Slacker Chat - A Simple UDP Chat Application

Slacker Chat is a fun and lightweight college project that provides a simple chat platform for people to connect and communicate over their local network in real-time! We've created this application using Java for both the client and server side, and Java Swing for the GUI. Project by me and Oluwaseun

How It Works

Slacker Chat allows users to discover chat servers on their local network, connect to them, and send messages to each other in a simple and intuitive interface. The application consists of two main components: the SlackerClient and the Server. The SlackerClient is responsible for providing a user interface and handling user input, while the Server listens for incoming messages, manages connections, and relays messages between connected clients.

We also have two additional classes, Message and ClientInfo. The Message class represents individual chat messages and includes the sender's username and the message content. The ClientInfo class stores information about connected clients, such as their username, IP address, and port.

Getting Started

To run Slacker Chat, follow these simple steps:

1. Clone this repository to your local machine.
2. Compile the Java source files for the client, server, and supporting classes: SlackerClient.java, Server.java, Message.java, and ClientInfo.java.
3. Run the Server by executing the compiled Server.class file.
4. Run one or more instances of the SlackerClient by executing the compiled SlackerClient.class file.
5. Connect the clients to the server, enter your username, and start chatting away!

Connect via Hotspot

To easily connect multiple clients to Slacker Chat using a hotspot, follow these steps:

1. On the computer running the Server, create a hotspot by following the instructions for your operating system.
2. On each client device, join the hotspot created by the server computer.
3. Launch the SlackerClient on each client device, and it will automatically discover and connect to the server on the local network.
4. Enter your username and start chatting with others connected to the same hotspot network.

Happy chatting!

A Witty Description

Our Slacker Chat is like a digital water cooler, providing a space for people to gather and share their thoughts, ideas, and casual banter. With its simple yet effective design, Slacker Chat is perfect for those moments when you just need a break from the daily grind. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other chat applications, but it's got charm and character in spades. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and start slacking off with Slacker Chat!

A big thank you to GPT-4 for helping us write this README file! 🤖✍️