This project involves building a comprehensive multi-user chat application that allows users to communicate in real time through text, voice, and video. The application aims to provide a seamless communication experience with robust features for individual users and groups.
The project aims to develop a scalable and efficient API that enables users to create accounts, join chat rooms, send messages, and manage their profiles. This API will support various front-end applications, including web and mobile interfaces.
In today's interconnected world, effective communication is crucial for personal and professional interactions. This project will create an API that empowers users to chat effortlessly while ensuring privacy and security. Here's a more detailed look at how users will interact with the application:
User Interaction Overview
User Registration and Authentication
Sign Up: New users can create an account by providing a username, email, and
password. A confirmation email will be sent to verify their account.
Login: Registered users can log in using their email and password. The API will support
multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.
Profile Management
View and Edit Profile: Users can view and edit their profile details, including their name,
profile picture, and preferences. This helps users personalize their accounts.
Chat Features
Join Chat Rooms: Users can join public or private chat rooms based on their interests.
Send and Receive Messages: Users can send and receive text messages in real-time, including support for emojis and attachments.
Voice and Video Calls: Users can initiate voice and video calls with other users within
chat rooms.
Group Management
Create Groups: Users can create group chats and invite other users to join.
Manage Group Settings: Group creators can manage group settings, including
adding/removing members and changing group names.
Notifications and Presence
Real-Time Notifications: Users receive notifications for new messages, mentions, and
group activities.
Online Presence: Users can see which contacts are online or offline.
Objectives
Allow users to sign up, log in, and manage their accounts securely.
Enable users to join chat rooms and communicate via text, voice, and video.
Facilitate the creation and management of group chats.
Provide real-time notifications and presence indicators.
Ensure robust privacy and security measures.
Functional Requirements
User Management
Sign Up: Users can create an account using their username, email, and password.
Login: Users can authenticate using their email and password.
Profile Management: Users can update their profile information and settings.
Chat Features
Join Chat Rooms: Users can join existing chat rooms or create new ones.
Send and Receive Messages: Users can send text messages and receive messages in real time.
Voice and Video Calls: Users can initiate voice and video calls with other users.
Group Management
Create Group: Users can create group chats and invite members.
Manage Group Settings: Group creators can add or remove members and change group details.
Notifications and Presence
Real-Time Notifications: Users receive notifications for new messages and activities.
Online Presence: Users can see the online/offline status of their contacts.
Non-Functional Requirements
Scalability: The API should handle a growing number of users and chat interactions.
Performance: The system should provide fast message delivery and low latency for calls.
Security: Implement robust authentication and encryption to protect user data.
Reliability: The API should ensure high availability and handle errors gracefully.
Usability: The API should be easy to use and well-documented for developers.
Use Cases
User Sign Up and Login: New users create an account, and existing users log in.
Join Chat Room: Users join or create chat rooms to communicate.
Send Messages: Users send and receive messages in real time.
Voice and Video Calls: Users initiate voice or video calls with other users.
Manage Groups: Users create and manage group chats.
User Stories
As a user, I want to sign up for an account so that I can chat with others.
As a user, I want to log in to my account to manage my chats and profile.
As a user, I want to join chat rooms to interact with other users.
As a user, I want to send messages and receive replies in real-time.
As a user, I want to initiate voice and video calls for direct communication.
As a user, I want to create groups to chat with multiple people at once.
Technical Requirements
Programming Language: Choose an appropriate backend language (e.g., Node.js, Python).
Database: Use a database to store user data, messages, and chat room details (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
WebSocket Implementation: Use WebSocket for real-time message delivery.
Authentication: Implement JWT for secure user authentication.
API Documentation: Use Swagger or similar tools for API documentation.
API Endpoints
User Management
POST /signup: Register a new user.
POST /login: Authenticate a user.
Chat Features
POST /chat/rooms: Create a new chat room.
GET /chat/rooms: Retrieve a list of available chat rooms.
POST /chat/messages: Send a new message.
GET /chat/messages: Retrieve messages from a chat room.
Group Management
POST /groups: Create a new group chat.
PUT /groups/{id}: Manage group settings (add/remove members).
Notifications and Presence
GET /notifications: Retrieve user notifications.
GET /presence: Check the online/offline status of contacts.
Security
Use HTTPS to encrypt data in transit.
Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Use strong password hashing algorithms like bcrypt.
Performance
Optimize WebSocket connections for low latency.
Implement caching strategies to improve performance.
Documentation
Provide comprehensive API documentation using tools like Swagger.
Create user guides and developer documentation to assist with integration and usage.
Glossary
API: Application Programming Interface.
WebSocket: A protocol for full-duplex communication channels over a single TCP connection.
MFA: Multi-Factor Authentication.
Appendix
Include any relevant diagrams, data models, and additional references.
