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Overview

The Messages is a Composite Component that manages messages for users and groups. The Messages component is composed of three individual components, MessageHeader, MessageList, and MessageComposer. In addition, the Messages component also navigates to the Details and ThreadedMessages components.
CometChatMessages mainly contains below components in it.
ComponentsDescription
MessageHeaderCometChatMessageHeader displays the User or Group information using CometChat SDK’s User or Group object. It also shows the typing indicator when the user starts typing in MessageComposer.
MessageListCometChatMessageList is one of the core UI components. It displays a list of messages and handles real-time operations.
MessageComposerCometChatMessageComposer is an independent and critical component that allows users to compose and send various types of messages includes text, image, video and custom messages.
DetailsCometChatDetails is a component that displays all the available options available for Users & Groups
ThreadedMessagesCometChatThreadedMessages is a component that displays all replies made to a particular message in a conversation.

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Usage

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Integration

The following code snippet illustrates how you can can launch CometChatMessages. 
let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
cometChatMessages.set(user: User)
self.present(cometChatMessages, animated: true)
If you are already using a navigation controller, you can use the pushViewController function instead of presenting the view controller.

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Actions

Actions dictate how a component functions. They are divided into two types: Predefined and User-defined. You can override either type, allowing you to tailor the behavior of the component to fit your specific needs. The Messages component does not have its actions. However, since it’s a Composite Component, you can use the actions of its components by utilizing the Configurations object of each component. Example In this example, we are employing the ThreadRepliesClick action from the MessageList Component through the MessageListConfiguration object. 
let messageListConfiguration = MessageListConfiguration()
    .setOnThreadRepliesClick { message, messageBubbleView in
                // Perform your action
     }
let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageListConfiguration: messageListConfiguration)
The Messages Component overrides the ThreadRepliesClick action to navigate to the ThreadedMessages component. If you override ThreadRepliesClick, it will also override the default behavior of the Messages Component.

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Filters

Filters allow you to customize the data displayed in a list within a Component. You can filter the list based on your specific criteria, allowing for a more customized. Filters can be applied using RequestBuilders of Chat SDK. The Messages component does not have its filters. But as it is a Composite Component, you can use the filters of its components by using the Configurations object of each component. For more details on the filters of its components, please refer to MessageList Filters. Example In this example, we’re applying the MessageList Component filter to the Messages Component using MessageListConfiguration. 
 let messageRequestBuilder =  MessagesRequest.MessageRequestBuilder()
    .set(uid: "UID")
    .set(types: ["Text"])
    .set(searchKeyword: "sure")

let messageListConfiguration = MessageListConfiguration()
    .set(messagesRequestBuilder:messageRequestBuilder)

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageListConfiguration: messageListConfiguration)

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Events

Events are emitted by a Component. By using event you can extend existing functionality. Being global events, they can be applied in Multiple Locations and are capable of being Added or Removed. The list of events emitted by the Messages component is as follows.
EventDescription
onMessageSentTriggers whenever a loggedIn user sends any message, it will have two states such as: inProgress & sent
onMessageEditTriggers whenever a loggedIn user edits any message from the list of messages .it will have two states such as: inProgress & sent
onMessageDeleteTriggers whenever a loggedIn user deletes any message from the list of messages
onMessageReadTriggers whenever a loggedIn user reads any message.
onLiveReactionTriggers whenever a loggedIn clicks on live reaction
Adding CometChatMessageEvents Listener’s 
// View controller from your project where you want to listen events.
public class ViewController: UIViewController {

   public override func viewDidLoad() {
        super.viewDidLoad()

       // Subscribing for the listener to listen events from message module
        CometChatMessageEvents.addListener("UNIQUE_ID", self as CometChatMessageEventListener)
    }

    public override func viewWillDisappear(_ animated: Bool) {
       // Uncubscribing for the listener to listen events from message module
        CometChatMessageEvents.removeListener("LISTENER_ID_USED_FOR_ADDING_THIS_LISTENER")
    }


