@n!e

I'm trying to develop a chat system which will be implemented into computers with cross platform (windows & linux). It's mainly like other existing chat sys( such as icq & msn messenger), which is able to share/message/chat information.

If i want to do such cross-platform chat system (compatible with windows and linux), what language that u guys recommend? i'm thinking of using java. and what things i need to know b4 doing this kind of system?:blink:

Kevin Ar18

If you've never programmed before then don't expect this task to be quick or easy.

Java would be a language for doing what you describe. Other than learning the java language in general, you would also have to learn aspects related to making a user interface and networking in Java.

Zedric

Java sound like a good idea. When you make the GUI, make sure you use Swing instead of AWT. Swing is much newer and much more bug free.

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Zedric

In reply to your PM:
What you should look at is Sockets in Java (and Streams for this). You need to use sockets to send and receive data. You will also need to develop a communcation protocol to be used.
There will need to be a server to keep track of users and authentication.
Since it's Java, not much consideration should have to be taken to the platform.

Stuff you need to know about (at least):
- Basic networking, how it works
- Socket communication
- Server-client systems
- Multi-user system
- Databases (for the server)

Remember that the server doesn't have to be platform independant, or even written in Java. You could also make platform specific clients while still having a platform independant chat system (like ICQ).

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