The Zap! Direct Messenger Manual Version 1 alpha

The Zap! Direct Messenger  (ZDM) demonstrates direct instant messaging between hosts.
It is comprised of the IFT server and client software to enable reception and transmision of data.
The areas of demonstration are the following:

Exchanging Messages

Exchanging Binary Files

Playing "Direct Play" Games!

Please Note: The ZDM will only work onnetworks where you have a static IP or an indefinitely leased IP or domain name. If you are on a network that is known to scramble domain names and IP addresses frequently, such as AOL, the ZDM may not work.

Exchanging Messages (see illustration)
Exchanging message requires two participants or running two ZDMs (if testing on same machine, use different host listen ports) .

First type your ID in the ID box.

The ID can be your first name.
The ZDM default Request Method is POST.
Messages are exchanged throught POSTing.

Place the address in the URL entry box.

Be sure you know the IP or Domain name address of  the participant at the other end.
This is the direct in Zap!Direct Messnger, it does not require a Host server
and so is independent of third party networks.

Click the "Start" in the right hand corner

Messages are received through the server component and this action enables this component

The default Host Listen Port is 90

It can be changed so long as the the other particpant knows the port. (If you wanted to test the ZDM on one machine just change the port number to anything else. so that the URL of the "ABC" ZDM  is http://127.0.0.1:91 amd the URL of the "XYZ" ZDM is http://127.0.0.1:90)

The Receive File check box default is off to enable sending messages.

Type your message in the"Message To Send" box

Press the "Send Message" button.

Your message will display in the Message Log,  above the Message To Send box.
The reply will also display in the Message Log after your message. The reply should have the
other particpants ID prefixed to the message or just a colon (":").

Exchanging Binary Files(see illustration)
To exchange binary files change the Receive File checkbox to on.

• Make sure you know the URL of the file to retrieve. Place it in the URL entry box.

The resource could be in the ZDM directory of the other particpant
or on a web (HTTP) server.

• Make sure the Request Method is set to GET
• Press the Send button

Playing "Direct Play" games (see illustration)
Playing game requires two participants or running two ZDMs (if testing on same machine, use different host listen ports) .

Press the Game button

This game has the same rules as Tic-Tac-Toe but is called ZapTacToe in ZDM "Direct Play" context. The objective of the game is to be the first to get three of your pieces in a row, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Your opponent works to do the same or simply to prevent you from acomplishing the objective

Choose A Side

Use the  "X" or the "O"piece.
Agree with your opponent as to who starts first.

Click a button to place your piece.

It will appear on the face of the button and the corresponding button of your opponent.

Getting your domain name or IP Address
If you do not know your Domain Name or IP Address, press the Send button, and look at the second and third lines of  the  Status Log window and you will see the local host and domain name and the local IP Address. Pick one and sent it to the particpant on the other end for their use. Please Note: The ZDM will only on work networks where you have a static IP or an indefinitely leased IP or domain name. If you are on a network that is known to scramble domain names and IP addresses frequently, such as AOL, the ZDM may not work.

What else can I do with the ZDM?
As a Clarion developer, it may be very obvious that you use the ZDM to have to systems talking to each other without human input as demonstrated. You can also modify the ZDM to

• Talk to more than one person or resource
• Store a "buddy list"
• Talk to one member privately while in a group
• Have all conversation coordinated and manage by a separate HTTP server before passing the message to its destination
• Perform remote technical support
• Remote updates

There is certainly much more that can be done. To make further, feature modifications or additions to the ZDM, you are required to have purchased the IFT HTTP Server Edition and Client Edition templates. Once you have purchased both templates, email me at support@logicentral.com, and I will tell you how to get the ZDM as an app file
(either by email or at an internet site). Meanwhile, download the ZDM, and enjoy!