A

Project I
Report
On

CHAT

Submitted for Partial Fulfillment of the Award of Bachelor

of Technology (B.Tech) in CSE Kurukshetra University
Kurukshetra

Submitted By:
Jashanpreet Singh(1222628)
Natish Maan(1222639)
Dipanshu(1222621)

Submitted To:
Er. Seema Mehla
(A.P, Deptt. of CSE)

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Seth Jai Parkash Mukand Lal Institute of Engineering &

Technology
Affiliated to Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra
 Declaration

We hereby certify that the work which is being presented in the Project I Report entitled,
“BLITZ” by us, Anmol kaura(1221346), Ayush(1221187) in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of degree of Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science
Engineering submitted in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at JMIT
Radaur (Affiliated to Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana (India)) is an
authentic record of our own work carried out under the supervision of Er. Seema Mehla. The
matter presented in the report has not been submitted in any other University/Institute for the
award of any degree.

Anmol kaura
Ayush

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of my/our
knowledge.

Er. Seema Mehla

A.P, Department of CSE. JMIT Radaur

Countersigned By: Dr. Gaurav Sharma (H.O.D,CSE)

The B.Tech Project I Viva-voce examination of Anmol kaura(1221346), Ayush(1221187) was

held on................................................and is accepted.

Er. Seema Mehla (Examiner)

(Supervisor)
 Acknowledgement

The writing of this project report has been assisted by the generous help of many people. We
feel that we were very fortunate to receive assistance from them. We wish to express our
sincere appreciation to them.

First and foremost, we are indebted to our principal supervisor, Er. Seema Mehla (A.P.,
Department of Computer Science and Engineering) of JMIT Radaur, who has been very
supportive at every stage of our project completion. We wish to express our utmost gratitude
to him for the invaluable advice and patience in reading, correcting and commenting on First
and foremost, we are indebted to our principal supervisor, Er. Ritu Rajal.

A.P, (Department of Computer Science and Engineering) of JMIT Radaur, who has been
very supportive at every stage of our project completion. We wish to express our utmost
gratitude to him for the invaluable advice and patience in reading, correcting and
commenting on the drafts of this report and, more importantly, for his generosity which we
have received throughout our project completion.

We wish to express our thanks to all staff members of JMIT Radaur, who also helped us in
conducting this study.
Finally, we are particularly indebted to our dearest parents/guardians as without their generous
assistance and love; this project could never have been completed.

Anmol kaura(1221346)
Ayush(1221187)
 Abstract

This study examines the development, implementation, and impact of a dedicated social media
website designed specifically for college students. Recognizing the unique social and academic
needs of the collegiate environment, the platform aims to foster stronger campus connections,
enhance student engagement, and support academic collaboration.
The research employs a case study approach, analyzing the experiences of students at XYZ
University who use the new social media website over an academic year. Data is collected
through a combination of surveys, focus groups, and usage analytics to evaluate user
engagement, satisfaction, and the website's impact on both social and academic activities.
Initial findings indicate that the college-specific social media platform significantly enhances
students' sense of community and belonging. Features such as event calendars, study group
formations, and academic resource sharing are particularly valued by users. Additionally, the
platform's focus on privacy and security is highlighted as a critical factor in its positive
reception. The study concludes that a dedicated college social media website can play a pivotal
role in enriching the campus experience by promoting active student engagement and facilitating
academic support networks. Insights from this research can guide other institutions in developing
similar platforms to enhance their campus communities.
 Table of Contents
Declaration.......................................................................................................................................2
Acknowledgement............................................................................................................................3
Abstract............................................................................................................................................4
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................5
List of Figures..................................................................................................................................6

Chapter 1. I. Problem Background and its Context

II. System Objective
III. Functionality (Core and Enhanced)
IV. Academic, Technical & Economic Feasibility
V. Risk Factors Identification & their Mitigation
Chapter 2.
I. Primary Research Techniques and Analysis
II. Secondary Research
I. Requirement Analysis
Chapter 3.
II. System Design

Chapter 4. System Implementation

Chapter 5. Testing

Chapter 6. Future Scope & Limitations

Chapter 7. Conclusion

Chapter 8. Bibliography

Chapter 9. Appendix
 List of figures

Figure Number Description Page Number

2.1 Primary research techniques 16

3.1 Client-Server Architecture 23

3.3 DFD Figure 27

3.4 User Interface Diagram 29

9.1.I Project Meeting Log Sheets 49-50

9.1.1 Sign up 51

9.1.2 Community page 51

9.1.3 Dashboard 52

9.1.4 Login 52

Plagiarism Report 53
Chapter 1
Introduction
 1.I Problem Background and its Context

In today’s interconnected world, real-time messaging has become indispensable for personal,
academic, and professional communication. However, many existing chat platforms fall short in
balancing immediacy, security, and ease of use. Building a dedicated Chat System addresses this gap
by offering a streamlined, private environment tailored for closed communities—such as student
groups, project teams, or departmental collaborations—where rapid information exchange and
confidentiality are paramount.

Key Challenges
1. Privacy Concerns:

• Data Security: Standard chat apps may store sensitive conversations on third-party servers
without end-to-end encryption, risking unauthorized access.
• Oversharing: Without fine-grained controls, users may inadvertently expose personal or
project-critical information.

2. Cyberbullying and Harassment:

• Anonymity: Anonymous or pseudonymous accounts can embolden abusive behavior,

leading to harassment..

• Mental Health Impact: Recipients of unwelcome messages may experience stress, anxiety,
or isolation.

3. Information Overload:

• Rapid Fire Messaging High message volume can overwhelm users, causing important
updates to be missed.
• Context Loss: In fast-moving group chats, earlier messages can scroll out of view before
being read.

