CodeCollab: A Web-Based Real-Time Collaborative Code Editor

Collaborative programming has become an essential practice in both academic and professional software development; however, existing tools often require multiple platforms for editing, communication, and execution, leading to workflow interruptions and increased setup effort. CodeCollab is proposed as a web-based real-time collaborative coding platform that brings these functionalities into a single, integrated environment. The system supports simultaneous code editing with live cursor visibility, user presence tracking, role-based permissions, contextual chat, and in-editor code execution. The application is developed using React, TypeScript, and Vite on the frontend, while Firebase is used for authentication, real-time synchronization, and data persistence. Code execution is enabled through integration with the Piston API, allowing users to compile and run programs without local configuration. Experimental evaluation shows that the platform provides stable synchronization, minimal latency, and an intuitive collaborative experience. CodeCollab reduces configuration overhead and improves productivity, making it suitable for classrooms, workshops, and distributed development teams.