# Using the `chat2` application ## Background The `chat2` application is a basic command-line chat app using the [Waku v2 suite of protocols](https://specs.vac.dev/specs/waku/v2/waku-v2). It connects to a [fleet of test nodes](fleets.status.im) to provide end-to-end p2p chat capabilities. The Waku team is currently using this application for internal testing. If you want try our protocols, or join the dogfooding fun, follow the instructions below. ## Preparation ``` make ``` ## Basic application usage To start the `chat2` application in its most basic form, run the following from the project directory ``` ./build/chat2 ``` You may need to set DNS server if behind a VPN, ``` ./build/chat2 --dns-discovery-name-server 8.8.8.8 ``` ## Specifying a static peer In order to connect to a *specific* node as [`relay`](https://specs.vac.dev/specs/waku/v2/waku-relay) peer, define that node's `multiaddr` as a `staticnode` when starting the app: ``` ./build/chat2 -staticnode=/ip4/134.209.139.210/tcp/30303/p2p/16Uiu2HAmPLe7Mzm8TsYUubgCAW1aJoeFScxrLj8ppHFivPo97bUZ ``` This will bypass the random peer selection process and connect to the specified node. ## In-chat options | Command | Effect | | --- | --- | | `/help` | displays available in-chat commands | | `/connect` | interactively connect to a new peer | | `/nick` | change nickname for current chat session | | `/peers` | Display the list of connected peers | ## `chat2` message protobuf format Each `chat2` message is encoded as follows ```protobuf message Chat2Message { uint64 timestamp = 1; string nick = 2; bytes payload = 3; } ``` where `timestamp` is the Unix timestamp of the message, `nick` is the relevant `chat2` user's selected nickname and `payload` is the actual chat message being sent. The `payload` is the byte array representation of a UTF8 encoded string.