🚀 Overview

Chatify isn't just a UI kit; it's a study in building performant conversation interfaces. Chat applications are notoriously difficult to get right on the frontend due to the sheer volume of DOM updates, complex state management for message threads, and the need for seamless scroll behavior (virtualization).

I built this to create a "batteries-included" frontend standard for chat apps—decoupling the complex UI logic (threaded replies, optimistic updates, infinite scroll) from the underlying data transport layer.

✨ Key Features

1. Optimized Message Rendering

• Virtualization: Implements windowing to handle thousands of messages without DOM bloat.
• Smart Scroll Management: Auto-scrolls to bottom on new message unless the user has scrolled up to read history.
• Memoization: Heavy usage of React.memo and useMemo to prevent unnecessary re-renders of list items during typing.

2. Rich Composer Experience

• Auto-expanding Textarea: A content-editable aesthetic that grows with the text.
• Optimistic UI: Messages appear instantly in the specific "sending" state before server confirmation.
• Slash Commands: Extensible command menu support (e.g., /gif, /code).

3. Responsive & Accessible

• Mobile-First: Collapsible sidebar navigation for mobile views.
• Keyboard Navigation: Full support for arrow key navigation between active threads.
• ARIA Compliance: Live regions for incoming messages so screen readers announce them immediately.

🛠️ Technical Architecture

Component Composition

The app follows a Compound Component pattern for maximum flexibility:

<ChatLayout>
  <Sidebar>
    <Search />
    <ThreadList />
  </Sidebar>
  <Conversation>
    <Header />
    <MessageList virtualization={true} />
    <Composer onSend={handleSend} />
  </Conversation>
</ChatLayout>

State Management

I avoided heavy global state managers for local UI state, relying instead on:

• Context API for theme and current user data.
• useReducer for complex message list manipulations (prepend, append, delete, update status).
• Custom Hooks: useScrollPosition, useTypingIndicator, useMessageQueue.

🔮 Future Roadmap

• E2E Encryption: integrating Web Crypto API for client-side message signing.
• Offline Support: Using IndexedDB and Service Workers to cache conversation history.
• Voice Messages: Adding AudioContext API support for recording and visualizing voice notes.