing users to stay logged in without unnecessary re-authentication.
Users should be able to easily access and modify their profile, such as changing their username,
bio, and profile picture, with clear and responsive input fields.
Forum categories and threads should be logically organized with clear, easy-to-understand labels
for topics.
Users should be able to easily browse and navigate between categories, subcategories, and
threads.
Creating new threads should be simple, with easy-to-understand prompts and input fields (e.g.,
title, description).
The search feature should be intuitive and responsive, helping users quickly locate relevant
threads or discussions.
Users should be able to create posts easily with a simple, distraction-free text editor, including
clear options for adding images or links.
The system should allow users to interact with posts and comments through intuitive actions,
such as upvoting, downvoting, or replying, with clear indicators showing that these actions have
been taken.
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Availability
The authentication service (login, registration, password recovery) must be highly available, with
minimal downtime, ensuring that users can always log in or sign up without delays.
To avoid a single point of failure, the authentication system should be backed by redundant
servers or cloud services, so if one instance fails, another can take over immediately.
User sessions should be designed to survive temporary server failures, where applicable,
ensuring users don’t lose their session or require re-authentication due to transient errors.
Implement distributed authentication mechanisms (e.g., JWT tokens) so that a failure in one
server doesn't affect the user's ability to authenticate from other servers.
Forum categories and threads must be consistently accessible to users. The system should ensure
no category or thread is unavailable or lost due to server issues or downtime.
The data that stores the forum categories and threads should be replicated across multiple
databases or servers to ensure continued availability even if one database goes down.
In case of a database or server failure, failover mechanisms should ensure that users can still
browse or create threads in a highly available manner.
Users must be able to create, edit, and view posts and comments at any time, with minimal
downtime. This requires that the application’s backend is robust and can handle high traffic
without crashes or slowdowns.
Comments and posts should be stored in a replicated database to ensure that the data is always
available even if there is a failure in one of the database nodes.
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Efficiency
The login and registration processes should be optimized to handle a large number of
simultaneous requests without delays, with an authentication time of less than 2 seconds per
request.
Session management (e.g., using JWT tokens) should not incur significant overhead on the
server or client, ensuring that users remain authenticated without causing performance issues.
JWT tokens should be lightweight and easily validated to minimize server load, especially in
cases of high traffic, without causing performance degradation.
User profile data should be retrieved from the database in less than 500 milliseconds, even under
heavy load, ensuring that users can access their profiles quickly.
Queries to fetch or update user profile data should be optimized to minimize database load. This
could involve techniques like caching frequently accessed profile data or using indexed queries.
Profile updates (e.g., changing a profile picture or updating bio information) should be processed
quickly, with minimal server and database resource consumption.
Forum categories and threads should load in less than 1 second under normal usage conditions,
even with a large number of posts or threads.
The system should employ efficient querying techniques (e.g., pagination, lazy loading,
indexing) to load only relevant categories or threads at any given time, reducing unnecessary
database queries.
Frequently accessed categories or threads should be cached at the server or application layer to
minimize database hits and improve response time, especially during peak periods.
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Accuracy
The system must ensure that the identity verification process (login, sign-up, password recovery)
accurately matches user credentials (e.g., username, email, password) to the stored data in the
database.
Users' roles (e.g., regular user, moderator, admin) must be accurately assigned and managed. The
role-based access control (RBAC) system should guarantee that users only have access to
features and content relevant to their permissions.
JWT tokens or other authentication tokens must be generated and validated accurately, ensuring
no incorrect user is granted access.
The user profile data (e.g., name, bio, profile picture) must always reflect the accurate and
up-to-date information submitted by the user.
The system should ensure that when a user logs in from multiple devices or sessions, the profile
data is consistent across all platforms without errors or discrepancies.
Profile updates (e.g., changing an email address or password) must be processed correctly
without data corruption, and the updated information should immediately reflect in all parts of
the system.
Forum categories, threads, and post counts should always display accurately. For instance, if a
thread is deleted, it should be reflected immediately in the list of available threads.
The data shown in threads, such as the number of comments, the author’s information, and the
timestamp, should be correct and up-to-date at all times.
Sorting and filtering threads by date, relevance, or popularity should accurately reflect the true
values, without incorrect results or errors in the order.
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Performance
The authentication process (login, registration, password recovery) should be completed in less
than 2 seconds under normal load, even with a large number of concurrent users.
JWT token generation and validation should occur within 200 milliseconds to avoid delays in
user interactions after logging in or when performing any authentication-related action.
Session handling (such as maintaining the user session state using JWT tokens) should not
impact the performance, ensuring that users can maintain their logged-in status without delay or
excessive server overhead.
User profile data should be retrieved and displayed in less than 500 milliseconds, ensuring that
the user experience remains fast and responsive when viewing their profile.
The time for creating new posts and comments should be less than 1 second after the user
submits their action, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
Posts and comments should be displayed quickly, even when a thread has a large number of
replies. The page should load in under 2 seconds, with techniques like pagination or infinite
scrolling to manage large amounts of data.
Updates to posts (such as editing or deleting) or comments should be reflected in the UI and
database within 1-2 seconds, with minimal server overhead.