}

 // Listener events from message module
extension  ViewController: CometChatMessageEventListener {

     func onMessageSent(message: BaseMessage, status: MessageStatus) {
        // Do Stuff
    }

    func onMessageEdit(message: BaseMessage, status: MessageStatus) {
        // Do Stuff
    }

    func onMessageDelete(message: BaseMessage, status: MessageStatus) {
        // Do Stuff
    }


    func onMessageRead(message: BaseMessage) {
         // Do Stuff
    }

    func onLiveReaction(reaction: TransientMessage) {
        // Do Stuff
    }
}
Removing CometChatMessageEvents Listener’s 
CometChatMessageEvents.removeListener("LISTENER_ID_USED_FOR_ADDING_THIS_LISTENER")

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Customization

To fit your app’s design requirements, you can customize the appearance of the conversation component. We provide exposed methods that allow you to modify the experience and behavior according to your specific needs.

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Style

Using Style you can customize the look and feel of the component in your app, These parameters typically control elements such as the color, size, shape, and fonts used within the component.
  1. Messages Style
You can customize the appearance of the Messages Component by applying the MessagesStyle to it using the following code snippet. 
// Creating  MessagesStyle object
let messagesStyle = MessagesStyle()

// Creating  Modifying the propeties of create group
messagesStyle.set(background: .black)
                .set(cornerRadius: CometChatCornerStyle(cornerRadius: 0.0))
                .set(borderColor: .clear)
                .set(borderWidth: 0)

// Setting the MessagesStyle
cometChatMessages.set(messagesStyle: messagesStyle)
List of properties exposed by MessagesStyle
PropertyDescriptionCode
set BackgroundUsed to set the background color.set(background: UIColor)
set BorderColorUsed to set border color.set(borderColor: UIColor)
set BorderWidthUsed to set border width.set(borderWidth: CGFloat)
set CornerRadiusUsed to set corner radius.set(cornerRadius: CometChatCornerStyle)
2. Component’s Styles
Being a Composite component, the Messages Component allows you to customize the styles of its components using their respective Configuration objects. For a list of all available properties, refer to each component’s styling documentation: MesssageHeader Styles, MessageList Styles, MessageComposer Styles, Details Styles, ThreadMessages Styles. Example In this example, we are creating MessageListStyle and MessageComposerStyle and then applying them to the Messages Component using MessageListConfiguration and MessageComposerConfiguration. 
let messageListStyle = MessageListStyle()
    .set(background: .systemTeal)
    .set(cornerRadius: CometChatCornerStyle(cornerRadius: 10.0))
    .set(borderColor: .green)
    .set(loadingIconTint: .red)
    .set(nameTextColor: .systemIndigo)

let messageComposerStyle = MessageComposerStyle()
    .set(background: .brown)
    .set(borderColor: .cyan)
    .set(dividerTint: .blue)
    .set(textColor: .systemPink)
    .set(textFont: .monospacedDigitSystemFont(ofSize: 11, weight: .ultraLight))

let messageListConfiguration = MessageListConfiguration()
    .set(messageListStyle: messageListStyle)

let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(messageComposerStyle: messageComposerStyle)
Usage 
let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageListConfiguration: messageListConfiguration)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)

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Functionality

These are a set of small functional customizations that allow you to fine-tune the overall experience of the component. With these, you can change text, set custom icons, and toggle the visibility of UI elements. 
 let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
        .set(user: user)
        .hide(details: true)
        .disable(disableTyping: true)

