Simple Beginner Java Socket Chat (Client-Server)

A beginner-friendly Java Socket Chat application where clients can send messages to the server, and the server responds back.

🚀 Features

✅ Simple client-server messaging
✅ No threads (handles one client at a time)
✅ Uses only Scanner & OutputStream for I/O
✅ Easy to understand and modify

📦 Installation & Usage

1️⃣ Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/aboualine/java-socket-chat.git
cd java-socket-chat

2️⃣ Compile the Code

javac ChatServer.java ChatClient.java

3️⃣ Start the Server

java ChatServer

The server will start and wait for clients to connect.

4️⃣ Run a Client

java ChatClient

You can open multiple clients, but only one can communicate at a time.

💬 How It Works

1. The server listens on port 12345.
2. A client connects and sends a message.
3. The server receives the message and echoes it back.
4. The connection remains open until the client disconnects.

📜 Example Chat

Client: Me: Hello, Server! Server: Hello, Server!

Me: How are you? Server: How are you?

📂 Project Files

Simple Beginner Java Socket Chat/
│
├── ChatServer.java           # Server-side application that handles client messages.
├── ChatClient.java        # Client-side application that connects to the server.
├── README.md     # Project documentation.

🔧 Customization

1. Change the Port: Modify PORT = 12345 in both ChatServer.java and ChatClient.java to use a different port.

2. Modify Server Responses: Edit the handleClient() method in ChatServer.java to customize server replies.

⚖️ License

This project is open-source under the MIT License.