PyTermChat

Table of Contents

• About the Project
• Features
• Current State and Future Development
• Technology Used
• Dependencies
• Getting Started
• Usage
• Contributors
• License

About the Project

PyTermChat is a Python-based chat application that allows multiple clients to connect to a server and communicate with each other in real-time. Designed to operate in the terminal or console, PyTermChat provides a straightforward interface for users to chat, play games, and manage their presence in different chat groups. This project was originally based on a mandatory assignment in Networking and Cloud computing, but it has been significantly extended to include additional features like a Rock-Paper-Scissors game.

Extensive Commenting

The code contains extensive comments, with almost every line commented. This level of detail was required by our lecturer for a course assignment to ensure clarity and thorough documentation of the code's functionality.

Features

• Multi-threaded Server: Handles multiple clients simultaneously.
• Broadcast Messaging: Clients can send messages to all connected users.
• Private Messaging: Send private messages to specific users using the whisper command.
• Chat Groups: Join and communicate within specific chat groups.
• Rock-Paper-Scissors Game: Play a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors with other users.
• User Management: Change usernames, view online users, and track user locations.
• Command-based Interface: Intuitive commands for various actions (e.g., /shout, /list, /whisper, /rps).
• Robust Error Handling: Ensures smooth operation and provides meaningful error messages.

Current State and Future Development

Currently, PyTermChat is fully functional with the features mentioned above. Future development may include:

• Enhanced Game Options: Adding more games and improving game mechanics.
• User Authentication: Implementing login systems with passwords.
• Improved UI: Enhancing the terminal interface for better user experience.
• Logging and Monitoring: Adding logging for server activity and user actions.
• Security Enhancements: Incorporating security features like encryption for messages.

Technology Used

• Python: The main programming language used for both the server and client.
• Socket Programming: For handling network communication.
• Multi-threading: To manage multiple clients concurrently.
• Terminal/Console Interface: For user interaction.

Dependencies

• Python 3.x
• Standard Python libraries: socket, threading, time

Getting Started

Prerequisites

Ensure you have Python 3.x installed on your machine. You can download Python from python.org.

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/PyTermChat.git
   

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd PyTermChat

Running the Server

Start the server by running the following command:

python3 server.py

Running the Client

Open a new terminal window and navigate to the project directory. Start the client by running:

python3 client.py

Usage

Commands

Once connected to the server, you can use the following commands:

• /shout [message]: Sends a message to everyone including chat groups.
• /list: Lists all online users.
• /whisper [username] [message]: Sends a private message to a specific user.
• /chat [1-9]: Joins a chat group (1-9).
• /exit: Leaves the current chat group.
• /rps [username]: Starts a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors with a user.
• /newusername [username]: Changes your username.
• /whereami: Displays your current location (main area or chat group).
• /bye: Disconnects from the server.
• /instructions: Displays the list of available commands.

Playing Rock-Paper-Scissors

To start a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors with another user, use the /rps [username] command. The invited user must respond with y to accept or n to decline. Once the game starts, follow the prompts to choose Rock, Paper, or Scissors.

Contributors

• This project was developed solely by me pholdahl.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.