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C++ Socket-Based Chat System

A multi-threaded, client-server chat system built from scratch in C++ using TCP/IP sockets. It's designed to handle multiple concurrent users for real-time messaging, showcasing fundamental low-level network programming and concurrency concepts.

Features

  • Multi-Threaded Server: Utilizes a thread-per-client model to handle multiple concurrent users in parallel.
  • Real-time Messaging: Supports both public broadcast messages and private one-to-one messages.
  • User Nicknames: Allows users to set and change their nicknames with the /nick command.
  • Online User List: Users can request a list of all currently connected clients with the /list command.
  • Graceful Shutdown: The server can be shut down cleanly using a SHUTDOWN command in its console, notifying all clients.
  • External Configuration: The server port is configured via an external server.conf file, so no recompilation is needed to change it.
  • Asynchronous Client: The client uses select() to handle both user input and network messages simultaneously, ensuring notifications are never missed.
  • Object-Oriented Design: The server code is refactored into a clean, encapsulated Server class.

Building the Project

Prerequisites

  • A C++ compiler that supports C++17 (e.g., g++ or clang++)
  • make

Instructions

  1. Clone the repository: 
    git clone https://github.com/Angad8285/cpp-chat-system
  2. Navigate to the project directory: 
    cd cpp-chat-system
  3. Compile the project: 
    make
    This will create two executables in your root directory: server and client.

Running the Application

You will need at least two separate terminal windows.

  1. Start the Server: In your first terminal, run the server executable:

    ./server

    The server will start and listen on the port specified in server.conf (default is 8080).

  2. Start the Client(s): In one or more other terminals, run the client executable:

    ./client

    The client will connect to the server. You can now start chatting!

  3. Server Administration:

    • To change the port, edit the PORT value in the server.conf file and restart the server.
    • To shut down the server gracefully, type SHUTDOWN in the server's terminal window and press Enter.

Chat Usage

Once connected, you can type messages to send them publicly. The following special commands are available:

  • /nick <new_name> - Changes your nickname.
    • Example: /nick Alice
  • /msg <username> <message> - Sends a private message to a specific user.
    • Example: /msg Bob Hello there!
  • /list - Shows a list of all users currently online.
  • /exit - Disconnects you from the server.