Live Chat Functionality

17 April 2008

I was asked by a client to create an online live chat that could be used for real time communication over a website.

Fusion Media Software Solutions Ltd, the client, tested the application as production was taking place and so in the end I have built a fantastic online chat application.

The application runs off a database and keeps the last 6 messages saved (so that when loading each time it doesn't take too long). The user is shown all other users that are online down the left hand column and a tabbed message board to the right. Every conversation you start is a private conversation between you and the other person and it's opened in a new tab on your message board.

Messages are shown in an iFrame (and so this may not be supported by all browsers) and is re-freshed every 5 seconds to keep the conversation up-to-date.

I plan to add the Live Chat application to my Content management System (CMS) soon and then I will be adding the application to this site also.