Simple IM Script

How do you even start this thing?

[ramoneguru]

I'm writing a simple IM client that allows a person to connect to a page, type in whatever in a textarea, hit submit, and everyone who is looking at that page can see what that user wrote right away (so, like an auto refresh thing I guess...).

Where the heck do I even start this thing? I just need some direction becasue I haven't the foggiest...

--Nick

[StupidScript]

Sounds like you're talking about a WIKI [wiki.org].

[ramoneguru]

Not quite what I was thinking. More along the lines of an IM client ...
--Nick

[dmmh]

PHP alobe, correct me if I am wrong, can not do this, you would most likely need Java

or if you mean a bulletin board, it can be done, but expect to lose at least 3 months, if you still have a day job ;)

[LeChuck]

Should be pretty simple with a meta refresh, a fixed length textfile (if you don't know how to work with mysql), a text field or two and a form submit button.

Unless you had registered users, private messaging and such in mind?

[ramoneguru]

Cool, thanks everyone.
--Nick

[MattyMoose]

I did some digging for this a while ago. Most of the solutions were a mix of JAvascript with PHP/MySQL.

It was mostly for one-on-one support chat, but something like This [google.ca] is what I searched for...

There are other solutions for IRC-style chatting software as Java applets as well. :P

[edited by: jatar_k at 1:32 am (utc) on Jan. 12, 2006]
[edit reason] fixed blown up link [/edit]

[StupidScript]

Nick, I'm trying to figure out how an IM client would use a webpage as you describe ...? My understanding is that IM relies on a central server to accept messages from thin client apps and route them to a registered recipient. If the client is currently online, the server pings an alert over to the client with various results.

It sounds like you're looking to create a chat or Wiki or some kind of forum-type thing.

Accepting that I am mistaken, but proceeding nonetheless, here are a few links from SourceForge you may find useful:

Open Source Napster Server [sourceforge.net]: The server acts as a broker and search engine for client transfers. It also features group and private chat, similar to IRC.

Voodoo Chat [sourceforge.net]: Fast, convenient, easily customized php-chat with Push-messaging (continuous updating). It can handle hundreds of simultaneous users and gives a lot of features like private messages, ignoring, user-profiles with photos, themes, etc. Uses PHP, MySQL and Javascript.

PHP Open Chat [sourceforge.net]: Web-based chat engine written in PHP. It provides mail, moderating, watch server, privat channels, ignore list, text filters, inline user images and a easy to handle admin tool.

Something like one of those, maybe?