I was wondering how to create an app for iOS which includes IM through socket communication: what code I would need and more importantly, how to set up a server.
I am aware of keywords like 'XMPP/Jabber Bot' but most of the information I have come across is a mix between Desktop and Mobile applications, I would like to a create a mobile application.
The server needs to be able to push notifications, send only text between devices, and deal with logins/creating independent user accounts. I would like to make this server myself so I do not have to pay a monthly fee, I was looking to create a server using something like a Raspberry Pi. Of course I would need to create a database for user information, as far as I am aware I would need PHP and MySQL. I am also unsure whether the database is part of the server, and how I would go about giving the server high storage or bandwidth.
All information would be extremely helpful, thank you in advance.