Chatter

Typical chat app for Android for demonstrating Google's mobile platform, Firebase. It utilizes Firebase authentication, database, storage, and functions for the backend. The app requires users to create an account or login to an existing one to send messages to other app users. After logging in or registering, the user has the ability to open a conversation or send a new message. Chatting back and forth is another user is then available. Users are notified by a system notification when a new message is received. The app also allows the user to select conversations, by long pressing on the individual conversation to remove it from their list. An app widget can be added to the home screen so the user can easily open the app to respond to a message or create a new message.
The primary techniques used in the application are the Firesbase API to authenticate users, get the data from the Firebase database, store user profile images using Firebase storage, and Firebase function to send notifications to users upon receipt of a new message. Standard Android app practices such as Recyclerview, Intents, Fragments, and Loaders were also used.

Request permission to access contacts

Sign-in to the app

Register to use the app

App can read contact email addresses for auto-complete

Create a new message

Chatting screen

Conversations list

Conversations selected

App widget

Logout of app