Java Chat Application (Socket Programming)

A multi-client Java Chat Application built using Java Socket Programming.
The project supports real-time messaging, private chats, nickname colors, and both console-based and GUI-based clients.

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🚀 Features

• Multi-client chat using TCP sockets
• Console-based client
• Swing GUI client
• Real-time message broadcasting
• Private messaging using @nickname
• Nickname color change using hex codes
• User list display
• Emoji / smiley support
• Thread-based client handling

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🛠 Technologies Used

• Java SE
• Java Sockets (ServerSocket, Socket)
• Multithreading
• Swing (GUI)
• I/O Streams

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📁 Project Structure

java-Chat-app/ │ ├── Server.java # Chat server (handles multiple clients) ├── Client.java # Console-based client ├── ClientGui.java # GUI-based client (Swing) ├── README.md └── .gitignore

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⚙️ How It Works

1. The server listens on a specific port.
2. Clients connect using a nickname.
3. Messages are broadcast to all connected users.
4. Each client runs on a separate thread.
5. Special commands are parsed on the server side.

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💬 Chat Commands

Command	Description
@nickname message	Send a private message
#ff5733	Change nickname color
:) :D :( ;)	Supported smileys
↑ / ↓	Recall previous messages (GUI client)

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▶️ How to Run

1️⃣ Compile the files

javac Server.java Client.java ClientGui.java
2️⃣ Start the Server
java Server


Server will start on:

Port 12345

3️⃣ Run Console Client
java Client

4️⃣ Run GUI Client
java ClientGui

🖥 GUI Preview

The GUI client provides:

Chat window

Online users list

Message input field

Connect / Disconnect controls

🔐 Networking Details

Protocol: TCP

Host: localhost

Port: 12345

🧠 Learning Outcomes

Socket programming in Java

Client-server architecture

Multithreading

GUI development with Swing

Input/output stream handling

📌 Notes

The server must be running before clients connect.

Multiple clients can connect simultaneously.

This project is intended for learning and academic purposes.

👤 Author

Raiko1189
Java & Backend Development Enthusiast

📄 License

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


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## ✅ Next Steps (Recommended)
If you want, I can also:
- ✔ Improve your project structure (`src/` folders)
- ✔ Add screenshots to README
- ✔ Add a **JAR build guide**
- ✔ Review your code for best practices

Just tell me 👍