SyncStream

SyncStream is a real-time, multi-user chat application built for Windows. It allows multiple users to connect to a central server and broadcast text messages in real time.

Demo

Client:

SyncStream.Client.-.Demo.mp4

Server:

Technologies Used

• Modern C++
• Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) Library
• Winsock API
• Visual Studio 2022
• Logo credits: Communication icons created by Vectors Market - Flaticon

Prerequisites

• For Users: Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015-2019 Download here
• For Developers: Visual Studio (with C++ and MFC support) and Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2015-2019.

Setup and Installation (for Developers)

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yadunand-kamath/SyncStream.git

2. Open the Solution in Visual Studio:

   • Navigate to the cloned repository folder.
   • You will find two project folders: ChatClient and ChatServer. Each folder contains a Visual Studio solution file (.sln).
   • Open the ChatClient/ChatClient.sln and ChatServer/ChatServer.sln in Visual Studio.

3. Build the Projects:

   • In Visual Studio, select the desired build configuration (e.g., Debug or Release) and architecture (e.g., x64 or Win32).
   • Build both the ChatServer and ChatClient projects by going to Build > Build Solution.

How to Use (for Users)

1. Run the Server:

   • Navigate to ChatServer/x64/Release/ChatServer.exe or click here and download the executable.
   • Run the ChatServer.exe executable. The server window will open, indicating that it's listening for connections.

2. Run the Client(s):

   • Navigate to ChatClient/x64/Release/ChatClient.exe or click here.
   • Run the ChatClient.exe executable. The client application window will open.
   • In the client application, enter the IP address of the machine where the server is running (if the server is running on the same machine, you can use 127.0.0.1).
   • Enter a username and click "OK" to connect to the server.
   • You can run multiple instances of the client on different machines (or the same machine) to simulate a multi-user chat.

3. Chatting:

   • Once connected, you can type messages in the message input box at the bottom of the client window and click "Send" (avoid pressing "Enter" as it will close the application).
   • Messages sent by you and other connected users will appear in the main chat window, along with timestamps.

Features

• Real-time text-based communication.
• Multi-user support.
• Simple graphical user interface using MFC.
• Username registration upon connecting.
• Message broadcasting from server to all connected clients.
• Timestamps on messages.
• IP Address Control for specifying the server IP.

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