Socket.IO Multi-Room Chat Application

Overview

This project is a multi-room chat application built using Node.js and Socket.IO. It features password-protected rooms, private messaging, and user moderation capabilities. It was developed as part of Washington University in St. Louis's CSE 503: Rapid Prototyping and Creative Programming course.

Features

• Multi-room chat support with a default "Lobby"
• Password protection for private rooms
• Room creator privileges (kick/ban users)
• Private messaging between users
• Persistent nickname storage using localStorage
• Message reply functionality
• User room history tracking
• Style customization via CSS

Repository Structure

Core Files

• socketio-chat-app/chat-server.js - Server implementation
• socketio-chat-app/client.html - Web client interface
• socketio-chat-app/client.js - Client-side logic
• socketio-chat-app/style.css - Application styling

Configuration

• socketio-chat-app/package.json - Project dependencies

Getting Started

1. Clone the repository or download the files to your local machine.

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd socketio-chat-app
   

3. Install the dependencies:

   npm install
   

4. Start the server:

   npm start
   

5. Open your browser and importantly, navigate to http://localhost:3456/client.html manually. You can open this URL in multiple tabs or windows to simulate multiple users.

Usage

• Set your nickname to join the chat (automatically remembered)
• You're already in the Lobby. You can create your own room with optional password protection
• Send messages in rooms or privately to other users
• Reply to specific messages
• Room creators can:
  • Kick or ban users
  • Manage room access
  • Delete the room

Technologies

• Node.js
• Socket.IO
• HTML5/CSS3
• JavaScript

Acknowledgments

Developed for CSE 503S at Washington University in St. Louis.