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4. Time Management:
• Constant Notifications: Real-time alerts can fragment attention, reducing productivity on
core tasks.

• Addiction: Endless scrolling or message “pings” can lead to compulsive behavior,

detracting from focused work.

5. Platform Fragmentation:

• Multiple Tools: Users often juggle email, standalone chat apps, and file-sharing
services, leading to fragmented workflows..
• Compatibility Issues: Different tools may not integrate smoothly, forcing users to switch
contexts and lose information.

9
Context in Collaborative settings
1. Focused Collaboration:

• Direct Channels: Enables small-group or one-to-one conversations without the noise of

larger social platforms.
• Resource Sharing: Facilitates instant exchange of code snippets, documents, and links
within the chat.

2. Timely Announcements:

• Broadcast Messages: Project leads can send project-wide alerts (e.g., deadline reminders)
that all members see immediately.
• Threaded Discussions: Organizes conversations around specific topics or tasks to maintain
clarity.

3. Engagement and Feedback:

• Polls & Quick Surveys: Gather rapid feedback during planning sessions or sprint retrospective.
• Interactive Bots: Automate reminders, stand-up prompts, or simple Q&A to streamline team
processes.

10
Addressing the Challenges
1. Policy & Permissions:

• Role-Based Access: Assign view/send rights per channel or group to protect sensitive
discussions.
• Moderation Tools: Enable admins to mute, remove, or warn users who violate guidelines.

2. User Education:

• Onboarding Tutorials: Walk new users through privacy settings and best practices for
secure messaging.
• Usage Guidelines: Recommend healthy notification habits (e.g., Do-Not-Disturb modes).

3. Support Mechanisms:

• Report Abuse Feature: One-click reporting of harassing content to administrators.

• Help Desk Integration: Link to IT or counseling services for issues stemming from chat
interactions.

4. Technology Solutions:
• Privacy Settings: Enhancing privacy settings and controls to protect data.
• Message Search & Threading: Powerful search tools and threaded replies to reduce information loss.

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 1.II System Objective

Here are some key objectives:

1. Provide a single, cohesive platform where users can exchange instant messages—both one-
to-one and in groups—eliminating the need to juggle multiple chat apps. By centralizing all
conversations in one interface, the system ensures that team members, classmates, or peer
groups remain informed and connected without fragmentation.

2. Cultivate an engaging community space where participants feel empowered to join topic-
based channels, share ideas, and collaborate on tasks. Through features like dedicated chat
rooms, file sharing, and threaded replies, the system strengthens relationships, fosters peer
support, and encourages active participation across diverse user groups.

3. Integrate event-planning tools—such as channel invitations, RSVP tracking, and timed

notifications—directly into chat channels. This empowers users to schedule meetings, study
sessions, or project milestones, boosting visibility and attendance for all planned activities.

4. Facilitate rapid sharing of documents, code snippets, images, and links within conversations.
By embedding rich-media previews and providing in-chat file management, the system
streamlines knowledge exchange, enabling users to work together toward shared objectives
with minimal context-switching.

5. Embed feedback mechanisms (polls, quick surveys, reaction counts) and an analytics
dashboard to track engagement metrics—such as active channels, message volumes, and
peak usage periods. These insights allow administrators and team leads to make informed
decisions, optimize communication workflows, and continually refine the user experience.

6. Ensure an intuitive, responsive interface that works across desktops and mobile devices,
adhering to accessibility standards (keyboard navigation, screen-reader support). At the same
time, uphold the highest privacy and security standards—employing end-to-end encryption,
secure authentication (JWT), and role-based permissions—to safeguard all user data and
maintain trust.

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 1.III Functionality (Core and Enhanced)
Core Functionality:

User Profiles:
Each user registers with a unique account and builds a profile containing name, avatar,
status message, and basic contact info. Profiles display online/offline presence and role
(e.g., student, faculty, guest).

Direct & Group Chat:

Real-time one-to-one messaging and multi-participant channels powered by Socket.IO.
Users can create or join chat rooms, view active members, and exchange text instantly.

Channel Management:
Hosts can create public or private channels, assign moderators, and set access controls.
Channel lists show unread counts and allow starring for quick access.

File & Media Sharing:

In-chat upload and preview of images, documents, and code snippets. Files are securely
stored and accessible via link or inline thumbnail.

Notifications & Mentions:

Configurable in-app and push/browser alerts for new messages, @mentions, or keyword
triggers. Notification center aggregates missed activity by channel.

Media Sharing:
The platform supports the sharing of multimedia content such as photos, videos, and
documents. Users can upload and view content related to campus events, academic
projects, student performances, and more.

13
Enhanced Functionality :

Advanced Search and Filters:

Enhanced search functionality allows users to discover relevant content, users, and groups
based on keywords, categories, and filters. This feature streamlines information retrieval
and promotes discoverability within the platform.

Threaded Replies:
Start sub-conversations on specific messages to maintain context in busy channels.
Threads collapse or expand inline.

Polls and Surveys:

Users can create and participate in polls and surveys to gather feedback, opinions, and
preferences from the college community. Poll results are displayed in real-time, fostering
engagement and data-driven decision-making.

Message Scheduling & Reminders:

Schedule messages or reminders to appear at a future time or recurring interval, ensuring

important announcements aren’t missed.

Analytics and Insights:

Administrators have access to analytics and insights dashboard to monitor user activity,
engagement metrics, and platform performance. This data enables administrators to assess
the effectiveness of communication strategies, identify trends, and make data-driven
decisions to improve the platform.

