How to Build a React Native Video Chat App in Simple Steps?

Building a React Native video chat app involves integrating a video calling library, handling user authentication, and managing the real-time communication between users. One popular library for adding video chat functionality is react-native-agora.

Here are simplified steps to help you build a basic React Native video chat app:

Step 1: Set Up a React Native Project

Create a new React Native project using the following commands:

Step 1: Set Up a React Native Project

Create a new React Native project using the following commands:

bash
npx react-native init VideoChatApp
cd VideoChatApp

Step 2: Install Dependencies

Install the necessary dependencies, including react-native-agora for video calling:

bash
npm install @react-native-agora/native

Step 3: Set Up Agora Account

Sign up for an Agora account and create a new project to obtain the App ID.

Step 4: Integrate Agora in Your App

Configure Agora by adding your App ID. Update your App.js or equivalent:

jsx
// App.js

import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
import { View, Text, TouchableOpacity } from 'react-native';
import { RtcEngine, AgoraVideoView } from '@react-native-agora/native';

const App = () => {
  const [joined, setJoined] = useState(false);
  const [peerIds, setPeerIds] = useState([]);

  useEffect(() => {
    initializeAgora();
  }, []);

  const initializeAgora = async () => {
    const appId = 'YOUR_AGORA_APP_ID'; // Replace with your Agora App ID

    const engine = await RtcEngine.create(appId);
    engine.enableVideo();

    engine.addListener('UserJoined', (uid, elapsed) => {
      setPeerIds((prevIds) => [...prevIds, uid]);
    });

    engine.addListener('UserOffline', (uid, reason) => {
      setPeerIds((prevIds) => prevIds.filter((id) => id !== uid));
    });
  };

  const joinChannel = async () => {
    const channelName = 'your_channel_name'; // Set a channel name

    RtcEngine.joinChannel(channelName, null, 0, (uid) => {
      setJoined(true);
    });
  };

  return (
    <View style={{ flex: 1, justifyContent: 'center', alignItems: 'center' }}>
      {joined ? (
        <AgoraVideoView style={{ flex: 1 }} remoteUid={peerIds[0]} mode={1} />
      ) : (
        <TouchableOpacity onPress={joinChannel}>
          <Text>Join Video Chat</Text>
        </TouchableOpacity>
      )}
    </View>
  );
};

export default App;

Step 5: Run Your App

Run your React Native app:

bash
npx react-native run-android
# or
npx react-native run-ios

Make sure to test the app on physical devices or emulators that support video capabilities.

Step 6: Customize and Enhance

Extend your app by adding features such as user authentication, multiple participants, mute/unmute, switch camera, etc. You can also improve the UI and UX based on your app's requirements.

Remember to consult the official documentation of @react-native-agora/native for more details on available features and customization options: react-native-agora documentation.