Group Chat with Socket.io, Express, and Node.js

This is a real-time group chat application built with Socket.io, Express, and Node.js. The app allows users to create or join rooms for private group chats. It uses HTML, CSS, jQuery, and JavaScript for the frontend, and Node.js with Socket.io for real-time communication.

Features

• Room System: Users can create a room with a unique link and share it with others.
• Real-time Messaging: Messages are instantly sent and received using Socket.io.
• File Sharing (Without Storage): Users can send files along with messages, but files are not stored on the server.
• Copy Room Link: Users can copy and share the unique room link easily.
• Auto Room Cleanup: If no users are in a room for 5 minutes, the room is automatically removed.
• Responsive UI: Works well on both desktop and mobile devices.
• Broadcasting Messages: Messages are sent to all connected users in the same room (except the sender).

Prerequisites

To run this project locally, you need Node.js installed. You can download and install it from the official site:

• Node.js Download

You will also need npm (Node Package Manager) to manage dependencies.

Project Structure

/group-chat-socket
│   README.md
│   package.json
│   .gitignore
│
├───public
│       index.html
│       room.html
│
└───server
        index.js

Getting Started

Follow these steps to run the project locally:

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/msrnayeem/group-chat
cd group-chat

2. Install Dependencies

npm install

3. Run the Server

npm start

The server will start on http://localhost:3000/.

Usage

Creating a Room

• Open http://localhost:3000/.
• Click "Create Room", which will generate a unique link.
• Share this link with others to join the room.

Joining a Room

• Open the unique room link shared by another user.
• Start chatting in the private room.

Sending Messages & Files

• Type a message and click Send to send a chat message.
• Attach a file and click Send to send a message with a file (file will not be stored on the server).

Copying the Room Link

• Click "Copy Room Link" to copy the link and share it with others.

License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.

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🚀 Enjoy real-time chatting with rooms!