14
 1.IV Academic, Technical & Economic Feasibility

Academic Feasibility:

The academic feasibility of implementing the Chat System hinges on its capacity to reinforce
collaborative learning and digital communication competencies. By providing a dedicated real-
time messaging environment, students and project teams can engage in peer tutoring, code
reviews, and group brainstorming sessions outside the classroom. Integrating the chat platform
with course management tools and project repositories fosters seamless sharing of lecture notes,
sample code, and design diagrams. This interactive medium encourages active participation,
timely feedback, and spontaneous knowledge exchange, which complement traditional
instruction and lab work. Furthermore, hands-on development and usage of the chat system
cultivate practical skills in software design, networking, and user experience evaluation. Overall,
the academic feasibility is high, as the system directly supports project-based learning, team
collaboration, and the development of essential 21st-century skills.

Technical Feasibility:

From a technical standpoint, the Chat System leverages mature, open-source technologies—
MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js, and Socket.IO—to deliver a scalable, high-performance
messaging solution. Its microservice-friendly architecture can accommodate thousands of
concurrent WebSocket connections for instant message delivery without significant latency.
Deploying on cloud platforms with auto-scaling, load balancing, and CDN integration ensures
reliable uptime even under peak loads. Caching layers (Redis) optimize frequent queries such as
channel lists and user presence. Standard encryption protocols (TLS) and JWT-based
authentication safeguard data in transit and at rest. Cross-platform compatibility is achieved
through responsive front-end design and progressive enhancement, guaranteeing access from
desktops, tablets, and smartphones. While implementation demands experienced developers, the
technical risks are mitigated by extensive community support and comprehensive documentation.

15
Economic Feasibility:
Evaluating economic feasibility, the Chat System entails modest initial costs—primarily
developer time, hosting, and maintenance. Utilizing open-source frameworks and free-tier cloud
services minimizes licensing fees and infrastructure expenditure. Ongoing operational costs
(compute, storage, bandwidth) scale with user adoption but can be offset by sponsorships,
institutional licensing, or premium feature subscriptions (e.g., custom branding, advanced
analytics). Agile development methodologies accelerate delivery, reducing time-to-value and
enabling early pilot testing. Potential returns include increased team productivity, lower software
fragmentation (consolidating multiple chat and file-sharing tools), and enhanced project
outcomes. A detailed cost-benefit analysis and phased rollout plan ensure that investments align
with tangible gains in collaboration efficiency and user satisfaction. Consequently, the economic
outlook is favorable, with clear pathways to sustainable operation and expansion.

16
1.V Risk Factors Identification & their Mitigation

1. Data Security and Privacy Risks:

● Identification: Risk of unauthorized access to private chats, file leaks, and exposure of
sensitive project data.

● Mitigation: Enforce end-to-end encryption for all messages and file transfers. Use role-
based access controls for channels. Conduct regular penetration tests and security audits.
Educate users on creating strong passwords and managing two-factor authentication.

2. Technical Challenges;

• Identification: Potential technical issues such as system downtime, slow performance,

and compatibility issues with different devices and browsers.

• Mitigation: Conduct thorough testing across various platforms and devices before
deployment. Implement scalable infrastructure, load balancing, and caching mechanisms
to handle peak loads. Have a dedicated technical support team to address any issues
promptly

3. User Adoption and Engagement:

• Identification: Risk of low user adoption rates and lack of sustained engagement over time.

• Mitigation: Develop a comprehensive user onboarding process, including training

sessions, tutorials, and user guides. Continuously monitor user feedback and behavior to
identify pain points and address them promptly. Implement gamification elements,
incentives, and rewards to encourage active participation and contributions.

17
4. Content Moderation and Compliance:

• Identification: Risk of inappropriate or offensive content being posted on the platform,

leading to reputational damage and compliance issues.

• Mitigation: Implement content moderation policies and procedures, including automated

filters, manual review processes, and community guidelines. Provide users with reporting
tools to flag inappropriate content for review. Ensure compliance with legal requirements
and college policies regarding content moderation and user behavior.

5. Integration Challenges:

• Identification: Difficulty integrating the social media platform with existing college
systems, databases, and third-party applications.

• Mitigation: Conduct thorough integration testing to identify and address compatibility

issues early in the development process. Collaborate closely with IT teams and external
vendors to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure and applications.
Develop robust APIs and documentation to facilitate future integrations and extensions.

6. Resistance to Change:

● Identification: Risk of resistance from stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff,

and administrators, who may be hesitant to adopt a new social media platform.

● Mitigation: Communicate the benefits of the platform clearly and transparently to all
stakeholders. Provide opportunities for feedback, input, and involvement in the
platform's development and implementation process. Offer training and support to help
users navigate the transition smoothly. Highlight success stories and positive outcomes
from early adopters to inspire confidence and enthusiasm.

18
7. Monetization Challenges:

● Identification: Difficulty in generating revenue through advertising, premium features,

or partnerships, leading to financial sustainability concerns.

● Mitigation: Conduct market research to identify viable monetization strategies and

revenue streams. Experiment with different pricing models, advertising formats, and
partnership opportunities to diversify revenue sources. Continuously evaluate and
optimize monetization strategies based on user feedback and market trends.

19
 Chapter 2
Research Design & Methodology

20
2.I Primary Research Techniques and Analysis

1. Surveys:

• Technique: Distribute online questionnaires to target users (students, faculty, project

teams) to capture their messaging habits, preferred features (e.g., group chat, file sharing),
and pain points with current chat tools.

• Analysis: Quantify responses to identify the most desired functionalities (e.g., emoji
reactions, search), frequency of use, and satisfaction levels. Apply statistical tests to
determine significant correlations between user roles and feature preferences.

