Client-Server Chat Application

This is a simple client-server chat application implemented in C using TCP/IP sockets and pthreads for multi-threading. It allows multiple clients to connect to a server and communicate in a chatroom-like environment.

Features: Server (server.c): - Listens for incoming client connections. - Handles multiple clients concurrently using pthreads. - Broadcasts messages to all connected clients. - Supports termination of the server by sending a "terminate" command from a client or using CTRL + C.

Client (client.c): - Connects to the server using TCP/IP sockets. - Sends messages to the server. - Receives messages from the server and displays them. - Allows the user to enter their name and join the chatroom.

Requirements

• Operating System: Linux (preferred) or other Unix-like systems
• Compiler: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) or compatible C compiler

Usage

Server

1. Compile the server code: gcc server.c -o server -pthread

2. Run the server: ./server

• The server will start listening for client connections on port 12345 by default.

3.Terminating the server:

• Send a "terminate" command from any connected client.
• Or press CTRL + C in the terminal running the server.

Client 1.Compile the client code: gcc client.c -o client -pthread

2.Run the client: ./client

3.Disconnecting from the server: Type "DISCONNECT" to exit the client application.

Implementation Details Server (server.c):

• Uses pthreads for handling multiple clients concurrently.
• Utilizes mutex locks to synchronize access to shared resources (e.g., client list).
• Handles termination signals (SIGINT) for graceful shutdown.

Client (client.c):

• Connects to the server using TCP/IP sockets.
• Implements separate threads for sending and receiving messages.
• Handles user inputs and displays received messages.

Notes

• This application serves as a foundational example of client-server communication using sockets in C.
• It provides a framework for developing more sophisticated chat applications with features such as user authentication, message encryption, or file sharing.