XNap

XNap provides a plugin enabled framework for peer-to-peer (P2P) applications and a client which is based on that framework XNap will provide a plugin enabled framework for peer-to-peer (P2P) software and a client which is based on that framework. It is free program and licensed under the GNU Public License.


XNap is purely written in Java. The client features a modern Swing based user interface and console support that will run nicely on every platform with a recent Java Runtime Environment (1.3 or higher).

P2P technology has rapidly evolved during the last few years. New network protocols are developed on a monthly basis and new applications for P2P technology are discovered. Often times developers want to concentrate on the implementation of the core technology and not worry about making it available to a larger user community. The XNap projects aims to fill that gap.

XNap provides programmers with interfaces for common tasks in P2P software like search, transfer and collaboration. Most interfaces are straightforward to use as they only provide the greatest common denominator. Still, provisions have been taken to ensure the API also allows for protocol specific extensions. As the protocol implementations only communicate through a common interface with the XNap application, a common look and feel for the various technologies is presented to the user.

The XNap client was designed in a way to allow easy extension through plugins. Actually the client itself is mostly useless and only makes sense if used in conjunction with plugins. In fact all of the network protocol implementations are provided by plugins. Actually some of these plugins are merely front ends for existing network protocol implementations. Due to the extension API it was possible to write a plugin for the Gnutella network using the Limewire core within a single weekend.

Another important aspect of the XNap project is fun and learning experience. The project is driven by motivated people who enjoy exploring the Java language and love the idea of free flow of information.

Limitations: None