Chatter - A Modern Messaging App

Overview

Chatter is a feature-rich mobile messaging app built using Kotlin and Jetpack Compose for the frontend, with a Node.js backend. The app provides a seamless and secure platform for users to connect, message, and share media with friends. The backend code is hosted in a separate repository: ChatApp Backend.

Features

• User Authentication:
  • Email-based login and signup.
  • Google Authentication for quick access.
• Friend Requests:
  • Search for users by name.
  • Send, accept, or reject friend requests.
• Messaging:
  • Start real-time chat with friends after they accept your request.
  • Send text messages and share images in chats.
• Notifications:
  • Get notifications for new messages and friend requests, even when the app is closed.
• Modern UI/UX:
  • Built with Jetpack Compose for a smooth and responsive interface.

Technology Stack

Frontend

• Kotlin & Jetpack Compose: For creating a modern, declarative UI.
• Dagger Hilt: For dependency injection and managing app components.
• Retrofit: For networking and API communication.
• Socket.IO: For real-time messaging functionality.

Backend

• Node.js: Backend server (source code: ChatApp Backend).
• Socket.IO: For real-time WebSocket communication.
• REST APIs: For user authentication, friend requests, and message handling.

Screenshots

Installation and Setup

Prerequisites

1. Android Studio installed on your system.
2. A running instance of the backend server (follow setup instructions in the ChatApp Backend repository).
3. A Firebase project set up for authentication and push notifications.

Steps to Run the App

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/YourUsername/Chatter.git

2. Open the project in Android Studio.

3. Configure the Firebase:

   • Download the google-services.json file from your Firebase project.
   • Place it in the app/ directory.

4. Update the API URL:

   • Go to the ApiService file in the project and set the base URL to match your backend server (e.g., http://<your-backend-server-url>).

5. Build and run the app on an emulator or physical device.

How It Works

Authentication

• Users can register and log in using their email or Google account.
• Firebase handles authentication and token generation.

Adding Friends

• Search for other users via the search bar.
• Send friend requests to users, who can accept or reject them.

Chat Functionality

• Once a friend request is accepted, a chat session is created.
• Real-time messaging is enabled using Socket.IO.
• Users can send text and images securely.

Notifications

• Push Notifications are implemented to alert users of new messages or friend requests, even when the app is closed, using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).

Folder Structure

Chatter/
├── app/
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── main/
│   │       ├── java/
│   │       └── res/
│   │   └── AndroidManifest.xml
│   ├── build.gradle
│   └── google-services.json
└── backend/  (linked backend repository)