🚀 Overview

Chatvia – Node.js Socket.io Chat App is a modern, responsive, and secure real-time messaging platform built on the power of Node.js and Socket.io. Inspired by professional collaboration tools like Slack, Discord, and WhatsApp Web, Chatvia enables developers and businesses to host their own private chat environment with instant message delivery, user presence tracking, and multi-device support.

This package includes both the front-end client and the Node.js Socket.io backend server, making it perfect for startups, agencies, internal teams, and educational projects that require a customizable chat infrastructure without relying on external APIs or subscriptions.

The following description is designed for GPL resource portals and crafted under E-E-A-T principles—demonstrating real-world experience, deep technical expertise, verified author references, and transparent GPL redistribution.

✨ Key Features

• Real-time messaging powered by Socket.io for instant delivery and updates.
• User authentication (JWT / Passport.js) and profile management.
• Private & group chat rooms with typing indicators and read receipts.
• File & image sharing (optional configuration with Express file upload).
• Online/offline user status and session tracking.
• Responsive UI built with Bootstrap 5 + modern JS framework (React or EJS templates).
• Chat history persistence via MongoDB or MySQL integration.
• Dark/light themes and UI customization support.
• Admin dashboard to monitor users, messages, and server load.
• Self-hosted & privacy-centric—no third-party data collection.

⚙️ Technical Stack

• Backend: Node.js (v14+), Express.js, Socket.io
• Frontend: React.js or EJS views with Bootstrap / SCSS styling
• Database: MongoDB or MySQL (configurable)
• Authentication: JWT / Passport.js / bcrypt
• Real-time engine: Socket.io WebSockets
• Server Requirements:
  • Node.js v14+
  • NPM / Yarn
  • MongoDB 4+ or MySQL 5.7+
  • HTTPS / reverse proxy (NGINX recommended)

🧩 Installation Guide

1. Download & extract the Chatvia GPL package.
2. Run npm install to install dependencies.
3. Configure .env file with MongoDB or MySQL credentials, JWT secret, and port.
4. Start the backend server using npm start or node server.js.
5. Open your browser and access http://localhost:3000 (or configured port).
6. Login or register a new account and start chatting in real time.

Tip: use pm2 or forever to keep the Node server running on production.

📦 Deliverables

• ✅ Complete Chatvia Node.js backend (Socket.io + Express)
• ✅ Front-end client (React or EJS templates)
• ✅ Configuration files (.env.example, package.json, webpack.config.js)
• ✅ Documentation / setup guide
• ✅ GPL license file & redistribution notice

📱 Supported Platforms

• Web browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
• Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux (via browser or Electron wrapper)
• Mobile: responsive PWA mode for Android & iOS browsers
• Server: Linux VPS / Node.js hosting / Docker-compatible environments

🧠 Notes

License: Distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) for educational, testing, and non-commercial redistribution.

Customization Tips: Edit src/config for ports, database, and socket options; adjust client/src/themes for brand colors; integrate Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications if desired.

SEO Assurance: Optimized HTML and metadata structure for discoverability under keywords like “Node.js chat app”, “Socket.io real-time messenger script”, and “self-hosted team chat GPL”.

👨‍💻 Original Developer Credit

Chatvia was originally developed and released by a verified CodeCanyon/Envato author.
Visit CodeCanyon to purchase the commercial version and support the original developer for updates and premium support.

🔒 Disclaimer

This copy of Chatvia – Node.js Socket.io Chat App is a GPL redistribution shared for learning and testing purposes only.
All product names, brands, and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

For commercial deployments, SaaS reselling, or marketplace distribution, a valid license from the original CodeCanyon author is required.