💬 ChatApp — WhatsApp-Inspired Demo Application

🧠 Overview

ChatApp is a modern, WhatsApp-inspired Android application built using Firebase and Java, with a Python backend for sending push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).

It provides secure OTP-based login, real-time messaging, group chats, user presence detection, typing indicators, remote UI updates, and smooth user experience with shimmer loading and story sharing — all integrated seamlessly with Firebase services.

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🚀 Features

Category	Description
🔐 Secure Login	Login using your phone number and verify via Firebase OTP Authentication
💬 Real-Time Chat	One-on-one and group messaging powered by Firebase Realtime Database
📢 Push Notifications	Real-time notifications using Firebase Cloud Messaging with Python Flask backend and Volley
👤 User Profiles	Create, edit, and view profiles — including other users’ profiles
🟢 Online & Typing Status	Instantly see if users are online or currently typing
📸 Stories / Status	Upload stories (images) visible to all users, similar to WhatsApp/Instagram
🎨 Remote Customization	Dynamic theme and toolbar updates using Firebase Remote Config
✨ Shimmer Loading	Elegant shimmer animation for smoother UX while chats and data load
👥 Group Chat Support	Create and participate in group conversations with shared messages
☁️ Cloud Storage	Store profile pictures and statuses securely using Firebase Storage

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🧩 Tech Stack

🖥️ Frontend

• Language: Java (Android)
• UI Layout: XML
• Libraries:

  // OTP Input View
  implementation("com.github.mukeshsolanki.android-otpview-pinview:otpview:3.1.0")
  
  // Circle Image View
  implementation("de.hdodenhof:circleimageview:3.1.0")
  
  // Glide for Image Loading
  implementation("com.github.bumptech.glide:glide:5.0.5")
  
  // Reaction Popup
  implementation("com.github.pgreze:android-reactions:1.6")
  
  // Circular Status Indicator
  implementation("com.github.3llomi:CircularStatusView:V1.0.3")
  
  // Story View (like WhatsApp)
  implementation("com.github.OMARIHAMZA:StoryView:1.0.2-alpha")
  
  // Shimmer Effect
  implementation("com.facebook.shimmer:shimmer:0.5.0")
  
  // Volley for HTTP Requests
  implementation("com.android.volley:volley:1.2.1")

☁️ Backend (Firebase + Python)

• Firebase Authentication → OTP verification
• Firebase Realtime Database → Store messages, users, presence, and typing status
• Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) → Push notifications
• Firebase Storage → Images for profile and status
• Firebase Remote Config → Dynamic toolbar/theme customization
• Python Flask Server → FCM backend service for notifications

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📲 App Flow

🔹 Login / OTP Verification

1. Enter your 11-digit mobile number
2. Firebase sends OTP
3. Verify the OTP to log in securely

🔹 Profile Setup

• Add your name and profile picture
• Data stored securely in Firebase Realtime Database

🔹 Chat Interface

• See online users and typing indicators
• Send and receive messages instantly
• Create and join group chats

🔹 Status Sharing

• Upload image-based stories
• View others' statuses with a smooth transition

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⚙️ How to Run

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/amanalis/ChatApp.git
   cd ChatApp

2. Open in Android Studio

3. Connect your Firebase Project

   • Go to Tools → Firebase Assistant
   • Connect Authentication, Realtime Database, and Cloud Messaging

4. Enable Phone Authentication

   • Firebase Console → Authentication → Sign-in Method → Enable Phone

5. Run the Python Notification Server

   python server.py

6. Build & Run the App on an emulator or physical device.

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🧠 Future Enhancements

• 🔹 Message delivery/read receipts (double-tick system)
• 🔹 Cloud-based group management
• 🔹 End-to-end encryption
• 🔹 Voice/video calling
• 🔹 Dark mode UI support

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👨‍💻 Developed By

Aman Ali
🎓 BSCS Graduate — SZABIST (Class of 2024)
💼 Android Developer (JAVA | Firebase | Fintech)

🔗 LinkedIn
💻 GitHub
🎨 Behance

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📜 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License — feel free to use, modify, and learn from it.