How to Build Apps Like Sniffies with ZEGOCLOUD

Are you interested in creating a location-based social app like Sniffies? Modern app development platforms make this process easier than ever. ZEGOCLOUD provides the tools you need to build real-time interactive features into your applications. This guide will show you the key steps to develop a social networking app with location-based services, chat functions, and user matching capabilities.

We'll cover everything from setting up core features like video calls, and instant messaging. Whether you're an experienced developer or just starting out, you'll learn how to use ZEGOCLOUD's SDK to create a responsive and engaging social platform.

Key Features to Consider When Building Apps Like Sniffies

When building an app like Sniffies, you need to focus on several key features that users expect from a location-based social platform. Here are the main elements to include in your app:

• Real-time location services: Your app needs accurate GPS tracking to show users' locations on an interactive map. This helps people find others who are nearby and looking to connect. Make sure the location data updates in real-time so users can see each other's movements. Provide options for users to control how much location information they share.

• Private communication system: Users want to chat with each other safely and privately. Build a robust messaging system that supports text, photos, videos, and audio. Include video call functionality so users can have face-to-face conversations. Implement read receipts, typing indicators, and online status to facilitate more natural conversations. Ensure all messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted for maximum privacy.

• User profiles: Allow users to create detailed profiles with photos, personal details, interests, and what they're looking for in a match. Offer profile verification options like phone numbers, social media, or ID checks to build trust and authenticity within your community. Give users full control over their profile visibility and discoverability settings.

• Search and filtering: Equip your app with robust search and filtering tools so users can easily find compatible connections. Let them search by distance, age, gender, interests, and other key criteria. Make the filters intuitive and customizable so people can hone in on their ideal matches.

• Privacy and safety controls: Prioritize user privacy and safety with granular controls. Allow users to block, report, and restrict who can see their profile and location. Provide options to hide location sharing or be invisible at certain times. Monitor activity and moderate the community to quickly address any inappropriate behavior.

• Push notifications: Use push notifications to keep users engaged and informed. Alert them about new messages, video calls, profile views, and nearby matches. Give users the ability to customize notification preferences to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

How to Develop An App Like Sniffies

Building an app like Sniffies with real-time, location-based interactions requires a robust SDK and careful integration of features such as user authentication, geolocation, real-time messaging, and media sharing. With ZEGOCLOUD’s SDK, you can efficiently develop a high-quality app with these capabilities while ensuring a smooth user experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build this app:

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A ZEGOCLOUD developer account with access to your AppID and server credentials.
• Node.js installed on your system.
• A basic understanding of JavaScript or TypeScript.
• A code editor like Visual Studio Code.
• A WebRTC-compatible browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox).

1. Set Up the Project Structure

Create a project folder to house all your files, then initialize it as a Node.js project. This structure will contain HTML for your app’s interface, JavaScript for handling business logic, and CSS for styling.

mkdir sniffies-clone
cd sniffies-clone
npm init -y

Inside your project folder, organize the files as follows:

sniffies-clone/
├── index.html      # Interface for users
├── index.js        # JavaScript for real-time functionalities
├── styles.css      # Basic styles
├── package.json    # Manages dependencies

2. Build the HTML User Interface

Create a layout in index.html that includes sections for messaging, video, and user controls. A location-based app like Sniffies benefits from a clean and intuitive layout where users can send messages, view videos, and control their media settings.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Sniffies Clone</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
    <div id="app">
        <h1>Sniffies Clone - Chat & Video</h1>
        <div id="chat-container">
            <div id="messages"></div>
            <input type="text" id="message-input" placeholder="Type a message">
            <button onclick="sendMessage()">Send</button>
        </div>
        <div id="video-controls">
            <video id="localVideo" autoplay muted></video>
            <video id="remoteVideo" autoplay></video>
            <button id="toggleCamera">Toggle Camera</button>
            <button id="toggleMic">Toggle Mic</button>
            <button id="endCall">End Call</button>
        </div>
    </div>
    <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

3. Install ZEGOCLOUD SDKs

For real-time messaging and video call capabilities, you’ll need to install ZEGOCLOUD’s SDKs.

npm install zego-express-engine-webrtc zego-zim-web

• zego-express-engine-webrtc: Manages video calling and media.
• zego-zim-web: Provides instant messaging capabilities.

4. Import and Initialize the SDKs

In index.js, import ZEGOCLOUD SDKs and initialize them with your AppID and server details.

import { ZegoExpressEngine } from 'zego-express-engine-webrtc';
import { ZIM } from 'zego-zim-web';

// Replace with your actual AppID and server URL
const appID = 123456789; 
const server = 'wss://your-server-url';

const zg = new ZegoExpressEngine(appID, server);
const zim = ZIM.create({ appID });
The ZegoExpressEngine is used for video calls, while ZIM provides real-time messaging.

