Real-Time Chat Application This project is a real-time chat application built using React for the front end and Node.js with Express for the back end. It allows users to chat with each other in real time through instant messaging, with messages being displayed to all participants in the chat as soon as they are sent. This is achieved using Socket.IO for real-time, bidirectional communication between the client and server.

Features: Real-time messaging: Users can send and receive messages instantly. User authentication: Users can log in and authenticate themselves before joining a chat. Multiple chat rooms: Users can join different chat rooms to communicate with specific groups. Typing indicators: See when other users are typing in the chat. Message history: Previous messages are displayed when users join a room. Online status: Shows which users are currently online.

Tech Stack: Frontend: React: For building the user interface. Socket.IO Client: For handling real-time communication on the client side.

Backend: Node.js and Express: For handling server-side logic and API routes. Socket.IO Server: For real-time, event-based communication.

Database (Optional): MongoDB (or any other DB): For storing chat history and user information.

Installation To run the application locally, follow these steps:

Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/yourusername/realtime-chat-app.git

Navigate to the project directory: cd realtime-chat-app

Install server-side dependencies: cd server npm install

Install client-side dependencies: cd ../client npm install

Start the server: cd ../server npm start

Start the client: cd ../client npm start

Usage Open the browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000. Sign up or log in to join a chat room. Select or create a chat room to start chatting with other users in real time.