React Integration Patterns

The first step to integrating @mysten/messaging into React is creating a context provider. This wraps your entire app and makes the MessagingClient instance available to every component via React context. The provider initializes the client once and shares it, avoiding redundant connections and ensuring a single source of truth for all messaging state.

Place the MessagingProvider inside your SuiClientProvider and WalletProvider so it has access to the Sui client and wallet context. The provider hierarchy matters: SuiClientProvider > WalletProvider > MessagingProvider > your app components. This ensures the messaging client can access both the RPC connection and the user's wallet for signing transactions.

Create a custom hook `useMessaging()` that wraps useContext for type safety and error handling. This hook throws an error if used outside the provider, preventing subtle bugs. Components call useMessaging() to get the client instance and can then call methods like sendMessage, getChannel, and subscribeToMessages directly.

The ChatWindow is the top-level container that composes MessageList and MessageInput. It manages the active channel state and coordinates between child components. Use a clean layout with flex column: the message list fills available space with overflow-y scroll, and the input sticks to the bottom. The ChatWindow also handles loading and empty states.

MessageList renders an array of Message objects with proper styling for sent vs received messages. Use a ref to auto-scroll to the bottom when new messages arrive. Each message bubble shows the sender address (truncated), content, and a timestamp. Group consecutive messages from the same sender to reduce visual clutter.

MessageInput handles text composition with a controlled input, send button, and keyboard shortcut (Enter to send). Disable the input while a message is being sent to prevent double-sends. Add a character limit indicator and handle empty-string validation. The component calls onSend from props and clears the input on success.

The useChat custom hook encapsulates all messaging state: fetching messages, polling for updates, sending messages, and optimistic UI updates. It uses useState for the message array and loading flag, and useEffect for initial fetch and polling interval. The hook returns a clean API: { messages, sendMessage, isLoading, error }. This separates data logic from UI rendering completely.

Optimistic updates make the UI feel instant. When the user sends a message, immediately add it to the local state with a temporary ID and a 'pending' status. Once the transaction confirms on-chain, replace the optimistic message with the real one. If the send fails, mark it as 'failed' and show a retry button. This pattern is critical for good UX on blockchain apps where confirmations take a few seconds.