Help with slow server GUI

Question

Hey,
Just as an experiment, I'm creating a Fake instant messaging application between two computers (one is the host and one is the client). For right now I am having the host read in data from the client, and the host is supposed to display it on its screen. I know the code works, but I am having trouble finding a way to keep the communication line open between the host and the client, without the host 'stalling' and not updating constantly so that it looks like a true application. Here is the code I have:
try
               while( true )
                    String line = input.readLine();
                    if( line.compareTo("close") == 0 )
                         break;
                    else if( line != null )
                         myGUI.msgTextArea.setText(line);
          catch( Exception e )
               myGUI.systemLabel.setText("Connection error");
Is there an easy way to update the the GUI without having to stop reading in data from the user? Or do I need to break communication off with the user? Any suggestions? thanks.

Answer 1

Use the RMI with the Observer pattern. (The host could fire an event via rmi and the client could listen for the event)