🗨 ChatCom

A modern, real-time chat application with image sharing, secure authentication, and a Gemini AI-powered assistant. Built with React, Node.js, Socket.IO, and MongoDB.

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✨ Features

• Real-time Messaging: Instant chat powered by Socket.IO.
• Image Sharing: Send and receive images in your conversations.
• Gemini AI Assistant: Chat with an integrated AI assistant for smart replies and help.
• Secure Authentication: JWT-based login and signup.
• Responsive UI: Beautiful, mobile-friendly design with theme support.
• Profile Management: Update your avatar and personal info.

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🛠️ Tech Stack

• Frontend: React, Vite, Tailwind CSS, DaisyUI
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js
• Database: MongoDB (with Mongoose)
• Real-time: Socket.IO
• AI Integration: Google Gemini API
• Image Hosting: Cloudinary

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🚀 Getting Started

1. Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/chatcom.git
cd chatcom

2. Install dependencies

Backend:

cd backend
npm install

Frontend:

cd ../frontend
npm install

3. Set up environment variables

Create a .env file in the backend folder:

PORT=5555
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret
MONGODB_URI=your_mongodb_uri
CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloudinary_name
CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_cloudinary_key
CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_cloudinary_secret
GEMINI_API_KEY=your_gemini_api_key
NODE_ENV=development

4. Run the app in development

Backend:

cd backend
npm run dev

Frontend:

cd ../frontend
npm run dev

Open http://localhost:5173 in your browser.

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📦 Production Build

1. Build the frontend:

   cd frontend
   npm run build

2. Serve the frontend from the backend:
   • Make sure NODE_ENV=production in your backend .env
   • Start the backend:

     cd backend
     npm start

   • Visit http://localhost:5555

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🤖 AI Assistant

ChatCom integrates with Google Gemini AI to provide smart, context-aware responses. Just start a conversation with the AI assistant in your chat list!

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📝 License

MIT License

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Made with ❤️ by Akula Sai Teja