Build A Tinder Style Dating & Meetup App (Chat and Maps) From Scratch

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to build a Tinder-style dating and meetup app using FlutterFlow and Supabase. By following these steps, you will gain insights into app architecture, database setup, and key features like chat functionality and map integration. This project is ideal for developers looking to create a social application from scratch.

Step 1: Understand App Architecture

• Familiarize yourself with the overall architecture of the app.
• Identify key components such as user authentication, matchmaking algorithms, and chat functionalities.
• Consider the user experience and how users will navigate the app.

Step 2: Set Up Database Architecture

• Determine the data structures needed for your app, including users, matches, and messages.
• Sketch a basic database design to visualize relationships between entities.
• Ensure your schema supports scalability and allows for efficient querying.

Step 3: Create the Supabase Schema

• Log into your Supabase account and create a new project.
• Define tables based on your app architecture design:
  • Users table for storing user profiles.
  • Matches table to track connections between users.
  • Messages table to handle chat conversations.
• Use SQL commands or Supabase GUI to create these tables.

Step 4: Implement Row Level Security Policies

• Set up Row Level Security (RLS) to manage data access:
  • Ensure users can only access their own data.
  • Create policies for read and write permissions.
• Test these policies to confirm they function as intended.

Step 5: Build the FlutterFlow App

• Start a new FlutterFlow project.
• Connect your FlutterFlow app to the Supabase backend.
• Design screens for user registration, login, and profiles.

Step 6: Create the Matches Screen

• Develop the Matches screen interface:
  • Display potential matches using cards or list views.
  • Implement functionality to like or pass on users.
• Ensure the screen updates in real-time as actions are performed.

Step 7: Build the Chat Screen

• Create the chat screen layout:
  • Include a message input field and send button.
  • Display messages in a chat bubble format.
• Integrate chat functionality with the Messages table in Supabase.

Step 8: Manage Deleting Matches

• Implement a feature to delete matches:
  • Add a delete button on the Matches screen.
  • Write the necessary backend code to remove entries from the Matches table.

Step 9: Display Empty Perspective Users Screen

• Design an interface for when no potential matches are available.
• Provide suggestions for user actions, such as adjusting preferences or inviting friends.

Step 10: Store Map Data

• Set up a method to store user location data:
  • Choose between two options: storing coordinates or using place IDs.
• Ensure location data is linked to user profiles for matchmaking.

Step 11: Display Maps

• Integrate a mapping service (e.g., Google Maps) into your app.
• Ensure the map displays user locations and potential matches.

Step 12: Obtain Maps API Key

• Sign up for a mapping service to get an API key.
• Add the API key to your app’s environment variables for secure access.

Step 13: Display Markers on the Maps

• Implement functionality to show markers for user locations on the map.
• Customize markers to represent different user statuses (e.g., online, offline).

Step 14: Create User Settings

• Develop a settings screen for users to manage their profiles and preferences.
• Include options for notifications, account management, and privacy settings.

Step 15: Final Testing and Cleanup

• Thoroughly test the app for functionality and user experience.
• Address any bugs or issues that arise during testing.
• Clean up the codebase, ensuring readability and maintainability.

Step 16: Create the Info Card for Perspective Matches

• Design an info card that displays essential user information for potential matches.
• Include interactive elements such as buttons to like or message users.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will have created a fully functional Tinder-style dating and meetup app. This project not only enhances your technical skills but also prepares you for real-world applications of app development. Consider exploring additional features or refining the user interface to improve user experience further. Happy coding!