self.present(cometChatMessages, animated: true)
If you are already using a navigation controller, you can use the pushViewController function instead of presenting the view controller.
Below is a list of customizations along with corresponding code snippets
PropertyDescriptionCode
UserUsed to pass user object of which header specific details will be shown.set(user: User)
GroupUsed to pass group object of which header specific details will be shown.set(group: Group)
Hide MessageComposerUsed to toggle visibility for CometChatMessageComposer, default false.hide(messageComposer: Bool)
Hide MessageHeaderUsed to toggle visibility for CometChatMessageHeader, default false.hide(messageHeader: Bool)
Disable TypingUsed to toggle functionality for showing typing indicator and also enable/disable sending message delivery/read receipts.disable(disableTyping: Bool)
Disable SoundForMessagesUsed to toggle sound for messages.disable(soundForMessages: Bool)
Set CustomSoundForIncomingMessagesUsed to set custom sound asset’s path for incoming messages.set(customSoundForIncomingMessages: URL)
Set CustomSoundForOutgoingMessagesUsed to set custom sound asset’s path for outgoing messages.set(customSoundForOutgoingMessages: URL)
Hide DetailsUsed to toggle visibility for details icon in CometChatMessageHeader.hide(details: Bool)

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Advanced

For advanced-level customization, you can set custom views to the component. This lets you tailor each aspect of the component to fit your exact needs and application aesthetics. You can create and define your views, layouts, and UI elements and then incorporate those into the component.

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MessageHeaderView

You can set your custom message header view using the setMessageHeaderView() method. But keep in mind, by using this you will override the default message header functionality. 
cometChatMessages.setMessageHeaderView { user, group in
}
Example
In this example, we will create a UIView file custom_header_view and pass it inside the setMessageHeaderView() method.
custom_header_view
import UIKit
import CometChatUIKitSwift

class HeaderView: UIView {

    // MARK: - Properties
     let profileImageView: UIImageView = {
        let imageView = UIImageView()
        imageView.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
        imageView.layer.cornerRadius = 20
        imageView.clipsToBounds = true
        imageView.contentMode = .scaleAspectFit
        return imageView
    }()

     let nameLabel: UILabel = {
        let label = UILabel()
        label.translatesAutoresizingMaskIntoConstraints = false
        label.font = UIFont.boldSystemFont(ofSize: 19)
        return label
    }()

    // MARK: - Initialization
    override init(frame: CGRect) {
        super.init(frame: frame)
        setupViews()
    }

    required init?(coder aDecoder: NSCoder) {
        super.init(coder: aDecoder)
        setupViews()
    }

    // MARK: - Setup
    private func setupViews() {
        addSubview(profileImageView)
        addSubview(nameLabel)

        NSLayoutConstraint.activate([
            profileImageView.widthAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 40),
            profileImageView.heightAnchor.constraint(equalToConstant: 40),
            profileImageView.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: centerYAnchor),
            profileImageView.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: leadingAnchor),

            nameLabel.centerYAnchor.constraint(equalTo: centerYAnchor),
            nameLabel.leadingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: profileImageView.trailingAnchor),
            nameLabel.trailingAnchor.constraint(equalTo: trailingAnchor),
            nameLabel.widthAnchor.constraint(lessThanOrEqualToConstant: 250)
        ])
    }

    // MARK: - Update Image
    func updateImage(from url: URL) {
        DispatchQueue.global(qos: .userInitiated).async {
            guard let imageData = try? Data(contentsOf: url),
                  let image = UIImage(data: imageData) else { return }
            DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
                self?.profileImageView.image = image
            }
        }
    }
}

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()

CometChat.getUser(UID: "emma-uid", onSuccess: { (user) in
      if let user = user {
    DispatchQueue.main.async {

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .setMessageHeaderView { user, group in

        let headerView = HeaderView()

        var avatarUrl : URL?
        if let user = user {
            headerView.nameLabel.text = user.name
            avatarUrl = URL(string: user.avatar ?? "")
            } else if let group = group {
            headerView.nameLabel.text = group.name
            avatarUrl = URL(string: group.icon ?? "")
    }

        if let url = avatarUrl {
            headerView.updateImage(from: url)
        }

        return headerView
        }

let naviVC = UINavigationController(rootViewController: cometChatMessages)
    self.window?.rootViewController = naviVC
        }

} else {
        print("User is nil")
    }

}, onError: { (error) in
    print("User fetch failed with error: \(String(describing: error?.errorDescription))")
 })
Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.

