Problem
Traditional messaging platforms can be cluttered, slow, or lack personalization options. For an academic project, the goal was to create a lightweight, user-friendly chat application that supported real-time communication, personalization, and a modern UI — all while being simple to deploy and maintain.
Action
Designed and implemented a full-stack chat application as part of a SoftUni exam project. The back-end was built with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB, leveraging WebSockets for real-time communication between clients. The front-end was developed using React, incorporating a responsive design with both light and dark themes.
Implemented secure user authentication, profile customization (including profile picture uploads), and message persistence in MongoDB. Deployed the application using Render for hosting and ensured smooth performance across devices.
Results
- Fully functional messaging system supporting real-time chat between authenticated users
- Profile personalization features, including theme switching and profile image updates
- Stable deployment with Render, maintaining consistent uptime
- Positive peer and instructor feedback for clean design and functionality
- Solidified skills in full-stack development, real-time communication, and deployment
