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You Should Know:
WhatsApp’s architecture is a blend of robust technologies that ensure fast, secure, and reliable communication. Here are some key components and how they work:
1. Local SQLite DB
WhatsApp uses SQLite as a local database on your device to temporarily store messages before syncing with the server. This ensures offline access to recent chats.
Command to explore SQLite on Linux:
sqlite3 your_database.db .tables SELECT * FROM your_table;
2. Custom Ejabberd Server Cluster
WhatsApp employs a modified version of Ejabberd, an XMPP server, to handle real-time communication.
Install Ejabberd on Linux:
sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install ejabberd sudo systemctl start ejabberd
3. YAWS Server
YAWS (Yet Another Web Server) manages HTTP traffic within WhatsApp.
Install YAWS on Linux:
sudo apt-get install yaws sudo service yaws start
4. Mnesia DB Cluster, MySQL, or Postgres
WhatsApp uses Mnesia for quick lookups and MySQL/Postgres for structured data storage.
Install MySQL on Linux:
sudo apt-get install mysql-server sudo mysql_secure_installation
5. Riak
Riak, a distributed database, stores media files and backups.
Install Riak on Linux:
curl https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/basho/riak/script.deb.sh | sudo bash sudo apt-get install riak sudo riak start
6. XMPP & HTTP Protocols
XMPP is the core protocol for messaging, while HTTP handles web-based communications.
Test XMPP server using Openfire:
sudo apt-get install openfire sudo service openfire start
7. GCM / APNS
Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) and Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) handle notifications.
Send a test notification using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM):
curl -X POST --header "Authorization: key=<YOUR_SERVER_KEY>" \
--Header "Content-Type: application/json" \
https://fcm.googleapis.com/fcm/send \
-d "{\"to\":\"<DEVICE_REGISTRATION_ID>\",\"notification\":{\"title\":\"Test\",\"body\":\"This is a test message\"}}"
8. Write-Only, Message Archive, Offline Users
Messages are written to the server only, ensuring privacy. Archives allow retrieval even if the device is offline.
Backup SQLite database:
sqlite3 your_database.db ".backup backup.db"
9. Media, Data, Profile, Contacts
All data is encrypted, ensuring user privacy. Profiles and contacts are synced across devices.
Encrypt files using OpenSSL:
openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -salt -in file.txt -out file.enc
10. HTTP
HTTP supports web-based interactions, allowing users to connect via browsers.
Start a simple HTTP server in Python:
python3 -m http.server 8000
What Undercode Say:
WhatsApp’s architecture is a testament to how distributed systems, optimized protocols, and robust databases can work together to create a seamless user experience. By leveraging technologies like SQLite, Ejabberd, YAWS, and Riak, WhatsApp ensures fast, secure, and reliable communication for billions of users worldwide. Understanding these components can help you design scalable and efficient systems in your own projects.
Further Reading:
References:
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