CONNECT

A Mini Project Report

Submitted
In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements
For the Degree of
Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech)
In
Computer Science & Engineering by

ASHUTOSH MISHRA ARPIT TIWARI

2301920100085 2301920100082

ASHWANI KUMAR ARPIT DWIVEDI

2301920100088 2301920100078

Under the Supervision of

Mr. Utkarsh Yashvardhan
Assistant Professor

G. L. BAJAJ INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT

GREATER NOIDA

DR. A. P. J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, UTTAR PRADESH,

LUCKNOW
2024-2025
Declaration

We hereby declare that the project work presented in this report entitled
“CONNECT”, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the
degree of Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science & Engineering,
submitted to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow
is based on our own work carried out at Department of Computer Science &
Engineering, G.L. Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management, Greater Noida.
The work contained in the report is true and original to the best of our
knowledge and the project work reported in this report has not been submitted
by us for award of any other degree or diploma.

Signature:
Name: Ashwani Kumar
Roll No: 2301920100088

Signature:
Name: Ashutosh Mishra
Roll No: 2301920100085

Signature:
Name: Arpit Tiwari
Roll No: 2301920100082

Signature:
Name: Arpit Dwivedi
Roll No: 2301920100078

Date:
Place: Greater Noida
 ii
Certificate

This is to certify that the Mini Project report entitled “CONNECT” done by Ashutosh
Mishra (2301920100085), Arpit Tiwari (2301920100082), Ashwani Kumar
(2301920100088) and Arpit Dwivedi (2301920100078) is an original work
carried out by them in Department of Computer Science & Engineering, G.L.
Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management, Greater Noida under my guidance.
The matter embodied in this project work has not been submitted earlier for the
award of any degree or diploma to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date:

Mr. Utkarsh Yashvardhan

Signature:

iii
Acknowledgement

The merciful guidance bestowed to us by the almighty made us stick out

this project to a successful end. We humbly pray with sincere heart for his
guidance to continue forever. We pay thanks to our project guide Mr.
Gaurav Singh Rawat who has given guidance and light to us during this
project. His versatile knowledge has helped us in critical times during the
span of this project. We pay special thanks to our Head of Department Dr.
Sansar Singh Chauhan who has been always present as a support and help
us in all possible way during this project. We also take this opportunity to
express our gratitude to all those people who have been directly and
indirectly with us during the completion of the project. We want to thank
our friends who have always encouraged us during this project. And the
final thanks to all the faculty of CSE department who provided valuable
suggestions during the period of project.
 iv

Abstract

In the digital age, social networking platforms play a crucial role in fostering
communication and collaboration. This mini-project involves designing and
developing a social networking website tailored for college students, aimed
at enhancing connectivity, collaboration, and resource sharing within the
academic community. The website will provide an intuitive interface and a
range of features to facilitate social and academic interactions in a secure and
user-friendly environment.

The platform will allow students to create personalized profiles, connect with
peers, join academic or interest-based groups, and share resources such as
notes, project ideas, and event updates. Core functionalities include:
• User Authentication: Secure login system to protect user data.

• News Feed: A real-time feed displaying updates, posts, and shared

resources.
• Messaging System: Direct messaging and group chats to enhance
communication.
• Event Management: Tools to organize and RSVP for academic or social
events.
• Resource Sharing: A repository for sharing study materials and project
documents.

The website will be developed using web development technologies such as

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a backend framework like Django, Flask, or Node.js,
with a database (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB) for managing user data. Emphasis will
be placed on responsive design to ensure accessibility across devices and a
secure framework to protect user privacy.

The project aims to foster a sense of community among students by creating a

centralized platform for interaction and collaboration. It will not only facilitate
social engagement but also promote academic growth by encouraging the sharing
of knowledge and resources. This project serves as a stepping stone in
understanding the technical, social, and ethical aspects of building an interactive
web-based system.
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TABLE OF CONTENT

Declaration.......................................................................................................................(ii).

