Simple C Chat Application (Client/Server)
A basic, single-connection TCP chat application implemented in C that demonstrates fundamental socket programming concepts including creation, binding, listening, connecting, and sending/receiving data using the standard BSD socket API.
📁 Project Structure
| File | Description |
|---|---|
server.c |
Listens on a specified port (8080), accepts a single incoming client connection, and echoes messages from the client |
client.c |
Connects to the server (on 127.0.0.1:8080) and allows the user to send messages to the server, displaying the server’s acknowledgment |
⚙️ Compilation
This project is intended for Linux/Unix-like environments. Compile both files using the GCC compiler:
gcc -o server server.c
gcc -o client client.c
🚀 Usage
The server must be started before the client. Both executables require a separate terminal window.
Starting the Server
./server
The server will wait for a connection on port 8080.
Starting the Client
./client
The client will attempt to connect to 127.0.0.1:8080.
Chatting
Once connected, type messages in the client window. The client sends the message, and the server responds with a simple acknowledgment.
Exiting
Type quit in the client window to gracefully close the connection and shut down both applications.
📝 Features
- Protocol: Uses TCP sockets for reliable, stream-based communication
- Port: Runs on port 8080 by default
- Connection: Supports a single, synchronous client connection
- Simple Interface: Basic command-line interaction for testing socket communication
🎯 Limitations
- Single client connection only (no concurrent users)
- No advanced error handling or recovery
- Basic message echoing functionality only
🛠️ Requirements
- Linux/Unix-like environment
- GCC compiler
- Basic knowledge of terminal usage