When a new client connects, the first message submitted doesn't display. The message event is triggered and evidence of this is logged to the console for both client and server, so the connection is good. Why does only the second (and later) message show?

This started happening after I implemented the user count feature. After setting up that feature, I deleted the "initial state" message in chatty_server that used to be broadcast upon connection:

wss.on('connection', (ws) => {
    let message = {
        type: 'initialState',
        content: '',
        username: ''
    }
    broadcast(message);
}

Currently, instead of sending this message, the userCountUpdate message is sent.

When user changes his name, the postNotification only sends after he hits enter. If user changes his name (without hitting enter), then enters a new message, then hits enter, postNotification is not sent. This is proper behavior according to the code, so it's not a bug, but it could be better.

Some errors are handled on the back end, but not comprehensively. No error handling on front-end. Add flash messages for better user experience.

Right now, refreshing the page means you lose all chat history and user info. Setup user accounts and some way to preserve data (how much data? which data? for how long?)

New users can't see messages sent before they entered the chat. I think this is common for chat apps like Kik or What's App, but iMessage and Slack allow this. Research how, why, and why not.