https://github.com/shoyeb45/lan-messenger-java-p2p-chat

🔥 Real-time P2P chat application for LAN networks built with Java Socket Programming. Cross-platform messaging with auto-discovery, persistent storage, and modern Swing GUI. Perfect for local network communication without internet dependency.
https://github.com/shoyeb45/lan-messenger-java-p2p-chat

chat-application cross-platform gui-application java java-networking java-swing lan-chat lan-messenger local-network multithreading netwo p2p peer-to-peer socket-programming swing-gui tcp udp

Last synced: 6 months ago
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🔥 Real-time P2P chat application for LAN networks built with Java Socket Programming. Cross-platform messaging with auto-discovery, persistent storage, and modern Swing GUI. Perfect for local network communication without internet dependency.

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/shoyeb45/lan-messenger-java-p2p-chat
• Owner: Shoyeb45
• License: mit
• Created: 2025-05-09T03:53:31.000Z (8 months ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2025-06-07T06:30:55.000Z (7 months ago)
• Last Synced: 2025-06-25T07:43:08.759Z (6 months ago)
• Topics: chat-application, cross-platform, gui-application, java, java-networking, java-swing, lan-chat, lan-messenger, local-network, multithreading, netwo, p2p, peer-to-peer, socket-programming, swing-gui, tcp, udp
• Language: Java
• Homepage:
• Size: 1.99 MB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 1
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md
  • License: LICENSE

Awesome Lists containing this project

README

          
# **LAN Messenger: Real-Time Peer-to-Peer Chat Application**

![Java](https://img.shields.io/badge/java-%23ED8B00.svg?style=for-the-badge&logo=openjdk&logoColor=white)  ![Java Swing](https://img.shields.io/badge/Java%20Swing-%23007396.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)  ![Socket Programming](https://img.shields.io/badge/Socket%20Programming-%2334A853.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)  ![Multithreading](https://img.shields.io/badge/Multithreading-%23FF6F00.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)  ![Real-time Messaging](https://img.shields.io/badge/Real--time%20Messaging-%239C27B0.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)  ![LAN Networking](https://img.shields.io/badge/LAN%20Networking-%2300BCD4.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)  ![P2P Communication](https://img.shields.io/badge/P2P%20Communication-%23F44336.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)  ![Cross-platform GUI](https://img.shields.io/badge/Cross--platform%20GUI-%232196F3.svg?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white)

A **powerful peer-to-peer Java chat application** designed for seamless communication between devices on the same Local Area Network (LAN). Built with advanced **Socket programming**, **multithreading**, and an intuitive **Swing GUI** for cross-platform compatibility.



  



---

## 🚀 Key Features

### ✨ **What Makes LAN Messenger Special?**

🔥 **Zero Internet Required** - Works entirely on your local network  

⚡ **Real-time Communication** - Instant message delivery with TCP protocol  

🔍 **Auto Friend Discovery** - Automatically find other users on your network  

💾 **Persistent Chat History** - All conversations saved locally and securely  

🎨 **Modern Single-Page Interface** - React-inspired design with smooth navigation  

📱 **Fully Responsive** - Adapts to any screen size and resolution  

🌐 **Cross-Platform Compatible** - Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux  

---

## 📦 Quick Downloads

**Ready-to-use installers for popular operating systems:**

💻 **[Windows Installer (.exe)](https://yourhost.com/lanmessanger/installer.exe)** - One-click installation  

🍎 **[macOS App Bundle (.dmg)](https://yourhost.com/lanmessanger/lanmessenger.dmg)** - Drag and drop installation  

**Need support for other platforms?** Contact us at: [shoyebff45@gmail.com](mailto:shoyebff45@gmail.com)

---

## 🎯 Core Features Deep Dive



  

  
Clean and intuitive start page


### 1. **Modern Single-Page Application (SPA)**

Built with a contemporary approach similar to modern web applications, featuring:

- **State Management**: React-inspired state handling using Java interfaces and classes

- **Smooth Navigation**: Seamless page transitions without window reloads

- **Enhanced UX**: Improved accessibility and user experience



  

  
Intuitive navigation bar for easy access to all features


### 2. **Intelligent Friend Discovery**

Advanced network scanning capabilities:

- **UDP Protocol**: Lightning-fast user detection on the same network

- **Real-time Updates**: Automatically refreshes available users

- **Zero Configuration**: Works out-of-the-box without manual setup



  

  



### 3. **Secure Local Storage**

Your data remains private and secure:

- **JSON Storage**: Efficient data serialization using GSON library

- **Local-Only**: All data stored exclusively on your device

- **Persistent History**: Conversations and friend lists automatically saved



  

  



### 4. **Manual Friend Addition**

Flexible friend management:

