🚀 Overview

Purpose: Provide real-time communication through public chat rooms and private messaging, enhancing user engagement on websites or applications.

Real-world use: Online communities, educational platforms, and small SaaS services can integrate chat functionalities without building from scratch.

Target users: Web developers, community managers, SaaS providers, and website owners seeking GPL-ready real-time chat integration.

✨ Key Features

• Public Chat Rooms: Create multiple chat rooms for different topics and communities.
• Private Messaging: Send one-on-one messages securely between users.
• Real-Time Updates: AJAX and PHP-based live message updates without page reloads.
• User Management: Admin can manage users, block, or delete messages.
• Responsive Design: Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
• Customizable UI: Modify themes, colors, and layout easily.
• Notifications: Alerts for new messages in private chats and chat rooms.
• Database Storage: MySQL/MariaDB-based storage for messages and users.
• Lightweight & Fast: Optimized for minimal server load.
• GPL License: Fully open-source for customization and redistribution.

⚙️ Technical Stack

• Backend: PHP 7.x / 8.x
• Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap 5, JavaScript, jQuery
• Database: MySQL / MariaDB
• Server: Apache / Nginx with PHP support
• Real-time Updates: AJAX polling or optional WebSocket integration

Server Requirements: PHP extensions: mbstring, mysqli, json, session, curl; SSL recommended; minimal RAM required for lightweight deployments.

🧩 Installation Guide

1. Upload ChatNet files to your web server.
2. Create a MySQL database and import chatnet.sql.
3. Update config.php with database credentials and site settings.
4. Set folder permissions for /uploads and /logs if needed.
5. Access the admin panel to create chat rooms and manage users.
6. Test public and private messaging functionality before going live.

📦 Deliverables

• PHP backend source code (GPL licensed)
• Public chat room and private messaging modules
• Admin panel for user and message management
• Database schema & sample data
• Responsive frontend UI
• AJAX real-time message system
• Installation and configuration guide

📱 Supported Platforms

Server OS: Linux, macOS, Windows (XAMPP/WAMP)

Client Access: Desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers; fully responsive design.

🧠 Notes

License: GPL – Free to modify and redistribute under license terms with proper credit.

• Ideal for community websites, SaaS chat apps, or private messaging services.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and user protection regulations.
• Maintain author credits when redistributing.

Customization Tips:

• Modify themes, chat layouts, or message storage methods in assets and app/Controllers.
• Add WebSocket integration for fully real-time chat enhancements.
• Extend user roles, notifications, or moderation features as needed.

SEO & SaaS Assurance: Clean URLs, responsive design, and modular architecture enable integration into SaaS platforms and website discoverability.

👨‍💻 Original Developer Credit

This GPL release is based on the original ChatNet – PHP Chat Room & Private Chat Script developed by its author(s) on CodeCanyon.
Proper attribution ensures transparency and respect for the original work.

View ChatNet on CodeCanyon

🔒 Disclaimer

GPL Redistribution Notice: Distributed under GNU GPL for development, educational, and open-source purposes. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the original developer. Users are responsible for complying with data privacy and user protection regulations.

✅ E-E-A-T Compliance (Experience • Expertise • Authoritativeness • Trustworthiness)

Experience: Designed for real-world chat applications, community websites, and SaaS platforms needing public and private messaging.

Expertise: Built with PHP, AJAX, and MySQL for lightweight, secure, and maintainable chat functionality.

Authoritativeness: Original developer credited to ensure authenticity and transparency.

Trustworthiness: GPL licensing ensures legal redistribution; detailed installation and operational guidance emphasizes compliance, security, and best practices.