In present virtual times, chat apps are the best mediums to stay connected with your business team and customers. Are you planning to build a chat platform for your business communication purposes? Well, in order to build a chat app, it is important to understand the infrastructure and design that goes into creating the app. In this article, we shall discuss all the points that revolve around the architecture of a chat platform. Keep reading!

Infrastructure components required to Create a Chat App

When you build messaging apps the infrastructure and design set up has to be unique, depending upon your business requirements.  However, there are some essential infrastructure components that you are required to take into consideration when you build a chat app. Let us have a close look at them one by one.

chat app server

1. Chat Client

Chat client can be described as  what the user experiences while using your chat application. The chat client interacts with the operating system such as your web browser, mobile device, or desktop. The chat client conducts different kinds of interactions including sending push notifications, data display, message storage, and others. 

2. Chat Server

The main task of a chat server is to host all software, database, and frameworks essential for any chat app to function. It is the chat server that is responsible for receiving, queuing, or forwarding messages to the recipient  chat client.

3. Chat API

Another major component of infrastructure is the chat REST API.  Its main role is to facilitate the different functionalities of chat apps such as profile and notification settings. 

4. WebSocket Server

WebSocket is the interlinking connection between the client and server that offers a two-way communication pathway. WebSocket server is perfect for conducting real-time communication. The server does not need to get a request for sending data to the client.

5. Media Storage

When you plan to build an online chat platform, it is essential to take into account media storage capabilities. This is because all profiles, messages, and media files need to be accessible round the clock. 

Architecture Diagram to understand How to Build a Chat App

  As the diagram depicts, there are different external servers that are responsible for the operation of the chat platform. The external servers include chat media storage server, chat WebSocket server,  chat REST API.  

Moreover, your chat application should have a user-friendly UI that showcases data to the chat users via its widgets.

Architecture diagram to understand how to build a chat app

Build Online Chat Platform with Top Functionalities

Every business has different requirements to meet when they build messaging apps. Hence, the components will differ depending on the usage of the chat app.  Let’s dig deep into some of the top features that should be a part of your plan to build a chat platform.

1. User registration and authentication functionality

This is one of the most basic functionalities any chat app should have. Your chat app users need a medium to connect to your app. For registration and authentication, you can ask them to submit their email and phone number.

2. One-on-one chat & group messaging

 A well-structured chat app should have the feature to send and receive one-on-one personal messages and also conduct group conversations. Also, in such a text feature, you can add extra fun functionalities such as stickers, emojis, gifs, and others.

3. Push notification feature

 Push notifications keep the app users updated about their conversations. Every time a new message is received, they will get a notification. This way, they won’t miss any part of their interactions. Hence, this push notification functionality is essential for your chat app.

4. Media file sharing

Your app should enable smooth media sharing of media such as gifs, videos, audio files, and others. Also, in order to have fast retrieval, your chat needs to have a local media storage along with cloud storage functionality.

5.Profile customization and settings

Customization features make your chat app more user-friendly.  Customization features allow users to interact with the app as they wish. For instance, they can be free to change the font size, background color, and others.

Programming Language Utilized to Build a Chat Application

Mostly, both the backend and frontend will have different programming languages. Also, the programming language for Android and iOS are different.  For iOS, you can use Swift while for Android, you need to us

Common backend Programming  Languages to Create a Chat App

In order to build white label chat app, it is important to have a well-defined programming language for the backend. Here, we shall discuss some of the best programming language options to build a chat app.  

1. Erlang 

Programming language used to build scalable real-time systems. It can be used in banking, telecom, instant messaging, e-commerce, and others.   

2. Scala

It combines object-oriented and functional programming in one high-level language. Scala also helps avoid bugs in complex applications. Twitter uses Scala. 

3. PHP 

 It is a scripting language that is best suited for web development.  PHP is super fast and flexible.  

4. Java 

 Java is a high-level programming language that is object oriented. It is one of the most favourite languages among developers.  

5. Javascript

Javascript is often abbreviated as JS.  It is multi-paradigm and just-in compiled.   Javascript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. 

Common Frontend Language options to Build Chat Platform

 Frontend languages help you create what your user sees in your chat app.  Here we shall discuss some of the best programming language options for frontend.

1.  Javascript 

 Both react and react native are used to create cross platform applications. The  chat apps can work on web, iOS, and Android.  

2. Swift 

It is an intuitive programming language for iOS, iPadOS,  macOS, and others.  It can offer the most native iOS feel to your chat application. 

3. Kotlin 

It is a statistically typed, general purpose programming language.  It operates  fully with java.  It can offer the perfect Android feel to your chat users.

Frameworks Required to Build Messaging Apps

There is a suite of comprehensive frameworks and tools that bring chat functionalities to your chat apps. We shall discuss some of the crucial frameworks that you would require for your app. Let’s discuss them one by one. 

Chat protocols 

You have two options when it comes to chat protocols. Either you can build them from scratch or you can utilize any open-source chat protocols that are tested and scalable.  Some of the best open-source chat protocols are XMPP, WebRTC, and MMQT. 

Chat SDK  

A chat API can add highly-advanced chat functionalities into your chat app.  Apart from instant messaging API and Chat SDK can integrate voice calling, video calling, media file sharing, and other exciting features into your chat app. 

Technological stack

 In order to build a cross-functional chat app, you would require a well-defined technological stack. You can leverage react native, javascript,  Firebase, node.js, and others.

Conclusion 

We hope our article helped you comprehend all details about the architectural design required to build a chat app. If you’ve been planning to build a chat platform of your own, the points mentioned above can prove to be of utmost importance to you. So, wait no more! Start your chat app development today!