Adalo

How to implement a chat feature in Adalo?

Discover the secrets to adding a chat feature in Adalo with clear, step-by-step guidance. Effortlessly make your app more interactive and engaging for users.

Developer profile skeleton
a developer thinking

Overview

Adding a chat feature in Adalo is a fascinating way to boost user engagement in your app. Adalo, a powerful no-code platform, makes it possible to build functional apps without needing to know much about programming. To set up a chat feature, get familiar with how to use Adalo's database for storing and retrieving messages, employ custom lists to show chat threads, and include user authentication for personalized interaction. Plus, checking out Adalo's pre-made chat templates can give you a head start and the freedom to tweak the feature to suit your particular requirements.

Get a Free No-Code Consultation
Meet with Will, CEO at Bootstrapped to get a Free No-Code Consultation
Book a Call
Will Hawkins
CEO at Bootstrapped

How to implement a chat feature in Adalo?

Set Up Your Database

Step 1: Create Collections

  • Head over to the database section in Adalo.
  • Create a collection called Users. Make sure it has fields like Name, Email, and ProfileImage.
  • Next, create a collection named Messages. Add fields like Text, SentTime, and relationships such as Sender (linked to Users) and Chat (linked to a new Chats collection).
  • Finally, create a collection named Chats. Add fields like ChatName or whatever you need, and set up a relationship to Users (Many-to-Many).

Design Your Chat Screen

Step 2: Create a Chat List Screen

  • Add a new screen and pick a list component.
  • Configure the list to show the Chats collection. Filter it to display only chats where the logged-in user is a participant.
  • Customize the list to show the chat name and maybe the last message snippet.

Step 3: Add a Chat Detail Screen

  • Create a new screen for chat details.
  • Drag and drop a list into this screen and set it to show the Messages collection.
  • Filter the Messages list to display only messages related to the current chat.
  • Customize the list to show how each message looks. Include sender's name, profile picture, text, and sent time.

Step 4: Adding New Messages

  • Add a form or a text input and button to the Chat Detail screen.
  • Set up an action for the button to create a new message in the Messages collection.
  • Make sure the message is linked to the current chat and the logged-in user.

Linking Screens Together

Step 5: Navigate from Chat List to Chat Detail

  • Add actions to the Chat List to navigate to the Chat Detail screen when a list item is selected.
  • Pass the selected chat item to the Chat Detail screen as the current chat.

Setting Up Real-time Updates

Step 6: Enable Real-time Database

  • Go to the settings of your collections and enable real-time updates so new messages show up instantly without needing to refresh the screen.

Styling and Customization

Step 7: Customize Design

  • Use Adalo's component marketplace to add extra UI elements like avatars, timestamps, and different bubble styles.
  • Customize colors, fonts, and styles to match your app’s design.

Testing

Step 8: Test The Chat Feature

  • Use Adalo’s preview feature to thoroughly test the chat functionality.
  • Make sure users can create new chats, send and receive messages, and that all content updates in real-time.

Explore more Adalo tutorials

Complete Guide to Adalo: Tutorials, Tips, and Best Practices

Explore our Adalo tutorials directory - an essential resource for learning how to create, deploy and manage robust server-side applications with ease and efficiency.

Why are companies choosing Bootstrapped?

40-60%

Faster with no-code

Nocode tools allow us to develop and deploy your new application 40-60% faster than regular app development methods.

90 days

From idea to MVP

Save time, money, and energy with an optimized hiring process. Access a pool of experts who are sourced, vetted, and matched to meet your precise requirements.

1 283 apps

built by our developers

With the Bootstrapped platform, managing projects and developers has never been easier.

hero graphic

Our capabilities

Bootstrapped offers a comprehensive suite of capabilities tailored for startups. Our expertise spans web and mobile app development, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure high performance and scalability. The team excels in creating intuitive user interfaces and seamless user experiences. We employ agile methodologies for flexible and efficient project management, ensuring timely delivery and adaptability to changing requirements. Additionally, Bootstrapped provides continuous support and maintenance, helping startups grow and evolve their digital products. Our services are designed to be affordable and high-quality, making them an ideal partner for new ventures.

Engineered for you

1

Fast Development: Bootstrapped specializes in helping startup founders build web and mobile apps quickly, ensuring a fast go-to-market strategy.

2

Tailored Solutions: The company offers customized app development, adapting to specific business needs and goals, which ensures your app stands out in the competitive market.

3

Expert Team: With a team of experienced developers and designers, Bootstrapped ensures high-quality, reliable, and scalable app solutions.

4

Affordable Pricing: Ideal for startups, Bootstrapped offers cost-effective development services without compromising on quality.

5

Supportive Partnership: Beyond development, Bootstrapped provides ongoing support and consultation, fostering long-term success for your startup.

6

Agile Methodology: Utilizing agile development practices, Bootstrapped ensures flexibility, iterative progress, and swift adaptation to changes, enhancing project success.

Yes, if you can dream it, we can build it.