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About:

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It is a multithreaded client/server ChatServer based on console which uses Java Socket programming. A server listens for connection requests from clients across the network or even from the same machine. Clients know how to connect to the server via an IP address and port number. After connecting to the server, the client gets to choose his/her username on the chat room. The client sends a message, the message is sent to the server using ObjectOutputStream in java. After receiving the message from the client, the server broadcasts the message if it is not a private message. And if it is a private message which is detect using ‘@’ followed by a valid username, then send the message only to that user. Java object serialization to transfer the messages.

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Instructions:

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Client

To start the Client in console mode use one of the following command

1. java Client
2. java Client username
3. java Client username portNumber
4. java Client username portNumber serverAddress

at the console prompt If the portNumber is not specified 1500 is used If the serverAddress is not specified "localHost" is used If the username is not specified "Anonymous" is used

Server

To run as a console application

1. java Server
2. java Server portNumber If the port number is not specified 1500 is used

Chat

While in client console:

1. Simply type the message to send broadcast to all active clients
2. Type '@usernameyourmessage' without quotes to send message to desired client
3. Type 'WHOISIN' without quotes to see list of active clients
4. Type 'LOGOUT' without quotes to logoff from server