Cross IM service

[Codebyte]

How would I go about making one of my TCP/IP chat programs able to talk with AIM or something... Is this difficult?

[wreckedcarzz]

AIM has an SDK if you sign up for their developer group, I have a copy of it - I think it is C#/C++ only, not sure...

I wouldn't say it is difficult, but based on my attempts, it sure isn't easy.

[f0dder]

If you have access to the protocol, it's "easy enough" - which still means lots of work and potential bugs. If you get a ready-made library (which any SDK probably will be), it should be "pretty darn easy".

If you need to reverse-engineer the protocol... well, forget about it. It's doable, but since you're asking how hard it is, you wouldn't be ready for it yet

[Codebyte]

lol, I'll check some stuff out Still would be interested in the process though. Thanks for the link Wreckedcarzz!

[f0dder]

Btw, unless you're going to be doing this for the learning experience, you might want to check out Miranda.

[jazper]

I've purchased the components from http://www.imcomponents.com/ ; for use in Delphi.  They are very good and actively maintained...if you are willing to pay $$ for them, definately worth the purchase.