I'll create a README for your Chat Room project. Let me first check the CMakeLists.txt to understand the build configuration better.

ChatRoom Project

A C++ chat room application built with Boost.Asio library, demonstrating CMake usage, multi-file linking, and Boost library integration.

Project Purpose

This project was created to learn and practice:

• CMake build system configuration
• Linking multiple C++ source files
• Boost library setup and linking
• Asynchronous network programming with Boost.Asio

Overview

The ChatRoom application implements a client-server architecture where multiple clients can connect to a central chat server and exchange messages in real-time. The server handles multiple concurrent connections using asynchronous I/O operations.

Technical Stack

• Language: C++17
• Networking Library: Boost.Asio 1.90.0
• Build System: CMake 3.16+
• Platform: Windows (with Winsock2 support)

Project Structure

ChatRoom/
├── CMakeLists.txt          # CMake build configuration
├── chatRoom.hpp            # Chat room server header
├── chatRoom.cpp            # Chat room server implementation
├── client.cpp              # Client application
├── message.hpp             # Message handling utilities
└── .gitignore              # Git ignore file

Prerequisites

1. C++ Compiler with C++17 support
2. Boost.Asio Library (version 1.90.0 or similar)
3. CMake (version 3.16 or higher)
4. Windows Platform (project configured for Windows networking)

Build Instructions

1. Install Boost.Asio:

   • Download and extract Boost (e.g., to C:/Users/hp/Downloads/boost_1_90_0/boost_1_90_0)
   • Update the BOOST_ROOT path in CMakeLists.txt if necessary

2. Build the project:

   mkdir build
   cd build
   cmake ..
   cmake --build .

3. Run the applications:

   # Start the server (in one terminal)
   ./server.exe <port>
   
   # Start clients (in separate terminals)
   ./client.exe <port>

Usage

1. Start the server by running server.exe with a port number:

   server.exe 8080
   

2. Connect clients by running client.exe with the same port:

   client.exe 8080
   

3. Type messages in the client terminal and press Enter to send

4. Messages will be broadcast to all connected clients

Key Components

Message System (message.hpp)

• Handles message serialization with fixed header (4 bytes) and variable body
• Maximum message size: 512 bytes
• Provides encoding/decoding utilities

Chat Room Server (chatRoom.hpp/cpp)

• Participant interface for chat participants
• Room class manages connected participants and message broadcasting
• Session class handles individual client connections
• Supports up to 100 concurrent participants

Client Application (client.cpp)

• Connects to the chat server
• Handles asynchronous message sending and receiving
• Simple command-line interface for user interaction

CMake Configuration Details

The CMakeLists.txt demonstrates:

• Setting C++17 standard
• Configuring Boost library paths
• Creating separate executables for server and client
• Linking Windows networking libraries (ws2_32, mswsock)
• Private include directory configuration

Network Architecture

• Asynchronous I/O: Uses Boost.Asio for non-blocking operations
• TCP Protocol: Reliable message delivery
• Message Format: Header-based message framing
• Concurrency: Multiple clients handled simultaneously

Learning Outcomes

This project successfully demonstrates:

• CMake project configuration for multi-file C++ projects
• External library (Boost) integration and linking
• Header-only library usage
• Platform-specific library linking (Windows networking)
• Asynchronous programming patterns
• Object-oriented design in network applications

Limitations

• Windows-specific networking configuration
• Basic message format without encryption
• No user authentication
• Simple command-line interface

Future Enhancements

• Cross-platform compatibility (Linux/macOS)
• User authentication system
• Message encryption
• File sharing capabilities
• Private messaging between clients