Chat Program

A simple command-line chat application built in Java using socket connections and multithreading. This chat application allows multiple users to connect to a server and communicate by exchanging messages and sharing files.

Installation

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Navnedia/Chat-Program.git
   cd Chat-Program

2. Compile the Code:

   javac ChatClient.java
   javac ChatServer.java

Usage

1. Start the Chat Server: run the server by specifying your desired server listening port.

   java ChatServer <port>

   Example: java ChatServer 6001

2. Connect Client to the Server: on the client machine, run the ChatClient application.

   • -l to specify the local port on the client to receive file requests.
   • -p the remote port of the chat server you wish to connect to.
   • -s (optional) the IP address of the chat server. Defaults to localhost.

   Note: If you are running multiple servers or clients on the same host, make sure none of your listen ports conflict.

   java ChatClient -l <listening port number> -p <connect server port> [-s] [connect server address]

   Example: java ChatClient -l 6002 -p 6001 -s localhost

3. Client Username: you will be prompted to enter a username.

4. Start Messaging: Once connected, you will receive messages in the terminal, and you can send your own messages using the M menu option.

5. File Sharing: Use a designated menu option F to request a file, then follow the prompts to select, the user that owns the file, and the name of the file you want (a file in the current working directory).

6. Disconnect: you may disconnect at any time by using the X menu option or by terminating the program with CTRL + Z or CTRL + C.