2. Focus Groups:

• Technique: Convene small groups of representative users—developers, end-users, and

administrators—for moderated discussions on ideal chat workflows, security concerns,
and UI expectations.

• Analysis: Use thematic coding to extract recurring sentiments (e.g., desire for threaded
replies, frustration with notifications) and prioritize feature sets based on consensus
themes.

3. Interviews:
• Technique: Conduct semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including college
administrators, department heads, student leaders, and IT staff, to gather in-depth insights
into their requirements, goals, and concerns regarding the social media platform.
• Analysis: Analyze interview transcripts to identify recurring themes, priorities, and areas
of consensus or divergence among stakeholders. Use content analysis to extract key
insights and recommendations for informing the platform's design and functionality.

4. Observational Studies:
• Technique: Shadow users during typical work or study sessions to observe how they
switch between chat apps, email, and file drives, noting disruptions and workarounds.
• Analysis: Document usage patterns—peak messaging times, channel overload, and multi-tool
context switching—and leverage these insights to streamline the chat interface and reduce context
fragmentation.

21
5. Usability Testing:
• Technique Run prototype trials where participants perform core tasks (sending a message,
creating a channel, uploading a file) while thinking aloud.
• Analysis: Analyze usability testing data to identify usability issues, user experience
challenges, and areas for improvement in the platform's design and interface. Use
usability testing insights to iterate on the platform's design and optimize its user
experience.

6. Content Analysis:
• Technique: Analyze archived chat logs from existing platforms to categorize common
message types (questions, announcements, file exchanges) and interaction patterns (reply
rates, thread usage).
• Analysis: Use coding schemes to quantify message categories and engagement levels,
informing which chat features (e.g., polls, threading) will deliver the greatest impact on
real-world usage.

Fig 2.1: Primary Research Techniques

22
 2.II Secondary Research

Existing System Study:

• Review prominent messaging tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord) to benchmark features, pricing
models, and user feedback.

• Extract best practices for channel organization, notification controls, and compliance features that suit
academic or project environments.

• Identify common pitfalls—vendor lock-in, limited customization—and plan for open APIs and
extensibility.

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Analysis:

• Examine Agile, Scrum, and DevOps frameworks for iterative delivery of chat features,
balancing rapid prototyping with production stability.
• Select an SDLC approach (e.g., Scrum sprints) that aligns with academic calendar timelines
and ensures regular stakeholder feedback.
• Outline key phases—requirements gathering, sprint planning, user testing, deployment—and
define deliverables for each iteration..

Proposed System's Architecture:

• Research architectural frameworks and design patterns commonly used in developing

social media platforms.

• Evaluate WebSocket vs. HTTP-based fallback mechanisms for real-time messaging

reliability.
• Develop a proposed system architecture that outlines the high-level components, modules,
and interactions required to support the platform's functionality and scalability.

23
Development Software's Comparisons:

• Compare programming languages (JavaScript/TypeScript), frameworks (Express vs. Nest.js),

and WebSocket libraries (Socket.IO vs. ws) on performance, community support, and learning
curve.
• Evaluate IDEs (VS Code, WebStorm) for integrated debugging, linting, and Git workflows
tailored to full-stack development.
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of managed cloud services (Heroku, AWS Elastic Beanstalk) vs.
self-managed VPS, weighing operational overhead against scalability and uptime guarantees.

24
 Chapter 3
System
Analysis

25
3.I Requirement Analysis

The following sections provide a detailed overview of the requirement analysis process,
including the use cases and Software Requirements Specification (SRS) documentation.

Use Cases:

• User Registration: Allow new users to sign up with a unique username, email, and
password, then verify via email before accessing chat features.

• Private Messaging: Enable users to initiate one-to-one conversations, send and receive real-
time text messages, and view message status (sent, delivered, read).

• Group Chat: Allow users to create, join, and leave group channels; send messages to all
members; and manage channel membership and privacy settings.

• Channel Management: Enable channel owners to rename channels, set them as public or
private, assign moderators, and archive inactive channels.

• File & Media Sharing: Support in-chat upload and preview of images, documents, and
code snippets; provide secure storage and link generation for shared files.

• User Presence & Status: Display real-time online/offline presence indicators and allow
users to set custom status messages (e.g., “In a meeting,” “Away”).

• Message History Search: Allow users to search chat history by keyword, date range, or
sender, with filters to narrow results to specific channels or conversations.

• Notifications & Mentions: Send in-app and optional push/browser notifications for new
messages, @mentions, direct messages, and channel invitations

• Integration Hooks: Provide webhook and REST API endpoints for external tooling (e.g.,
calendar invites, CI/CD alerts) to post automated messages into channels.

26
Software Requirements Specification (SRS) Documentation:

• Introduction: Overview of the chat system and its objectives.

• Functional Requirements: Detailed description of functional features, including user

management, news feed, messaging, events, groups, content sharing, notifications, and
search.

• Non-functional Requirements: Requirements related to performance, scalability, security,

usability, and compatibility.

• User Interfaces: Mockups and wireframes illustrating the user interface design and layout.

• Data Management: Specifications for data storage, retrieval, and management, including
user profiles, posts, messages, events, and groups.

• Security Requirements: Measures to ensure data privacy, authentication, authorization,

and protection against security threats.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: Requirements for testing procedures, including unit
testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing, and performance testing.

• Deployment and Maintenance: Specifications for deployment strategies, system

maintenance, updates, and support processes.

• Glossary: Definitions of terms and acronyms used throughout the SRS documentation.

