netcat-chat

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_PORT environment 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_PORT environment variable

enjoy chatting!

oeo / netcat-chat