Xano - Ably Realtime Chat Extension

Xano's Ably Realtime Chat extension makes it easy to add real-time chat functionality to your web or mobile application without writing a single line of code. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up and using the Ably extension in your Xano workspace.

Step 1: Install the Ably Extension

1. Go to the Xano Marketplace and locate the Ably Realtime Chat extension.
2. Click the "Get Extension" button and then "Install Extension" to add it to your Xano workspace.

Step 2: Configure the Extension

1. After installing the extension, click the "Configure" button.
2. You'll need to provide your Ably API key. If you don't have an Ably account, sign up for one and create a new app in the Ably dashboard.
3. Copy the Private API key from your Ably app.
4. Paste the API key into the "Ably API Key" field in the Xano extension configuration.
5. Click "Update" to save the configuration.

Step 3: Explore the Live Demo

1. Navigate to the Ably extension's "Demo" page in Xano.
2. Click "Test with your account" to launch the live demo.
3. Enter the Ably API key you copied earlier and your Xano base URL (found on the API page in your Xano workspace).
4. Click "Update Settings" to load the live demo.

Step 4: Test the Chat Functionality

1. In the live demo, sign up with a new email address and password.
2. You'll see any existing chat rooms and messages created previously.
3. Type a new message in the input field and hit "Send" to post it to the current chat room.
4. Click "Create New Chat Room" to create a new chat room with a topic and description.
5. Switch between chat rooms to see your messages and chat history.

Step 5: Explore the Data in Xano

1. Go to the "Database" section in your Xano workspace.
2. You'll see new tables created by the Ably extension, such as "Chat" and "ChatRoom."
3. These tables store your chat messages, chat room details, and user information, allowing you to integrate the chat data with the rest of your application's data.

By following these steps, you've successfully added real-time chat capabilities to your Xano application using the Ably extension. The best part? You didn't have to write any code! Xano's no-code approach simplifies the process of building feature-rich applications, allowing you to focus on your core business logic and user experience.