27
Stakeholder Collaboration:

• User Feedback: Gather feedback from students, faculty, staff, and administrators through
surveys, focus groups, and interviews to validate requirements and prioritize features.

• Continuous Iteration: Engage stakeholders in an iterative development process, soliciting

feedback at each stage of development to ensure alignment with user needs and
expectations.

• Change Management: Establish processes for managing change requests and updates to
requirements throughout the development lifecycle, maintaining transparency and
communication with stakeholders.

28
3.II System Design
This section provides an in-depth analysis of the implementation of a client-server
architecture based on the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) for
web application development. The MERN stack has gained significant popularity in
recent years due to its ability to separate the client and server components, resulting in
efficient task distribution and improved development workflow. This report explores the
core components of the MERN stack and their roles in the creation of robust web
applications. Furthermore, it highlights the numerous benefits of employing this
architecture, including modularity, scalability, and code reusability. By adopting the
MERN stack, development teams can collaborate effectively and develop powerful web
applications that meet the requirements of modern technology-driven industries.

Fig 3.1: Client-Server Architecture

1. Introduction

1.1 Background
The increasing demand for web applications has necessitated the adoption of efficient
and scalable development approaches. The client-server architecture, in conjunction
with the MERN stack, offers a comprehensive solution to meet these requirements.

1.2 Problem Statement

The development of web applications often involves complex interactions between
the client and server components, necessitating an organized and scalable approach.
The client-server architecture in the MERN stack aims to address these challenges by
providing a modular and efficient framework for web application development.

29
1.3 Objectives
To understand the core components of the MERN stack and their roles in web application
development.
To explore the benefits of adopting the client-server architecture in the MERN stack.

2. MERN Stack Overview:

2.1 MongoDB
MongoDB is a NoSQL database that provides a flexible and scalable solution for
storing and retrieving data. Its document-based model allows for seamless integration
with the other components of the MERN stack, enabling efficient data management in
web applications.

2.2 Express.js
Express.js is a fast and minimalist web application framework that runs on top of
Node.js. It provides a robust set of features for building server-side applications,
handling routing, middleware, and other essential functionalities required for server
development.

2.3 React.js
React.js is a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It offers a
component- based approach to UI development, enabling the creation of reusable and
modular UI elements. React.js facilitates efficient rendering and updates, resulting in a
smooth and responsive user experience.

2.4 Node.js
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine. It allows server-side
execution of JavaScript, enabling the development of scalable and high-performance
server applications. Node.js, with its non-blocking I/O model, ensures efficient
handling of concurrent requests and enhances the overall performance of the server.

30
3. Client-Server Architecture
3.1 Client Component
The client component, developed using React.js, is responsible for handling the
presentation layer of the web application. It encompasses the user interface, user
interactions, and rendering of data. React.js's component-based architecture allows for
the creation of reusable UI elements, simplifying development and maintenance.

3.2 Server Component

The server component, built on Node.js and Express.js, handles the business logic and
data processing of the web application. It receives requests from the client, processes
them, interacts with the database, and sends back the appropriate responses. The server
component ensures efficient routing, middleware integration, and secure data
transmission.

3.3 Communication between Client and Server

The client and server communicate through APIs (Application Programming
Interfaces) to exchange data and perform actions. The client sends requests to the
server, which processes them and returns the requested data or performs the required
operations. This asynchronous communication ensures a seamless and responsive user
experience.

4. Implementation Details
4.1 Setting up the Development Environment
The development environment for the MERN stack involves the installation and
configuration of Node.js, MongoDB, and the necessary dependencies. Setting up a
project scaffold and establishing the required connections between the client and server
components are crucial steps in the implementation process.

4.2 Designing the Database Schema

A well-designed database schema is essential for efficient data storage and retrieval. By
leveraging MongoDB's flexible document-based structure, the database schema can be
designed to accommodate the specific requirements of the web application.

4.3 Developing the React.js Client

The React.js client is developed using components that encapsulate the UI elements
and their behaviors. The client interacts with the server through APIs, sending requests
and rendering the received data in an organized and user-friendly manner.

31
4.4 Building the Node.js Server with Express.js
The Node.js server, built with Express.js, handles the incoming requests from the client
and processes them accordingly. It defines routes, integrates middleware for request
processing, and interacts with the database to retrieve or modify data as needed.
Integrating MongoDB as the Database
MongoDB serves as the database for storing and managing the application's data. It
provides a flexible schema that allows for easy adaptation to changing requirements.
The server component interacts with MongoDB using an appropriate driver or an
Object- Document Mapping (ODM) tool.

5. Benefits of MERN Client-Server Architecture

5.1 Modularity and Code Reusability
The MERN stack promotes a modular development approach, enabling developers to
create reusable components. This modularity enhances code maintainability, reduces
duplication, and streamlines the development process.

5.2 Scalability and Performance

The MERN stack, with its non-blocking I/O model and support for horizontal scaling,
ensures high scalability and performance of web applications. It can handle concurrent
requests efficiently, resulting in improved response times and enhanced user
experience.

5.3 Rapid Prototyping and Development

The MERN stack facilitates rapid prototyping by providing a comprehensive set of
tools and libraries. The ease of development and the ability to reuse components
expedite the development cycle, enabling quick iterations and faster delivery of the
final product.