Certificate .....................................................................................................................(iii).
Acknowledgement ..............................................................................................................(iv)-(v).
Table of Content.................................................................................................................(vi).

Chapter 1. Introduction ..........................................................................................1-2

1.1 Problem Definition…..............................................................................
1.2 Overview / Specifications...........................................................

Chapter 2. Motivation/Problem Statement.................................................................3-5

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Existing System

Chapter 3. Plan of work ………………………………………………. 6-8

3.1 Tools and Technology used
3.2 System Designs
3.3 Requirement Analysis
3.4 Development Plan
3.5 Testing and Debugging
Methodology………….. …............................................................
Chapter 4. 9-11
4.1 Planning and Ideation
4.2 Design Phase
4.3 Development Phase
4.4 Testing
Chapter 5. Result & Discussion ………….…............................................................ 12-14

5.1 Final Deliverable

Performance Analysis
5.2

5.3 Challenge Faced Lesson Learned

 5.4 Future Improvement

Chapter 6. Conclusion, Limitation & Future Scope ………………………..............

15-16
6.1 Conclusion
6.2 Limitations
6.3 Future Scope

vi
 Chapter 1
Introduction

1.1Problem Definition:

Students often struggle with staying updated on college activities and navigating
essential processes like applying for scholarships, fee submission, and branch
changes due to a lack of centralized guidance. This leads to confusion, missed
opportunities, and reduced engagement. SOCIALNET aims to solve this by
offering a unified app that provides updates, facilitates communication, and
guides students through college procedures.

1.2Overview/ Specifications:
SOCIALNET aims at fostering a collaborative and engaging environment for
college students by providing a centralized platform for updates, events, and
interaction. The app bridges the gap between freshers, seniors, and faculty,
helping them stay informed and connected with the college community.

1.2.1 Key Objectives:

1 Simplify access to college-related information.

. Encourage participation in events, clubs, and activities.
2 Build a sense of community among students and faculty.

1.2.2 Core Features:

• User Login:
▪ Secure login system with a simple interface.
▪ Two-factor authentication for enhanced security.

• Home Page:

▪ key sections like college news, club

▪
activities, events, and hackathons.
Offers quick links to detailed pages.
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 • Updates Page:

▪
Highlights important announcements and upcoming ▪
opportunities.
Users can explore further details with a single tap.

• Personalized Navigation(in progress):

▪
Users can customize their feed based on their interests,
such as technical events, cultural activities, or sports.

1.2.3 Technology

• Frontend:

▪
Designed for ease of use with a clean and intuitive
interface.

• Backend:
▪
▪
MongoDB will handle data storage for users, events,
and updates.
Currently in the process of learning and integrating
database functionality.

• Navigation: Smooth redirection between pages for a seamless

user experience.

Chapter 2 Motivation/Problem Statement

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 2.1 Introduction:
The motivation for developing the "CONNECT" stems from a growing need to
create a platform that fosters seamless communication and interaction among
students, faculty, and staff in an educational environment. In many educational
institutions, students often face challenges in staying updated with academic
events, announcements, and general communication. Additionally, students
may find it difficult to engage with peers on academic projects or
extracurricular activities in a streamlined manner.
The idea of the "CONNECT" was conceived to bridge these communication
gaps, offering students an intuitive and interactive platform where they can
easily access relevant information, collaborate with their peers, and stay
connected with the campus community. This website aims to serve as an
allencompassing portal for students to manage their academic, social,
and extracurricular lives, providing them with resources tools that enhance
their overall university experience.

This project is also motivated by the desire to integrate technology with

education to create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. With
the increasing dependency on digital platforms for day-to-day activities, it is
crucial to leverage web technologies to enhance student interactions, improve
communication, and simplify the process of managing academic and
campusrelated activities.

2.2 Existing System :

1. CampusGroups

Overview: A platform designed to foster engagement and collaboration among

students, faculty, and administrators on college campuses.

