> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/korrykatti/game/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Hosting a game

> Set up a server and wait for players to join

To host a multiplayer game, one player must set up a server that listens for incoming connections. The `SetupHost()` function handles all server initialization.

## How hosting works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Configure the server address">
    The server binds to all available network interfaces on the specified port:

    ```cpp main.cpp theme={null}
    ENetAddress address;
    address.host = ENET_HOST_ANY;
    address.port = SERVER_PORT;
    ```

    `ENET_HOST_ANY` allows the server to accept connections on any network interface.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the ENet host">
    Create the server host with the following parameters:

    ```cpp main.cpp theme={null}
    serverHost = enet_host_create(
        &address,
        1, // max clients
        2, // max channels
        0, // incoming bandwidth (0 = unlimited)
        0  // outgoing bandwidth (0 = unlimited)
    );
    ```

    **Parameters:**

    * **Max clients**: `1` - Only one client can connect for 1v1 gameplay
    * **Max channels**: `2` - Two communication channels available
    * **Bandwidth limits**: `0` - No bandwidth restrictions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify host creation">
    Check if the host was created successfully:

    ```cpp main.cpp theme={null}
    if (serverHost == NULL){
        printf("failed to create server host");
        return false;
    }
    printf("Server hosting on port %d\n" , SERVER_PORT);
    return true;
    ```

    If creation fails, the function returns `false` and the game returns to the main menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for connections">
    The game enters the `HOSTING` state and waits for a client to connect:

    ```cpp main.cpp theme={null}
    ENetEvent event;
    while (enet_host_service(serverHost, &event, 0) > 0) {
        if (event.type == ENET_EVENT_TYPE_CONNECT) {
            printf("Client connected!\n");
            clientPeer = event.peer;
            connectionState = "CONNECTED";
            
            // Start the game
            state = "MULTIPLAYER";
        }
    }
    ```

    Once a client connects, the game transitions to the multiplayer gameplay state.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Complete SetupHost function

```cpp main.cpp theme={null}
bool SetupHost(){
    ENetAddress address;
    address.host = ENET_HOST_ANY;
    address.port = SERVER_PORT;
    // making the server host
    serverHost = enet_host_create(
        &address,
        1, // max clients
        2, // max channels
        0, // incoming bandwidth (0 = unlimited)
        0
    );
    if (serverHost == NULL){
        printf("failed to create server host");
        return false;
    }
    printf("Server hosting on port %d\n" , SERVER_PORT);
    return true;
}
```

## Network variables

The following global variables manage the host connection:

```cpp main.cpp theme={null}
ENetHost* serverHost = nullptr; // for host server
ENetPeer* clientPeer = nullptr; // for host connection to client
```

<Note>
  When hosting, the server uses `serverHost` to manage the connection and stores the connected client in `clientPeer`.
</Note>

## Troubleshooting

<Warning>
  If the server fails to start, ensure:

  * Port 7777 is not already in use by another application
  * Firewall settings allow incoming connections on port 7777
  * ENet has been properly initialized before calling `SetupHost()`
</Warning>