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 DFD diagram

Fig 3.3.1: DFD Diagram

On the main chat dashboard, users see a list of available channels and direct‐message
contacts. Each entry shows its name, recent activity timestamp, and unread message
count, helping users choose where to join the conversation.
1. Login / Signup
o If a user is not already authenticated, attempting to open a channel or send a
message redirects them to the Sign-In page.
o New users click Sign-Up, provide their name, email, and password, then verify
via email. After confirming, they’re taken to Sign-In to enter credentials and
access the chat system.
2. Channel Selection
o Once logged in, the user lands on the Chat Dashboard. They can:
 Browse Channels: View public channels (e.g., #general, #projects) and
click Join.
 Direct Messages: Click on a user in their contacts list to open a private
chat.
o Selecting a channel or contact opens the Chat Window, displaying recent
messages and an input box at the bottom.
3. Composing & Sending Messages
o In the Chat Window, users type text, attach files (images, documents, code
snippets), or use emoji reactions.
o Clicking Send emits the message via Socket.IO to the server.
4. Server Processing
o The server verifies the user’s token, saves the message to the database
(MongoDB), and pushes it to all connected clients in that room.
o If the channel is private, only authorized participants receive it.
5. Real-Time Delivery & Notifications
33
 o Recipients see the incoming message appear instantly in their Chat Window.
o If they are in another channel or browser tab, the system shows an in-app
notification badge and optional desktop push alert.
6. Message Confirmation
o Each message shows a status icon:
 Sent (✓) once the server acknowledges receipt
 Delivered (✓✓) when each recipient’s client confirms receipt
 Read (✓✓ with color) when the recipient views the message
7. Threaded Replies & History
o Users can click Reply on any message to start a thread, keeping sub-conversations
organized.
o A global Search feature lets users look up keywords, filter by date or sender, and
jump to past messages.

34
User Interface Diagram:
In this section we run our project and show the view of the web pages which are shown
to the user. User interface is the front-end application view to which user interacts in
order to use the software. The software becomes more popular if its user interface is:
● Attractive
● Simple to use
● Responsive in short time
● Clear to understand
● Consistent on all interface screens

Fig 3.4: User Interface Diagram

35
 Chapter 4
System Implementation

36
Frontend Code
import React, { Suspense, lazy, useEffect } from "react";
import { BrowserRouter, Routes, Route } from "react-router-dom";
import ProtectRoute from "./components/auth/ProtectRoute";
import { LayoutLoader } from "./components/layout/Loaders";
import axios from "axios";
import { server } from "./constants/config";
import { useDispatch, useSelector } from "react-redux";
import { userExists, userNotExists } from "./redux/reducers/auth";
import { Toaster } from "react-hot-toast";
import { SocketProvider } from "./socket";

const Home = lazy(() => import("./pages/Home"));

const Login = lazy(() => import("./pages/Login"));
const Chat = lazy(() => import("./pages/Chat"));
const Groups = lazy(() => import("./pages/Groups"));
const NotFound = lazy(() => import("./pages/NotFound"));

const AdminLogin = lazy(() => import("./pages/admin/AdminLogin"));

const Dashboard = lazy(() => import("./pages/admin/Dashboard"));
const UserManagement = lazy(() => import("./pages/admin/UserManagement"));
const ChatManagement = lazy(() => import("./pages/admin/ChatManagement"));
const MessagesManagement = lazy(() =>
import("./pages/admin/MessageManagement")
);

const App = () => {

const { user, loader } = useSelector((state) => state.auth);

const dispatch = useDispatch();

useEffect(() => {
axios
.get(`${server}/api/v1/user/me`, { withCredentials: true })
.then(({ data }) => dispatch(userExists(data.user)))
.catch((err) => dispatch(userNotExists()));
}, [dispatch]);

return loader ? (
<LayoutLoader />
):(
<BrowserRouter>
<Suspense fallback={<LayoutLoader />}>
<Routes>
<Route
element={
<SocketProvider>
<ProtectRoute user={user} />
37
 </SocketProvider>
}
>
<Route path="/" element={<Home />} />
<Route path="/chat/:chatId" element={<Chat />} />
<Route path="/groups" element={<Groups />} />
</Route>

<Route
path="/login"
element={
<ProtectRoute user={!user} redirect="/">
<Login />
</ProtectRoute>
}
/>

<Route path="/admin" element={<AdminLogin />} />

<Route path="/admin/dashboard" element={<Dashboard />} />
<Route path="/admin/users" element={<UserManagement />} />
<Route path="/admin/chats" element={<ChatManagement />} />
<Route path="/admin/messages" element={<MessagesManagement />} />

<Route path="*" element={<NotFound />} />

</Routes>
</Suspense>

<Toaster position="bottom-center" />

</BrowserRouter>
);
};

export default App;

Backend code

import express from "express";

import { connectDB } from "./utils/features.js";
import dotenv from "dotenv";
import { errorMiddleware } from "./middlewares/error.js";
import cookieParser from "cookie-parser";
import { Server } from "socket.io";
import { createServer } from "http";
import { v4 as uuid } from "uuid";
import cors from "cors";
import { v2 as cloudinary } from "cloudinary";
import {
CHAT_JOINED,
38
 CHAT_LEAVED,
NEW_MESSAGE,
NEW_MESSAGE_ALERT,
ONLINE_USERS,
START_TYPING,
STOP_TYPING,
} from "./constants/events.js";
import { getSockets } from "./lib/helper.js";
import { Message } from "./models/message.js";
import { corsOptions } from "./constants/config.js";
import { socketAuthenticator } from "./middlewares/auth.js";

import userRoute from "./routes/user.js";

import chatRoute from "./routes/chat.js";
import adminRoute from "./routes/admin.js";
import { createUser } from "./seeders/user.js";

dotenv.config({
path: "./.env",
});

const mongoURI = process.env.MONGO_URI;

const port = process.env.PORT || 3000;
const envMode = process.env.NODE_ENV.trim() || "PRODUCTION";
const adminSecretKey = process.env.ADMIN_SECRET_KEY || "adsasdsdfsdfsdfd";
const userSocketIDs = new Map();
const onlineUsers = new Set();

connectDB(mongoURI);

cloudinary.config({
cloud_name: process.env.CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME,
api_key: process.env.CLOUDINARY_API_KEY,
api_secret: process.env.CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET,
});

const app = express();

const server = createServer(app);
const io = new Server(server, {
cors: corsOptions,
});

app.set("io", io);

