Curse of Networks: Socket Programming (TCP Client-Server MVP)

🎯 Project Goal

This project is the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for a university computer science club initiative focused on understanding network communication fundamentals. It implements a basic, single-threaded TCP Client-Server model using Python's built-in socket module.

The primary objective is to demonstrate the TCP Three-Way Handshake and reliable data transfer (send/receive) between two separate processes running on the local machine (localhost).

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🛠️ Technology Stack

• Language: Python 3.x
• Networking: TCP/IP Sockets (via Python's socket module)
• Design: Client-Server Model (Point-to-Point)

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📂 File Structure

Networking Scripts Overview

client.py

Implements the client role:

• Connects to the server
• Sends data
• Receives an acknowledgment (ACK)
• Closes the connection

server.py

Implements the server role:

• Binds to a host and port
• Listens for incoming connections
• Accepts a client connection
• Receives data from the client
• Sends a response
• Closes the connection

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🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

1. Python 3.x: Ensure Python 3 is installed and accessible via your terminal.

   python3 --version

Execution Steps

The server must be started before the client can attempt a connection. This project is configured for a single, sequential communication session.

1. Start the Server (Terminal 1): Open one terminal window and execute the server script. The server will enter a blocking state, waiting at the s.accept() call.

   python3 server.py

   Expected Status: Server outputs "Server initializing..." and pauses.

2. Run the Client (Terminal 2): Open a second, separate terminal window and execute the client script.

   python3 client.py

   Expected Status: Client connects, sends data, receives acknowledgement, and both client and server processes terminate.

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💡 Key Design Notes (MVP)

• Protocol: Uses TCP (stream sockets) for guaranteed delivery.
• Host/Port: Configured for 127.0.0.1:8888 (localhost).
• Lifecycle: The server.py script is designed to handle one single client connection and then shut down immediately, satisfying the initial MVP requirement.
• Data Handling: All data is handled as bytes and uses encode('utf-8') and decode('utf-8') for string readability.