WiFi-Based Flutter Chat Application
Ganesh Perumal
Fullstack Engineer
Flutter Developer
Flutter
React Native
WordPress
Development of a Flutter-Based WiFi Chat Application: Featuring Horoscope-Based Social Matches and WiFi-Linked Social Reviews
Features
1. WiFi-Based Chat Functionality
- SSID Matching: The chat functionality is enabled only when the user’s device is connected to a WiFi network whose SSID matches one of the SSIDs entered by the admin in the backend.
- Multiple WiFi Networks: The backend supports multiple WiFi networks, and the app will identify the connected network and enable chat accordingly.
- Error Messaging: If the user is not connected to a recognized WiFi network, the app displays an error message indicating that the connection is not valid.
2. Real-Time Chat Features
- Instant Messaging: Utilizes real-time database services (e.g., Firebase) for immediate message delivery and receipt.
- Read/Unread Status: Messages are marked as read or unread, providing users with feedback on their message status.
- Notifications: Push notifications inform users of new messages even when they are not actively using the app.
- Notification Alert: If a customer uses the app for more than 10 minutes, the shopkeeper receives a notification and can send a special offer image to that specific user.
3. Social Matches
- Horoscope-Based Matching: Users provide their date of birth (DOB) during registration. The app uses this information to generate horoscopes and match users.
- Match and Chat: Users are matched based on their horoscope compatibility, and matched users can chat with each other.
4. Social Reviews
- WiFi-Dependent Reviews:The app identifies the associated shop ID when connected to a WiFi networkD.
- Review Links: The app retrieves a review link from the backend based on the shop ID. Users can click on the link to leave a review, and the link changes dynamically based on the connected WiFi network.
Technical Implementation
1. Flutter Framework
- Used for building a cross-platform application with a single codebase.
- Ensures smooth and responsive UI/UX.
2. WiFi Connectivity
- Flutter packages used for detecting WiFi connections and fetching SSID information.
- Integration with backend services to fetch and validate the list of allowed SSIDs.
3. Backend Integration
- Backend API to manage SSID entries, user data, horoscopes, and review links.
- Secure authentication and data handling.
4. Real-Time Chat
- Firebase Integration: Utilized Firebase or similar real-time database services for chat functionality, ensuring reliable and instantaneous message delivery.
- Message Status Tracking: Implemented read/unread message status to enhance user experience.
- Push Notifications: Integrated push notifications for new message alerts, enhancing user engagement.
- Usage Alerts: Implemented a notification alert system that informs shopkeepers if a customer uses the app for more than 10 minutes. Shopkeepers can then send offer images directly to the customer.
5. Horoscope Matching Algorithm
- Implemented a horoscope calculation algorithm based on DOB.
- Designed matching logic to find compatible users for social matches.
6. Dynamic Review Links
- Backend stores review links associated with shop IDs.
- App retrieves and displays the correct review link based on the current WiFi connection.
User Experience
1. Registration
- Simple and user-friendly registration process capturing necessary details, including DOB for horoscope generation.
2. WiFi Connection Detection
- Seamless detection of WiFi connection and validation against the backend list.
3. Chat Interface
- Intuitive chat interface with features similar to popular messaging apps.
- Real-time messaging with read/unread indicators and push notifications.
4. Social Match Notifications
- Users are notified of compatible matches and can initiate chats.
5. Review Access
- Easy access to review links when connected to a valid WiFi network, enhancing user engagement with local businesses.
6. Shopkeeper Alerts
- Shopkeepers receive notifications if a customer uses the app for more than 10 minutes and can send personalized offers, increasing customer engagement and retention.
Conclusion
This WiFi-based chat application combines the unique feature of network-dependent chat access with social horoscope matching and dynamic review linking. Built with Flutter, the app offers a robust and engaging experience for users, ensuring secure and efficient communication and interaction. The real-time chat features, including read/unread status, notifications, and shopkeeper alerts, further enhance user engagement and satisfaction
