Simple Python Chat App with GUI

This is a simple, temporary chat app built using Python and Tkinter. It supports sending messages in real time between two users. Additionally, the app allows users to set a background image and change it dynamically.

Features

Real-time Chat: Communicate with another user in real time.
Customizable Background: Users can set and change the background image.
Standalone Executable: Package the app into an executable so others can run it without needing Python.

Requirements

Python 3.x installed on your machine.
PyInstaller (for creating standalone executables).

Folder Structure

chat_app/
│
├── server.py              # The server code (handles connections)
├── client.py              # The client code (with GUI)
├── assets/                # Folder to store background images
│   └── background.jpg     # Default background image
└── README.md              # This file with instructions

How to Run the Project

Step 1: Install Python and PyInstaller

Install Python:
- Download and install Python 3 from python.org.
Install PyInstaller:
- Open a terminal or command prompt and install PyInstaller using pip:
```
pip install pyinstaller
```

Step 2: Run the Server

Navigate to the project folder:
- Open a terminal (or command prompt) and go to the folder where the server.py script is located:
```
cd /path/to/chat_app
```
Run the server script:
- Start the server using Python:
```
python server.py
```
The server will start and listen for connections at 127.0.0.1:5000.

Step 3: Run the Client (For You and Your Girlfriend)

Navigate to the project folder:
- Open a new terminal and go to the folder where client.py is located:
```
cd /path/to/chat_app
```
Run the client script:
- Start the client using Python:
```
python client.py
```
The client GUI will open, allowing you to chat in real-time. You and your girlfriend can both run this on separate machines if you're connected to the same network.

Step 4: Make the App Easy to Use (Optional)

If you don’t want others to install Python, you can package the app into standalone executables using PyInstaller.

Package the Client as an Executable:

Navigate to the folder containing client.py:
```
cd /path/to/chat_app
```
Run PyInstaller to package the client as an executable:
```
pyinstaller --onefile --windowed client.py
```
- --onefile: Bundles everything into a single executable.
- --windowed: Ensures the terminal window does not pop up when running the GUI (only applies to GUI apps).
The executable will be placed in the dist/ folder as client.exe (on Windows) or client (on Mac/Linux).
Send the Executable: Send the client.exe or client file to your girlfriend (or any other user). They can just double-click the file to start the chat app without installing Python.

Optional: Package the Server as an Executable:

You can also package the server script as an executable if you'd like to make it easier for you to run it.

Package the server:
```
pyinstaller --onefile server.py
```
The server executable will be located in the dist/ folder as server.exe (on Windows) or server (on Mac/Linux).

Customizing the Background

Place your background image in the assets/ folder.
Run the client, and you will see the default background.
To change the background, click the "Change Background" button in the app, and select a new image from your file system.

Contributing

Feel free to fork this project and make contributions! If you find any bugs or want to add more features, open a pull request.

License

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

DulangaDasanayake/special-potato