Integrating Sendbird into a React Native App for Real-Time Messaging

Enhancing User Experience with Sendbird Integration in React Native

In today’s digital landscape, providing a seamless user experience is crucial for the success of any mobile application. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating a reliable messaging system that enables real-time communication between users. Sendbird, a popular messaging and chat API, offers a robust solution for integrating chat functionality into React Native applications. In this article, we’ll explore how to integrate Sendbird into a React Native app, creating a more engaging user experience.

Setting Up the React Native App Structure

Our React Native app will consist of three screens: Home Screen, Contact Us Screen, and Chat Screen. The Home Screen will feature a single button, “Contact Us,” which navigates users to the Contact Us Screen. This screen will display a list of developers with whom users can chat to receive technical help or feedback. The Chat Screen will enable users to engage in real-time conversations with the app’s support staff or developers.

Creating a React Native App

To start, create a new React Native project using the following command:

bash
npx react-native init SendbirdApp


Install the required dependencies, including CocoaPods for iOS and JavaScript dependencies:

bash
cd SendbirdApp
npm install
npx pod-install


Run the app in the simulator:

bash
npx react-native run-ios


Replace the code in App.js with the following:

“`jsx
import React from ‘react’;
import { View, Text } from ‘react-native’;

const App = () => {
return (

Sendbird App

);
};

export default App;
“`

Setting Up a Sendbird Account

Before integrating Sendbird, create a Sendbird account and access the dashboard. Create a new application and note the APPLICATION_ID, which will be used to communicate with the Sendbird SDK.

Integrating Sendbird SDK

Install the Sendbird SDK and other required libraries:

bash
npm install @sendbird/uikit-react-native


Add the following code to App.js:

“`jsx
import React from ‘react’;
import { View, Text } from ‘react-native’;
import { SendbirdUIKitContainer } from ‘@sendbird/uikit-react-native’;

const App = () => {
return (


Sendbird App


);
};

export default App;
“`

Setting Up Navigation

Install React Navigation:

bash
npm install @react-navigation/native


Create a new folder, src, and add a navigation folder with an index.tsx file:

“`tsx
import { NavigationContainer } from ‘@react-navigation/native’;
import { createStackNavigator } from ‘@react-navigation/stack’;
import HomeScreen from ‘./screens/HomeScreen’;
import GroupChannelCreateScreen from ‘./screens/GroupChannelCreateScreen’;
import GroupChannelScreen from ‘./screens/GroupChannelScreen’;

const Stack = createStackNavigator();

const AppNavigation = () => {
return (







);
};

export default AppNavigation;
“`

Creating Inner Screens

Create a new folder, screens, and add the following files:

• HomeScreen.tsx:

“`tsx
import React, { useState } from ‘react’;
import { View, Text, Button } from ‘react-native’;
import { useConnection } from ‘@sendbird/uikit-react-native’;

const HomeScreen = () => {
const [userId, setUserId] = useState(”);
const { connect } = useConnection();

const handleConnect = async () => {
try {
await connect(userId);
navigation.navigate(‘GroupChannelCreate’);
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
};

return (

Home Screen


);
};

export default HomeScreen;
“`

• GroupChannelCreateScreen.tsx:

“`tsx
import React from ‘react’;
import { View, Text } from ‘react-native’;
import { GroupChannelCreateFragment } from ‘@sendbird/uikit-react-native’;

const GroupChannelCreateScreen = () => {
return (

Group Channel Create Screen


);
};

export default GroupChannelCreateScreen;
“`

• GroupChannelScreen.tsx:

“`tsx
import React from ‘react’;
import { View, Text } from ‘react-native’;
import { GroupChannelFragment } from ‘@sendbird/uikit-react-native’;

const GroupChannelScreen = () => {
return (

Group Channel Screen


);
};

export default GroupChannelScreen;
“`

By following these steps, you can integrate Sendbird into your React Native app, enabling real-time communication between users and creating a more engaging user experience.

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