LAN Chat

A simple, lightweight chat application for sharing messages between devices on the same Local Area Network (LAN).

Features

• 💬 Real-time messaging across LAN devices
• 📋 One-click copy to clipboard
• 🎨 Modern, responsive UI
• 💾 Persistent message storage
• 🔄 Auto-sync between devices
• ⌨️ Keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Enter to send)

Quick Start

1. Install dependencies:

   npm install

2. Start the server:

   npm start

3. Access the chat:

   • Local: http://localhost:3000
   • LAN: Use the IP address shown in the terminal (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:3000)

4. Share with other devices:

   • Copy the LAN URL from the terminal
   • Open it on any device connected to the same network
   • Start chatting!

How to Use

1. Type your message in the text area
2. Click "Send" or press Ctrl+Enter
3. Messages appear instantly on all connected devices
4. Click "Copy" button on any message to copy it to clipboard
5. Messages are automatically saved and persist between sessions

Network Setup

The server automatically detects your network interfaces and displays available URLs. Share the LAN URL (usually starts with 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x) with other devices on your network.

Stopping the Server

Press Ctrl+C in the terminal to stop the server. All messages are automatically saved.

Technical Details

• Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+)
• Backend: Node.js with Express
• Storage: JSON file (messages.json)
• Port: 3000 (configurable in server.js)

Troubleshooting

• Can't access from other devices: Check your firewall settings
• Messages not syncing: Ensure all devices are on the same network
• Server won't start: Make sure port 3000 is available

Enjoy your simple LAN chat! 🚀