📱 WhatsApp Clone - Java Swing Chat Application

🔰 Introduction

This is a WhatsApp-like chat application built using Java Swing. The application provides a simple user interface for real-time messaging between users, simulating basic chat functionality found in WhatsApp.

🚀 Features

• 🔑 User Authentication: Users can log in and start chatting.
• 💬 Real-time Messaging: Exchange messages instantly with other users.
• 🖥️ Graphical User Interface (GUI): Designed using Java Swing for an interactive chat experience.
• 📜 Chat History: Stores messages for future reference.
• 😀 Emojis and Formatting: Supports basic text formatting and emojis.
• 🔔 Notifications: Get notified of new messages.

🛠 Technologies Used

• ☕ Java Swing: For building the GUI.
• 🔗 Socket Programming: For real-time communication.
• ⚡ Multithreading: To handle multiple chat sessions efficiently.
• 🗄️ Database (Optional): For storing user credentials and chat history.

🏗️ Installation and Setup

📌 Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK 8 or later)
• Any Java IDE (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, NetBeans)

🔧 Steps to Run the Application

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/PRUTHVEES/JavaSwingChatApplication.git

2. Open the project in your preferred Java IDE.
3. Compile and run the Server.java file to start the chat server.
4. Compile and run the Client.java file to open a chat window.
5. Open multiple instances of the client to test messaging between users.

🎯 Usage

• Enter your username and connect to the server.
• Start sending messages to other connected users.
• Use the GUI to navigate the chat interface easily.

🔮 Future Enhancements

• 👥 Group Chat: Enable multi-user conversations.
• 📎 File Sharing: Send images and documents.
• 🎥 Voice and Video Calls: Enhance communication beyond text.
• 🔒 End-to-End Encryption: Improve security with encrypted messages.

👨‍💻 Contributors

• Vinay More, Pruthveesh Gharal.
• Mushahid Raza, Jay Karle.

📜 License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.