receive data from c client socket program in linux

Hi everyone, I wrote c client socket program in Linux and c# server program in window. I want to send text from client to server. I can send from c client program by using write() function. But I don't know how to receive in my c# server side. Should I use networkstream? I used networkstream.read but cannot receive it. So if anyone knows a way to get it, pls kindly guide me. Thanks.

(EDITED)

Rather than use NetworkStream's Read method, I'd suggest you use a BinaryReader to read from the stream.

So, on the server side, you'd have something like this where 'ns' is your NetworkStream object:

BinaryReader br = new BinaryReader(ns);

string text = br.ReadString();

ns.Close();

You would, of course, have to use a 'binary write' from the client side for this to work.

Using BinaryReader (even for text) has the advantage that strings are assumed to be prefixed with their length and so the BinaryReader will know exactly how many bytes to read.

As you know, when you use NetworkStream's Read method, you need to specify the maximum number of bytes to read in the 'size' parameter and so need to know this in advance.

If you were using BinaryWriter on the client, the length would be automatically prefixed by the Write method but as you're using C, you'll need to prefix it yourself.

As long as the length of the message is less than 128 bytes, the prefix is simply a byte with a value equal to the length. So, if you wanted to send "Hello" you'd send "\x05Hello" instead. It's more complicated if the string is 128 bytes or more.

Anyway, I'd try this out on a short string to see if you can read it from the server.

1 Reply

Know the answer? Post it — somebody with the same question will find it here.

Vulpes13y ago
(EDITED)

Rather than use NetworkStream's Read method, I'd suggest you use a BinaryReader to read from the stream.

So, on the server side, you'd have something like this where 'ns' is your NetworkStream object:

BinaryReader br = new BinaryReader(ns);
string text = br.ReadString();
ns.Close();

You would, of course, have to use a 'binary write' from the client side for this to work.

Using BinaryReader (even for text) has the advantage that strings are assumed to be prefixed with their length and so the BinaryReader will know exactly how many bytes to read.

As you know, when you use NetworkStream's Read method, you need to specify the maximum number of bytes to read in the 'size' parameter and so need to know this in advance.

If you were using BinaryWriter on the client, the length would be automatically prefixed by the Write method but as you're using C, you'll need to prefix it yourself.

As long as the length of the message is less than 128 bytes, the prefix is simply a byte with a value equal to the length. So, if you wanted to send "Hello" you'd send "\x05Hello" instead. It's more complicated if the string is 128 bytes or more.

Anyway, I'd try this out on a short string to see if you can read it from the server.