Chat Application

A real-time multi-client chat application built with C++ using sockets. Features include private messaging, timestamps, and user management.

Features

• Real-time messaging: Broadcast messages to all connected clients
• Private messaging: Send direct messages using /msg <username> <message>
• Timestamps: All messages include timestamps in HH:MM format
• User management: Unique usernames, join/leave notifications
• Commands: /help to see available commands
• Input validation: Prevents empty or duplicate usernames
• Error handling: Robust handling of network errors and disconnections

Project Structure

chat-app/
├── server/
│   ├── src/
│   │   └── server.cpp
│   ├── include/
│   │   └── server.h
│   └── Makefile
├── client/
│   ├── client.cpp
│   ├── include/
│   │   └── client.h
│   └── Makefile
└── README.md

Building and Running

Prerequisites

• C++11 compatible compiler (g++)
• Linux/Unix environment with socket support

Build Server

cd server
make

Build Client

cd client
make

Run

1. Start the server:

   ./server/server

2. Start clients in separate terminals:

   ./client/client

3. Enter a unique username when prompted

4. Start chatting! Use /msg username message for private messages.

Commands

• /msg <username> <message> - Send private message
• /help - Show available commands
• exit - Quit the client

Technical Details

• Server: Multi-threaded server handling multiple clients concurrently
• Client: Single-threaded client with separate thread for receiving messages
• Protocol: Simple text-based protocol over TCP
• Threading: Uses C++11 threads and mutexes for synchronization
• Networking: POSIX sockets for cross-platform compatibility

Future Enhancements

• User authentication
• Message history
• File sharing
• GUI interface
• Encryption
• Admin commands

License

This project is open source and available under the MIT License.