Real-Time Chat Application

Overview

I developed a real-time chat application that allows users to communicate seamlessly through both public and private chats. This project leverages WebSocket technology to provide instant message delivery and a smooth user experience. It features a modern, responsive UI and a well-structured backend powered by Java and Spring Boot.

Features

🔹 Public and Private Chat

Users can join a public chat where everyone can send and receive messages in real time. Additionally, they can initiate private conversations with specific users, ensuring personal and confidential communication.

🔹 Real-Time Messaging

Thanks to WebSocket and STOMP (Simple Text Oriented Messaging Protocol), messages are delivered instantly without requiring page reloads. This ensures a dynamic and engaging chatting experience.

🔹 Online Users List

A live list of online users is displayed, making it easy to see who is currently active in the chat. This updates dynamically as users join or leave the application.

🔹 Unread Message Counters

To enhance user experience, unread message counters are implemented. If a user receives a private message while offline or inactive, they can easily see how many messages they missed.

🔹 Auto-Scrolling and Smooth UI

The chat window automatically scrolls to the latest messages, ensuring users don’t have to manually scroll down to see new conversations. The UI is built with a responsive design, making it accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.

Technologies Used

Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (for dynamic UI updates)

Backend: Java with Spring Boot

Real-Time Communication: WebSocket & STOMP, ActiveMQ as Broker.

What I Learned

Working on this project significantly improved my skills in various areas:

WebSocket & STOMP: I deepened my understanding of real-time communication protocols and how to integrate them into a Spring Boot application.

Java & Spring Boot: Strengthened my backend development skills, focusing on efficient request handling and scalability.

Frontend Development: Gained more experience with creating responsive and interactive UI elements using JavaScript and CSS.

State Management: Implemented mechanisms for tracking user activity, unread messages, and real-time updates efficiently.

Conclusion

This project was an exciting challenge that allowed me to bring together multiple technologies to create a fully functional real-time chat application. It showcases my ability to work with both frontend and backend development, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience. I am proud of the final result and excited to continue improving and expanding my skills further!