User Conversation and Messaging Interface

• Built using React.js for messaging UI.
• Features user login, profile viewing, user list display, and real-time messaging through WebSockets.

• Utilizes Express.js for HTTP request handling and endpoint management.
• MongoDB stores user information and messages; JWT ensures secure user authentication.

• Registration with unique username/password, securely hashed using bcrypt.
• JWT-based login generates tokens for subsequent authenticated requests.

• Fetches messages between users and facilitates real-time communication via WebSockets.

• Profile retrieval based on JWT; displays a list of registered users for messaging.

• WebSocketServer (ws library) manages connections for real-time communication.
• Notifies clients about online users' presence and updates dynamically.

• Node.js with npm installed
• MongoDB installed and running

1. Clone the repository using git clone https://github.com/Vedang12d/chat-app.git

2. Navigate to the server directory and Install dependencies using npm install.

3. Create a .env file in the server directory. Add these environment variables:

MONGO_URL=YOUR_MONGO_DB_CONNECTION_STRING
JWT_SECRET=YOUR_JWT_SECRET_KEY
CLIENT_URL='http://localhost:3000' (or your frontend URL)

4. Run the server using the appropriate command.

5. Navigate to the client directory and install client dependencies using npm install.

6. Start the React app using the appropriate command.

7. Access the application in your browser at http://localhost:3000.