https://github.com/stephenombuya/simple-chat-application
A basic client-server chat application implemented in C using TCP sockets.
https://github.com/stephenombuya/simple-chat-application
c-programming chat-application tcp-client-server
Last synced: 8 months ago
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A basic client-server chat application implemented in C using TCP sockets.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/stephenombuya/simple-chat-application
- Owner: stephenombuya
- License: gpl-3.0
- Created: 2025-01-02T14:41:02.000Z (9 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-02-13T16:18:18.000Z (8 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-02-13T17:27:51.918Z (8 months ago)
- Topics: c-programming, chat-application, tcp-client-server
- Language: C
- Homepage:
- Size: 27.3 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# Simple Chat Application
A basic client-server chat application implemented in C using TCP sockets.
## Features
- Single client-server communication
- Real-time message exchange
- Simple command-line interface
- Cross-platform compatibility (Unix-based systems)
## Prerequisites
- GCC Compiler
- POSIX-compliant operating system
- Basic understanding of terminal/command line
## Project Structure
```
simple-chat/
├── src/
│ ├── server.c
│ └── client.c
├── Makefile
└── README.md
```
## Installation
1. Clone the repository:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/stephenombuya/Simple-Chat-Application
cd simple-chat
```
2. Compile the applications:
```bash
gcc -o server src/server.c
gcc -o client src/client.c
```
Or use the provided Makefile:
```bash
make all
```
## Usage
1. Start the server:
```bash
./server
```
2. In a separate terminal, start the client:
```bash
./client
```
3. Begin chatting:
- Type messages in either window and press Enter to send
- The server displays "Client connected" when a client joins
- The client displays "Connected to server" upon successful connection
## Configuration
Default settings in both programs:
- Port: 8080
- Server IP: 127.0.0.1 (localhost)
- Buffer Size: 1024 bytes
To modify these settings, update the corresponding #define directives in the source files.
## Technical Details
### Server (server.c)
- Creates TCP socket
- Binds to specified port
- Listens for incoming connections
- Accepts single client connection
- Handles bidirectional communication
### Client (client.c)
- Creates TCP socket
- Connects to server IP/port
- Manages user input/output
- Handles bidirectional communication
## Error Handling
The application handles common errors including:
- Socket creation failures
- Connection errors
- Send/receive failures
- Invalid address errors
## Limitations
- Supports only one client at a time
- No message encryption
- Basic error handling
- No persistent message history
## Future Improvements
- Multi-client support
- Message encryption
- GUI interface
- File transfer capabilities
- Persistent chat history
- Username support
## Contributing
1. Fork the repository
2. Create feature branch
3. Commit changes
4. Push to branch
5. Open pull request
## License
This project is licensed under the GNU License - see `LICENSE` file for details.
## Acknowledgments
- POSIX Socket Programming Documentation
- Unix Network Programming by W. Richard Stevens