Minimal WebRTC Video Chat

A simple peer-to-peer video calling app built with Node.js, Express, WebSocket, and Simple-Peer for direct browser-to-browser video communication. No database or frontend framework required — just pure WebRTC for learning or quick prototyping.

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Features

• One-on-one video chat via WebRTC
• Peer signaling using WebSocket (ws)
• Room-based connection using URL hash
• "End Call" button to stop the connection
• Minimal fullscreen UI with mirrored local video
• Lightweight setup with only Node.js

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Tech Stack

• Backend: Node.js, Express, WebSocket (ws)
• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Simple-Peer
• Deployment: Deployed on any Node.js hosting (e.g. Render)

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Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Node.js (v14 or later recommended)
• npm (comes with Node.js)
• Git (for cloning repository)

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Installation

1. Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/HSA-ATTOCK/minimal-webrtc.git
cd minimal-webrtc

2. Install dependencies

npm install

3. Run the application locally

npm start

4. Open first browser and navigate to

http://localhost:5000/#roomname-2

5. Open second browser and navigate to

http://localhost:5000/#roomname-1

Replace roomname with any unique name (e.g., chat, demo).

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Folder Structure

minimal-webrtc-video-chat/
├── public/             # Frontend file with inline script & styles
│   └── index.html
├── server.js           # Node.js WebSocket signaling server
├── package.json        # Project manifest
└── README.md           # This documentation file

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How It Works

• One peer joins with #roomname-2 — becomes the receiver.
• Second peer joins with #roomname-1 — becomes the initiator.
• Peers exchange signaling data via WebSocket.
• After signaling, media is streamed peer-to-peer using WebRTC.
• The "End Call" button stops media and closes the connection/tab.

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Deployment on Render.com

1. Push your project to GitHub.

2. Create a new Web Service on Render.com.

3. Connect your GitHub repository.

4. Set the following in Render’s deployment settings:

   • Build Command: npm install
   • Start Command: node server.js

5. Deploy and access your app at the provided Render URL.

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Configuration

• The server listens on the port specified by environment variable PORT, or defaults to 5000.
• No session or database configuration is required.

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Contributing

Contributions, issues, and feature requests are welcome!

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/your-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add your feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/your-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

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Contact

Created by HSA-ATTOCK. Feel free to reach out for any questions or collaboration.