Case Study: Implementing Community Chat Feature for a UK-Based Mobile App Client Using AWS AppSync with AWS Amplify

Introduction

In this case study, we will explore the implementation of a community chat feature for a UK-based mobile app client. The goal is to provide real-time, scalable, and engaging communication capabilities within the app. To achieve this, we will leverage the Chat Service powered by AWS AppSync and AWS Amplify. We will delve into the technical details, including code snippets, architecture, and key considerations, to successfully integrate the chat feature into the client’s mobile application.

Client Overview:

Client: UK-based mobile app company
App Type: Mobile application for iOS and Android platforms
Business Requirement: Implement a community chat feature to foster engagement and collaboration among app users

Prerequisites:

AWS Account: The client should have an active AWS account.
Development Environment: Set up a development environment with Node.js and the necessary development tools.

Setting Up AWS Amplify and AppSync

Case Study: Implementing Community Chat Feature for a UK-Based Mobile App Client Using AWS AppSync with AWS Amplify 2

Initialize Amplify Project: Using the Amplify CLI, initialize a new Amplify project within the client’s development environment:

amplify init

2. Configure Amplify Backend: Configure the backend resources required for the chat feature, including the AppSync API, AWS Lambda functions, and Amazon DynamoDB tables:

amplify add api

3. Deploy Amplify Backend: Deploy the configured backend resources using the Amplify CLI:

amplify push

This command provisioned the backend resources in AWS, ensuring the AppSync API and other necessary services are set up.

Designing the GraphQL Schema

Define the GraphQL Types: The GraphQL schema represents the necessary types for the chat feature, such as User, ChatRoom, and Message:

type User {
  id: ID!
  username: String!
}

type ChatRoom {
  id: ID!
  name: String!
  members: [User!]!
  messages: [Message!]!
}

type Message {
  id: ID!
  content: String!
  createdAt: String!
  sender: User!
  chatRoom: ChatRoom!
}

2. Create GraphQL Resolvers: Implemented the resolvers for the schema operations in the resolvers directory.


const createChatRoom = async (parent, args, context) => {
  const { name, userIds } = args.input;
  const { userId } = context;


const chatRoom = await context.prisma.chatRoom.create({
    data: {
      name,
      members: {
        connect: userIds.map((id) => ({ id })),
      },
    },
  });
   return chatRoom;
};
module.exports = createChatRoom;

Implementing Chat Functionality

User Authentication: Set up user authentication using AWS Cognito to secure access to the chat feature:

amplify add auth
amplify push

2. Creating Chat Rooms: Implement the functionality to create chat rooms and manage user membership. You can use AWS Amplify’s API module:

import { API } from 'aws-amplify';

const createChatRoom = async (name, userIds) => {
  const input = { name, userIds };
  const response = await API.graphql({
    query: `
      mutation CreateChatRoom($input: CreateChatRoomInput!) {
        createChatRoom(input: $input) {
          id
          name
        }
      }
    `,
    variables: { input },
  });

  return response.data.createChatRoom;
};

3. Sending and Receiving Messages: Developed the logic to send and receive messages within the chat rooms using GraphQL mutations and subscriptions.

const sendMessage = async (content, chatRoomId) => {
  const input = { content, chatRoomId };
  const response = await API.graphql({
    query: `
      mutation SendMessage($input: SendMessageInput!) {
        sendMessage(input: $input) {
          id
          content
          createdAt
          sender {
            id
            username
          }
        }
      }
    `,
    variables: { input },
  });
return response.data.sendMessage;
};

4. Real-Time Updates: Utilized GraphQL subscriptions to enable real-time updates and push notifications for new messages. Subscribed to new messages in a chat room:

import { API, graphqlOperation } from 'aws-amplify';

const subscribeToNewMessages = (chatRoomId, onNewMessage) => {
  const subscription = API.graphql(
    graphqlOperation(`
      subscription OnCreateMessage($chatRoomId: ID!) {
        onCreateMessage(chatRoomId: $chatRoomId) {
          id
          content
          createdAt
          sender {
            id
            username
          }
        }
      }
    `, { chatRoomId })
  ).subscribe({
    next: ({ value }) => {
      const newMessage = value.data.onCreateMessage;
      onNewMessage(newMessage);
    },
    error: (error) => {
      console.error('Error subscribing to new messages:', error);
    },
  });

   return subscription;
};

Integrating the Chat Feature in the Mobile Application

UI Integration: Design and implement the user interface components required for the chat feature within the client’s mobile application. Utilize mobile app development frameworks like React Native or Flutter.
Integrate AWS Amplify: Utilize the AWS Amplify JavaScript library to integrate the chat feature with the mobile application’s frontend. Initialize Amplify in the app’s entry file:

import Amplify from 'aws-amplify';
import awsconfig from './aws-exports';

Amplify.configure(awsconfig);

3. Fetching and Displaying Messages: Use the Amplify API to fetch and display chat messages in the mobile app’s user interface. For example, to fetch messages for a chat room:

const fetchMessages = async (chatRoomId) => {
  const response = await API.graphql({
    query: `
      query GetChatRoom($id: ID!) {
        getChatRoom(id: $id) {
          id
          name
          messages {
            id
            content
            createdAt
            sender {
              id
              username
            }
          }
        }
      }
    `,
    variables: { id: chatRoomId },
  });
  
   return response.data.getChatRoom.messages;
};

4. Implementing Chat Actions: Allow users to send messages, create new chat rooms, and manage their chat preferences within the developed mobile application.

Testing, Deployment, and Optimization

Testing the Chat Feature: Conduct comprehensive testing to ensure the chat feature functions as expected. Test real-time updates, user authentication, and various chat actions.
Deployment: Deploy the mobile application to the respective app stores, ensuring that the AWS Amplify backend resources are properly configured.
Scaling and Optimization: Implement scaling strategies, monitoring, and logging solutions to optimize the chat feature’s performance and ensure efficient utilization of AWS resources.

Conclusion

By implementing the community chat feature using AWS AppSync with AWS Amplify, we successfully enhanced the UK-based mobile app client’s application with real-time, scalable, and engaging communication capabilities. The integration of AWS services such as AppSync, Amplify, Cognito, and DynamoDB provided a robust and reliable foundation for the chat feature.

About DevZoa

DevZoa is a trailblazing software development company at the forefront of mobile streaming and React Native solutions. Our unwavering commitment lies in crafting revolutionary products that leverage technology to elevate the mobile streaming experience for users across the globe.

Are you seeking expert software development services to implement a community chat feature in your app? Look no further than DevZoa, the industry leader in transforming business operations. With our tailored API integration solutions, we enhance customer experiences, optimize data flow, and align your technology landscape. Let us propel your operations to new heights, revolutionizing your app with a scalable and engaging community chat feature.