// Using Middlewares Here

app.use(express.json());
app.use(cookieParser());
app.use(cors(corsOptions));
39
app.use("/api/v1/user", userRoute);
app.use("/api/v1/chat", chatRoute);
app.use("/api/v1/admin", adminRoute);

app.get("/", (req, res) => {

res.send("Hello World");
});

io.use((socket, next) => {

cookieParser()(
socket.request,
socket.request.res,
async (err) => await socketAuthenticator(err, socket, next)
);
});

io.on("connection", (socket) => {

const user = socket.user;
userSocketIDs.set(user._id.toString(), socket.id);

socket.on(NEW_MESSAGE, async ({ chatId, members, message }) => {

const messageForRealTime = {
content: message,
_id: uuid(),
sender: {
_id: user._id,
name: user.name,
},
chat: chatId,
createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
};

const messageForDB = {
content: message,
sender: user._id,
chat: chatId,
};

const membersSocket = getSockets(members);

io.to(membersSocket).emit(NEW_MESSAGE, {
chatId,
message: messageForRealTime,
});
io.to(membersSocket).emit(NEW_MESSAGE_ALERT, { chatId });

try {
await Message.create(messageForDB);
40
 } catch (error) {
throw new Error(error);
}
});

socket.on(START_TYPING, ({ members, chatId }) => {

const membersSockets = getSockets(members);
socket.to(membersSockets).emit(START_TYPING, { chatId });
});

socket.on(STOP_TYPING, ({ members, chatId }) => {

const membersSockets = getSockets(members);
socket.to(membersSockets).emit(STOP_TYPING, { chatId });
});

socket.on(CHAT_JOINED, ({ userId, members }) => {

onlineUsers.add(userId.toString());

const membersSocket = getSockets(members);

io.to(membersSocket).emit(ONLINE_USERS, Array.from(onlineUsers));
});

socket.on(CHAT_LEAVED, ({ userId, members }) => {

onlineUsers.delete(userId.toString());

const membersSocket = getSockets(members);

io.to(membersSocket).emit(ONLINE_USERS, Array.from(onlineUsers));
});

socket.on("disconnect", () => {
userSocketIDs.delete(user._id.toString());
onlineUsers.delete(user._id.toString());
socket.broadcast.emit(ONLINE_USERS, Array.from(onlineUsers));
});
});

app.use(errorMiddleware);

server.listen(port, () => {
console.log(`Server is running on port ${port} in ${envMode} Mode`);
});

export { envMode, adminSecretKey, userSocketIDs };

41
Chapter 5
Testing

42
Unit Testing:

Unit testing focuses on verifying the functionality of individual components of the Chat System in
isolation. Below are example unit tests for core modules:

1. User Interface Testing:

• Test user registration: ensure new users can sign up with valid email/password and receive a
verification token.

• Verify user login: confirm successful login with correct credentials returns a JWT, and invalid
credentials yield an error.

• Test token validation: check that protected routes reject expired or malformed tokens

 Check password reset flow: ensure reset links are generated, emailed, and accepted only once.

2. Feature Testing:
• Direct messaging: send and receive messages between two users, including read receipts and typing
indicators.
• Group chat: create a new channel, invite members, and verify all members see new messages in real
time.

• File sharing: upload an image in a chat, confirm inline preview, and test file download
functionality.

• Emoji reactions and threaded replies: react to a message and start a thread; verify correct
grouping in the UI.

3. Integration Testing:
• API and WebSocket: execute a chat flow (login → join channel → send message → receive
message) to ensure API and Socket.IO interactions function seamlessly.
• Database consistency: after messaging flows, query the database to verify message
documents include correct sender/channel IDs and timestamps.

43
 • Third-party integrations: test webhook endpoint by posting a CI/CD alert and verifying it
appears in the specified channel.

4. Performance Testing:
• Load test with simulated users (e.g., 1,000 concurrent WebSocket connections) to measure message
latency and server CPU/memory usage.
• Stress test peak activity bursts (e.g., 100 messages/sec) to identify throughput limits and
potential bottlenecks.
• Monitor for memory leaks by running prolonged messaging sessions and observing
resource trends.

Functional Testing:

Functional testing evaluates the system's functionality against specified requirements. Here are
examples of functional tests for the college social media platform:

1. User Interface Testing:

• Verify that the user interface elements are displayed correctly and consistently across
different devices and browsers.

• Test navigation flow to ensure easy access to features and content.

• Check responsiveness of the user interface by testing on various screen sizes and
resolutions.

• Test error handling and validation messages to ensure they are displayed appropriately.
2. Feature Testing:
• Test messaging functionality: sending, editing, deleting messages, and viewing read receipts.

44
 • Verify group chat flows: creating channels, inviting members, and managing channel privacy.
• Test group creation, discussion, and event management features.
• Check messaging functionality, including sending, receiving, and managing messages.
3. Integration Testing:
• Test interactions between modules, ensuring that data is passed correctly between
different components.
• Verify data consistency and integrity across the platform.
• Test API endpoints for data retrieval and updates.
4. Performance Testing:
• Test system response times under various loads to ensure scalability.
• Verify resource utilization and identify any performance bottlenecks.
• Check for memory leaks and ensure optimal performance.
5. Security Testing:
• Test authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure secure access to the platform.
• Verify data encryption and secure transmission to protect user privacy.
• Check for vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting to ensure the
platform's security.

