CMD Communications Code (CCC)

Explainer video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efhDcUB6uKg]

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Description:

The CMD Communications Code (CCC) project is a command-line chat application designed to facilitate real-time communication between a server and multiple clients over a network. It is implemented in C using the Winsock2 library, which enables reliable TCP communication. The project allows users to send and receive messages in a text-based chat environment that simulates a lightweight messaging system.

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Features:

1. Communication between server and client:

• A server program ('server.c') that listens for incoming connections from clients.
• Client programs (`client.c') that communicate with the server and exchange messages.

2. Real-time messaging:

• Two-way messaging between server and clients with minimal delay.
• A clean user interface that keeps a conversation log.

3. Multi-threaded architecture:

• Both server and clients use threads to handle sending and receiving messages simultaneously, ensuring a seamless conversation experience.

4. Cross-platform support:

• Designed for Windows, using the Winsock2 library for network connectivity.
• Can be extended to work on other platforms with minor modifications.

5. Custom command automation:

• Includes a Python script to automate deleting files and recompiling 'server.c' and 'client.c'.

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How it works:

1. Server listens for incoming client connections on a specific port (default: '8080').
2. When a client connects, the server creates a customized thread to handle the connection to that client.
3. The server broadcasts messages from one client to all connected clients.
4. Clients interact with the server using a text-based interface, where messages are displayed in real time.

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Code Components:

• Server code (server.c): Set up the TCP server, handle client connections, and manage message broadcasts.
• Client code ('client.c'): Connects to the server and allows users to send and receive messages.
• Python automation script (automate.py): Deletes old binary files, compiles 'server.c' and 'client.c' for quick iteration.

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Install and use:

Basic Requirements:

1. C compiler:
   • Install GCC (MinGW) to compile the code.
2. Python:
   • Make sure Python is installed to run the automation script.
3. Windows operating system:
   • Required for Winsock2 compatibility.

Steps to run:

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Mr-PeterMaged/ccc
   cd ccc
   

2. Run the Python automation script to clean up old binaries and compile the code:

   python automate.py
   

3. Start the server in a terminal:

   ./server.exe
   

4. Start multiple clients in separate terminals:

   ./client.exe
   

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Example Workflow::

1. Server:

   Waiting for connections...
   Client connected!
   Client: Hello, Server.
   

2. Client1:

   Connected to server!
   You (Client): Hello, Server.
   Server: Hello, Client!