Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol.

The Elite Noob has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hello Perl monks :)

Now. I would like to create a client and server chatting system using IO::Socket. The system is for a small closed network of about 30 computers all running Windows XP. They are networked using a switch. The IP's are dynamic, so we can't keep a lock on any IP per computer.

Now i want to do a chatting system like, so the server is always hosted on a certain user's account. Then the client finds the IP address of that user and connects to that. The server should be able to connect at one time 30 separate people using TCP. Then when a client sends a message to a server, it should have a timestamp. Then the server sends the message out to all of the clients in the correct order. The clients are to then display the message. It should be really effective way and really easy to implement

I have no idea where to start and help is appreciated. Thanks again for the theory and any examples :)

Comment on Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol.

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Re: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by atcroft (Abbot) on Mar 23, 2011 at 02:44 UTC
My first suggestions are:perlipc and copies of both the Perl Cookbook and Programming Perl. The following thoughts apply *ONLY* on a closed, isolated network. (Otherwise, you need to be able to specify a host as the server, unless you are wanting to do a completely distributed system, which is beyond what I am considering at the moment.) They are not necessarily the best of ideas, just what came to mind as I read your posting. Read more... (3 kB)	[reply]
Re: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by trwww (Priest) on Mar 23, 2011 at 04:53 UTC
Personally I would install a jabber server and install IM clients on the client computers. http://www.process-one.net/en/ejabberd/downloads	[reply]
Re^2: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by Anonymous Monk on Mar 23, 2011 at 17:00 UTC
but the idea is to do it myself :)	[reply]
Re: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by zentara (Cardinal) on Mar 23, 2011 at 13:49 UTC
First read the perl sections at basic perl socket tutorial Here are a few links that might get you started with ideas ztk-enchat encrypted server client and Simple threaded chat server These scripts don't address all your IP address finding and ordering issues, but it should show you all the tricks you need. I'm not really a human, but I play one on earth. Old Perl Programmer Haiku ................... flash japh	[reply]
Re: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by Anonymous Monk on Mar 23, 2011 at 00:52 UTC
for not knowing where to start, that plan is awfully specific ; hahaha, sounds like homework ... Broadcast address	[reply]
Re^2: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by The Elite Noob (Sexton) on Mar 23, 2011 at 01:10 UTC
Actually, I don't have Comp Sci at school. This is a personal project. Making this for me, my friends and my home network. Mostly to learn socket programming and protocols.	[reply]
Re^3: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by Anonymous Monk on Mar 23, 2011 at 01:34 UTC
So where are you stuck? You have all the keywords required to get this to work in a hurry, so the only thing I can think of, you have no idea what those keywords mean, but seeing how this isn't for class, how'd you manage to to get the keywords and string them together so they make sense? socket programming tutorial Introduction to Data Communications Beej's Guide to Network Programming Socket Programming Sockets programming in Java: A tutorial Advanced Socket Programming related How a Broadcast Address Works : Learn-Networking.com	[reply]
Re^4: Creating a messenger system using sockets and tcp protocol. by The Elite Noob (Sexton) on Mar 23, 2011 at 01:41 UTC