Key Features: Event management, group communication tools, surveys,

personalized dashboards, and mobile app integration.
2. Handshake

Overview: A career networking platform connecting students with employers

and job opportunities.
Key Features: Job search tools, employer connections, virtual career fairs, and
event scheduling.

3
3. Involvio

Overview: A student engagement platform that simplifies campus involvement

and resource access.
Key Features: Event calendars, personalized alerts, messaging tools, attendance
tracking, and resource hubs.

4. Piazza

Overview: A collaborative learning platform where students and instructors can

interact in real time.
Key Features: Q&A forums, anonymous posting, real-time collaboration, and
course-specific discussions.

5. Quad by Quadly

Overview: A private social networking app for college students to connect

through shared classes, events, and interests.
Key Features: Group chats, event coordination, class-based forums, and
interest-based communities.

6. Unibuddy

Overview: A peer-to-peer networking platform for prospective students to

interact with current students and ambassadors.
Key Features: Live chat, ambassador profiles, student blogs, and
universityspecific resources.

7. Packback

Overview: An AI-driven platform that encourages curiosity and facilitates

academic discussions.
Key Features: Question-based discussions, real-time feedback, AI grading tools,
and engagement tracking.
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 8. Roomsurf

Overview: A roommate matching platform tailored for college students.

Key Features: Compatibility quizzes, interest-based matching, direct messaging,

and college-specific communities.

9. College Confidential

Overview: A forum-based platform for discussing college admissions and

campus life.
Key Features: Discussion boards, expert advice, admissions tips, and peer
insights.

10. StudyStream

Overview: A global study community offering virtual spaces for focused work
and connection.
Key Features: Focus rooms, virtual study events, productivity tools, and global
peer networks.

Chapter 3 Plan of work

3.1 Technology

• Frontend: Designed with HTML and CSS for ease of use with a clean
and intuitive interface.
• Backend: MongoDB will manage data storage for users, events, and
updates.
• Currently in the process of learning and integrating database
functionality.
• Navigation: Smooth redirection between pages for a seamless user
experience.

5
3.2 Requirement Analysis
• Survey Students: Conduct a survey to understand student
preferences, challenges, and desired features in the platform.
• Define Use Cases: Draft user stories (e.g., "As a student, I want to
create a group for my study circle").
• Technical Requirements: Determine the tech stack (e.g., MERN stack
- MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js).
3.3 System Design
3.3.1 Platform Architecture:

• Frontend: React.js for a responsive, user-friendly interface.

• Backend: Node.js with Express for APIs.
• Database: MongoDB for storing user data, posts, and
messages.

3.3.2 Feature Design:

• Authentication System: Secure login and registration (OAuth

integration or email verification).
• Profile Management: Allow users to create profiles with fields
like name, department, bio, and profile picture.
• Feed and Posts:Enable users to post updates, share links, and
comment on posts.
• Groups and Communities: Allow users to join or create
groups based on common interests.

6
 • Messaging: Integrate real-time chat for direct communication
between users.
• Event Management: Create event pages with RSVP
options and reminders.

3.3.3 Mockups and Wireframes:

• Design wireframes for key pages (e.g., homepage, profile,

group pages, and chat).
• Use tools like Figma for mockup creation.
3.4 Development Plan
3.4.1 Set Up Development Environment :

• Install necessary tools (Node.js, MongoDB, Visual Studio

Code).
• Initialize a GitHub repository for version control.
3.4.2 Development Phases:

• Phase 1:Build basic user authentication (registration, login,

and profile setup).
• Phase 2:Implement the newsfeed and posting functionality.
• Phase 3: Add group creation and management features.
• Phase 4: Integrate real-time messaging with WebSockets
(e.g., Socket.IO).
• Phase 5: Develop event pages with RSVP functionality.
• Phase 6: Test and debug the platform across various devices.