- **IP Address Support**: Add friends directly using their IP address

- **Friend Requests**: Secure friend request system

- **Contact Management**: Easy-to-use friend list interface



  

  
Simple and secure friend addition process


### 5. **Responsive Design**

Adapts to any screen configuration:

- **Dynamic Layouts**: Automatically adjusts to window resizing

- **Multi-Resolution Support**: Works on various screen sizes

- **Consistent Experience**: Maintains functionality across different dimensions



  



### 6. **Real-Time Messaging**

Experience instant communication:

- **TCP Protocol**: Reliable message delivery

- **Multi-threading**: Smooth performance without UI freezing

- **Live Status Updates**: See when friends are online and available

---

## 🏗️ Project Architecture

**Modular design for maximum maintainability and scalability:**

```plaintext

📁 LAN-Messenger/

├── 📁 lib/                        # External JAR dependencies

├── 📁 public/                     # Static assets and images

│   └── 📁 images/

│       ├── 📁 app/               # Application icons and graphics

│       └── 📁 readme/            # Documentation images

└── 📁 src/

    └── 📁 main/

        └── 📁 java/

            └── 📁 com/

                └── 📁 lanmessanger/

                    ├── 📁 app/           # Application entry point and configuration

                    ├── 📁 database/      # Data persistence and management

                    ├── 📁 models/        # Data models and entity schemas

                    ├── 📁 network/       # Core networking functionality

                    │   ├── 📁 client/           # Client-side communication

                    │   ├── 📁 clientHandler/    # Connection management

                    │   ├── 📁 discovery/        # Network discovery logic

                    │   └── 📁 server/           # Server-side operations

                    └── 📁 ui/            # User interface components

                        ├── 📁 components/        # Reusable UI components

                        │   ├── 📁 addFriendPage/

                        │   ├── 📁 chatPage/

                        │   ├── 📁 navBar/

                        │   └── 📁 scannerPage/

                        ├── 📁 pages/            # Application pages

                        ├── 📁 router/           # SPA-style navigation

                        ├── 📁 state/            # Centralized state management

                        └── 📁 utils/            # Helper utilities

```

### 📋 **Architecture Overview**

| Component | Responsibility | Key Features |

|-----------|----------------|--------------|

| **`app/`** | Application lifecycle and global configuration | Launch logic, settings management |

| **`network/`** | Core networking operations | Socket programming, P2P connections, discovery |

| **`ui/`** | User interface and user experience | Swing components, responsive design |

| **`models/`** | Data structures and persistence | Entity definitions, JSON serialization |

| **`database/`** | Local data management | Friend lists, chat history, user preferences |

---

## 🛠️ Technology Stack

### **Core Technologies**

- **☕ Java 17+** - Modern Java features and performance optimizations

- **🎨 Java Swing** - Cross-platform GUI framework (`javax.swing`)

- **🌐 Java Networking** - Socket programming with TCP/UDP protocols (`java.net`)

- **⚡ Collections Framework** - Efficient data structure management

- **📄 Gson Library** - JSON serialization and deserialization (`com.google.gson`)

- **🎯 Ikonli FontAwesome** - Modern icon pack (`org.kordamp.ikonli`)

### **Development Tools**

- **💻 VS Code IDE** - Modern development environment

- **📚 Git & GitHub** - Version control and collaboration

- **🔧 Maven** - Dependency management and build automation

---

## 🚀 Quick Start Guide

### **Prerequisites**

Ensure you have Java 17 or higher installed:

```bash

java --version

```

### **Installation & Setup**

1. **Clone the Repository**

   ```bash

   git clone https://github.com/Shoyeb45/lan-messanger.git

   cd lan-messenger

   ```

2. **Development Setup (VS Code)**

   - Install [Extension Pack for Java by Microsoft](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=vscjava.vscode-java-pack)

   - Navigate to `src/main/java/com/lanmessanger/Main.java`

   - Click the **Run** button above the main method

   


     

   


3. **Alternative Build Methods**

   ```bash

   # Using Maven (if pom.xml is configured)

   mvn clean compile exec:java

   

   # Direct compilation (for simple setups)

   javac -cp "lib/*:src" src/main/java/com/lanmessanger/Main.java

   java -cp "lib/*:src" com.lanmessanger.Main

   ```

### **Contributing**

We welcome contributions! Here's how to get started:

1. **Create a Feature Branch**

   ```bash

   git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name

   ```

2. **Implement Your Feature**

   - Write clean, documented code

   - Test thoroughly on multiple platforms

   - Follow existing code style conventions

3. **Submit Your Changes**

   ```bash

   git add .

   git commit -m "Add: your feature description"

   git push origin feature/your-feature-name

   ```

