Family Messaging App (Rails + React + Vite)

A secure, private messaging platform built for kids to message their parent (me!) in a closed environment. Built to run in-browser on our household devices.

Features

• Vite-powered React frontend
• Rails 7 API backend
• PostgreSQL for persistent data
• Redis for ActionCable (websockets)
• Emoji picker, typing indicators, and message timestamps

Stack

• Frontend: React 19, Vite, Axios, Emoji Picker
• Backend: Ruby 3.1.3, Rails 7.0.4, PostgreSQL, Redis
• Security: Manual user creation only, no public login or registration
• Deployment: Render (fullstack)

Local Setup

bundle install
rails db:setup
cd client && npm install && npm run dev

Notes

Built entirely from scratch as a full-stack monorepo. No scaffold generators used. Chat is handled via ActionCable.

Author

Alisha Taylor — Parent, Engineer, and Safety First Advocate