Faster Next Chat

About:

This project was inspired by T3 Chat built by @t3dotgg. I wanted to take on a fun challenge: Implement AI streaming within a NextJS app. I noticed T3 used IndexedDB, which was perfect timing since I needed to implement a "Offline First" approach in a client project I was working on.

And while their are some great open source AI Chat interfaces out there, I wanted to test my ability to build my own. Thus, here we are.

Also, hat tip to this video How I Built T3 Chat in 5 Days for the clue on Dexie. It's old but easy to work with.

And yes, for those wondering I am using the Catppuccin Macchiato color scheme.

Structure

I am using a local-first streaming approach with IndexedDB via Dexie.js and making use of the Vercel AI SDK.

Here's how it's implemented:

1. Database Layer (db.ts):

   • Using Dexie to manage IndexedDB
   • Two tables: chats and messages
   • Full CRUD operations for chats and messages
   • Proper indexing for efficient queries

2. Reactive Data Layer (usePersistentChat.ts)

   • Using useLiveQuery from dexie-react-hooks for reactive queries
   • Automatic UI updates when data changes in IndexedDB
   • Real-time chat and message loading
   • Proper message persistence

3. Message Flow:

   • Messages are stored locally in IndexedDB
   • UI renders directly from IndexedDB data
   • New messages are immediately persisted
   • Changes trigger automatic UI updates

4. Local-First Benefits:

• Instant data availability
• Real-time UI updates
• Smooth user experience

The local first approach is what makes the interface feel fast, especially switching between chats.

To Do

• Implement method of DELETING chats.
• Implement System Prompts
• Implement File Upload
• Implement Auth for UserLogin
• Implement a self hosted deployment script (kinda want this on my local network)

I want to solve for code blocks, they are kinda janky at the moment. Could use improvement.

Prerequisites

• Node.js (version specified in package.json)
• Yarn package manager
• API keys for the services you want to use:
  • ANTHROPIC_API_KEY
  • OPENAI_API_KEY
  • GROQ_API_KEY

Getting Started

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/1337hero/faster-next-chat.git
cd faster-next-chat

2. Install dependencies:

bun install

3. Create a .env file in the root directory and add your API keys:

ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_anthropic_key
OPENAI_API_KEY=your_openai_key
GROQ_API_KEY=your_groq_key

4. Start the development server:

bun run dev

5. Open http://localhost:3000 in your browser.

Development Commands

• bun run dev - Start development server with Turbopack
• bun run build - Create production build
• bun run start - Start production server
• bun run lint - Run ESLint
• bun run format - Format code with Prettier
• bun run test:format - Check code formatting

Architecture

The project follows a modern Next.js application structure:

• /src/app - Next.js app router pages and API routes
• /src/components - React components organized by feature
• /src/hooks - Custom React hooks
• /src/lib - Utility functions and constants
• /src/types - TypeScript type definitions

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some AmazingFeature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/AmazingFeature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

MIT License - Have fun