I am trying to create a prototype chat application with threaded messages in the quickest way possible

I have an app I want to make.

I believe the quickest way for me to make it right now would be to find [an open sourced project live chat program like this] (https://livehelperchat.com/how-to-use-chrome-extension-245a.html)and then extend that somehow.

I am not that well-educated in programming, only a few classes that taught java, C++, and basic computational theory. I am okay at figuring things out, but have a hard time even coming up with the question I want to ask.

If I were able to figure out how to extend the website above such that each incoming message has a clickable area, where a reply to that specific message can be returned to the sender of the incoming message, and tracked separately, that would serve the needs of the type of website I'm trying to create.

I understand Google Wave had this threaded chat option? I'm just really not sure where to go from here.

Where I am going by default: reading books about programming methodology, reading an iOS App development book and working through it, doing exercises on Khan Academy in their algorithms area, and searching for open source software that fits what I want to do.

Is this the right way to go about making a prototype people can use for free? I am having a hard time getting started in iOS programming so far, but I figure it will come after I am able to fully define my application. I have a rough description and features that are necessary and wished for, and I can elaborate every piece of it in my head, but I don't feel that I have the expertise to decompose it, much less look at someone else's work.

Do you have a suggestion as to what to work on first that will get me closest to realizing this chat program, fastest?

Most of my work is being done in trying to create the website. A forum with replies would even work if I could figure out a way to spawn a new forum with replies for each new pair of users, then deletes it once the conversation is over, or on a timer, and preferably locks it to those users.

If learning the iOS development parts to make it an app would be easier, I'd like to hear if I'm doing that the right way. Any suggestions vastly appreciated.