#Instant Messaging Desktop Application
###Idea author: Hayden Quinn
###Required Technologies C/C++, SQL, Java/C#
###Project Description One proposition which will allow people from different disciplines to contribute to a project is to make an Instant Messaging application. The general idea is to allow users to connect to a server, have some authentification as to who they are, be able to message an individual who they have as "friends" or a group, and be able to send small files to other users.
The server side of this project would be coded in either C or C++ using a Network Library (e.g. Boost::ASIO) or doing it in Raw Sockets (BSD, WinSock). The server side of the application should handle users connecting to the server, process requests from users (i.e. sending a message to another user), logging user requests (i.e. storing messages from users so they can continue to chat where they left off at a later date), etc. More on server side can be brainstormed if this project gets off.
The client side of this project would be coded in either Java or C# (or any other language that you like (Java seems like a good option due to it being easier to port)). The client should be able to securely connect to the program, be able to add/delete users to their "friend's list", chat to people/groups securely, send files to peers, etc.
This is a vague description, and it is somewhat simple to build a basic IM application with Socket Programming, but to make a robust and highly distributable one could prove to be a good challenge.
###Comments section
I think it would be great if we aimed it as an IM for science/math/IT people, by this I mean it would awesome to be able to IM a latex mathematic formula and it display in the 'converted' format. Along the same lines would be inline syntax highlighting, or for a real challenge, shared REPLs. OAuth integration to Github would be a nice bonus, that way for group conversations you could log it to the organisation's repo for later reference (e.g. what was the great idea you were saying last week? etc). You asked for robust :) -- Adrian
Those are some great ideas Adrian, we can definitely expand it to include your ideas. --Hayden
I'd be keen to write some P2P Encryption for it (secure chat) -- Adam
Looks like we have the making of a project. Just need a few more people to make it a true collaborative experience. --Hayden
I really like this idea, can get a minimal viable project going and people can easily jump in an add to it. (very app friendly concept for the mobile devs that qut produces). -- Adam
Since this is literally the first Open Source project that this group has, how do you want to proceed (i.e. want me to just make a repository and we just brainstorm ideas there or on facebook)? --Hayden
I think brainstorming on either is fine. As long as the 'formalised' idea ends up in the reponotes I guess? -- Adam
I had a brainstorming session with a friend of mine in high school about a messenger client that used Facebook's backend to host all communications, but controlling encryption client-to-client so everything is secure from prying eyes. The benefit of such an approach would be much greater reliability and a zero-signup start. I have a whole bunch of dot points for this idea if it interests anyone. -- Andrew C