5. Configure Messaging Functions

Login to ZIM (Messaging)

First, set up login functionality for users. This function should be called when a user wants to join a chat session.

async function loginZIM() {
    const zimUserID = 'user_' + new Date().getTime();
    const zimToken = 'your_zim_token_here'; 

    await zim.login({ userID: zimUserID, userName: 'User' }, zimToken);
}

Send Messages

Create a function that enables users to send messages to others. This function will display sent messages in the chat interface.

async function sendMessage() {
    const messageInput = document.getElementById('message-input');
    const messageContent = messageInput.value;

    await zim.sendMessage({
        conversationID: 'chat-id',
        conversationType: ZIM.enums.ConversationType.P2P,
        message: { content: messageContent }
    });

    displayMessage('You: ' + messageContent);
    messageInput.value = ''; // Clear input after sending
}

function displayMessage(message) {
    const messagesContainer = document.getElementById('messages');
    const messageDiv = document.createElement('div');
    messageDiv.textContent = message;
    messagesContainer.appendChild(messageDiv);
}

Receive Messages

Add an event listener to handle incoming messages and display them in the chat.

zim.on('receiveMessage', (msg) => {
    const messageContent = msg.message.content;
    displayMessage('Friend: ' + messageContent);
});

6. Set Up Video Call Functionality

Initialize Video Call

Use ZegoExpressEngine for handling video call functionality. This involves logging in to a video call room and managing local/remote streams.

const localVideo = document.getElementById('localVideo');
const remoteVideo = document.getElementById('remoteVideo');

async function startVideoCall() {
    const userID = 'user_' + new Date().getTime();
    const token = 'your_video_token_here';

    await zg.loginRoom('room-id', token, { userID, userName: userID });

    const localStream = await zg.createStream();
    localVideo.srcObject = localStream;

    zg.startPublishingStream('streamID', localStream);

    zg.on('roomStreamUpdate', async (roomID, updateType, streamList) => {
        if (updateType === 'ADD') {
            const remoteStream = await zg.startPlayingStream(streamList[0].streamID);
            remoteVideo.srcObject = remoteStream;
        }
    });
}

startVideoCall();

7. Add Call Controls

Add buttons to allow users to toggle camera/mic and end calls.

function setupCallControls(localStream) {
    const toggleCamera = document.getElementById('toggleCamera');
    const toggleMic = document.getElementById('toggleMic');
    const endCall = document.getElementById('endCall');

    let isCameraOn = true;
    let isMicOn = true;

    toggleCamera.onclick = async () => {
        isCameraOn = !isCameraOn;
        await zg.mutePublishStreamVideo(localStream, !isCameraOn);
        toggleCamera.textContent = isCameraOn ? 'Turn Off Camera' : 'Turn On Camera';
    };

    toggleMic.onclick = async () => {
        isMicOn = !isMicOn;
        await zg.mutePublishStreamAudio(localStream, !isMicOn);
        toggleMic.textContent = isMicOn ? 'Mute Mic' : 'Unmute Mic';
    };

    endCall.onclick = async () => {
        await zg.destroyStream(localStream);
        await zg.logoutRoom();
        zg.destroyEngine();
    };
}

8. Implement Cleanup Functionality

Make sure to clean up resources after users leave a chat or video call. This prevents issues with resource leaks.

function cleanup() {
    zg.logoutRoom('room-id');
    zim.logout();
}

// Call cleanup function when ending session
cleanup();

9. Style the App

Add basic styling in styles.css for a clean layout.

#chat-container, #video-controls {
    margin: 20px;
}
#messages {
    border: 1px solid #ddd;
    padding: 10px;
    height: 300px;
    overflow-y: auto;
}
input[type="text"], button {
    margin-top: 10px;
}
video {
    width: 45%;
    height: 250px;
    background-color: black;
}

Conclusion

Creating a Sniffies alternative with ZEGOCLOUD provides a versatile, efficient approach to real-time user interactions. By using ZEGOCLOUD's SDKs, you can incorporate core features like instant messaging, video calling, and location-based services, all tailored for seamless user experiences.

This guide showed the essential steps to take, from setting up a project structure to configuring messaging and video features. With a strong focus on privacy and functionality, developers of all experience levels can build engaging, reliable platforms that connect users in dynamic, real-time environments. Start building your social app today with ZEGOCLOUD!