1

Android Chat Application

ENS 491 Project Proposal

Android Chat Application

Student:
Bora Makar

Supervised by:
Cemal Ylmaz

Android Chat Application

Abstract
This project aims to create an Android application which allows users to
anonymously chat with other nearby users, share files with other users, block
other users temporarily, rate other users based on the interactions. On top of
these, security is an issue that needs to be covered as it comes up as an issue in
credibility of applications on release. The minimal security should include secure
transfer of data and secure storage of personal information, such as email
address and password. The basic idea behind such a program is to let strangers
who go out to have fun to be able to meet with each other, like people dancing in
the same club or drinking in the same pub.

1. Introduction
With a more and more computerized society, less people tend to socialize with
others, or feel more comfortable when chatting through a technological device.
One of the reason behind this idea is the fact that they can be anyone they want
on a virtual environment. Although this fact also poses risks to users of the
system up to a certain extent due to the possible existence of impostors and ill
intended people, this risks exists in every kind of environment to a certain extent.
Therefore the system will allow users to freely communicate with other nearby
users, share images or voice messages, and do these while staying anonymous
over the application.

2. Definition and Scope

The project will have a single type of mobile client designed to work on
Android OS, a database for keeping the user authentication information as
well as the currently active chats, last seen location for account security
purposes, list of blocked people and list of online users, and lastly a server for
the clients to connect to.

2.1. Project Objective Statement

Learning and applying client design for Android OS, asynchronous server
design to work under heavy load, file sharing system between two Android
clients through a server, security implementation for network usage of the
application. The project is planned to be completed by the end of spring
semester.

2.2. Deliverables
A server capable of communication with a large number of Android clients
at any given time, a fully working Android client with chat and file sharing
capabilities, a database for security and stability reasons. Altogether an
Android application for connecting users with other nearby users.

2.3. Milestones
The most significant milestone of this project will be learning about and
implementing an Android application with capable of using GPS
information, file sharing and secure connection, where the GPS
information and/or the information sent through the network may not
be misused by other users or a third party. Second most significant

Android Chat Application

milestone will be designing a server capable of dealing with a large

number of users at any given time.
3. Project Planning
3.1. Work Breakdown Structure
3.1.1. Learning basics of Android application design
3.1.1.1. UI design
3.1.1.2. Structure
3.1.2. User and System Requirements
3.1.3. Retrieving and using GPS data
3.1.4. Learning server design for large number of clients
3.1.5. Implementation
3.1.5.1. Server
3.1.5.2. Client
3.1.5.3. Database
3.1.6. Debugging and Testing
3.2. Organizational Structure
Firstly we will learn about Android client design. Later we will learn how to
retrieve and analyze GPS information. Then we will learn how to implement a
server to handle a large number of connections at the same time. Afterwards
we will implement the security needed to keep clients safe. Lastly we will
implement the systems and do debugging and testing to make sure it is
usable by real users. If everything is done before the end of the deadline,
additional features may be added.

3.3. Time and Resource Plan

Tasks

WB
S
Cod
e

1.1

1.1.1

Learning basics of Android application design

and GPS communication
UI design

1.1.2

Structure

4
5
6

1.2
1.3
1.4

1
3
3

6
6
6

7
9
9

7
8
9
10

1.5
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3

User and System Requirements

Retrieving and using GPS data
Learning server design for large number of
clients
Implementation
Server
Client
Database

10
10
10
10

9
9
9
9

19
19
19
19

Description

Duratio
n
(week)

Star
t

Finish

4
11

Android Chat Application

1.6

Debugging and Testing

19

21