Hey! I'm planning to make a chatsite. It's going to be a graphical chatsite, so there's a lot having to go in it. It's going to be a first experience with MySQL, PHP and the lot. It may seem a bit advanced, but I've always been one to tackle something advanced for a beginner.

The chatsite will be a lot like http://www.furryocity.com, only with less features in the actual chatting (they have a lot of features.)

I'm just wondering what I should look up to work on first. Javascripts, PHP, MySQL or what? I think I'll only be needing MySQL, PHP and Javascripting to get this functioning basically.

Any advice for a newb scripter is appreciated, thanks!

JXI

I think for to build a good chat client, you'd need something like Java - scripting languages are very inefficient as chat engines, as their mode of operation is different. Everytime you type a line of text, the scripts connect to the server and pass it on - there's a noticeable timelag. Java would do much better under these circumstances coz it can maintain a persistent connection to the server and messages would flow in and out absolutely smoothly - without any delays. If you want a base to start off with, download PJIRC (google for it) - it's an opensource IRC CLient built with Java. You can download the source files and take a look into the innards of the engine. That should give you enough base to fire off with your own project....

And in case you're serious about it - and want to release it as opensource, you can always request project hosting at our new opensource hosting site AntiLost (www.antilost.com).. You might just find a lot of people diving in to share your work - after all that's how opensource works

Thanks loads! I'll go check those out!

I can't remember everything that went into the scripting at the chats I used to make (with the help of the now-dead www.a1000words.net.) I know definate PHP action, and standard MySQL, because it's going to be graphical, I'd imagine I'd need loads of space.


JXI

If you look in your Astahost cPanel, you get the option to install a PHP Chatroom.
You could install it on your account, and "take it apart" firguring out how it works. Then you can make your own chat room based on something similar to that, before adding your own graphical parts and everything else you want.

Nope.. you wouldn't need load of space if you use the Java chat client.. Unlike php or cgi chat - this one happens in realtime as I pointed out.. You wouldn't be seeing a message in your browser saying .. connecting to so and so server... after every single line you type.. chatting happens absolutely smoothly on this, just like any other IM...

If you want to see a demo, try this: http://www.pjirc.com/demo.php

The actual download is ONLY 526KB.. so the client would hardly eat up any space on your drive..

Don't most of those not work through firewalls though? The PHP/CGI based works through firewalls etc, but all the Java ones I've tried can't connect properly.

I'm trying to figure what I'll need so that when people are registering they'll get the colour-avatar that they chose. I'm just going to try to get the basics programming down first then look for people to help with graphics. Thanks for the help!

I need to get space here before I can do what you suggested, though Saxsux. Thanks for the demo, microscopic^earthling.

JXI