User reports (for inappropriate content) should be processed and flagged in real-time, with no
more than 2-3 seconds of delay between submitting the report and the system action.
Moderators should be able to review and take action (e.g., delete posts, ban users) without
significant delays. Actions should be completed in under 1 second, even when the system is
under heavy load.
Notifications (e.g., replies, mentions, direct messages) should be delivered to users in real time,
with minimal delay (under 2 seconds) between the event occurring and the user receiving the
notification.
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Reliability
The authentication process should be highly reliable, ensuring that users can always log in or
sign up successfully without errors. The process must work seamlessly for different browsers,
devices, and network conditions.
User sessions should be reliably maintained without unexpected logouts. Even if the system
experiences minor server disruptions, session data should be preserved and accurately restored
when the user reconnects.
In case of authentication failures (e.g., incorrect credentials, expired tokens), the system should
provide clear error messages and allow users to retry or recover their session without data loss or
system crashes.
User profile data (e.g., username, email, and bio) must always be consistent across different parts
of the system. If a user updates their profile, the changes should be reflected everywhere without
delay or errors.
Forum categories and threads should be available at all times, ensuring no data loss during user
interactions. Threads and categories must be rendered accurately and consistently.
Data related to forum categories, threads, and posts must be reliably stored in the database
without risk of corruption. Even in case of system failures, there should be a mechanism to
recover or restore this data without loss.
Users should be able to create, update, and delete posts and comments reliably. Any failure in the
process (e.g., network failure or server crash) should not result in data loss or corruption, and the
system should allow users to retry without errors.
Post and comment data should be stored reliably in the database and accurately retrieved when
requested. The system must ensure that no data is lost during submission or retrieval.
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Maintainability
The authentication system should be built in a modular manner, where each component (e.g.,
user login, registration, password recovery) can be updated or replaced without affecting other
parts of the system.
The code for authentication should follow best practices for readability and clarity, making it
easy for developers to understand and maintain.
Authentication and authorization logic should be centralized in one place (e.g., middleware or
services), allowing for easier updates, bug fixes, and adjustments to access control rules.
The user profile management module should have a clear separation of responsibilities (e.g., one
component for profile editing, another for displaying the profile), which allows for easier
maintenance and upgrades.
Profile components, such as profile picture uploads or biography editing, should be reusable
across the application, ensuring that any changes to these components can be applied universally.
User profile data (e.g., user name, avatar) should be handled consistently across the application,
allowing developers to make changes easily without introducing inconsistencies.
Forum categories and threads should be modeled in an extensible way, allowing for the addition
of new features (e.g., new post types, new category types) without requiring major system
rewrites.
The logic for handling forum categories and threads should be separated from the UI
components, making it easier to update one without affecting the other (e.g., updating the thread
display without changing the backend logic).
Database queries to fetch forum categories and threads should be modular, optimized, and easy
to modify, so that if changes are needed (e.g., adding new filtering options), they can be easily
implemented.
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Security
The authentication module must use secure methods like JWT (JSON Web Tokens) or OAuth to
prevent unauthorized access. Passwords should be stored using strong hashing algorithms (e.g.,
bcrypt, Argon2).
7 The system should support multi-factor authentication (MFA), providing an extra layer of
security for users during login, particularly for admin users.
6 The system must implement role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure that only authorized
users can access specific resources (e.g., only moderators can delete posts or ban users).
Session management should be secure, with measures like session timeouts, token expiration,
and secure cookies to prevent session hijacking or fixation attacks.
Implement protections against brute force attacks, such as rate limiting, CAPTCHAs, and
locking accounts after multiple failed login attempts.
User profile information (e.g., email, personal details) must be kept private. Sensitive data should
not be exposed to unauthorized users, and access to user profiles should be based on appropriate
permissions.
Implement automatic backup mechanisms for MongoDB to ensure data can be recovered in case
of a failure or breach.
Use a distributed database and load balancing to ensure availability even during high traffic
periods or server failures.
Ensure the backend properly handles errors to prevent revealing sensitive information through
error messages (avoid stack traces on production).
Implement detailed logging of security events such as login attempts, role changes, and data
modifications. Ensure logs are securely stored and not accessible by unauthorized users.
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4 Hardware Requirements
CPU
Minimum: 2 cores
Recommended: 4 or more cores
RAM
Minimum: 8 GB
Recommended: 16 GB or more
Storage
Minimum: 100 GB HDD or SSD
Recommended: SSD (Solid-State Drive) for faster read/write speeds
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Software Requirements
1. Frontend Technology
React
React Router
React-redux
Axios
2. Backend Technology
Node.js
Express.js
MongoDB
Body Parser
Coars
JWT
Bcrypt
Dotenv
Multer
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Diagrams
Software Architecture
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References
[4]. MDN Web Docs. (2023). AJAX - Asynchronous JavaScript and XML.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Guide/AJAX
[6]. https://www.mongodb.com/resources/languages/mern-stack
[7]. https://www.bocasay.com/how-does-the-mern-stack-work/
[8]. https://expressjs.com/en/advanced/best-practice-performance.html
[9]. https://www.icoderzsolutions.com/blog/most-popular-websites-built-with-reactjs/
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