Author: Avinash Kumar

[GSoC’21] RetroShare Mobile : Final Evaluations

Posted on by Avinash Kumar

Prologue :

Hello everyone 👋

This is the final update on the GSoC 2021- Retroshare Mobile App Project.

Recap :

The goal of the project in the second half was:

  • Created a new flutter retroshare API wrapper package.
  • Adding support of image in Chat.
  • Added Shimmer Effect for better UI interface.
  • Adding forums Support in Retroshare Mobile.
  • Embedding retroshare service inside the retroshare mobile using QT.
  • Converting retroshare service from background to foreground service.

Achievements :

  • Image support has been added in Chat.
  • Created a Retroshare API Wrapper package.
  • Added Shimmer Effect.
  • Added all the related API’s in Retroshare API Wrapper dart package for forum Supports.
  • Embedded the retroshare service inside the retroshare mobile using QT.
  • Converted retroshare service from background to foreground service. (InProgress)

Group Chat

Screenshot 2021-08-16 at 11 27 00 PM

Distance Chat

Screenshot 2021-08-16 at 10 13 53 PM

Related Patches :

Challenges encountered :

Retroshare service a.k.a backend of retroshare mobile was compiled in 2019. So, it was some compilation issue with the new mobile phone which is launched after 2019. For overcoming these issues, I had to find the reason and solution to this problem. That solution is something on which I didn’t work before. So, it took me a long time to understand and still it is not working properly. But I will solve this problem soon.

Future Plans :

  • Adding of Forum suppport.
  • Improvement of UI/UX.
  • Support of CI/CD pipelines.

Conclusion:

During this program, I learnt many different things ranging from tools to technologies.

There is still some work needed for the project, which is why I’ll keep on working on it. Contributions, suggestions and feedback are always welcomed.

At the end it is just the beginning of another journey. Good day and fare the well everyone.

[GSoC’21] RetroShare Mobile

Posted on by Avinash Kumar

Prologue :

Hello everyone 👋

This is the first update on the GSoC 2021- Retroshare Mobile App Project.

Recap :

The goal of the first project was:

  • Upgrading the project with new statemangement tool.
  • Adding short invite and QR code invite feature.
  • Adding import account functionality.
  • Upgrading the project with new version of flutter.
  • Adding support of createSigned Identity, deleteIdentity and UpdateIdentity feature.
  • Improving the UI of Add friend Screen.
  • Fixing minor bugs.
  • Adding support of retroshare-service inside the app.
  • Adding Emoji support.
  • Refactor codes.

Achievements :

I have almost added all the features to the app that I was proposed in my proposal for the first half. Currently, I am working on improving the chat backend.

QR Scanner ScreenAdd Friend ScreenAbout Screen
Create Identity ScreenChange Identity ScreenUpdate Identity Screen
Identity Info ScreenEmoji Support IEmoji Support II

Related Patches :

Next steps:

  • Work on Retroshare API wrapper with Elrepo mentor.
  • Will work on Forums support in Retroshare App.

See you in the next few days with a new update post. ✌️

[GSoC’21] RetroShare Mobile

Posted on by Avinash Kumar

About Me :

Hi there !👋

I am Avinash Kumar an undergraduate student of Indian Institute of Technology, BHU. As coming from the Tech-Field, I am using lot of open source software in day to day life. That always fascinate me towards open source and always wanted to be the part of open source community. Finally, I got a chance to work with great open source community.

About Retroshare :

RetroShare provides a decentralized, encrypted connection with maximum security between nodes where they can chat, share files, mail, etc. Retroshare uses GXS (Generic eXchange System) that provides Asynchronous distribution, authentication, privacy, security of generic data.

About Retroshare Mobile Project :

RetroShare Mobile is the android app which provides features of RetroShare using retroshare json api. RetroShare Mobile depends upon the retroshare_service app that creates a local environment inside app and provides all the retroshare json api. This project was initiated in GSoC’19 and added some features of RetroShare at that time. Techstack : flutter.

GOALS :

As I mentioned above this app was made in GSoC’19, there are lot of improvements is needed inside the app like :

  • Upgrading app with new version of flutter
  • Bundling of retroshare_service app inside the Retroshare Mobile using QT dependencies.
  • Adding Methode channel which helps to start, stop and restart the retroshare_service apk.
  • Solving bugs.
  • Working on state management tool.
  • Adding forums and circle feature of RetroShare.

The first week of GSoC :

I am working according to the timeline that i proposed in my proposal. I have integrated retroshare service apk inside the Retroshare Mobile using Qt android dependencies and also added Methode channel code that will help to start, restart and stop the retroshare_services from the flutter. Currently, I am working on upgrading the app with newer version of flutter and solving bugs that are available on the app.

PR link : https://github.com/RetroShare/retroshare-mobile/pulls

RetroShare Mobile Repository link : https://github.com/RetroShare/retroshare-mobile

It has been quite a learning experience and I am looking forward to achieving more amazing things this summer with Freifunk! 🎉