A modern and responsive real-time chat application built with React.js, designed for fast and seamless one-to-one communication.
ChitChat is a real-time messaging application with a responsive interface for one-to-one communication.
The frontend focuses on a smooth messaging experience with real-time updates, image sharing, search functionality, authentication, sound controls, and responsive design.
- 💬 Real-Time Messaging — Send and receive messages instantly.
- 🖼️ Image Sharing — Send images directly within conversations.
- 🔊 Sound Controls — Enable or disable chat notification sounds.
- 🔎 Search & Filtering — Search contacts and conversations quickly.
- 🟢 Online / Offline Status — View users' current availability.
- ⚡ Optimistic UI — Messages appear immediately for a smoother experience.
- 🔐 Secure Authentication — JWT authentication using HttpOnly cookies.
- 🚫 Custom 404 Page — Handles invalid and unavailable routes.
- 📱 Responsive Design — Optimized for desktop and Android browsers.
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| React.js | User interface |
| Vite | Development and build tooling |
| React Router | Client-side routing |
| Zustand | State management |
| Axios | API communication |
| Socket.IO Client | Real-time communication |
| Tailwind CSS | Styling |
| DaisyUI | UI components |
| Motion / Framer Motion | Animations |
| Lucide React | Icons |
ChitChat uses JWT authentication with HttpOnly cookies.
The authentication token is stored in an HttpOnly cookie, preventing client-side JavaScript from directly accessing the token.
The frontend communicates with the backend using authenticated requests and credentials.
The application uses Socket.IO Client for real-time communication with the backend.
This enables:
- Instant message delivery
- Online/offline presence
- Real-time conversation updates
ChitChat provides search functionality for both contacts and conversations.
When no matching results are found, the application displays an appropriate empty state instead of leaving the interface blank.
Users can select and send images directly within conversations.
The interface supports image previews and displays uploaded images directly inside the chat.
Users can enable or disable chat notification sounds.
The selected sound preference is stored locally and persists between sessions.
ChitChat uses optimistic UI updates when sending messages.
Messages are displayed immediately while the request is processed by the backend, creating a faster and more responsive messaging experience.
ChitChat currently works best on:
- ✅ Windows / Desktop browsers
- ✅ Android browsers
⚠️ Safari — currently limited
Safari has stricter cross-site cookie and privacy behavior, which can affect authentication when the frontend and backend are deployed separately.
Make sure you have installed:
- Node.js
- npm
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/chitchat-frontend.gitcd chitchat-frontendnpm installnpm run devThe application will be available at:
http://localhost:5173
Create an optimized production build:
npm run buildPreview the production build locally:
npm run previewThe frontend communicates with a separate backend that handles server-side functionality including authentication, messaging, user management, image uploads, and email services.
Backend Repository: https://github.com/YashSinghal02/ChitChatBackend
src/
├── components/
├── pages/
├── hooks/
├── store/
├── lib/
├── App.jsx
└── main.jsx
Yash Singhal
ChitChat was built as a hands-on full-stack project to gain practical experience with modern frontend development, real-time communication, authentication, state management, responsive UI, and production deployment.
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Copyright © 2026 Yash Singhal.