Chatting Application

A desktop-based chatting application implemented in Java Swing, featuring separate Client and Server interfaces. This project uses socket programming to enable real-time communication between clients and the server, providing a smooth and interactive chatting experience.

Key Features

Client-Side

• Intuitive Chat UI:
  • User-friendly interface for sending and receiving messages.
  • Dynamic chat bubbles with formatted text and timestamps.
• Status Display: Shows active status for the user.
• Send Button: Allows easy submission of messages via the chat box.

Server-Side

• Server Management:
  • Displays incoming messages from connected clients.
  • Formats and displays messages dynamically.
• Scalable Design: Supports connections from multiple clients.

Real-Time Communication

• Socket Programming: Enables seamless communication between the server and multiple clients.
• Threaded Design: Ensures that each client connection is handled independently.

Technologies Used

• Programming Language: Java
• Framework: Java Swing
• Network Communication: Socket Programming (TCP/IP)
• UI Design:
  • Custom layouts and styling using JPanel, JLabel, and layout managers.
  • Dynamic chat bubbles styled with HTML-like elements.

How to Run

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your system.
• An IDE such as IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, or any text editor with Java support.

Steps

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-link>

2. Navigate to the project directory and open it in your IDE.

3. Server Setup:

   • Compile and run the Server.java file to start the server.
   • Example command (if running via terminal):

     javac Server.java
     java chatting.application.Server

4. Client Setup:

   • Compile and run the Client.java file to start the client.
   • Example command (if running via terminal):

     javac Client.java
     java chatting.application.Client

5. Establish Connection:

   • Ensure the client connects to the server on the same network and port.
   • Messages sent from the client will now appear on the server and vice versa.

Screenshots

Folder Structure

├── src
│   └── chatting.application
│       ├── Client.java
│       ├── Server.java
│       └── icons/ (contains the UI icons used in the project)

Future Enhancements

• Encryption: Secure messages using encryption protocols for safe communication.
• File Sharing: Support for sending and receiving files between clients.
• Message History: Save chat history to a local or remote database.
• UI Improvements: Enhance the visual design for a more modern look.
• Cross-Network Communication: Allow connections over the internet, not just local networks.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Feel free to fork this repository and submit pull requests to improve features or fix bugs.

License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.