45
 Chapter 6
Future Scope & Limitations

46
Future Scope of College Social Media :

1. Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS): Future iterations of college

social media platforms could integrate seamlessly with LMS platforms, providing a unified
digital ecosystem for both social interaction and academic collaboration. This integration
could streamline communication between students and instructors, facilitate peer-to-peer
learning, and enhance the overall educational experience.

2. Advanced Analytics and Insights: Implementing advanced analytics and machine learning
algorithms can provide deeper insights into user behavior, engagement patterns, and content
preferences. This data-driven approach can enable colleges to personalize content
recommendations, optimize communication strategies, and identify opportunities for
improvement based on real-time feedback.

3. AI-Powered Insights and Automation: Incorporating machine learning can analyze chat
trends—peak activity hours, topic popularity—and automatically suggest relevant channels
or resources. AI-driven chatbots could handle routine queries (e.g., “What’s today’s meeting
link?”), freeing users to focus on substantive discussions.

4. Global Language Support: Implementing real-time translation services and multilingual

interfaces would break down language barriers, enabling users from diverse linguistic
backgrounds to communicate effortlessly in shared project channels or international study
groups.

5. Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance: Evolving the system to support end-to-end

encryption, granular data retention policies, and audit logging will meet organizational and
regulatory requirements for sensitive communications, making it suitable for corporate,
healthcare, or government use cases.

47
Limitations of College Social Media:

1. Privacy and Data Security Concerns: College social media platforms may face challenges
related to privacy and data security, particularly concerning the collection, storage, and use of
personal information. Ensuring robust privacy controls, data encryption, and compliance with
regulations such as GDPR and CCPA is essential to mitigate these concerns.

2. Digital Divide and Accessibility Issues: Not all students may have equal access to technology
or reliable internet connectivity, leading to disparities in participation and engagement on
college social media platforms. Addressing the digital divide and ensuring accessibility for
users with disabilities is crucial to promoting inclusivity and equitable access to resources and
opportunities.

3. Content Moderation and Online Safety: Chat System platforms may encounter issues
related to inappropriate or harmful content, cyberbullying, and harassment. Implementing
effective content moderation policies, reporting mechanisms, and user guidelines is essential to
maintain a safe and respectful online environment for all users.

4. Over-reliance on Technology: While chat system platforms offer numerous benefits, there is
a risk of over-reliance on technology and digital communication at the expense of face- to-face
interactions and community building. Balancing online engagement with offline activities and
fostering meaningful connections in both virtual and physical spaces is important for
promoting holistic student development.

5. Sustainability and Maintenance: Developing and maintaining a chat system platform

requires ongoing investment of resources, including financial resources, technical expertise,
and administrative support. Ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability of the platform
may pose challenges in terms of funding, staffing, and governance structures.

48
Chapter 7
Conclusion

49
In conclusion, a dedicated Chat System serves as a transformative tool for boosting real-time communication,
collaboration, and team cohesion in any group environment. By offering a centralized space for users to
exchange ideas, share files, and coordinate tasks instantly, this platform plays a pivotal role in fostering an
engaged and productive community.

Throughout this document, we have examined the Chat System’s background, objectives, and core
functionality—showcasing its ability to facilitate one-to-one and group messaging, secure media sharing, and
channel-based collaboration. We also reviewed its feasibility, architectural design, rigorous testing strategies,
and future enhancement avenues.

It is clear that the Chat System delivers significant advantages: seamless information flow, accelerated
decision-making, and unified project workflows. Leveraging real-time protocols, secure authentication, and
intuitive interfaces, the system can redefine how teams interact and manage their day-to-day activities.

Nonetheless, we must remain mindful of potential challenges—data privacy, accessibility across devices,
content moderation, and long-term maintainability. Overcoming these requires a balanced strategy that
emphasizes robust security, inclusive design, proactive moderation, and sustainable development practices.

In summary, the Chat System offers immense promise as a versatile communication backbone. By
continually innovating, addressing user needs, and upholding high standards for privacy and reliability,
organizations can unlock its full potential to empower teams, streamline collaboration, and drive success
across diverse projects and working environments.

50
Chapter 8
Bibliography

51
1. Anderson, K., & Dron, J. (2011). Three Generations of Distance Education Pedagogy. The
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 12(3), 80-97.

2. Junco, R., Elavsky, C. M., & Heiberger, G. (2013). Putting Twitter to the test: Assessing
outcomes for student collaboration, engagement, and success. British Journal of Educational
Technology, 44(2), 273–287. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2012.01284.x

3. Kuh, G. D. (2001). Assessing what really matters to student learning: Inside the National
Survey of Student Engagement. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 33(3), 10–17.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00091380109601795

4. Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral

Participation. Cambridge University Press.

5. Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1–6.
https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120110424816

6. Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. International
Journal of Instructional Technology & Distance Learning, 2(1).

7. Warschauer, M., & Matuchniak, T. (2010). New Technology and Digital Worlds: Analyzing
Evidence of Equity in Access, Use, and Outcomes. Review of Research in Education, 34(1),
179–225. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732x09349791

52
Chapter 9 Appendix

53
1. I Project Meeting Log Sheets

54
55
 9.II Screen Print-Outs

Fig 9.1.1 Sign up

Fig 9.1.2 Community page

56
Fiig 9.1.3 Dasboard

Fig 9.1.4 Login

57
Plagiarism Report

58
59