ConnectHub is a modern, WhatsApp-style real-time messaging application that allows users to stay connected with their friends anytime, anywhere. Built with React, FastAPI, and MongoDB.
- Instant messaging with WebSocket
- Online/offline status tracking
- Typing indicators
- Message reactions (emojis)
- Reply to messages
- Edit & delete messages
- File uploads (images, videos, documents)
- Send/accept friend requests
- Online status indicators (green = online, gray = offline)
- Real-time friend list updates
- Easy friend discovery
- WhatsApp-inspired design
- Dark mode support
- Fully responsive (mobile & desktop)
- Smooth animations with Framer Motion
- Gradient themes
- Message bubbles with timestamps
- Video calling support (WebRTC)
- Offline message delivery
- Unread message notifications
- Message persistence
- Auto-reconnection
Frontend:
- React 19, Tailwind CSS, Framer Motion
- Radix UI Components, Axios, WebSocket Client
Backend:
- FastAPI, MongoDB/PostgreSQL
- Python 3.13, WebSockets, Motor (async MongoDB driver)
See QUICK_DEPLOY.md for fastest deployment!
- Database: MongoDB Atlas (Free tier)
- Backend: Render (Free tier)
- Frontend: Vercel (Free tier)
Total time: ~15 minutes | Total cost: $0
See DEPLOY.md for complete step-by-step instructions.
# Backend
cd backend
pip install -r requirements.txt
python server.py
# Frontend (new terminal)
cd frontend && npm install --legacy-peer-deps
npm start -- --port 3001Visit http://localhost:3001 and start connecting!
✅ Send offline messages to friends ✅ Get notified when friends come online ✅ See who's typing in real-time ✅ Beautiful dark mode interface ✅ Works on mobile and desktop ✅ Message history persistence ✅ Friend request system
Start building real connections today with ConnectHub!