This real-time chat application is designed to provide users with a seamless communication experience, combining a Java backend server with an Electron.js frontend. With its comprehensive features such as emoji support, file sending capabilities, and support for multiple chat rooms, users can collaborate effectively in a dynamic and interactive environment.
The Java backend server ensures reliable and efficient handling of chat messages, user authentication, and room management. It facilitates real-time communication by enabling users to exchange messages instantly and effortlessly. The Electron.js frontend, with its cross-platform compatibility, allows users to access the chat application from various devices and operating systems, providing a consistent experience.
To set up and run the real-time chat application with a Java backend server and Electron.js frontend, follow these steps:
- Clone the repository or download the source code files from the project's GitHub repository.
- Ensure that Java Development Kit (JDK) and Maven are installed on your system. If not, download and install them.
- Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the backend server directory.
- Build the Java backend server by running the following command:
mvn clean package
- Once the build is successful, start the Java backend server by running the following command:
java -jar target/ChatApplicationServer-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
The backend server will start running on a specified port, usually 8080.
- Open another terminal or command prompt and navigate to the Electron.js frontend directory.
- Make sure Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) are installed on your system. If not, download and install them.
- Install the required dependencies by running the following command:
npm install
- After the dependencies are installed, start the Electron.js frontend by running the following command:
npm start
The Electron.js application will be launched, and you can now access the real-time chat application from the user interface.
When all of these steps done correctly the program will display an ASCII art logo and prompt you to customize the server settings. You can choose to change the server address, maximum number of connections, and port number. Respond with y or n to indicate your preference. If you choose n, server will run locally on localhost or 127.0.0.1 server address with port number 8080 and a maximum number of connections set to 100. If you choose y you should customize these yourself. Keep in mind that if you want to run this application on a cloud system like AWS you should use private IPv4 address as your server address but the frontend should use public IPv4 address to connect to server.
Once the settings are configured, you will be prompted to start the server by typing start. When you type start the server will start running and display a message confirming that it has started successfully.
Create an account or log in to an existing account to start using the chat application.You can create multiple chat rooms, view online users, send text messages, share files, and enjoy the emoji support provided by the application.
By following these steps, you will have the real-time chat application up and running with the Java backend server and Electron.js frontend, enabling seamless communication and file sharing functionalities.
- Java Development Kit (JDK)
- Maven
- Node.js and npm
This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
