Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack
Tags: chat, mern
Published: 2023-12-27 18:28:11

---
title: Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack
published: true
date: 2023-12-08 00:55:00 UTC
tags: Chat,MERN
canonical_url: https://reactjsexample.com/real-time-chat-application-with-advanced-functionality-built-using-the-mern-stack/
---

# Let’s Chat
 ![Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack](https://reactjsexample.com/content/images/2023/12/Code_2023-12_23-50-21.jpg)

A real-time chat application. Another fun side project 🙂

![Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/66206865/188901222-8eefabe5-8ca2-4305-aeb3-3afa37b304b3.png)

![Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/66206865/188900580-01d0d3ca-b242-4f48-99cf-96edeeb5f1db.png)

GIFs are attached at the end.

## Technologies Used

- React and TailwindCSS for the frontend
- Firebase for authentication
- Node/Express for creating API endpoints
- MongoDB for storing chat room members and their messages
- Socket.io for making the app real-time

## Basic Features

- Users can register/login via email and password.
- Profile page where users can update their avatar and display name.
- Generate random avatars using [DiceBear API](https://avatars.dicebear.com/docs/http-api)
- Users can create a room to chat with others.
- Users can see online status.
- Search functionality.
- Chatting is real-time.
- Emoji picker is also integrated.
- Dark mode can be enabled.

## Getting Started

To run this project locally, follow these steps:

1. Clone the repository.
2. Install the dependencies:
  - Navigate to the `frontend` directory and run `npm install`.
  - Navigate to the `server` directory and run `npm install`.
3. Set up Firebase:
  - Go to the [Firebase Console](https://console.firebase.google.com/).
  - Create a new project or select an existing one.
  - Go to the project settings or service accounts section.
  - Click on “Generate new private key” or a similar option.
  - Save the downloaded JSON file as `serviceAccountKey.json`.
  - Place the downloaded `serviceAccountKey.json` file in the `server/config` directory.
4. Set up Environment Variables:
  - In the `frontend` directory, create a new file named `.env` based on the `.env.example` file.
  - Update the values of the environment variables in the `.env` file with your Firebase configuration details.
  - In the root directory, create a new file named `.env` based on the `.env.example` file.
  - Update the values of the environment variables in the `.env` file according to your preferences. For example, set the `PORT` variable to specify the desired port for the server and set `MONGO_URI` to your MongoDB connection URI.
5. Run the server:
  - Navigate to the `server` directory and run `npm run start`.
6. Run the client:
  - Navigate to the `frontend` directory and run `npm start`.
7. The application will be accessible at `http://localhost:3000`.

Please make sure to keep the `serviceAccountKey.json` file and sensitive information secure and not commit them to version control.

## GIFs

![Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/66206865/188901119-65a05b65-3c76-4c3f-92c5-042d061df8e1.gif)

![Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/66206865/188900841-2dfe91c2-eb78-4f70-a013-babe0124ee68.gif)

![Real-time chat application with advanced functionality built using the MERN stack](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/66206865/188900662-a120aef4-ced1-442b-98dd-ab90b4cea7b5.gif)

## GitHub

[View Github](https://github.com/dodger213/Real_time_Chat_MERN?ref=reactjsexample.com)