System Requirements Document (SRD)

1. Introduction

This document outlines the system requirements for the development of a full-stack chat application. The purpose of this application is to provide users with a seamless and interactive platform for real-time communication. The document includes functional and non-functional requirements, user personas, visual design guidelines, technical specifications, and assumptions.

2. System Overview

The full-stack chat application will enable users to send and receive messages in real-time. It will support individual and group chats, anonymous access, and message storage. The application will be accessible via web and mobile platforms, ensuring a user-friendly experience across devices. The backend will handle message delivery, user management, and data storage securely and efficiently.

3. Functional Requirements as Story Points

• As User I should be able to access the application anonymously without mandatory sign-up or login.
• As User I should be able to send and receive messages in real-time.
• As User I should be able to create and join group chats.
• As User I should be able to view my chat history.
• As User I should be able to search for other users to start a conversation.
• As Admin I should be able to manage user accounts (e.g., deactivate or delete accounts).
• As Admin I should be able to monitor chat activity for compliance.
• As Guest I should be able to explore the application with limited functionality (e.g., view public group chats).
• As User I should be able to update my profile information and avatar (optional for anonymous users).
• As User I should be able to receive notifications for new messages.
• As User I should be able to block or report other users for inappropriate behavior.

4. User Personas

1. Anonymous User

• Primary user of the application.
• Can access the application without mandatory sign-up or login.
• Can send and receive messages, create group chats, and manage their profile (optional).

2. Admin

• Responsible for managing user accounts and monitoring chat activity.
• Can deactivate or delete accounts and ensure compliance with community guidelines.

3. Guest

• Unregistered user with limited access to the application.
• Can explore public group chats but cannot send messages or access private features.

5. Visuals Colors and Theme

The application will feature a modern and clean design with the following color scheme:

• Primary Color: #4A90E2 (Blue) for buttons, links, and highlights.
• Secondary Color: #F5A623 (Orange) for notifications and alerts.
• Background Color: #FFFFFF (White) for the main interface.
• Text Color: #333333 (Dark Gray) for readability.
• Accent Color: #50E3C2 (Green) for success messages and confirmations.

The theme will prioritize simplicity and usability, ensuring a smooth user experience across devices.

6. Non-Functional Requirements

• The application must support at least 10,000 concurrent users.
• The system should ensure low latency for real-time messaging (less than 200ms).
• The application must be responsive and accessible on both web and mobile platforms.
• Data must be encrypted in transit and at rest to ensure security.
• The system should be scalable to accommodate future growth.
• The application must comply with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations.
• Anonymous access must be implemented securely to prevent misuse or abuse.

7. Tech Stack

Frontend

• React for Web
• React Native for Mobile App

Backend

• Python
• FastAPI

Database

• MySQL or MariaDB for relational data storage (using Alembic for migrations).
• MongoDB for NoSQL data storage.

AI Models

• GPT 5.2 for user-friendly responses.

AI Tools

• Langchain for conversational AI workflows.

Local Orchestration

• Docker
• docker-compose

Server-Side Orchestration

• Kubernetes for deployment and scaling.

8. Assumptions and Constraints

Assumptions

• Users will have access to stable internet connections for real-time messaging.
• The application will initially target English-speaking users.
• The system will support both individual and group chats.
• Anonymous users will have access to core functionalities without requiring sign-up or login.

Constraints

• The application must adhere to strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).
• The system must be optimized for low-latency communication.
• The backend must be designed to handle high concurrency efficiently.
• Anonymous access must be implemented securely to prevent spam or malicious activity.

9. Glossary

• Real-time Messaging: The ability to send and receive messages instantly without noticeable delay.
• Group Chat: A feature that allows multiple users to communicate in a shared conversation.
• GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation, a European Union law on data protection and privacy.
• Concurrent Users: The number of users actively using the application at the same time.
• Latency: The delay between sending a message and its receipt by the recipient.
• Anonymous Access: The ability to use the application without mandatory sign-up or login.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements for the full-stack chat application. It will serve as the foundation for the development and implementation phases of the project.