Instant Messaging Service (Java GUI Client-Server App)

A simple client-server instant messaging application built in Java using Sockets and Swing GUI. This project demonstrates how two computers (or two programs on one machine) can communicate in real time over a network using TCP sockets.

Technologies Used

• Java SE
• Java Sockets (ServerSocket, Socket)
• Swing GUI (JFrame, JTextArea, JTextField)
• Object Streams (ObjectInputStream, ObjectOutputStream)

File Structure

File	Description
Server.java	Handles server-side messaging, GUI, and socket communication
ServerTest.java	Starts the server GUI and listens for connections
Client.java	GUI client that connects to the server and enables chat
ClientTest.java	Launches the client app and connects to server at 127.0.0.1

How to Run the App

Note: You can run both the server and client on the same machine using localhost (127.0.0.1), or across two different computers on the same network by replacing 127.0.0.1 with the server's IP.

Run the Server

1. Open a terminal or IDE in the project folder.
2. Compile all files: On bash:

javac *.java