3.5 Testing and Debugging

• Unit Testing: Test individual components (e.g., login system, posting
feature).
• Integration Testing: Ensure all components work together
seamlessly.
• User Testing: Invite a small group of students to test the platform
and provide feedback.
• Bug Fixes: Address any issues identified during testing.

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Chapter 4 Methodology

4.1 Planning and Ideation

The initial phase involves defining the project scope, understanding user needs,
and setting goals.

4.1.1 Objective Definition:

• Clarify the purpose of the platform (e.g., facilitating student

connections, sharing resources, event management).
• Define success metrics (e.g., number of users, engagement rate).

4.1.2 Requirement Gathering:

• Conduct surveys or focus groups with students to identify

desired features.
• Collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., faculty, student councils) to
align the platform with college needs.

4.1.3 Feature Prioritization:

• List all potential features (e.g., user profiles, groups, chat).

• Prioritize core functionalities for the first release using
techniques like MoSCoW (Must-have, Should-have, Couldhave,
Won’t-have).

4.2 Design Phase

This phase focuses on creating the visual and functional structure of the
platform.
4.2.1 Wireframing and Prototyping:

8
 • Use tools like Figma to create wireframes of key pages (e.g.,
login, feed, profile, chat).
• Develop low-fidelity prototypes to visualize user interactions.

4.2.2 Database Design:

• Design a database schema to manage users, posts, messages,

and groups. Example schema:
• User Collection: Name, email, profile picture, bio, department,
interests.
• Post Collection: Content, media, timestamp, author ID.
• Group Collection: Group name, description, members, posts.

4.3 Development Phase

The development phase involves coding the platform, integrating
features, and ensuring functionality.

4.3.1 Frontend Development:

• Build the user interface using React.js and Tailwind CSS.

• Implement responsive designs for mobile and desktop users.
• Create pages for:
• Registration and login.
• User profile and feed.
• Group management and chat.

4.3.2 Backend Development:

• Set up a Node.js and Express.js backend to handle server-side

logic.
• Implement core functionalities such as:
• User authentication (JWT or OAuth).
• CRUD operations for posts and groups.
• Real-time messaging using Socket.IO.

4.3.3 Database Integration:

• Connect the backend to a MongoDB database.

• Use Mongoose for schema creation and query handling.

9
4.4 Testing
This phase ensures the platform functions smoothly and meets
user expectations.
3.4.1 Unit Testing:

• Test individual components like login, posting, and

messaging.
• Use testing tools such as Jest for frontend and backend
tests.

3.4.2 Integration Testing:

• Ensure seamless interaction between frontend and

backend.
• Test API calls for expected responses and performance.

3.4.3 User Testing:

• Conduct a beta test with a small group of students.

• Gather feedback on usability, performance, and feature
effectiveness.

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Chapter 5 Result & Discussion

5.1 Final Deliverables

The developed platform successfully meets the core requirements and provides
the following features:

1. User Profiles: Students can create personalized profiles with details like
name, department, bio, and profile picture.
2. Community Groups: Students can join or create groups based on
academic departments, hobbies, or events.
3. Posting and Feeds: A live feed allows users to share posts, comment, and
interact with peers.
4. Event Management: Event pages enable students to RSVP, view details,
and get reminders for campus events.
5. Real-Time Chat: A messaging feature facilitates direct communication
between users.

5.2 Performance Analysis

5.2.1 Usability Testing Results:

• User Interface: Feedback highlighted the clean, user-friendly design with

intuitive navigation.

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 • Feature Accessibility: Users praised the ease of creating groups, posting
updates, and interacting in real time.
• Performance: The platform performs well on various devices, including
smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

5.2.2 Engagement Metrics (Initial Test Group):

• Participants: A group of 50 students tested the platform.

• Engagement Rate: 80% actively interacted with posts, joined groups,
• or used the messaging feature.
Average Session Time: Students spent an average of 15 minutes per

session on the platform.

