LocalNetAppChat

Zero-Config .NET LAN Automation -- a lightweight server/client C# tool that gives your apps a way to communicate, execute scripts, and share files across your local network. No Docker, no SSH, no complex setup -- just download and run.

Why LNAC?

Unlike Ansible (requires SSH), Rundeck (requires a web server), or NATS (requires infrastructure knowledge), LNAC is designed for zero-config simplicity:

• Single binary -- one lnac executable for server, client, and bot
• No agents to install -- clients connect to a central server via HTTP
• No infrastructure needed -- no Docker, no databases, no message brokers
• .NET native -- integrates naturally with C#/.NET ecosystems
• Cross-platform -- Windows, Linux, macOS

Perfect for small teams, lab environments, build farms, or anyone who needs lightweight automation without the overhead of enterprise tools.

Quick Start

# 1. Start the server
lnac server --key "MySecretKey"

# 2. Send a message from another machine
lnac message --server 192.168.1.10 --key "MySecretKey" --text "Build complete"

# 3. Listen for messages
lnac listener --server 192.168.1.10 --key "MySecretKey" --clientName "Monitor"

# 4. Interactive chat
lnac chat --server 192.168.1.10 --key "MySecretKey"

# 5. Start a bot for remote script execution
lnac bot --server 192.168.1.10 --key "MySecretKey" --scriptspath ./scripts

Features

• Cross-platform -- Windows, Linux, macOS
• Task System -- Distribute work across multiple clients with tag-based routing
• Direct Messaging -- Send messages to specific clients using /msg ClientName
• File Storage -- Central file repository accessible by all clients
• Bot Plugin System -- Execute PowerShell/Python scripts remotely
• Emitter Mode -- Stream command output line-by-line in real-time
• Duplicate Prevention -- Messages with same ID are rejected within 1 hour
• Comprehensive Logging -- Daily rotating logs with Serilog integration
• Rate Limiting -- Built-in protection against abuse (100 req/min per IP)
• HTTPS support -- Optional TLS encryption via --https flag
• API Key Authentication -- Via X-API-Key header or --key parameter

Showcase

Installation

Download lnac for your platform from the Release Page.

Available: lnac-linux-x64.zip, lnac-win-x64.zip

Run lnac --help for a list of all commands, or lnac <command> --help for command-specific options.

Usage Scenarios

• CI/CD-Pipeline
• Central Log
• Math Calculation Bots
• Distributed Build System
• Monitoring & Alerting
• File Sync & Backup
• More Scenarios...

Development

# Build
cd Source/LocalNetAppChat
dotnet build

# Test
dotnet test

# Or use the build script
./build.ps1 build
./build.ps1 test
./build.ps1 publish

Contributions

Software contributions are welcome. If you are not a dev, testing and reporting bugs can also be very helpful!

Questions?

Please open an issue if you have questions, wish to request a feature, etc.

License

MIT