Online Library Management System (OLMS)

This project is an Online Library Management System (OLMS) implemented in C using socket programming. It consists of a server-side application and a client-side application that communicate over a network.

Features

Server-Side

• File Locking: Prevents race conditions during book borrowing or returning.
• Concurrency: Handles multiple clients simultaneously.
• Password Authentication: Ensures secure access.
• User Management: Supports adding, deleting, and modifying users.
• Library Functions: Allows adding, searching, deleting, and updating books, as well as viewing all books and members.

Client-Side

• Connect to Server: Allows users to connect to the OLMS server.
• Borrow and Return Books: Facilitates borrowing and returning books.
• View Books and Members: Enables viewing all books and members.

How to Run

Prerequisites

• Ensure you have a Linux environment.
• Install the necessary development tools (e.g., gcc, make).

Steps

1. Compile the Applications: Open your terminal in the project directory and run: make all

2. Run the Server: Start the server by executing: ./server

3. Run the Client: In a separate terminal window, start the client by executing: ./client

4. To reset Open your terminal in the project directory and run: make clean

Server Functionality

The server listens for incoming client connections. Clients can perform the following actions:

• Borrow Books: Borrow books from the library.
• Return Books: Return borrowed books.
• View All Books: See a list of all available books.
• View All Members: See a list of all library members.

Client Functionality

The client connects to the server and allows users to:

• Login/Register: Authenticate with the server.
• Borrow Books: Borrow books from the library.
• Return Books: Return borrowed books.
• View All Books: See a list of all available books.
• View All Members: See a list of all library members.

Notes

• File Locking: The server uses file locking to ensure data consistency when multiple clients access the same book.
• Socket Programming: Both server and client use socket programming for network communication.
• Concurrency: The server handles multiple clients concurrently, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Code Structure

Server (server.c)

Handles incoming connections, authenticates users, and manages book borrowing and returning operations. It ensures data integrity using file locking and supports concurrent client handling.

Client (client.c)

Connects to the server, sends requests for borrowing and returning books, and displays the results received from the server. It also allows users to view all books and members.