Welcome to LinkyChainChat! This isn't just another chat app. It's a real-time messaging platform engineered for security, privacy, and an exceptional user experience. Whether you're chatting with friends or sharing work files, LinkyChainChat has you covered. 🛡️

• Real-time Communication ⚡: Powered by Socket.IO for instant, bi-directional messaging without delays.
• End-to-End Encryption 🔒: All messages are protected with client-side AES encryption using a shared secret key, ensuring your conversations remain private.
• Linky Anti Malware (LAM) 🤖: A built-in security system that actively scans every piece of content in real time.
  • Malware Protection 🦠: Scans files and links to prevent threats.
  • NSFW Filter 🚫: Automatically identifies and flags "Not Safe For Work" media.
  • Spam & Phishing Guard 🚮: Detects and flags spam messages and phishing attempts.
  • Visual Indicators 👀: Clear icons and tooltips provide instant security status for every message.
• Rich Content Sharing 🎉:
  • File Uploads 📂: Share files of any type with a handy progress indicator.
  • Link Previews 🔗: URLs automatically generate rich, informative previews.
  • Animated GIFs 😂: Express yourself with a library of fun GIFs.
  • Code Previews 💻: View code files directly in the chat window.
• Advanced User Interactions ✨:
  • Public & Private Chats 👥: Engage in a general channel or start one-on-one private conversations.
  • Emoji Reactions ❤️👍: React to messages with a wide range of emojis.
  • Typing Indicator ✍️: See when other users are typing.
  • Message Deletion 🗑️: Delete messages you have sent.

• Frontend:
  • Next.js (React Framework)
  • TypeScript
  • Tailwind CSS (for modern, responsive styling)
  • Socket.IO Client
  • Font Awesome (for professional icons)
• Backend:
  • Node.js & Express
  • Socket.IO
  • MongoDB & Mongoose (for database management)
  • CryptoJS (for encryption)
  • Multer (for file handling)

• Node.js (v14.x or higher)
• MongoDB either installed locally and running, or a connection string for a remote instance.

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/LinkyChain/LinkyChain-Chat.git
   cd linkychain-chat

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Configure environment variables: Create a .env.local file in the project root and add the following:

   # MongoDB connection URI
   MONGODB_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/linkychain_chat
   
   # Secret key for message encryption (choose a strong, random key!)
   ENCRYPTION_SECRET_KEY=your-super-secure-secret-key
   
   # URL of the chat server (for client-side socket connection)
   NEXT_PUBLIC_CHAT_URL=http://localhost:4723

4. Start the server:

   npm run server

   The server will be running at http://localhost:4723.

5. Enjoy the chat! 🎉 Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:4723. Enter a username and start chatting in a secure and fun environment.

We welcome contributions! If you have ideas for new features, find a bug, or want to improve the project, please open an issue or submit a pull request. Collaboration is key to building great software.

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.