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SetMessageComposerView

You can set your custom Message Composer view using the setMessageComposerView() method. But keep in mind, by using this you will override the default message composer functionality. 
cometChatMessages.setMessageComposerView { user, group in
      let customMessageComposer = CustomMessageComposer(user: user, group: group)
      return customMessageComposer
}
  • Utilized for configuring a custom message composer.
Example
In this example, we will create a custom_composer_style while creating a MessageComposerStyle object.
Swift
  // Creating  MessageComposerStyle object
let messageComposerStyle = MessageComposerStyle()

 // Creating  Modifying the propeties of message composer
    messageComposerStyle
        .set(background: .black)
        .set(cornerRadius: CometChatCornerStyle(cornerRadius: 0.0))
        .set(borderColor: .clear)
        .set(borderWidth: 0)
        .set(dividerTint: .blue)
        .set(inputBackground: .systemPurple)

let cometChatMessageComposer = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(messageComposerStyle: messageComposerStyle)

            // Create an object of MessagesConfiguration
let messagesConfiguration = MessagesConfiguration()
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: cometChatMessageComposer)

            // Create the CometChatMessages
let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messagesConfiguration: messagesConfiguration)
Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.
Make modifications to the code based on your specific needs and preferences. 
cometChatMessages.setMessageComposerView { user, group in
      let customMessageComposer = CustomMessageComposer(user: user, group: group)
      return customMessageComposer
}

// hide(messageComposer: Bool)
cometChatMessages.hide(messageComposer: false)

//syntax for set(messageComposerConfiguration: MessageComposerConfiguration?)
let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
// Perform modifications as per your need
cometChatMessages.set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)
Ensure to pass your own CustomMessageComposer view.

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SetAuxiliaryHeaderMenu

This will configure the auxiliary menu options displayed in the CometChatMessageHeader within CometChatMessages by using the setAuxiliaryMenu() method. Users can specify different auxiliary menu options that appear before the details option. 
cometChatMessages.setAuxiliaryMenu(auxiliaryMenu: auxiliaryMenu)
Details options which is by default visible on CometChatHeader will not be altered by this option.> > If you want to hide detail use setHideDetail properties instead
Example
In this example we are adding a custom button in header menu using .setAuxiliaryMenu() 
let auxiliaryMenu : ((_ user: User?, _ group: Group?, _ id: [String: Any]?) -> UIStackView)? = {
                  (user, group, id) in
    let stackView = UIStackView()

    let button = UIButton()
        button.setImage(UIImage(systemName: "asterisk"), for: .normal)
        button.addTarget(self, action: #selector(self.buttonTapped), for: .touchUpInside)

        stackView.addArrangedSubview(button)
        stackView.axis = .horizontal
        stackView.distribution = .fillEqually
        stackView.spacing = 10

        return stackView
}

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .setAuxiliaryMenu(auxiliaryMenu: auxiliaryMenu)
The Messages Component uses the setAuxiliaryMenu() method to establish its default functionality. By setting an Auxiliary Menu, the Messages Component gains the capability to navigate to the Details section.

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Configuration

Configurations offer the ability to customize the properties of each individual component within a Composite Component. The Messages Component is a Composite Component and it has a specific set of configuration for each of its components.

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MessageHeader report

If you want to customize the properties of the MessageHeader Component inside Messages Component, you need use the MessageHeaderConfiguration object. 
// Create an object of  MessageHeaderConfiguration
let messageHeaderConfiguration = MessageHeaderConfiguration()
cometChatMessages.set(messageHeaderConfiguration: properties)
The MessageHeaderConfiguration provides access to all the Action, Filters, Styles, Functionality, and Advanced properties of the MessageHeader component.
Please note that the Properties marked with the symbol are not accessible within the Configuration Object.
Example In this example, we will be adding a custom back button and styling a few properties of the Avatar component of the MessageHeader component using MessageHeaderConfiguration. 
 let avatarStyle = AvatarStyle()
    .set(cornerRadius: .init(cornerRadius: 5))
    .set(borderColor: .green)
    .set(textColor: .magenta)

let messageHeaderConfiguration = MessageHeaderConfiguration()
    .set(backIcon: UIImage(systemName: "bell")!)
    .set(avatarStyle: avatarStyle)

