bitchat web

Warning

BitChat Web is experimental software with limitations due to Web Bluetooth API constraints. Private messaging is unreliable, and mesh networking is limited compared to native apps. Use for testing and basic communication only.

A web-based implementation of the BitChat decentralized Bluetooth mesh messaging app. No internet required, no servers, no phone numbers. Cross-platform compatible with native BitChat apps.

License

This project is released into the public domain. See the LICENSE file for details.

Features

• Cross-Platform Messaging: Communicate with native BitChat apps (iOS/macOS/Android)
• Public Chat: Send and receive messages in the mesh network
• Channel Support: Join and participate in channels with /j #channel
• IRC-Style Commands: Familiar /who, /join, /clear interface
• Real-time Peer Discovery: See online users and their nicknames
• Binary Protocol Compatibility: Full compatibility with native BitChat protocol
• Terminal-Inspired UI: Clean, responsive interface optimized for web
• Message Fragmentation: Automatic handling of large messages

Web Bluetooth Limitations

What Works

• ✅ Public messaging across all platforms
• ✅ Channel-based group chat
• ✅ Cross-platform peer discovery
• ✅ IRC-style commands (/w, /j, /help)
• ✅ Real-time message delivery

Limitations

• ⚠️ Private messaging: Unreliable due to Web Bluetooth connection limits
• ⚠️ Limited mesh: Only 1-2 simultaneous connections vs unlimited on native
• ⚠️ Browser dependency: Must keep tab active, no background operation
• ⚠️ Browser support: Chrome/Edge only (no Firefox/Safari)
• ❌ Advanced mesh: Limited multi-hop routing

Setup

Prerequisites

• Chrome/Chromium 56+ or Edge 79+ (Web Bluetooth required)
• Bluetooth-enabled device
• Node.js LTS

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/ervan0707/bitchat-web
   cd bitchat/web

2. Install dependencies:

   npm install

3. Start development server:

   npm run dev

4. Open in browser:

   • Local: http://localhost:5173
   • Network: http://your-ip:3000

Usage

Getting Connected

1. Enable Bluetooth on your device
2. Open the web app in a supported browser
3. Click "Connect to BitChat Network"
4. Select a nearby BitChat device from the discovery list
5. Start chatting - you're now part of the mesh!

Basic Commands

• /w or /who - List online users
• /j #channel - Join or create a channel
• /help - Show available commands
• /clear - Clear message history

Tested Compatibility

✅ Successfully Tested With:

• BitChat iOS/macOS - Native Apple apps
• BitChat Android - Native Android app
• BitChat Terminal - Command-line version

Test Results:

• Public messaging: Messages appear on all platforms
• Channel communication: Web users can join and participate
• Peer discovery: Web client visible in peer lists
• Command compatibility: IRC-style commands work cross-platform

Technical Architecture

Web Bluetooth Integration

BitChat Web uses the Web Bluetooth API to connect with native BitChat devices:

• Service UUID: f47b5e2d-4a9e-4c5a-9b3f-8e1d2c3a4b5c
• Characteristic UUID: a1b2c3d4-e5f6-4a5b-8c9d-0e1f2a3b4c5d
• Binary protocol: Compatible with native BitChat packet structure

Original Projects

The Bitchat WEB implementation is based on the original Bitchat projects:

• bitchat by [@jackjackbits] (https://github.com/jackjackbits)
• bitchat-android by [@callebtc] (https://github.com/callebtc)
• bitchat-terminal by [@ShilohEye] (https://github.com/ShilohEye/bitchat-terminal)