Assignment 1: A Simple Chat Program

Assigned: Wednesday, February 2, 2000
Due: Monday, February 7, 2000

Update the sample client and server so that they can be used for a simple chat application.

Assume that the old-fashioned chat protocol is followed. The "client" gets to write first. The two alternate writing, with the current writer getting to write until (s)he gives up control. An o on a line by itself means "I'm done with my turn, it's your turn to write" and oo on a line by itself means "Bye!". You can compare strings with strcmp (read the man page for more info).

Note that you do not need to understand every part of these programs to make these changes. The essential parts are in the loops at the end of each main method.

For extra credit, support a more elegant chat (whatever you deem that to mean) and use better program design (particularly putting common code in a shared library).

Additional Notes:

• A few of you have noted that in some circumstances, you cannot re-bind the socket for a few minutes. That's fine. [February 4, 2000]