ChatBuzz - Online Chat Application

Introduction

ChatBuzz is a simple online chat application developed using Java. It allows multiple users to connect to a central server, send messages, and receive messages from other users. This project assesses skills in socket programming, client-server communication, and user interface design.

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your machine.
• A terminal or command prompt for running the application.

How to Compile and Run

Server

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the directory containing the ChatServer.java file.
3. Compile the server code using the following command:

   javac server/ChatServer.java

4. Run the server using the following command:

   java server.ChatServer

Client

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the directory containing the ChatClient.java file.
3. Compile the client code using the following command:

   javac client/ChatClient.java

4. Run the client using the following command:

   java client.ChatClient

5. Repeat steps 1-4 in separate terminal or command prompt windows to simulate multiple clients.

Architecture

The application consists of two main components:

1. Server (ChatServer): Manages connections from multiple clients and broadcasts messages to all connected clients.
2. Client (ChatClient): Connects to the server, sends messages to the server, and receives messages from other clients.

Assumptions

• The server runs on 127.0.0.1 and listens on port 12345.
• The client connects to the server using the same IP and port.

Usage

• After starting the server, open multiple clients.
• Type messages in one client and press Enter to send the message.
• Messages will be broadcasted to all connected clients.
• Close a client window to simulate client disconnection.