Real-Time Chat Application in Python

This project is a basic real-time chat application built using Python's socket and threading modules. It allows multiple clients to connect to a server and exchange messages that are broadcast to all connected clients in real time.

Key Features:

• Real-time message broadcasting between clients.
• Supports multiple client connections to the server.
• Unique nicknames for each client.
• Messages are shared with all connected clients.
• Simple and easy-to-understand code for educational purposes.

How It Works:

1. The server listens for incoming connections and manages all clients.
2. Each client is assigned a unique nickname upon connecting.
3. Clients send messages to the server, which broadcasts them to all other connected clients.
4. Clients can send and receive messages simultaneously in real time.

Requirements:

• Python 3.x installed.
• No additional external libraries required.

How to Run:

1. Run the Server:

   • Open a terminal and navigate to the project directory.

   • Start the server by running: bash python server.py

   • The server listens for incoming connections on localhost:55555.

2. Run the Client(s):

   • Open a new terminal (repeat this to simulate multiple clients).

   • Start a client by running: bash python client.py

   • Enter a unique nickname to join the chat.

3. Example Workflow:

   • Start the server: bash python server.py

   • Run multiple clients: bash python client.py

   • Messages sent by one client will be received by all other clients in real time.

Project Structure:

├── server.py # Server code ├── client.py # Client code └── README.md # Documentation

Future Enhancements:

• Private Messaging: Add functionality for clients to send private messages.
• Encryption: Implement message encryption for secure communication.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Use frameworks like Tkinter or PyQt to enhance the user experience.
• Persistent Chat History: Save chat messages to a file or database for future reference.