A lightweight, real-time Chat Application built with Python (Flask) on the backend and React on the frontend. You can set up this project locally, or simply try it out live:

👉 Live Demo on Netlify

⚠️ Note: The chat might take a few seconds to load — please be patient, share the link, and enjoy chatting with your friends!

---

🚀 Features

• 💬 Real-time messaging between multiple users
• 🟢 Online users indicator
• ✍️ Typing status feedback
• ⚡ Fast and responsive frontend built with React
• 🔄 Auto-refresh and connection handling

---

🛠️ Technologies Used

Frontend

• React (with Hooks and functional components)
• WebSocket / Socket.io client
• **CSS for styling

Backend

• Python (Flask or FastAPI)
• Flask-SocketIO or Socket.io server
• CORS for cross-origin support

---

📦 Installation & Setup

1. Clone this repository

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/Simple-Chat-App.git

2. Navigate into the project folder

cd Simple-Chat-App

3. Install dependencies

For the backend:

cd backend
pip install -r requirements.txt
python app.py

For the frontend:

cd frontend
npm install
npm start

4. Access the app

Open your browser and go to 👉 http://localhost:3000

---

🧠 How It Works

The frontend connects to the backend through WebSockets, allowing users to exchange messages in real time. When one user types or sends a message, all connected users see the updates instantly — no page reloads needed.

---

🧩 Future Improvements

• Add private messaging (1:1 chat)
• Support for emojis and file uploads
• Persistent chat history using a database
• Authentication (optional)
• Dark mode

---