Client-Server Chat Application in C++

A real-time terminal-based chat application built using C++ and Socket Programming for both Linux-based server and client communication.

🚀 Features

• Multi-client support with concurrent communication via multi-threading
• Real-time chat system with colored terminal output for different users
• Graceful exit using signal handling (Ctrl + C)
• Optimized for low-latency, responsive communication
• Lightweight and runs entirely in terminal (no GUI dependencies)

🧠 Technologies Used

• C++
• POSIX Sockets
• Multithreading (<thread>, <mutex>)
• Linux system calls: socket(), bind(), listen(), accept(), connect(), send(), recv()
• ANSI escape sequences for terminal coloring

🛠 How to Run

Compile the Server

g++ server.cpp -o server -pthread

Compile the Client

g++ client.cpp -o client -pthread

Start the Server

./server

Start the Client (in a different terminal)

./client

📝 Note: Both server and client must run on the same machine or within the same network. You can also replace INADDR_ANY with a specific IP if required.

📂 File Structure

• server.cpp - Handles multiple clients, message broadcasting, and client management
• client.cpp - Connects to server, sends/receives messages with UI feedback

🧩 Concepts Demonstrated

• Concurrent programming with thread safety
• Terminal manipulation and formatting
• Custom protocol for broadcasting messages
• Use of mutex and signal for safe thread and process control

📜 License

This project is for educational purposes only. Contributions and forks are welcome!