CHATLI: Blockchain-Based Chat Application

CHATLI is a decentralized chat application built on blockchain technology. It allows users to securely communicate with each other using smart contracts on the Ethereum network.

Features

• Decentralized messaging system
• User authentication using Ethereum addresses
• Friend list management
• Secure and encrypted communication

Technology Stack

• Solidity: For smart contract development
• Hardhat: Ethereum development environment
• Next.js: React framework for production
• Ethers.js: Ethereum wallet implementation
• Web3Modal: For connecting to Ethereum wallets

Prerequisites

• Next.js
• Node.js (v14.0.0 or later)
• npm (v6.0.0 or later)
• MetaMask or any Ethereum wallet

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Create a .env file in the root directory and add your configuration:

   NEXT_PUBLIC_POLYGON_Amoy_RPC=https://rpc-Amoy.maticvigil.com/
   

Smart Contract Development

CHATLI uses Hardhat for Ethereum development. Here are some useful commands:

npx hardhat help
npx hardhat test
REPORT_GAS=true npx hardhat test
npx hardhat node
npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js

To deploy the CHATLI smart contract to a local network:

1. Start a local Hardhat node:

   npx hardhat node
   

2. In a new terminal, deploy the contract:

   npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network localhost
   

Running CHATLI

1. Start the development server:

   npm run dev
   

2. Open http://localhost:3000 in your browser.

3. Connect your MetaMask wallet to CHATLI.

Usage

1. Create a CHATLI account using your Ethereum address.
2. Add friends to your CHATLI network using their Ethereum addresses.
3. Start chatting securely on the blockchain!

Testing

Run the CHATLI test suite with:

npx hardhat test

Deployment

To deploy CHATLI to the Polygon Amoy testnet:

1. Ensure your .env file is configured with the correct RPC URL and private key.
2. Run:

   npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network polygon_Amoy
   

Contributing

CHATLI was developed by a team of four dedicated individuals. We appreciate their hard work and contributions to this project:

• Gbolahan Akande
• Ernest Ukoge
• Chukwudi Nwaneri

Disclaimer

CHATLI is a prototype application for educational purposes. Do not use it to transmit sensitive information without proper security audits.