Multi-Client TCP Chat

Description

This project is a simple, terminal-based multi-client TCP chat application, developed using the C programming language and the SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) library, specifically the SDL_net module. Clients can connect to the server, send and receive messages, and chat in real time.

Features

• Supports up to 10 clients connected simultaneously.
• Allows clients to set a username when connecting to the server.
• Messages sent by clients are broadcast to all connected clients (except the sender).
• Uses TCP protocol for reliable, connection-oriented communication between clients and server.
• Utilizes SDL_net for managing network connections and socket communication.

Built With

Visuals

demo.mp4

Installation

To get started with this project, follow the steps below:

1. Install build tools and SDL libraries

   • Debian/Ubuntu:

     sudo apt install gcc make libsdl2-dev libsdl2-net-dev
     

   • Fedora/RHEL/CentOS:

     sudo dnf install gcc make SDL2-devel SDL2_net-devel
     

   • OpenSUSE:

     sudo zypper install gcc make SDL2-devel SDL2_net-devel
     

   • Arch Linux:

     sudo pacman -S gcc make sdl2 sdl2_net
     

   • If your Linux distribution is not listed, you can find instructions for installing the SDL libraries from source here.

2. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/cristianscheid/multi-client-tcp-chat.git
   cd multi-client-tcp-chat
   

3. Build the project

   make
   

Usage

1. Start the server

   ./build/server
   

   • You should see the message: "Server is up and running."
   • The server listens on 127.0.0.1:2000 (localhost).

2. Optional - Change the server address on the client (for connections from another machine)

   • By default, clients connect to 127.0.0.1 (localhost).
   • To connect from another machine, modify the SERVER_HOST constant in src/client.c with the server's IP address.
   • After making the change, run make clean and make to rebuild the project.
   • Ensure the firewall on both the server and client allows traffic on port 2000.

3. Start the client(s)

   ./build/client
   

   • You should see the message: "Welcome to the Multi-Client TCP Chat!"
   • Open a new terminal for each client you want to connect (up to 10 clients).

4. Interact with the clients

   • Set your name and send messages in the chat.
   • The server will display all received messages.
   • Clients will see messages sent by others.

5. To stop

   • Press Ctrl + C to stop the server or exit a client.

License

Distributed under the MIT License. See LICENSE.txt for more information.