Internet Project 2 - OX Chess Network Program

This is a Client-Server based OX chess game application that supports multiplayer connections and allows players to compete against each other in real-time.

📌 Features

1. Multiplayer Connection:

   • Supports at least 2 Clients connected to the Server simultaneously.
   • Clients can list all online users.

2. Challenge Mechanism:

   • Players can select an opponent and send an invitation for a match.
   • The game starts once the opponent accepts the invitation.

3. Game Rules:

   • Players take turns to make moves until a winner is decided or the game ends in a draw.
   • If a player quits, the game ends automatically.

4. Logout Functionality:

   • Players can choose to log out from the Server.

🌟 Additional Features

1. Invitation Check:

   • If the invited player is already engaged in a match with another player, the inviter will be notified that the player is currently in a game and will be prompted to select another opponent.

2. Enhanced Online User List:

   • The list of online users includes an indicator for players who are currently engaged in a game (e.g., "in-game"), allowing others to avoid inviting them.

3. Game Exit Handling:

   • Players engaged in a match can quit the game. When a player leaves, the opponent will receive a notification that their opponent has left, and the match will end.

4. Command Menu:

   • A menu command is available, providing a list of all available commands and their descriptions.

🚀 How to Run

Server

1. Compile the server program: gcc server.c -lpthread -o server
2. Run the server: ./server

Client

1. Compile the client program: gcc client.c -lpthread -o client
2. Run the client: ./client

📋 Commands Available in the Game

• menu: Displays the list of available commands.
• list: Shows a list of all online players. Players who are currently in a game are marked as "in-game".
• match [username]: Sends an invitation to the specified player for a match.
• Y or y: Accepts a match invitation.
• N or n: Rejects a match invitation.
• quit: Exits the game and disconnects from the server.

🎮 Gameplay Instructions

1. Start the Game:

   • Players can view the list of online users using the list command.
   • Send an invitation to a specific player using match [username].

2. Match Invitation:

   • The invited player can accept (Y) or reject (N) the invitation.

3. Game Rules:

   • Once the game starts, players take turns placing their marker (O or X) on the board by entering a number between 1 and 9.
   • The game ends when a player wins, the board is full (draw), or a player quits.

4. Exit the Game:

   • Players can leave the match by entering -1 during their turn, which will notify the opponent and end the game.

🛠️ Makefile

To simplify compilation, a Makefile is included:

• make all: Compiles both the server and client programs.
• make clean: Removes compiled binaries.

⚠️ Notes

• The program is designed for educational purposes and demonstrates the basics of socket programming, multithreading, and real-time communication in a networked environment.
• Ensure that the server is running before starting any client connections.