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Rahul Nayak
863 PointsCan I create a simple browser based chatbox using Javascript/node.js or do I need to learn Java/C# etc?
I have a decent understanding of front end web technologies like html/css/Javascript/Jquery. For learning purpose I want to build a simple browser based chat application. I don't want to dive into Java or C# but want to stick with Javascript for as long as I can. So my question is will learning node.js in addition to the JS conpetency that I already have, be sufficient to build a simple chat app? If not what are the minimum prerequisite for it?
2 Answers
Anthony c
20,907 Pointsyou should look into meteor.... see meteor.com
to answer your question, you can build it with node. You don't need java/c
The bigger issue is making it "reactive" (i.e. making the chat "live" update between the two people chatting). This is somewhat complicated. Meteor can help with this and is super easy to learn. There are other options too.
Meteor is just a starter kit built on node.
here is an example using react.js and meteor http://www.jsmantras.com/news/story/Building-a-live-chat-app-in-40-minutes-with-React-and-Meteor
rydavim
18,814 PointsLooks like Anthony c has you covered with a solid answer. Meteor is a great platform for building apps with javascript. You definitely don't have to learn Java or C# for something like this, although you could use most languages.
If you're interested in in doing it with Node.js you could try checking out this tutorial or this one which use Socket.IO.
If you're looking for cloud hosting to run your Node.js sites and apps, I personally recommend Digital Ocean. It's affordable, I haven't had any stability or usability issues, and their support is fantastic. The first link is just to their main page, but if you decide you're interested you can get $10 free using this referral link.
Rahul Nayak
863 PointsAs long as it uses Javascript with which I feel comfortable working with, I will give it a try. Thank You!
Rahul Nayak
863 PointsRahul Nayak
863 PointsI'm open to other options. Right now i have no idea how to begin. If meteor gives me the starter tools to build a simple chat application, I will give it a try. Thanks a lot :)
Anthony c
20,907 PointsAnthony c
20,907 PointsYou can find many meteor examples. Some use react, some angular, and others will use blaze. All of these are "front-end" javascript frameworks.
I suggest you try blaze! It's the easiest to get.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgjyr6BPAtA&list=PLLnpHn493BHECNl9I8gwos-hEfFrer7TV
Rahul Nayak
863 PointsRahul Nayak
863 Pointssure, so I will focus on JS+Meteor+Blaze for building a simple chat application. Thanks again Anthony for your quick response.