How to Create a Messaging Application from Scratch

Online communication has become a new normal these days. Communication software like WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and other tools that are an integral part of our lifestyle.
Just imagine, over 100 million messages are sent out each minute globally, stated by Microfocus. No wonder why the messaging app market grows rapidly.
Can you imagine that over 41 million messages are sent every minute? With over 80% of smartphone user engagement, messaging apps are the most popular types people use. People do need messenger apps to stay connected not only for entertainment but also for business purposes, so the segment has all the driving forces to get bigger.
Let’s take a look at what core features should be used to make messaging easier in 2021.
1. AUTHORIZATION
App users should have the possibility to create a personal account. The wise idea is to implement a user sign-up option in one click via social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
Depending on the app’s objectives, you may include authorization via email, phone number. For increased security, it is possible to interconnect with the device with the help of confirmation SMS.
2. ACCESS TO CONTACTS
For enhanced user experience, your messaging app should automatically access to existing user contacts and get them imported to the messaging app. A strategic step is to highlight for end-users which contacts already use this messenger and give an option to invite those that still don’t.
It is also a wise aspect if users can engage others to join the messenger with a simple invitation.
3. ADVANCED CHAT OPTIONS
It is hard to create a product on the same level as the giants like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger in in this highly competitive market. As a startup project, your messaging app should have minimum functions to be validated. For the update and final deployment, think of advanced options that will bring value. Integrating top social channels and developing a more personalized user experience can help your product succeed on the market.
4. EXCHANGE MESSAGES AND FILES
These days, users need to have the possibility to exchange files, videos, photos, and other content. Therefore, make sure that your messaging app supports different app attachments.
This feature can be implemented by using distinct APIs. Do not forget that your app should have an option to send files from the device and capture real-life moments from the app directly.
5. SHARING REAL-TIME LOCATION INFORMATION
Users can share their location with others in many apps, like parking spots, offices, restaurants, etc. This feature is developed by utilizing packages of CLLocationManager Class on iOS and Android.
Telegram messenger has implemented this feature, which provides excellent user experience. App users can even create routes from the starting to the destination point.
6. PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
It is an essential element in any messaging app development. It is the function that allows the user to check whether someone sends a message or not. Developers use Google Cloud Messaging and Apple Push Notifications to implement this functionality.
7. CLOUD STORAGE AND BACKUP
To generate user satisfaction and get user retention, your application needs to be customizable. The users do like the idea of playing with app interfaces, themes, and colors to make it more personalized and attractive. Keep this in mind when comprising the app functionality list.
TECHNOLOGY STACK TO BUILD APPS LIKE WHATSAPP AND TELEGRAM
First, we list possible tech stacks to utilize in chat app creation, followed by fora few successful messaging apps. It makes sense to understand how these applications are created.
WHATSAPP TECH STACK
The Technical Stack used to develop WhatsApp includes Erlang, FreeBSD, Yaws, PHP, and XMPP.
• Erlang – functional language used to script real-time chat apps.
• FreeBSD – open-source operating system to power modern servers and embedded platforms.
• Yaws – Erlang-based web server used for dynamic-content apps to run WhatsApp as a standalone web server.
• PHP – general-purpose scripting language for web development.
• XMPP – the communication protocol – the core of WhatsApp for sending real-time messages.
Operating system FreeBSD is used in this app. Its developers believe that the Linux system is more bug-creating, which is a somewhat debatable statement.
WhatsApp uses YAWS (Yet Another Web Server) for data storing and HTML5 WebSockets to create a solid connection between a server and messenger.
The system uses LYCE/LYME architecture consisting of open-source solutions to develop highly available and dynamic pages.
• Operating system- Linux
• Web server – Yaws
• Databases – Mnesia, CouchDB
• Programming language- Erlang
• To note, Elixir programming and its Phoenix framework are great to utilize for complex and high-load projects. These technologies ensure smooth system operation, remarkable efficiency, and the ability to handle lots of traffic.
TECH STACK WITHIN THE TELEGRAM APP
Telegram is one of the most significant messaging apps with the high protection and smooth performance. As far as it is known, the messenger was coded with the following technologies:
• iOS app – build by utilizing Objective C and partly Swift
• Android app – created with Java programming language
• Windows Phone app – uses C#
• Web platform – uses Javascript and Node.js
• Mac app – is developed with Objective C

• Also, the Telegram team developed a specific data protocol, MTProto Mobile Protocol, that ensures the speed and security of its service.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A MESSAGING APP?
Regardless of the application type, the development cost is estimated based on its complexity and features. Even if you try to make a rough cost estimation, we still need to consider details like platform, app complexity, development team and hourly rates. The average price for MVP starts from $30.000 to $300.000 for complex apps.
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