To build a real-time chat feature in React using Socket.IO, you need to combine user input handling, message broadcasting, and real-time updates to the chat interface. The chat component typically includes an input field where users type their messages and a display area showing the conversation history. When a user submits a message, the message is sent to the server via a socket event. The server then broadcasts this message to all connected clients, allowing everyone in the chat to see updates instantly. This flow ensures that every participant receives new messages in real time, creating a seamless chatting experience.

Handling incoming and outgoing messages in a Socket.IO-powered chat relies on setting up appropriate socket event listeners and emitters. When a user sends a message, the client emits a specific event—such as "chat message"—along with the message content. The server listens for this event and broadcasts the received message to all clients, usually using the same or a related event name. On the client side, you register a listener for incoming messages and update the chat UI state whenever a new message arrives. This keeps the displayed conversation synchronized for all users, as the chat UI re-renders each time the message list changes.