Java Client–Server Chat Application

A multi-client real-time chat application built using Java Socket Programming and Swing GUI. This project demonstrates client–server architecture, multithreading, networking concepts, and GUI development.

The system allows multiple clients to connect to a centralized server, communicate in real time, send private messages, and view online users.

Features:

✔ Multi-Client Server Architecture ✔ Real-Time Messaging ✔ Username Authentication ✔ Private Messaging (@username) ✔ Online Users List ✔ Join / Leave Notifications ✔ Chat History Persistence ✔ GUI Interface using Java Swing ✔ Multithreaded Server Handling Multiple Clients

Architecture:

The application follows a Client–Server Architecture.

Clients (GUI) │ │ Socket Communication ▼ Chat Server │ ├── Manage Connected Clients ├── Broadcast Messages ├── Handle Private Messages └── Store Chat History

The server acts as a central communication hub, allowing multiple clients to interact simultaneously.

Technologies Used:

Technology| Purpose Java| Core programming language Socket Programming| Client–Server communication Multithreading| Handle multiple clients Java Swing| Graphical User Interface File Handling| Store chat history

Project Structure:

ChatApplication │ ├── src │ ├── server │ │ ├── ChatServer.java │ │ ├── ClientHandler.java │ │ └── ChatHistory.java │ │ │ └── client │ └── ChatClientGUI.java │ ├── chat_history.txt ├── build.xml └── README.md

How to Run the Project:

1️⃣ Clone Repository

git clone https://github.com/puliteja2006/java-chat-application.git

2️⃣ Open in NetBeans

Open the project using Apache NetBeans IDE.

3️⃣ Start Server

Run:

ChatServer.java

Output:

Chat Server Started...

4️⃣ Start Clients

Run:

ChatClientGUI.java

You can open multiple clients to simulate multiple users.

Example Usage:

Public message:

Hello everyone!

Private message:

@username Hello privately

Example:

@Teja Hi, this is a private message

Key Concepts Demonstrated:

This project demonstrates several important software engineering and networking concepts:

• Client–Server Architecture • TCP Socket Communication • Multithreaded Server Design • Event-Driven GUI Programming • Message Broadcasting Systems • Private Messaging Protocols

Future Improvements:

Potential enhancements for this system:

• File Sharing Support • Emoji & Rich Text Chat • Group Chat Rooms • Database Integration (MySQL) • User Authentication System • WebSocket Implementation with Spring Boot

Author:

Puli Sai Srinivasa Teja

Aspiring Software Development Engineer (SDE) Java Backend & Web Developer

Support:

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⭐ Star this repository 🍴 Fork the project 💡 Contribute improvements.