5.3 Challenges Faced
5.3.1 Technical Challenges:

• Real-Time Messaging: Setting up WebSocket-based messaging

required extensive debugging to ensure smooth delivery of messages.
• Database Scaling:
Designing an efficient database schema to handle future scalability
posed challenges, especially for group and message storage.

5.3.2 User-Related Challenges:

• Adoption: Some students were initially reluctant to transition from

popular platforms to a college-specific platform.
• Feature Requests:
During testing, users suggested additional features such as polls, file
sharing, and academic collaboration tools, which were beyond the
project’s initial scope.
5.4 Lessons Learned
5.4.1 Technical Lessons :

• Modular coding practices ensured easier debugging and feature

extensions.
• Using tools like Figma and Trello facilitated better planning and
collaboration among the development team.

5.4.2 User-Centric Design:

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 • Conducting surveys early in the project ensured the platform met actual
student needs.
• Continuous user feedback during testing helped refine features and
improve the overall experience.

5.5 Future Improvements

5.5.1 Enhanced Features :

• Add academic collaboration tools such as shared document editing

and class-specific forums.
• Integrate a notification system for important updates and deadlines.
5.5.2 AI-Powered Suggestions:

• Use AI to recommend groups, events, and connections based on

user activity and interests.
5.5.3 Mobile App Development:

• Develop a mobile app to enhance accessibility and encourage higher

engagement.

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Chapter 6 Conclusion, Limitation & Future Scope

6.1 Conclusion

The proposed social media platform aims to bridge communication and

collaboration gaps among students in your college. By integrating features like
personalized profiles, groups, real-time messaging, and event management, it
provides an interactive digital space to enhance connectivity and engagement.
The project focuses on delivering a user-friendly and secure platform tailored to
the specific needs of college students, promoting academic and social
interactions. With the development of this mini-project, students will have a
centralized platform to share resources, participate in activities, and build their
campus community.

6.2 Limitations
Despite its potential, the project has some limitations, which need to be
addressed:

• Scalability:
As the platform is designed initially for a small audience, it might face
performance issues with a larger user base unless optimized for
scalability.
• Real-Time Features:
While the messaging feature will work using basic WebSocket
technology, it may lack advanced functionalities like media sharing or
message encryption.
• Limited Moderation Tools :
The initial version may not include sophisticated content moderation or
reporting systems, which could lead to misuse.
• Resource Constraints :
Development time and resources (e.g., hosting, tools) may restrict
implementing more advanced features like video calling or
machinelearning-based recommendations.

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 • Security Concerns:

Initial security features (e.g., JWT authentication) may need

enhancements to prevent data breaches, spam, or unauthorized access.

6.3 Future Scope

To address the limitations and improve the platform, the following
developments can be planned for the future:
6.3.1 Feature Enhancements:

• Advanced Messaging: Add features like media sharing, emojis, and

group chats for a richer communication experience.
• Content Recommendations: Implement AI-based algorithms to •
suggest relevant groups, posts, or events to users.
Academic Integration: Add features like study material sharing,
virtual study rooms, and collaborative projects.

6.3.2 Scalability and Performance:

• Upgrade server architecture and database handling to support more

• users.
Implement load balancers and cloud-based infrastructure for
enhanced reliability and performance.

6.3.3 Security and Privacy:

• Incorporate two-factor authentication (2FA) and end-to-end

• encryption for better user security.
Develop a robust content moderation system using AI to detect and
flag inappropriate content.

6.3.4 Mobile Application:

• Extend the platform by creating a mobile app for Android and iOS to
increase accessibility and engagement.

6.3.5 Analytics and Insights:

• Introduce dashboards for users and administrators to track

• engagement, event participation, and community growth.
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 Utilize analytics to identify trends and improve the user experience.

6.3.6 Gamification:

• Add gamified elements like badges, leaderboards, and rewards to

encourage participation and active use of the platform.

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