Exploring server-client networking concepts using modern C++23 features.

Implementing a synchronous single-threaded server and client application.

Utilizing C++ std::filesystem for file operations and standalone ASIO library for TCP/IP communication, and pattern matching with mpark/patterns.

This project is a TCP-based file transfer server which allows users to browse directories, upload, download, and manage files over a TCP connection.

Features

• Browse the current directory and list its contents
• Change directories, including handling environment variables for paths
• Download and upload files
• Send entire directories with file transfer support

Functionality

• curr_path() - Sends the current directory path to the connected client.
• directory_listing() - Lists the files and directories in the current directory and sends the information to the client.
• change_directory() - Changes the server's working directory based on the command from the client, supporting environment variables in the path.
• send_file() - Sends a requested file to the client, ensuring the file exists before transferring.
• receive_file() - Receives a file from the client and saves it to the server, with support for file replacement.
• send_directory() - Sends an entire directory recursively to the client, including file contents and directory structure.

Command Handling

The server listens for and processes commands sent by the client:

• cd <path> - Change the server's current directory to the specified path.
• ls - List the files and directories in the current directory.
• pwd - Show the server's current directory path.
• download <file> - Request the server to send a file.
• upload <file> - Send a file to the server.
• get <directory> - Download an entire directory from the server.

Technologies Used

• Asio - C++ library for networking and asynchronous programming
• C++23 - Utilizes modern C++23 features
• Filesystem - C++ standard library for file and directory manipulation
• mpark/patterns - Pattern matching library for cleaner command handling

Compilation

To compile the server, you can use the following command:

clang++ -Wall -Wextra -Wpedantic -Wconversion -fsanitize=address server.cpp -o server -std=c++23 -lws2_32

Usage

Once the server is running, it listens on port 12345 for incoming TCP connections. Clients can send commands to interact with the server, browse directories, and transfer files.