Webchat

A web chat is a chat system, which takes place solely as a Web application on the browser of the participants. A special chat software ( "client" ) does not require the participants. Thus, a webchat especially for non-technical users is easily accessible.

Molding

One can basically distinguish between four types of web chats.

• Text chats form the original shape of the web chats, but allow communication via text.
• 2D chat, or avatar chat in addition to instant communication allows a virtual landscape, usually a photo or drawing and make chatter with avatars dar. This form of webchat takes place at anime fans very many followers, because you here its with the figures can represent favorite series.
• 3D Chat principle provides the same functions as a 2D chat, only in three dimensions. Although inspired by reality, the operation of 3D chats is difficult because a lot more movement options are available in the room.
• Real -world chats are chats, where you can also chat with your own voice or webcam. Due to the high volume of data just webcam chats are possible only with few users in a room.

History and Technology

The history of the webchat is influenced by trends in the underlying web technologies. The first webchat used simple interfaces from dynamically generated HTML pages (CGI). The use of HTML pages allowed the use of fonts, colors, links and images, which meant an advantage over the older text - based chat services such as IRC, among others. The biggest disadvantage with HTML web chats was their lack of interactivity. Sending message to the chat server required a complete reload of the page. Receiving new messages also meant that websites had to be reloaded periodically. This could lead to delays to page flicker and constant, disruptive browsing activity. For these reasons, pure HTML web chats are largely decreased.

Since 1995, Java applet technology in web browsers. Java provides network and Grafikfähigkeiten.Dies makes it a popular platform for creating web interfaces. While there are some disadvantages with Java chats, as long loading times when starting, but the technology has proven itself and is still in use today.

Since 2005, new web technologies such as Ajax and Flash have found collection. A disadvantage is the incomplete network capability in the programming languages ​​in use JavaScript and ActionScript, but these technologies provide good support for graphics and interactivity and are therefore often used as a basis for modern web chats.

Server Software

Known Software for running your own web chat server:

• Conference Room (Flash, Java)
• Parshat (Java)
• Pichat (C , Ajax)
• Psyced (LPC, Ajax)

Software, offering a Web front-end ( for example, requires an IRC server ):

• CGI: IRC (Perl, Ajax)
• Metahill (Javascript, Python )
• Mibbit (Java, Ajax)
• PJIRC (Java)
• Qwebirc (Python, Ajax)