File Transfer Client-Server Application

Prerequisites

Before running the application, ensure you have Python 3.x installed on your system. You will also need to install the following Python packages:

Required Packages

• socket: Built-in Python module for networking.
• threading: Built-in Python module for threading.
• struct: Built-in Python module for handling binary data.
• os: Built-in Python module for interacting with the operating system.
• tkinter: Python's standard GUI package.

Installation

To install the required packages, run the following commands:

pip install tkinter

(Note: The socket, threading, struct, and os modules are part of the Python standard library and do not require separate installation.)

Overview

This project is a client-server application written in Python that allows clients to send files to each other via a central server. The server manages client connections, handles file transfers, and broadcasts online users to all connected clients.

Features

Server

• Accepts multiple client connections via TCP.
• Manages a list of online users.
• Facilitates file transfers between clients.
• Broadcasts messages to all clients.
• Handles errors during file transfer and client disconnections.

Client

• Connects to the server via TCP.
• Allows users to select a username and join the server.
• Displays a list of online users.
• Enables file selection and transfer to specific users.
• Updates UI with progress and status messages during file transfer.
• Handles file reception and saving to the local system.
• Allows disconnection from the server.

Requirements

• Python 3.x
• Tkinter (for GUI)
• A working internet connection for client-server communication

Usage

Server

1. Run the Server:

   • Start the server by running the server.py script.
   • The server will listen for client connections on port 5011.

   python server.py

2. Server Functionalities:

   • Broadcast Messages: The server sends a message to all connected clients.
   • Manage Online Users: The server keeps track of connected clients and their usernames, broadcasting the current list of online users.
   • Handle File Transfers: The server receives files from one client and forwards them to the intended recipient(s).

Client

1. Run the Client:

   • Start the client by running the FileTransfer.py script.

   python FileTransfer.py

2. Client Functionalities:

   • Connect to the Server: Enter a username and click "Connect" to join the server.
   • View Online Users: The client UI displays a list of users currently online.
   • Send Files: Select a user from the list and choose a file to send.
   • Receive Files: Files sent to the client are automatically saved to the local system.
   • Disconnect: Click "Disconnect" to leave the server.

GUI Overview

The client application features a simple graphical interface created with Tkinter:

• Username Entry: Field to input your desired username before connecting to the server.
• Connect Button: Connects to the server with the entered username.
• Status Label: Displays the current status, including errors and connection status.
• Online Users List: Shows the list of currently connected users.
• Send File Button: Opens a dialog to select a file to send to the selected user.
• Disconnect Button: Disconnects from the server and closes the client application.

Author

• Omri Yaakov

License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License.