Project Overview
This is a real-time chat application built using Django.
It allows multiple users to register, login, and chat with each other.
The project includes user management, message tracking, unread message notifications, and a modern responsive UI.
Screenshots
Key Features
- Realistic Chat Experience: Users see messages in sequence with timestamps
- Unread Message Notification: Badge updates dynamically for each user
- Master Layout: Single base template controls Navbar and page structure
- Responsive Design: Works well on both desktop and mobile
- Professional Look: Clean modern UI using Bootstrap
- Scalable Backend: Easy to add real-time features with Django Channels
Technology Stack
- Django
- Python
- SQLite / PostgreSQL
- Bootstrap 5
- HTML / CSS / JavaScript
- Django Templates
- Django Auth System
Why Use This Project ?
- To understand real-world Django authentication (login, register, logout)
- To learn one-to-one user communication using a backend framework
- To implement message handling with timestamps
- To manage unread message notifications
- To learn database relationships between users and messages
- To build a professional UI using Bootstrap
- To understand template inheritance using a master (base) page
- To practice secure user-based data access
- To gain experience in full-stack web development
- To create a scalable foundation for real-time chat applications
Functionalities :
1. User Management
Registration with username & password
Login / Logout functionality
Display currently logged-in user
2. Messaging
Users can send and receive messages
Messages display in proper sequence (oldest → newest)
Each message shows timestamp (date & time)
3. Unread Messages
Messages from other users are marked as unread
Unread message count is displayed as a badge on user DP/avatar
Opening the chat marks messages as read automatically
4. User Interface
Master layout (base.html) with Navbar
WhatsApp-style chat bubbles (left/right alignment)
Responsive design (mobile + desktop friendly)
Clean user list with circular avatars
5. Security
Only authenticated users can access chat
Messages are visible only between sender and receiver
Proper input validation to prevent empty messages