4. **Create a Pull Request**

   - Include detailed description of changes

   - Add screenshots for UI changes

   - Reference any related issues

---

## 🔧 How It Works

### **Network Architecture**

LAN Messenger implements a sophisticated **peer-to-peer networking model**:



  

  
Decentralized P2P communication between LAN Messenger instances


**Key Networking Features:**

- **TCP Protocol**: Reliable message delivery with connection-oriented communication

- **UDP Discovery**: Fast and lightweight user detection broadcasts

- **Multi-threading**: Concurrent handling of multiple connections

- **Dual Role Architecture**: Each instance acts as both client and server



  

  
Each instance simultaneously operates as client and server


### **User Interface Architecture**

Built with a modern, component-based approach:



  

  
Hierarchical component structure with centralized state management


**UI Design Principles:**

- **Single Page Application**: Smooth navigation without window refreshes

- **Component Reusability**: Modular design for maintainable code

- **State Management**: Centralized application state similar to modern web frameworks

- **Responsive Layout**: Dynamic adaptation to different screen sizes

---

## 🧪 Testing Guide

### **Local Testing Setup**

**Requirements:**

- Two or more devices on the same Wi-Fi network

- LAN Messenger installed on each device

**Step-by-Step Testing:**

1. **Launch Application**

   - Open LAN Messenger on both devices

   - Ensure both devices are connected to the same network

2. **Establish Connection**

   - On Device A: Navigate to "Add Friend" page

   - Enter the IP address of Device B

   - Click "Add Friend"

3. **Accept Friend Request**

   - Device B will receive a friend request notification

   - Accept the request to establish connection

4. **Test Messaging**

   - Send messages between devices

   - Verify real-time delivery and persistence

   - Test various message types and lengths

**Success Indicators:**

- ✅ Real-time message delivery

- ✅ Message persistence after app restart

- ✅ Online/offline status updates

- ✅ Stable connection during extended use

---

## 💻 Platform Support

| Platform | Status | Notes |

|----------|---------|-------|

| **Windows 10/11** | ✅ Full Support | Native installer available |

| **macOS** | ✅ Full Support | DMG package available |

| **Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)** | ✅ Full Support | JAR executable |

| **Linux (Other Distros)** | ✅ Compatible | May require Java installation |

### **System Requirements**

- **Java Runtime**: Version 17 or higher

- **RAM**: Minimum 512MB available

- **Network**: Active LAN/Wi-Fi connection

- **Storage**: 50MB free space

---

## 📚 Additional Resources

### **Learning Resources**

- [Java Socket Programming Guide](https://www.baeldung.com/a-guide-to-java-sockets)

- [Java Swing Tutorial by Bro Code](https://www.youtube.com/@BroCodez)

- [Multithreading in Java](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/essential/concurrency/)

### **Documentation**

- [Java Networking API](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/api/java/net/package-summary.html)

- [Gson Documentation](https://github.com/google/gson/blob/master/UserGuide.md)

- [Maven Build Lifecycle](https://maven.apache.org/guides/introduction/introduction-to-the-lifecycle.html)

---

## 🙏 Acknowledgments

### **Special Thanks**

- **[Professor Zabi](https://www.linkedin.com/in/syedzaabii/)** - Academic guidance and mentorship

- **[Baeldung](https://www.baeldung.com/)** - Comprehensive Java Socket programming tutorials

- **[Bro Code](https://www.youtube.com/@BroCodez)** - Excellent Java Swing video tutorials

- **AI Assistants** - Code review, debugging assistance, and optimization suggestions

- **[Linus Torvalds](https://github.com/torvalds)** - For creating Git, enabling collaborative development

### **Open Source Libraries**

- **Google Gson** - JSON serialization library

- **Ikonli** - Icon pack integration

- **Java Development Kit** - Core runtime and development tools

---

## 📄 License

This project is licensed under the **MIT License** - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for complete details.

**Key Points:**

- ✅ Commercial use allowed

- ✅ Modification and distribution permitted  

- ✅ Private use encouraged

- ❗ No warranty provided

---

## 🔗 Connect & Support

**Found this project helpful?** ⭐ **Star the repository** to show your support!

**Questions or Issues?** 📧 **[shoyebff45@gmail.com](mailto:shoyebff45@gmail.com)**

**Want to Contribute?** 🚀 **Check out our [Contributing Guidelines](#contributing)**

---

**Keywords:** LAN Messenger, Java Chat Application, P2P Messaging, Local Network Communication, Socket Programming, Real-time Chat, Cross-platform Messaging, Network Discovery, Peer-to-Peer, Java Swing GUI, TCP/UDP Protocol, Multithreading, Local Area Network, Instant Messaging, Java Networking