✉️ Messaging Website

A real-time messaging platform built with React, Redux, and a Node.js backend. This project allows users to send and receive messages with a responsive and user-friendly interface.

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📁 Project Structure

The project is divided into the following directories:

• client: Contains the frontend code developed with React and Redux.
• server: Contains the backend API developed with Node.js and Express.

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✨ Features

• User Authentication:
  • Secure user login and registration using JWT.
• Real-Time Messaging:
  • Chat functionality with real-time updates.
• Responsive Design:
  • Optimized for mobile and desktop views.
• Redux for State Management:
  • Centralized state management for better scalability and maintainability.
• Backend API:
  • Handles user authentication, message storage, and retrieval.

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🛠 Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following installed on your system:

• Node.js: Download and install Node.js
• MongoDB: Download and install MongoDB

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🚀 Installation

1. Clone the Repository and Navigate to the Project Directory:

   git clone https://github.com/rajeshCreate72/messaging-website.git
   cd messaging-website

2. Install Dependencies:

   # Install backend dependencies
   cd server
   npm install
   
   # Install frontend dependencies
   cd ../client
   npm install

3. Set Up Environment Variables:

   Create a .env file in the server directory with the following content:

   PORT=8080
   DB_URI=<Your MongoDB connection string URI>

4. Run the Application:

   # Start the backend server
   cd ../server
   npm start
   
   # Open a new terminal and start the frontend application
   cd ../client
   npm start

5. Access the Application:

   • Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 to use the app.

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📂 Server Directory Details

The /server directory contains the backend code and API logic. It includes:

• Dependencies:
  • express: Web framework for handling API routes.
  • mongoose: ODM for MongoDB.
  • jsonwebtoken: For secure authentication.
• Endpoints:
  • /api/auth: Handles user authentication.
  • /api/messages: Handles message creation and retrieval.

To set up and run the backend server:

  - `POST /api/login`: User login endpoint for authentication.
  - `POST /api/register`: User registration endpoint to create a new account.
  - `GET /api/contacts`: Endpoint to retrieve user contacts.
  - `GET /api/chats`: Endpoint to retrieve chats for a user.
  - `GET /api/users`: Endpoint to fetch user details.
# Navigate to the server directory
cd server

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Run the server
npm start

🌐 Live Demo

A live version of the application is available at:

(https://chat-website-virid.vercel.app/login)