A collaborative study platform designed to help students learn together in virtual groups. The system enables users to create study groups, communicate in real time, schedule study sessions, and share resources instantly. Building this project helped me gain deeper experience in real-time communication, WebSocket development, and UX for collaborative digital tools.
📚 Features
- Group Creation — Create or join study groups based on subjects or shared interests.
- Real-Time Chat — Instant communication using Socket.IO.
- Session Scheduling — Plan upcoming study sessions with reminders.
- Resource Sharing — Share PDFs, links, videos, and study materials.
- Collaborative Notes — Work together on shared documents in real time.
🛠 Tech Stack
Frontend
- React for a modular, responsive interface
- Navigation handled through React Router
- Styles using CSS and Tailwind CSS
Backend
- Node.js + Express for REST APIs
- Socket.IO to support real-time communication
- JWT authentication for secure access
- Middleware for file uploads and validation
Database
- MongoDB Atlas for cloud-hosted storage
- Indexed queries for fast group/session lookups
- Data relationships linking users, groups, and resources
Deployment
- Backend hosted on Heroku, AWS, or Render
- Frontend deployed on Vercel with CI/CD automation
- WebSocket handling configured for real-time performance
🔧 Implementation Details
Frontend Architecture
- Component-based layout for dashboard, group pages, and profiles
- Date/time management using date-fns or Moment.js
- Axios for API calls and session management
Backend Workflows
- Authentication and authorization via JWT
- Group creation, membership management, and permissions
- Real-time messaging through Socket.IO rooms
- Upload and storage of shared resources
Data Modeling
- MongoDB schemas for:
- users
- study groups
- session schedules
- shared files
- real-time message logs
🧭 How It Works
- User Onboarding — Sign up or log in to access the platform.
- Create or Join Groups — Find study groups by subject or start your own.
- Schedule Sessions — Organize study meetings and reminders.
- Share Resources — Upload files, links, and collaborative notes.
- Collaborate in Real-Time — Chat and share updates instantly.
⚠️ Challenges Faced
- Ensuring reliable WebSocket communication across devices
- Managing file uploads at scale
- Creating an intuitive collaborative interface for students
🔮 Future Enhancements
- Video conferencing built directly into study groups
- AI-based study recommendations and smart resource suggestions
- Gamification with streaks, badges, and group achievements