Discover the power of smallchat client & raw line input

Discover the power of smallchat client & raw line input

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Shortcomings of the Chat Client on the Server
3. Writing the Client Code
4. Implementing TCP Connection in the Client
5. Handling Non-blocking Connection in the Client
6. Setting Up a Read File Descriptor Set in the Client
7. Handling Input from the Server and Keyboard in the Client
8. Testing the Chat Client
9. Implementing Row Mode in the Terminal
10. Enabling Input Buffer and Minimal Line Editing in the Client
11. Testing the Modified Chat Client
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this new episode of Writing System Software UI! In this episode, we will discuss the shortcomings of the chat client on the server and find ways to fix them. We'll also write the client code step by step, enabling row mode in the terminal and implementing input buffering and minimal line editing. By the end of this episode, You'll have a fully functional chat client that addresses the issues faced in the previous version.

Understanding the Shortcomings of the Chat Client on the Server

The chat client on the server has a major shortcoming – while typing a sentence, if another user sends a message, it interrupts the Current sentence being Typed. This is because the server is listening to both the socket and the user input simultaneously. The user's input is only considered complete when a new line is entered. To fix this, we need to develop a client that overcomes this limitation and performs the same functions as the existing chat client.

Writing the Client Code

To begin, we'll write the client code using the same principles as the server code. The client code will Create a TCP socket and use a chat library to handle the communication. The code is simple and straightforward, with only 47 lines of code and minimal comments. By encapsulating the library functions, we can make the code more readable and user-friendly.

Implementing TCP Connection in the Client

To establish a TCP connection, we'll use the TCP connect function. This function takes the address, port, and a flag to indicate whether the connection should be nonblocking. We'll use the get address info function to translate the address into the appropriate structure. Then, we'll create a socket of the appropriate Type and check for any errors. Finally, we'll return the socket and free the address info structure.

Handling Non-blocking Connection in the Client

For non-blocking connections, we'll use an additional function to set the socket in non-blocking mode. This function will ensure that the socket doesn't block and returns an error immediately if the connection is not established. This is done to prevent the program from waiting indefinitely for a connection.

Setting Up a Read File Descriptor Set in the Client

To listen to both the server and keyboard inputs simultaneously, we'll implement a read file descriptor set. This set will include the socket and the standard input file descriptor. We'll use the select function to monitor the file descriptors for any incoming data. If the socket is ready, we'll read from the socket and write to the standard output. If the standard input is ready, we'll read from the keyboard and write to the server.

Handling Input from the Server and Keyboard in the Client

In the main loop of our program, we'll handle the input from both the server and the keyboard. Instead of directly writing the data to the client, we'll use an input buffer to accumulate the data. This buffer will allow us to hide the user's input momentarily while displaying the incoming message from the server. Once the message is displayed, we'll restore the user's input and Continue typing.

Testing the Chat Client

After writing the client code, we'll test the chat client to ensure it sends and receives data correctly. We'll use netcut to simulate incoming messages and verify that the client handles them appropriately. By typing in both the client and netcut Sessions, we can confirm that the chat client is functioning as expected.

Implementing Row Mode in the Terminal

To address the issue of data interruptions while typing, we'll enable row mode in the terminal. This mode allows us to control the input and output processing, giving us more flexibility in handling user input and displaying messages. By modifying the terminal settings, we can disable input and output processing, enable row mode, and control the echo feature.

Enabling Input Buffer and Minimal Line Editing in the Client

To provide a better user experience, we'll implement an input buffer and minimal line editing in the client. This will allow the user to see what they are typing and make corrections if needed. We'll add functions to manipulate the buffer, hide and Show the input, and handle special characters like the backspace key.

Testing the Modified Chat Client

Once the input buffer and line editing are implemented, we'll test the modified chat client. We'll check if it handles user input and displays messages correctly. We'll also ensure that special characters, such as backslashes, are handled appropriately. By evaluating the performance and functionality of the modified client, we can ensure that it meets our expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have successfully addressed the shortcomings of the chat client on the server. By writing a new client code, enabling row mode in the terminal, and implementing input buffering and minimal line editing, we have created a more user-friendly and efficient chat client. The final version of the client allows for uninterrupted typing and provides a seamless user experience. With further testing and optimization, this chat client can be deployed for practical use.

Highlights

• The chat client on the server has a major shortcoming – incoming messages interrupt the user's typing.
• We'll write a new client code to overcome this limitation and improve the user experience.
• Enabling row mode in the terminal and implementing input buffering and minimal line editing are key steps in achieving this.
• The modified chat client ensures uninterrupted typing and provides a seamless user experience.
• With further testing and optimization, this chat client can be deployed for practical use.

FAQ

Q: What was the main shortcoming of the chat client on the server? A: The chat client on the server had a major shortcoming where incoming messages interrupted the user's typing.

Q: How was this shortcoming addressed in the modified chat client? A: The modified chat client implemented input buffering, minimal line editing, and enabled row mode in the terminal to ensure uninterrupted typing and a seamless user experience.

Q: Can the modified chat client handle special characters like backslashes? A: Yes, the modified chat client has been designed to handle special characters like backslashes and provide accurate display and input processing.

Q: How many lines of code does the modified chat client have? A: The modified chat client is concise and consists of only 47 lines of code, making it easy to understand and maintain.