Distributed-System-for-IT-Product-Store-using-Java-RMI-and-Sockets

This project is a distributed system designed to support an online store for IT products. The system follows a client-server-server architecture, where the client interacts with two servers: the User Management Server and the Inventory Management Server. The application facilitates user authentication, product search, and product purchases.

Design Decisions and Assumptions

Technologies

• Java RMI: Used for Remote Method Invocation (RMI), enabling communication between applications running on different virtual machines.
• Swing API: Used for creating the graphical user interface (GUI) of the application, providing a user-friendly and interactive experience.

Architecture

• Client-Server-Server Model: The client interacts with two servers. The User Management Server handles user-related functions, while the Inventory Management Server handles product-related functions. This separated approach ensures clear responsibility allocation and improves the scalability and maintainability of the system.

User Authentication

• Simple Authentication Algorithms: User credentials are verified against a database on the User Management Server, ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access.

Data Storage

• Hash Maps: Used for storing user and product information, providing quick access and efficient data management.

Communication Protocol

User Authentication

• authenticate(username, password): The client sends authentication requests to the User Management Server, which responds with a boolean indicating the success or failure of the authentication.

Product Search

• searchProducts(criteria): The client sends product search requests with specific criteria to the User Management Server, which returns a list of products matching the criteria.

Product Purchase

• purchaseProduct(username, productCode, quantity): The client sends product purchase requests to the User Management Server, which responds with a boolean indicating the success or failure of the purchase.

Inventory Management

• The User Management Server communicates with the Inventory Management Server to manage products using methods such as:
  • getAvailableProducts()
  • purchaseProduct(productCode, quantity)
• These methods include the necessary parameters, and the Inventory Management Server responds with the relevant data or purchase outcomes.

Client Application Execution

Failed Connection Scenario

• When the user enters incorrect credentials or there are network issues, an error message is displayed, informing the user of the connection failure.

Successful Connection Scenario for Regular User

• After successful login, the user can choose the options "Search Product" and "Purchase Product."
  • Search Product: The user enters search criteria, and the application displays the matching products.

• Purchase Product: The user enters the product code and quantity, confirming the purchase. Success or failure messages are displayed accordingly.

System Functionality

User Management Server

• Manages user authentication.
• Communicates with the Inventory Management Server for product-related operations.
• Supports two user categories: store customers and administrators.

Inventory Management Server

• Manages product inventory.
• Provides product information based on search criteria.
• Handles requests for adding or removing products from administrators.

Deployment and Execution of the Application

1. Start the Servers: Start both the User Management Server and the Inventory Management Server.
2. Run Client Application: Run the client application, which interacts with the servers via Java RMI.