I used some of the functionality of SlackChat as a jumping off place for my own chat app, SmackChat. I used Node.js and Socket.io with the noSQL database, Redis.

I store users as Redis Hashes.

• This has the benefit of automatically verifying uniqueness
• It means that I need to JSON.stringify all of the other information passed in.
  • To be parsed deeper in the app when needed.

For Login:

• The input pass is checked agains the JSON.parse(d) user object.
  • If inputPass === userPass then redirect.
• At this point, a second Hash is created for loggedin users.
  • I used a hash again because of its uniqueness property.
  • I had used a list, but it lead to issues for duplicate logging in.
• Additionally, a cookie is created on login.
  • The cookie is used to keep track of loggedin status and userName

Inside of GlobalChat

• on login (and logout), a message indicating as much is emitted to the entire room.
• all loggedin users are displayed on the right hand side
  • these are updated with AJAX, displayed with jQuery.
  • On click of the users name, the users information will be displayed on the left hand side
  • A second click will hide it.
• every message has the user's name appended to the beginning.
• on logout, users name is removed.

Streatch goals are:

• implement private chatrooms.
• support profile pictures
• save chat history (to a reasonable extent)