Project Messenger

Project Messenger is a messaging application developed as part of a Bachelor's thesis project. The application is designed to provide secure, efficient, and user-friendly communication through a real-time messaging platform. It is built with modern web technologies and offers various features for seamless user interaction.

Table of Contents

• Project Overview
• Features
• Technologies Used
• Installation
• Usage
• License
• Acknowledgements

Project Overview

The Project Messenger was created as a part of my BSc thesis, aimed at developing a robust messaging application that emphasizes security and user experience. The application allows users to send and receive messages in real-time, supporting both individual and group chats. The project explores various aspects of software engineering, including front-end and back-end development, database management, and security practices.

Features

• Real-time Messaging: Send and receive messages instantly with real-time updates.
• User Authentication: Secure user registration and login system.
• Group Chats: Create and manage group conversations with multiple users.
• Message Encryption: Ensure the privacy and security of messages with encryption.
• File Sharing: Share files with other users directly within the chat.
• Notifications: Get notified of new messages even when the app is minimized.
• Responsive Design: Accessible across various devices and screen sizes.

Technologies Used

• Frontend: React, Redux, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js
• Database: MongoDB
• Authentication: JWT (JSON Web Tokens)
• Real-time Communication: Socket.IO
• File Storage: Multer, GridFS

Installation

To set up the project locally, follow these steps:

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/danikova/project-messenger.git

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd project-messenger

3. Install the required dependencies:

   npm install

4. Set up environment variables:

   • Create a .env file in the root directory.
   • Add the necessary environment variables (e.g., database connection string, JWT secret).

5. Run the application:

   npm start

6. Access the application:

   • The app should be running at http://localhost:3000.

Usage

• Sign Up/Login: Register a new account or log in with existing credentials.
• Start a Chat: Select a user to start a one-on-one conversation or create a group chat.
• Send Messages: Type your message in the chat window and hit enter to send it.
• File Sharing: Use the attachment button to share files in the chat.
• Group Management: Add or remove users from group chats as needed.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgements

• React
• Node.js
• MongoDB
• Socket.IO
• Special thanks to my mentors, professors, and fellow students who supported me throughout this project.