Socket.IO Multi-Room Chat Application
Washington University in St. Louis, Fall 2024
Developed a comprehensive real-time chat application using Node.js and Socket.IO as part of Washington University in St. Louis’s CSE 503S: Rapid Prototyping and Creative Programming course. The application features advanced functionality including password-protected rooms, private messaging, and user moderation capabilities.
Key Features
- Multi-room chat system with default “Lobby”
- Password-protected private rooms
- Room creator privileges (kick/ban functionality)
- Private messaging between users
- Message reply functionality
- Persistent nickname storage using localStorage
- User room history tracking
- Customizable interface styling
Technical Architecture
Core components include:
- Server implementation using Node.js and Socket.IO
- HTML5/CSS3 web client interface
- Client-side JavaScript logic
- Real-time bidirectional event-based communication
- Local storage integration for user preferences
Implementation Details
The system implements several key features:
- Real-time message broadcasting within rooms
- User authentication and authorization
- Room management system
- Private messaging protocol
- User moderation controls
- Responsive web design
Skills/Technologies
- Node.js
- Socket.IO
- JavaScript (ES6+)
- HTML5
- CSS3
- Real-time Communication
- Web Development
- User Authentication
- Session Management
- Version Control (Git)