If you would like to create a chat application using JavaScript, one of the best available JavaScript libraries that you can use is called React JS. It can be used to develop different types of interactive elements, including a chat application. There are specific steps that you have to take to do so. However, once you are done, you will have a fully interactive chat app that you can use with other people. Here is an overview of how you can use React JS.
UI And The Components Of React JS
React JS is made up of several different components that you will use to create your application. You will first want to define a root component and subsequently identify what are called direct children components. This will form the architecture behind the application, and if you wanted to, additional components could also be added. The initial components will be the title, the messages, and the form used to send the messages back and forth.
Set Up Your Code Base
The next step is to create what is called a repository. If you have ever worked with HTML, then this is setting up the index page. This will connect to a JavaScript file, and it will also connect with what is called a StyleSheet. You will need to import SDK for React chat app and use Scrimba to connect with the root component. This will allow you to connect with an API, which will enable you to send messages.
How To Send The Messages
Messages can be sent through the application by first storing them in what is called the state. The messages will also be accessible there. You will then set up a constructor, leading to the message list component, leading you to run a test with dummy messages. Once this is done, you will need to fetch API keys that will be used with chat SDK and subsequently set up for separate values. This will include the username, the idea of the room, the instance locator, and you will also need a test token provider.
Proper Steps To Making This Work
In chat SDK, you will want to begin with the Instance Locator, using the icon located on the right side. You will then find the Test Token Provider, set up your User Room, and then complete the process by choosing a Username. From that point forward, you will send actual messages that can be rendered within this application, and connecting with chat SDK will be completed. You will then need to create a chat manager who will work with the API to interact back-and-forth in a manner.
RoomId And An OnNewMessage Hook
Each time you get a new message, a hook is created or triggered so that the message can be sent to the chat room. The app fetching data will then be triggered, and it will be rendered as the message that will be delivered. The new message will be sent from a SendMessageForm component. This will be controlled, allowing you to affect the variables as to how that information will be stored and presented. As the app waits for onChange events, it will trigger a handleChange and provided with a value. The triggers will then re-render this information, and the blank field will be updated with the actual message.
How All Of This Interacts With React JS
Once all of this is done, the data will be processed through the React JS UI component. This is possible because the handleChange method will be implemented using the undefined default part of this function. Sending messages through the SendMessageForm will be done through a handleSubmit hook. This allows all of the data, specifically the messages, to be rendered in a visual format. The key to all of this working is this.sendMessage component of the chat SDK JS system. Connecting with the SendMessageForm, the information will be submitted from each person interacting with this now finished application.
The final component to focus upon would be the Title component using a JSX expression. If all of this has been done in order, your programming will be completed, allowing your chat application to function. You may not realize how easy it is until you have created your first one. You will quickly see how React JS is an integral part of many chat apps produced today. If you have missed any of this application’s components, it will not work, which means you will have to review the steps you have taken. Once completed, you will understand how to quickly create a chat application using React JS to build it.
