NetChat

A simple Client–Server Chat Application built using Java Sockets and Swing GUI.
This project demonstrates real-time messaging between two or more systems over a network.

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🚀 Features

• Real-time two-way chatting
• Swing-based GUI
• Server waits for client connection
• Works on localhost and multiple systems (LAN / Wi-Fi)
• Chat saving option

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🖼️ Screenshots

Server Chat Window

Client Chat Window

Both Running Together

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🧠 How This Works

Server (ChatServer.java)

• Creates ServerSocket on a fixed port
• Accepts client connection
• Sets up Input/Output Streams
• Listens and sends messages continuously

Client (ChatClient.java)

• Connects to the server using:
  • Server IP
  • Port
  • User Name
• Sends and receives messages
• Displays chats in GUI

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🖧 How Two Systems Can Chat?

1️⃣ Find IPv4 Address of Server System

Open CMD and run:

ipconfig

Copy the IPv4 Address (e.g., 192.168.1.10).

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2️⃣ Run Server

Start ChatServer.java on System A.

It will run on:

Server IP: System A's IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.10)
Port: 1234

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3️⃣ Run Client

Start ChatClient.java on System B and enter:

Name: yourName
Server IP: 192.168.1.10
Port: 1234

Click Connect → Chat begins.

✔️ Both systems must be on the same Wi-Fi / LAN network.

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🛠️ Steps to Run the Project

Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/your-username/netchat-java.git
cd netchat-java

Run the Server

src/server/ChatServer.java

Run the Client

src/client/ChatClient.java

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📂 Folder Structure

netchat-java/
│── src/
│   ├── client/
│   │   └── ChatClient.java
│   ├── server/
│   │   └── ChatServer.java
│── resources/
│── Client.form
│── build.xml
│── manifest.mf
│── README.md
│── images/
│       ├── server.png
│       ├── client.png
│       └── both.png

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📌 Technologies Used

• Java 8+
• Java Networking (Socket, ServerSocket)
• Swing GUI

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🤝 Contributing

Pull requests are welcome.