README.md

MSGER - Real-Time Chat

A real-time chat application inspired by (AIM). Built with React hooks and Socket.io.

✨ Features

• Real-Time Communication: Instant message delivery using WebSockets.
• Room System:
  • Live Preview: https://timothyjosephcollins.com/msg/
  • Create unique, ephemeral chat rooms.
  • Join existing rooms via Room ID.
  • Deep Linking: Share a specific URL (e.g., /?room=123) to invite friends directly. .

🛠 Tech Stack

Frontend:

• React 18+ (Functional Components)
• React Hooks (useState, useEffect, useRef, useMemo)
• CSS3 (External stylesheets, no inline styles)

Backend:

• Node.js
• Socket.io
• Express (for API routes)

🚀 Installation & Setup

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14 or higher)

• npm or yarn

• 1. Clone the repository

• git clone

• cd msger-chat

• 2. Install Dependencies

• npm install

• 3. Running the Application

• Run both the backend server and the React frontend.

• Start the Backend:

• node server.js

• Start the Frontend:

• npm start