A terminal-based real-time chat application built using Python's socket, threading, and Textual. Think of it as your own IRC-style chat system (Not exactly an IRC client), running locally.

Video on how to use:

empChat.mp4

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Features

• Live chat between multiple clients
• User-specific color-coded messages
• Real-time join/leave detection
• TUI interface with Rich + Textual
• Command support: /help, /users, /nick, /close

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Requirements

Python version:

Python 3.10 or higher

Dependencies:

Install using pip:

pip install textual rich

Running the App

1. Start the server:

python server.py

2. In another terminal, start the client:

python client.py

Open more client terminals to simulate multiple users.

Commands

Command	Description	Example
/help	Show all available commands	/help
/users	Show number of connected users	/users
/nick <newname>	Change your username	/nick coolguy123
/close	Disconnect from the server gracefully	/close

Future Plans

• Persistent chat history

• Private messaging

• Channel/room support

License

MIT License. Feel free to use, modify, and share.