🌟 FreeCHAT - Simple Chat Without a Database

Welcome to FreeCHAT! Enjoy an easy-to-use chat application that requires no database setup. Just install it on your web server and start chatting.

🚀 Getting Started

To begin using FreeCHAT, follow these steps to download and install the application. You’ll need a web server like Apache, Nginx, or Lighttpd, and PHP installed on your server.

🗂️ System Requirements

• A web server: Apache2, Nginx, or Lighttpd.
• PHP version 7.2 or higher.
• Basic file management skills to upload the application files to your server.

📥 Download FreeCHAT

Visit the Releases page to download FreeCHAT.

💾 How to Download & Install

1. Visit the Releases Page: Click the link below to go to the FreeCHAT releases page.

   Visit Releases Page

2. Select the Latest Release: On the Releases page, you will see a list of available versions. Typically, the latest version will be at the top.

3. Download the Files:

   • Find the version you want.
   • Click on the download link to get the zip file containing the application files.

4. Extract the Files: Once the download completes, locate the zip file in your downloads folder. Right-click on the file and choose “Extract All…” from the context menu. Follow the prompts to unzip the contents into a folder.

5. Upload to Your Web Server:

   • Using an FTP client (like FileZilla), connect to your web server.
   • Navigate to the root directory for your web files, usually called public_html or www.
   • Upload the extracted files into this directory.

6. Set Permissions: After uploading, you may need to set permissions on some files. Ensure that your server can read the files. Set the permissions to 755 or 775 as needed based on your hosting environment.

7. Configure Your Server: If you're using Apache, ensure that .htaccess files are enabled to take advantage of the URL rewriting that FreeCHAT employs. If you're using Nginx or Lighttpd, configure them as needed.

8. Access FreeCHAT: Open your web browser and type the URL of your server. You should be able to access FreeCHAT. Start chatting with friends instantly!

🎉 Features

• Flat File System: No need for a database. Everything is stored in simple files.
• Real-time Chat: Instant messaging for smooth communication.
• Private and Public Chats: Chat with friends or in public rooms.
• Responsive Design: Usable across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
• Lightweight: Minimal resource usage, ideal for budget web hosting.

🔧 Troubleshooting

If you run into any challenges while installing or using FreeCHAT, here are a few common issues and tips:

• Cannot Access Chat: Ensure your web server is running correctly. Check if the server's service is active.
• PHP Errors: Make sure PHP is installed and the version is 7.2 or higher. You can find your PHP version by creating a file called info.php with the content <?php phpinfo(); ?> and accessing it in your browser.
• Permission Issues: Be sure to set correct permissions on the files and directories. Refer to your web host’s guidelines if unsure.

🌐 Community Support

For questions and help, visit our GitHub issues page. You can report bugs or ask questions there.

Thank you for choosing FreeCHAT! Enjoy seamless communication without the complexity of databases.

Download FreeCHAT and get started today!