How to make an unread messages feature in WhatsApp?

How to make an unread messages feature in WhatsApp - briefly?

To implement an unread messages feature in WhatsApp, you would need to modify the app's backend to track message statuses and update the frontend to display indicators for unread messages. This involves changing both the server-side logic and the client-side interface.

How to make an unread messages feature in WhatsApp - in detail?

Creating an unread messages feature for WhatsApp involves several steps, including understanding the current architecture of WhatsApp, designing a database schema to track message statuses, and implementing front-end and back-end functionality to reflect this information to users. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

1. Understanding WhatsApp Architecture: WhatsApp operates using a combination of client-server architecture and end-to-end encryption. Messages are sent from the client to the server, which then delivers them to the recipient's device. To implement an unread messages feature, you need to modify both the client and server components.

2. Database Schema Design: You will need to extend the existing database schema to include a table or column for tracking message statuses. This can be done by adding a new field, such as is_read, to the messages table. This field will store a boolean value indicating whether the message has been read (true) or not (false).

   ALTER TABLE messages ADD COLUMN is_read BOOLEAN DEFAULT FALSE;

3. Server-Side Implementation:

   • Message Delivery: When a message is sent, the server should update the is_read field to false. This indicates that the message has been delivered but not yet read.
   • Read Status Update: The client will send a request to the server when a user views a message. The server will then update the is_read field to true for that particular message.

4. Client-Side Implementation:

   • Message Display: When displaying messages, the client should check the is_read status of each message. If is_read is false, the message should be highlighted or indicated as unread in some way (e.g., using a different color or an indicator icon).
   • Read Status Request: When a user views a conversation, the client should send a request to the server to update the read status of all messages in that conversation. This can be done by sending the conversation ID and the current timestamp to the server.

5. End-to-End Encryption Considerations: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, which means messages are encrypted on the sender's device and decrypted only on the recipient's device. To implement an unread messages feature without compromising security, you should consider:

   • Metadata Transmission: Instead of transmitting message content, transmit metadata (e.g., message ID and read status) to update the server about message read status.
   • Secure Communication: Ensure that all communications between the client and server are encrypted using secure protocols like TLS.

6. Testing and Debugging:

   • Thoroughly test the feature across different devices and operating systems to ensure consistent behavior.
   • Monitor for any bugs or issues related to message status updates and resolve them promptly.

By following these steps, you can successfully implement an unread messages feature in WhatsApp, enhancing user experience by providing clear indications of message statuses.