ChatServer

A real-time chat application built with ASP.NET Core SignalR and WPF, featuring a modern client-server architecture for instant messaging.

Overview

This project consists of two main components:

• ChatServer: ASP.NET Core 8.0 web application with SignalR hub
• ChatClient: WPF desktop application (.NET Framework 4.8) with a modern UI

Features

Server Features

• Real-time bidirectional communication using SignalR
• User registration and connection management
• Thread-safe user tracking with ConcurrentDictionary
• CORS enabled for cross-origin connections
• Automatic reconnection support

Client Features

• Modern, styled WPF interface with custom controls
• Real-time message delivery with timestamps
• User list showing all connected participants
• Typing indicators (shows when other users are typing)
• Audio notification on new messages
• Username validation (prevents duplicate names)
• Auto-scroll chat display
• Enter key support for quick actions

Technology Stack

Server:

• .NET 8.0
• ASP.NET Core
• SignalR
• Swagger/OpenAPI

Client:

• .NET Framework 4.8
• WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation)
• SignalR Client
• Custom styled controls with rounded corners

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Visual Studio 2022 or later
• .NET 8.0 SDK
• .NET Framework 4.8 Developer Pack

Running the Application

1. Start the Server:

   cd ChatServer
   dotnet run
   The server will start at https://localhost:7045
   

2. Start the Client:

• Open the solution in Visual Studio
• Set ChatClient as startup project
• Press F5 to run
• Or build and run the executable from ChatClient/bin/Debug

3. Using the Chat:

• Enter a unique username in the name field
• Click "Connect" or press Enter
• Type messages in the message field
• Click "Send" or press Enter to send messages
• Watch the user list to see who's online
• See typing indicators when others are typing

Project Structure

ChatServer/
├── ChatServer/           # ASP.NET Core server application
│   ├──        # SignalR hub implementation
│   ├──        # Server configuration and startup
│   └── appsettings.json # Server configuration
│
└── ChatClient/          # WPF desktop client
    ├──   # UI layout with custom styling
    ├──  # Client logic and SignalR connection
    └── Sounds/          # Notification sound files

License

This is a demonstration project for learning SignalR and real-time communication.