EDIT: ON HOLD AS PER DISCUSSION: Implement Chat Functionality between Users and Sellers

[ShivanshPlays]

Implement Chat Functionality between Users and Sellers

Overview

This feature will allow users and sellers to chat with each other in real-time, enabling discussions related to listings, prices, availability, and other details. The implementation will involve building a real-time chat interface, storing chat data, and ensuring users and sellers can communicate within their respective roles.

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Phase 1: Backend Setup

Objective:

• Set up database models for storing chat data.
• Create API routes for sending, receiving, and fetching messages.
• Integrate real-time communication using WebSocket or a similar service (e.g., Socket.io, Pusher).

Tasks:

• Create Chat Model in Prisma:

  • Define models for Chat, Message, and UserChat.
  • A Chat will have references to the userId (buyer) and sellerId (vendor), and each chat will have multiple messages.

• API Routes:

  • Create routes to send a message.
  • Create routes to fetch messages of a specific chat between a user and a seller.

• WebSocket Setup:

  • Set up a WebSocket server or integrate a third-party service like Socket.io for real-time messaging.
  • Allow real-time message updates when one user sends a message.

Expected Outcome:

• Database schema updated with necessary tables/relations.
• Working API routes for chat functionality.
• Real-time chat message delivery is set up between users and sellers.

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Phase 2: Frontend Chat Interface

Objective:

• Build the frontend for the chat interface.
• Display messages between users and sellers in real time.
• Design chat components for mobile and desktop views.

Tasks:

• Chat UI:

  • Build a message list UI that displays messages from both users and sellers.
  • Design a message input field where users can type and send messages.
  • Add a submit button for sending messages.

• Real-Time Updates:

  • Implement real-time updates using WebSocket (or similar) for receiving new messages.
  • Ensure that new messages appear in the chat window without needing a page refresh.

• Responsive Design:

  • Make sure the chat interface is responsive and works on both mobile and desktop versions.

Expected Outcome:

• A fully functioning chat interface.
• Real-time message sending and receiving.
• A user-friendly design for both users and sellers.

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Phase 3: User Authentication and Permissions

Objective:

• Ensure that only the appropriate user (either a seller or buyer) can access the correct chat.
• Secure the chat route so users and sellers can only access their conversations.

Tasks:

• User Authentication:

  • Ensure that users are authenticated before accessing any chat.

• Authorization:

  • Check that users can only view their respective chats with sellers and vice versa.
  • Prevent unauthorized users from accessing someone else's chat.

Expected Outcome:

• Secure chat functionality that restricts access to the right users only.

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Phase 4: Notifications & Alerts

Objective:

• Add notifications or alerts to notify users when they receive new messages.
• Provide visual cues for unread messages.

Tasks:

• Message Notification:

  • Implement notifications (using browser notifications, or in-app popups) when a new message is received.

• Unread Message Indicators:

  • Show visual indicators (e.g., an unread message count or bold text) to highlight unread messages.

Expected Outcome:

• Real-time notifications for new messages.
• Clear indication of unread messages.

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Phase 5: Testing & Bug Fixing

Objective:

• Test the entire chat functionality and fix any bugs.
• Ensure smooth communication and that messages are delivered correctly.

Tasks:

• Unit Testing:

  • Write unit tests for backend routes (sending, receiving, and fetching messages).

• UI Testing:

  • Test the frontend chat interface for bugs (UI inconsistencies, broken WebSocket connections).

• Bug Fixes:

  • Address any bugs or issues that arise during testing.

Expected Outcome:

• Stable and well-tested chat functionality.
• No major bugs in the chat experience.

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Acceptance Criteria:

• Users and sellers can initiate a chat from a listing page.
• Both parties can send and receive messages in real-time.
• Chat data is stored correctly in the database, with proper relations.
• Only authorized users can access their chat history.
• A responsive, user-friendly chat interface that works on all devices.
• Notifications or alerts for new messages.

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Additional Information:

• Tech Stack: Prisma (for database), Socket.io (for real-time communication), React (for frontend), TailwindCSS (for styling).
• Backend: API routes built in Next.js, potentially using Next.js API routes or a separate Express server.
• Frontend: React components for chat UI.
• Testing: Use Jest for backend testing and React Testing Library for frontend.

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Deliverables:

• Database schema updated.
• Working backend API routes for chat functionality.
• Frontend chat interface.
• Real-time message sending and receiving.
• Notifications for new messages.
• Testing and bug fixes.

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PRs to Submit:

1. PR 1: Backend Setup – Add database models, API routes, and WebSocket setup for real-time communication.
2. PR 2: Frontend Chat Interface – Implement the chat UI and connect it with real-time updates.
3. PR 3: User Authentication and Permissions – Secure chat functionality and add authorization logic.
4. PR 4: Notifications & Alerts – Add message notifications and unread message indicators.
5. PR 5: Testing & Bug Fixing – Write unit tests and fix bugs based on testing feedback.

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Labels:

• feature
• backend
• frontend
• chat
• real-time
• enhancement

[ShivanshPlays]

#532