We are almost done with the basic structure. The app is now capable of the following functions:
- Connecting two strangers if they are not connected to anyone else.
- Carrying messages from the two strangers to just each other.
- Show that the stranger has disconnected.
- Reconnect the user if other free users are available.
The following features are yet to be implemented:
- Most importantly, make the message window auto scroll. Right now , if number of messages increase beyond the height of the message box, it becomes impossible to read them.
- Implement a better style for the page, right now it is primitive in visual style.
- If the user is not connected , his messages should not be accepted. Right now his messages are appended to the screen.
- Implement User Groups. This is something with great potential if done properly. IRC has had this for long, but most people don't use it anyway. We will implement a way for the users to create groups from within a chat, and allow many users to chat within a group.
- Allow handling of nicknames.
- New Bug, if user is not connected and he closes his tab,the node server thinks that he is a free user.
Clone the git repo somewhere and cd into it. Then run npm install in the directory. After that it should be ready to use.
git clone https://github.com/sdciitmandi/campus-chat-client.git
cd campus-chat-client
npm install
# Now run the app
node index.js