Last Updated: 2026-01-07

A simple but powerful CLI chat application using Upstash Redis for persistent messaging.

• ✅ Single Chat Room - One unified chat space for all users
• ✅ Custom Usernames - Choose any username when joining
• ✅ Message History - View last 20 messages with timestamps
• ✅ Interactive Mode - Easy-to-use command interface
• ✅ Background Streaming - Real-time message updates while typing
• ✅ Timestamps - Each message includes exact timestamp
• ✅ Colorized Output - Beautiful terminal UI with colors

pip install -r requirements.txt

The .env file is already configured with your Upstash credentials:

UPSTASH_REDIS_REST_URL="https://glad-coyote-12496.upstash.io"
UPSTASH_REDIS_REST_TOKEN="ATDQAAIncDJkMGMyZGE3MTViYjI0NWMyYmU2YzA0NWY2OWViNDM0YXAyMTI0OTY"

python chat.py

To use the AI chatbot features:

1. Obtain an API key from Google AI Studio.
2. Either add it to your local .env file:

   GEMINI_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
   

3. OR use the shared key feature inside the app:

   /set_gemini_key your_api_key_here
   

   This saves the key to the shared Redis storage so everyone on the team can use it without needing their own key!

Each message stores:

• Username - Who sent it
• Message - The actual message content
• Timestamp - When it was sent (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS)
• Recipients - For private messages
• Is Silent - Flag for private messages

• Messages are stored in Upstash Redis using a list (LPUSH)
• Background thread checks for new messages every 1 second
• New messages appear in real-time while you're typing
• Gemini Integration:
  • The app first checks your local .env for a key.
  • If missing (or is a placeholder), it fetches the shared key from Redis (chat:config:gemini_key).
  • This allows seamless AI usage for all team members.

• Python 3.x
• Upstash Redis (REST API)
• Google Generative AI (Gemini)
• Requests - HTTP library for Redis communication
• Threading - Background message streaming
• Colorama - Terminal colors
• python-dotenv - Environment variable management

============================================================
Welcome to Redis Chat CLI!
============================================================

Enter your username: Alice

--- New message(s) received ---
[2026-01-02 10:30:45] Bob: Hey everyone!
[2026-01-02 10:31:12] Charlie: Hello!

>>> /gemini
============================================================
Entered Gemini AI CLI Mode
Type your prompt or /exit to return to chat
============================================================

Gemini > Write a poem about coding
Thinking...
In realms of logic, lines involved,
A digital tapestry evolved...

Gemini > /exit
Exiting Gemini Mode...

>>> /set_gemini_key AIzaSy...
✓ Gemini API Key saved to shared storage! Friends can now use it.

>>> Hi there!
✓ Message sent

Enjoy chatting! 🚀