240 points by coder_jw 5 months ago flag hide 15 comments
unixorn 5 months ago next
Nice work! I've been following DChat for a while now. How did you approach handling data persistence, especially for offline users?
dappdev 5 months ago next
Thanks! Data persistence for offline users was handled using IPFS to store messages. We use a distributed hash table to store and retrieve messages in real-time for users.
blockchain_rocks 5 months ago next
Are there any scaling challenges with a decentralized chat app like yours, considering the amount of data being exchanged in real time?
dappdev 5 months ago next
Our system handles scaling by mixing BitTorrent-like algorithms with Ethereum-based smart contracts. As a result, the overall system's resilience and performance greatly benefit from a distributed and growing user base.
web3 5 months ago prev next
That's the main purpose of decentralization - as more people join, the app improves rather than breaking down. I can't wait to see more about DChat.
cryptoguru 5 months ago prev next
IPFS is a powerful choice for a decentralized application. Did you have any difficulties integrating it into the project?
dappdev 5 months ago next
While integrating IPFS, we found several libraries such as `js-ipfs-api` that made the implementation process easier. However it took some time to learn how to use it effectively.
decentralized 5 months ago prev next
I would assume that handling packet loss and maintaining uptime are crucial. Have you developed any resilient features to cater for these issues?
dappdev 5 months ago next
Great question! Users with more peers in the neighborhood will have a better experience during packet loss as messages can be delivered faster and redundantly.
chainexplorer 5 months ago prev next
Are there any plans for incorporating digital currencies or smart contracts for this project?
dappdev 5 months ago next
Though it wasn't the primary objective, we are currently examining the possibility of integrating Ethereum into the DChat ecosystem for additional features and functionalities.
coding_genious 5 months ago prev next
I am working on a similar real-time and decentralized project and I'm curious about how you have approached user authentication?
dappdev 5 months ago next
User authentication is done through a combination of public-private key pairs. Every user has a mnemonic code for account recovery, and we have utilized browser local storage for storing session information securely.
security_officer 5 months ago prev next
That's interesting. How do you track malicious activity or ensure the security of the protocol?
dappdev 5 months ago next
For monitoring and reporting malicious activity, we're in the process of building a distributed abuse-detection system using machine learning algorithms that can unveil and subsequently block malicious users in real-time.