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Multi-Threaded Client-Server Chat Application

Overview

This is a multithreaded client-server chat application developed in C for Unix/Linux systems. It allows multiple clients to connect to a central server and engage in real-time chat with each other. Clients can run in separate terminals, and they don't need to be on the same machine.

Demo

multi-threaded-client-server-dem

Prerequisites

  • Unix/Linux operating system
  • C compiler (e.g., GCC)
  • Basic understanding of terminal commands

How to Run

Server

  1. Open a terminal for the server.
  2. Compile the server code using GCC: 
    gcc server.c -o server && ./server _PORT_

Client

  1. Open multiple terminals for clients (4 in this example).
  2. Compile the server code using GCC: 
    gcc client.c -o client && ./client _SERVER-IP-ADDRESS_ _SERVER-PORT_
  3. Replace SERVER-IP-ADDRESS with the IP address of the server and SERVER-PORT with the port number on which the server is running. For example: 
    gcc client.c -o client && ./client 10.10.75.20 1235

Usage

Use the following commands to interact with the server:

  • ~list: To see the list of free users. Example: ~list
  • ~connect_to_$userid: To connect to a user with user-id $userid. Example: ~connect_to_03
  • ~stop: To stop the chat and log off the session. Example: ~stop
  • ~quit: To disconnect from the server. Example: ~quit
  • ~my_id: To know your user id. Example: ~my_id
  • $message: To send a message $message. Note that the size of the message should be less than 200 characters and should not contain spaces. Example: hello_user_03_how_are_you

Users can receive messages from other users only after sending a message. Chatting occurs by sending one message alternately between two users. The server logs active user sessions and when two users connect for a chat or log out of the session.

Important Notes

  • Use only the ~quit command to disconnect from the server; otherwise, the server might crash.
  • If you encounter any issues, consider restarting the server and the clients.

Contact

For any questions or issues, please contact [email protected] .