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Implementing Facebook-style Global Feed in TypeScript

Italo Orihuela
Engineer
Android
iOS
Web
Oct 31, 2023

Global feed is a crucial feature that keeps users engaged and connected. It provides a platform for users to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas with a broader audience. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of implementing a Facebook-style global feed in TypeScript using the Social+ TypeScript SDK.

We will explore two distinct methods provided by the SDK — <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getGlobalFeed</span> and <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getCustomPostRanking</span>. These methods allow users to retrieve their global feed in a way that best suits their preferences, thereby enhancing user engagement and participation.

We will also discuss how to use these methods in different programming languages such as iOS, Android, JavaScript, and Flutter. So, whether you're a seasoned developer or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to create a dynamic and engaging global feed for your application.

Pre-requisites

Before we dive into the tutorial, ensure that you have the following requirements:

  1. Basic knowledge of TypeScript and JavaScript.
  2. Familiarity with Social+ Chat SDK
  3. An Social+ Portal account
  4. An Social+ Console Account
  5. A UI or access to Social+ Chat UI Kits

Note: If you haven’t already registered for an Social+ account, we recommend following our comprehensive step-by-step guide in the Social+ Portal to create your new network.

Step 1: Understanding the Global Feed Query

Social+ SDK provides a simple way to query posts on the Global Feed using the <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getGlobalFeed</span> method. When using this method, posts will be returned in chronological order by default, allowing users to quickly and easily view the most recent content. Here's how you can implement it in TypeScript:

Step 2: Implementing the Custom Post Ranking Query

The <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getCustomPostRanking</span> method is a smarter global feed that supports the score-sorting mechanism. This ensures that the posts are presented in order of relevance, with the most engaging and relevant content at the top of the feed. Here's how you can implement it in TypeScript:

Step 3: Handling Errors

It’s important to handle errors in your application to ensure a smooth user experience. The <span id="greylight" class="greylight">queryAllPosts</span> method will throw an error if parameters passed are incorrect. You can handle these errors using a try-catch block.

Step 4: Implementing the Global Feed in Other Languages

The Social+ SDK also supports other programming languages such as iOS, Android, JavaScript, and Flutter. You can refer to the code snippets provided in the context information to implement the global feed in these languages.

The Importance of a Global Feed in Your Community

Implementing a global feed in your community can significantly enhance user engagement and participation. Here are three reasons why having a Global Feed will improve your community:

  1. Increased User Engagement: A global feed provides a platform for users to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas with a broader audience. This encourages users to engage more with the community, thereby increasing overall user engagement.
  2. Enhanced User Experience: With the <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getGlobalFeed</span> and <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getCustomPostRanking</span> methods, users can customize their content experience to better reflect their interests and preferences. This personalized experience can lead to higher user satisfaction and retention.
  3. Promotion of Relevant Content: The <span id="greylight" class="greylight">getCustomPostRanking</span> method supports a score-sorting mechanism that presents posts in order of relevance. This ensures that the most engaging and relevant content is at the top of the feed, promoting high-quality content within the community.

Final Thoughts

By following this tutorial, you should now be able to implement a Facebook-style global feed in TypeScript. Remember, the key to a successful application is a great user experience, so always strive to provide your users with the best content experience. If you want to explore this feature to its total extent, feel free to use Social+!