a simple, colorful chat server implemented in python that can be accessed using netcat.
how it works
netcat-chat is a multi-user chat server that allows users to connect using netcat or telnet, common networking utilities. the server handles multiple connections simultaneously and provides a simple interface for chatting and performing basic commands.
features:
- connect using netcat or telnet
- colorful output (gray for system messages, pink for user's own messages)
- simple commands for changing nicknames, listing users, and disconnecting
- broadcasts user join/leave messages
- configurable port via environment variable
commands:
/nick <name>: change your nickname/list: show online users/?: show help message/bye: disconnect from chat
sample session:
/? for help
users online: 1
[08:23] user64100 connected
[08:23] user64100 changed his nick to taky
users online: 1
taky
[08:23] taky: heyo
/nick <name> - change your nick
/list - show online users
/? - show help
/bye - disconnect from chat
your current nick is: taky
[08:24] taky changed his nick to swrv
users online: 1
swrv
how to use:
- start the server by running the python script
- by default, the server uses port 2222
- to use a different port, set the
CHAT_PORTenvironment variable:export CHAT_PORT=5000 python chat_server.py
- connect to the server using netcat:
nc <server_ip> <port> - once connected, you'll see a welcome message and the number of online users
- use the commands listed above to interact with the chat
implementation details:
- written in python
- uses threading to handle multiple client connections
- implements a simple protocol for chat messages and commands
- uses ansi color codes for colorful output
- allows port configuration via the
CHAT_PORTenvironment variable
enjoy chatting!