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageHeaderConfiguration: messageHeaderConfiguration)

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MessageList

If you want to customize the properties of the MessageList Component inside Messages Component, you need use the MessageListConfiguration object. 
let messageListConfiguration = MessageListConfiguration()
cometChatMessages.set(messageListConfiguration: messageListConfiguration)
The MessageListConfiguration provides access to all the Action, Filters, Styles, Functionality, and Advanced properties of the MessageList component.
Please note that the Properties marked with the symbol are not accessible within the Configuration Object.
Example
In this example, we will be changing the list alignment and modifying the message bubble styles in the MessageList component using MessageListConfiguration. 
let messageListStyle = MessageListStyle()
    .set(nameTextColor: .orange)
    .set(nameTextFont: .preferredFont(forTextStyle: .subheadline))
    .set(timestampTextColor: .systemRed)
    .set(borderColor: .green)
    .set(borderWidth: 15)

let messageListConfiguration = MessageListConfiguration()
    .set(alignment: .leftAligned)
    .disable(receipt: false)
    .set(messageListStyle: messageListStyle)

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageListConfiguration: messageListConfiguration)
Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.

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MessageComposer

If you want to customize the properties of the MessageComposer Component inside Messages Component, you need use the MessageComposerConfiguration object. 
let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
cometChatMessages.set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)
The MessageComposerConfiguration provides access to all the Action, Filters, Styles, Functionality, and Advanced properties of the MessageComposer component.
Please note that the Properties marked with the symbol are not accessible within the Configuration Object.
Example
In this example, we’ll customizing some properties of the MessageComposer component using MessageComposerConfiguration. 
let messageComposerStyle = MessageComposerStyle()
    .set(borderColor: .orange)
    .set(textColor: .red)
    .set(borderWidth: 2)
    .set(sendIconTint: .cyan)


let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
    .set(background: .green)
    .set(attachmentIcon: UIImage(systemName: "paperclip.circle")!)
    .set(liveReactionIcon: UIImage(systemName: "diamond")!)
    .set(messageComposerStyle: messageComposerStyle)

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)
Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.

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ThreadedMessages report

If you want to customize the properties of the ThreadedMessages Component inside Messages Component, you need use the ThreadedMessagesConfiguration object. 
let threadedMessagesConfiguration = ThreadedMessageConfiguration()

cometChatMessages.set(threadedMessageConfiguration: threadedMessagesConfiguration)
The ThreadedMessagesConfiguration provides access to all the Action, Filters, Styles, Functionality, and Advanced properties of the ThreadedMessages component.
Please note that the Properties marked with the symbol are not accessible within the Configuration Object.
Example
In this example, we are adding a custom title to the Threaded Message component and also adding custom properties to the MessageList using MessageListConfiguration. We then apply these changes to the ThreadedMessages component using ThreadedMessagesConfiguration. 
let messageComposerConfiguration = MessageComposerConfiguration()
     .set(attachmentIcon: UIImage(systemName: "paperplane")!)

let messageListStyle = MessageListStyle()
    .set(threadReplyTextColor: .systemPink)
    .set(threadReplySeperatorColor: .red)
    .set(nameTextColor: .systemTeal)
    .set(borderColor: .yellow)

let messageListconfiguration = MessageListConfiguration()
    .set(alignment: .leftAligned)
    .set(messageListStyle: messageListStyle)

let threadedMessagesConfiguration = ThreadedMessageConfiguration()
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)
    .set(messageListConfiguration: messageListconfiguration)

let cometChatMessages = CometChatMessages()
    .set(user: user)
    .set(messageComposerConfiguration: messageComposerConfiguration)
    .set(threadedMessageConfiguration: threadedMessagesConfiguration)
Ensure to pass and present cometChatMessages. If a navigation controller is already in use, utilize the pushViewController function instead of directly presenting the view controller.