README.md

Chatwave Web App

Description

The Chatwave web app is a real-time chat application built using the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) stack. It allows users to communicate with each other in real-time, creating a seamless and interactive chat experience.

Features

• ✅ Real-time messaging: Users can send and receive messages instantly.
• ✅ User authentication: Secure user authentication using JWT (JSON Web Tokens).
• ❌ MongoDB database: Persistent storage for chat messages and user data.
• ❌ Responsive design: A user-friendly interface that works seamlessly on various devices.

Technologies Used

• MongoDB: Database to store user information and chat messages.
• Express.js: Backend framework for handling server-side logic.
• React.js: Frontend library for building the user interface.
• Node.js: Runtime environment for server-side JavaScript.
• Socket.io: Real-time bidirectional event-based communication.

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/JavidSumra/ChatWave

2. Clone the Backend repository:

   git clone https://github.com/JavidSumra/ChatWave_Backend

3. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd ChatWave

4. Install dependencies for both the client and server:

   cd ChatWave && npm install
   cd ../ChatWave_Backend && npm install

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

   SECRET_TOKEN = JWT_SECRET_TOKEN
   email = YOUR_EMAIL
   Password = YOUR_APP_PASSWORD_FOR_EMAIL
   MONGO_URL = YOUR_MONGODB_CONNECTION_STRING

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

   VITE_API_ENDPOINT = http://localhost:3007

7. Start the server and client:

   # In the ChatWave_Backend directory
     npm run start
   
   # In the ChatWave directory
     npm run dev

8. Open your browser and visit http://localhost:3007 to access the ChatWave web app.