Chat App Backend

This is the backend for the real-time chat application using Express, Socket.IO, and MongoDB (Mongoose).

It supports real-time messaging, likes, and comments.

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Installation

1. Clone the repository:

git clone <repo-url>
cd <repo-folder>

2. Install dependencies:

npm install

3. Install nodemon globally (optional, for development):

npm install -g nodemon

Or as a dev dependency:

npm install --save-dev nodemon

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Environment Variables

Create a .env file in the src/ folder based on the .env.example file:

src/.env.example

Example .env:

MONGO_URI=mongodb:
PORT=3000

• MONGO_URI — Your MongoDB connection string
• PORT — Port for the server (default: 3000)

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Running the Server

Development (with nodemon)

npx nodemon src/index.js

or if installed globally:

nodemon src/index.js

Production

node src/index.js

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Project Structure

src/
├─ models/          # Mongoose schemas (Message, Comment, etc.)
├─ server.js        # Express & Socket.IO setup
├─ index.js         # Entry point
├─ .env.example     # Environment variable template

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Notes

• Messages, likes, and comments are persisted in MongoDB.
• Socket.IO handles real-time updates.
• Ensure MongoDB is running before starting the server.

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