SwiftLink Backend

This is the repository for the backend of Bulk Messaging Web App - SwiftLink. The backend is built with Node.js, Express, MongoDB, and integrates with third-party services to send bulk messages via WhatsApp, SMS, and Email. Additionally, it provides functionality to import contacts from a CSV file.

Table of Contents

• Hackathon
• Features
• Technologies
• Getting Started
  • Prerequisites
  • Installation
  • Configuration
• Shortcomings

Hackathon

Make this project for Provothon after getting shortlisted for initial rounds in the time span of 2 days. It was an online hackathon organized at Unstop and the experiance was really great as I've learned a lot of things.

Features

• Send bulk messages via WhatsApp, SMS, and Email
• Import contacts manually or via uploading a CSV file
• Clean and modern User Interface
• User authentication and authorization using Google Auth
• Customizable message templates
• Error handling and logging

Technologies

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of node i.e. ablility to use and understand npm/nvm commands
• Understanding of routes provided by router
• Ability to connect node.js server to database such as mongodb
• An account of Twilio and a Phone number linked with WhatsApp

Installation

Run the folliong command in sequence to setup this repo in your system

  $ git clone https://github.com/LovedeepSingh19/Backend-BulkMessage_app
  $ cd Backend-BulkMessage_app
  $ npm install
  $ nodemon

Configuration

Create .env file in the root directory of as it is necessary to connect different API's

Format -

• MONGODB_URI

• SERVICE_SID

• ACCOUNT_SID

• AUTH_TOKEN

• MY_PHONE

• GOOGLE_APP_PASSWORD

• GOOGLE_USERNAME

  MONGODB_URI requires mongodb connection URL as a string, now SERVICE_SID, ACCOUNT_SID, AUTH_TOKEN, MY_PHONE requires twilio account and SMS service enabled (You will need add phones numbers manually in twilio account if your on Trail/free Account). The last two are from your google account, you'll need to add apps(mail/web-app/mac etc) to your google account by going into your account configurations and press generate app. It'll create GOOGLE_APP_PASSWORD and youe GOGGLE_USERNAME is your Email id.

Shortcomings

Adding contacts manually to your twilio account can be very time consuming (You can always buy the premium account). Google App password also expires after a few days so, you have to change it manually. Most hosting service provider only allow 10-20sec response time for its API's so, it's not possible to use WhatsApp feature on slow or limited server (You can always use Premium Hosting Services)