How to Build a Real-time Voice Chat Application with Strapi, Vue.js, and WebRTC

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

What is your article idea?

To build a real-time voice chat application using strapi, Vue.js and WebRTC. It will cover key aspects such as setting up the backend with Strapi, implementing real-time functionality using WebSockets, and integrating WebRTC for peer-to-peer voice communication.

Tools Used

• Strapi 5
• Vue.js
• WebRTC
• Socket.io

1. Introduction

• Brief overview of the project

2. Prerequisites

• Required knowledge
  Basic understanding of JavaScript, Vue.js.
• Tools and technologies we'll be using:
  Strapi 5 for headless CMS and content management.
  Vue.js for frontend development
  WebRTC for handling real-time voice communication between users.
  Socket.io for managing real-time updates and signaling in our application.

2. Setting up the Strapi Backend

• Installing and configuring Strapi 5
• Creating content types for users and chat rooms
• Setting up authentication

3. Implementing Real-time Functionality

• Installing and configuring Socket.io in Strapi
• Creating WebSocket endpoints for user presence and signaling

4. Building the Vue.js Frontend

• Setting up a new Vue.js project
• Creating components for user list, chat rooms, and voice chat interface

5. Integrating WebRTC for Voice Chat

• Explanation of WebRTC basics
• Implementing peer-to-peer connections
• Handling audio streams

6. Connecting Frontend to Strapi

• Authenticating users
• Fetching and updating chat room data
• Implementing real-time updates with Socket.io

7. Conclusion

• Recap of what we've built
• Potential extensions and improvements

What are the objectives of your article?

The objectives of this article are to demonstrate how to build a real-time voice chat application using Strapi, Vue.js, and WebRTC. It aims to provide a comprehensive guide on integrating these technologies to achieve real-time communication, manage user interactions, and deploy a fully functional voice chat solution.

What readers will learn:

• Strapi 5 Integration: How to set up and integrate Strapi 5 as a headless CMS for managing user data and chat rooms.

• Real-time Communication with Socket.io: Step-by-step guide on implementing Socket.io for real-time updates, such as user presence and signaling.

• WebRTC for Voice Chat: Detailed instructions on using WebRTC for establishing peer-to-peer connections and handling audio streams.

• Vue.js Frontend Development: How to build a responsive and interactive front-end with Vue.js, focusing on components for user lists, chat rooms, and the voice chat interface.

• User Authentication and Data Handling: Techniques for implementing secure user authentication and managing real-time data interactions between the front-end and back-end.

What is your expertise as a developer or writer?

Intermediate

What type of post is this?

Tutorial

Terms & Conditions

• I have read the Write for the Community program guidelines.

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

Hi @Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku
Please let me know if this topic is a good fit.

[Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku]

Hi @ThatCoolGuyyy ,

This looks interesting. How do you plan on implementing socket.io? As for now, the Strapi plugin for socket.io doesn't work with Strapi 5. Or are you creating a custom plugin?

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

Hi @Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku. Thanks for pointing this out. I can use the latest Strapi v4 if that's okay

[Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku]

Hi @ThatCoolGuyyy . I guess you mean Strapi v5: https://strapi.io/five?

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

Not really @Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku. Since Strapi v5 doesn't support the socket.io plugin for now. I was planning to use the Strapi v4 npx create-strapi-app@latest. Noticed an article that was published recently used this

[Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku]

The article was already in review before the update about accept Strapi 5 articles.

I would rather you waited for Strapi 5 GA release, which is soon.

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

Alright then. Thanks @Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku

[Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku]

Alternatively, you could could use socket.io from NPM, not from the Strapi market, in your Strapi app. Let me know what you think.

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

That will work just fine. I can use that @Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku

[Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku]

Thank you. Please proceed. Thank you!

[ThatCoolGuyyy]

Hi @Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku, this draft is now ready for your review https://hackmd.io/@O1lfLgEVTfWnWaOO_0TTrw/SkhacfUZJg

[Theodore-Kelechukwu-Onyejiaku]

Thank you very much @ThatCoolGuyyy ,

I will now add this to the review backlog!