Application Requirements

I was building a chat application for one of my clients. The app had basic functionalities that every chat application does, such as

• one-to-one person chat

• typing indicators

• file uploads

• read receipts

• unread message count

• the ability to delete messages

Challenges I faced

However, when I was implementing it, it was difficult for me to figure out how to model the database. For example, if a user is chatting with another person, should the message be added to both users’ records?

I struggled to find good resources online that explained how to model the database and implement the features in a chat application. That’s why I decided to write about my experience and how I solved the issues. My solution may not be perfect, but it solved my client’s issues and met their requirements.

Features I’ll cover in the Series

I am creating a full series where I will explain the code, including working examples and source code. The features I will be covering include

• one-to-one person chat

• typing indicators

• file uploads

• read receipts

• unread message count

• delete messages

• audio call

• video call

Technology I’ve Picked

I will be using the following technologies

• NodeJs

• MongoDB

• ExpressJs

• Socket.io

• Jest

• TypeScript

• Docker

• React

I hope you find it helpful. And stay tuned.

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