This platform allows students to form virtual study groups, schedule sessions, and share resources in real-time. The idea behind this project was to provide a collaborative environment for students to study together, even when they are physically apart. Working on this project helped me understand real-time communication and the importance of user experience in a collaborative tool.

Features

• Group Creation: Students can create or join study groups based on subjects or interests.
• Real-Time Chat: Communicate with group members using instant messaging powered by Socket.IO.
• Session Scheduling: Schedule and manage study sessions with integrated reminders.
• Resource Sharing: Upload and share study materials such as PDFs, videos, and links.
• Collaborative Notes: Work together on shared notes in real-time.

Tech Stack

• Frontend: Built with React for a dynamic and user-friendly interface.
• Backend: Node.js with Express for handling APIs and server-side logic.
• Database: MongoDB for storing user data, group information, and shared resources.
• Real-Time Communication: Implemented using Socket.IO for instant messaging and updates.
• Styling: Styled using CSS and Tailwind CSS for responsive and modern designs.
• Hosting: Backend hosted on Heroku or AWS, and the frontend deployed on Vercel.

Implementation

Frontend

• React components for reusable and modular UI elements.
• React Router for seamless navigation between pages like dashboard, groups, and profile.
• Integration with libraries for date and time management, like date-fns or Moment.js.

Backend

• Express.js APIs for managing user authentication, group creation, and resource sharing.
• Socket.IO for enabling real-time messaging and collaborative features.
• JWT for secure user sessions and access control.

Database

• MongoDB Atlas for scalable cloud database management.
• Indexed queries to ensure fast retrieval of group and session data.
• Relationship models for linking users to study groups and sessions.

Deployment

• Backend deployed on Heroku with real-time web socket handling.
• Frontend deployed on Vercel with automated build pipelines for continuous deployment.

How It Works

1. User Onboarding: Sign up or log in to access the platform.
2. Create or Join Groups: Form new study groups or join existing ones based on interests or subjects.
3. Schedule Sessions: Use the scheduler to plan study sessions with group members.
4. Share Resources: Upload and share files, links, or notes directly within the group.
5. Collaborate in Real-Time: Chat, share updates, and work on notes collaboratively.

Challenges Faced

• Ensuring real-time communication is fast and reliable across different devices.
• Managing file uploads and maintaining performance during high usage.
• Designing an intuitive interface that encourages collaboration and productivity.

Future Enhancements

• Adding video conferencing capabilities for virtual study sessions.
• Integrating AI tools for personalized study recommendations and smart resource suggestions.
• Creating a gamified experience with achievements and badges to motivate students.