diff --git a/build/Makefile b/build/Makefile
index ecf0777..a1351e0 100644
--- a/build/Makefile
+++ b/build/Makefile
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ MANFILES = toxic.1 toxic.conf.5
 
 LIBS = libtoxcore ncursesw
 
-CFLAGS = -std=gnu99 -pthread -Wimplicit-function-declaration -Wreturn-type -O1
+CFLAGS = -std=gnu99 -pthread -Wall -Werror
 CFLAGS += -DTOXICVER="\"$(VERSION)\"" -DHAVE_WIDECHAR -D_XOPEN_SOURCE_EXTENDED
 CFLAGS += -DPACKAGE_DATADIR="\"$(abspath $(DATADIR))\""
 CFLAGS += $(USER_CFLAGS)
diff --git a/src/audio_call.c b/src/audio_call.c
index 0f86c27..ce5ad5a 100644
--- a/src/audio_call.c
+++ b/src/audio_call.c
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 typedef struct _Call {
     pthread_t ttid; /* Transmission thread id */
     _Bool ttas, has_output; /* Transmission thread active status (0 - stopped, 1- running) */
-    int in_idx, out_idx;
+    uint32_t in_idx, out_idx;
     pthread_mutex_t mutex;
 } Call;
 
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ void callback_peer_timeout  ( int32_t call_index, void *arg );
 
 int stop_transmission(int call_index);
 
-static void print_err (ToxWindow *self, uint8_t *error_str)
+static void print_err (ToxWindow *self, char *error_str)
 {
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, error_str, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 }
@@ -225,14 +225,14 @@ void *transmission(void *arg)
         usleep(1000);
     }
 
-cleanup:
+/* cleanup:
     if ( this_call->in_idx != -1 ) if ( close_device(input, this_call->in_idx) != de_None )
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "Failed to close input device!", SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
     
     if ( this_call->out_idx != -1 ) if ( close_device(output, this_call->out_idx) != de_None )
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "Failed to close output device!", SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
     
-    set_call(this_call, _False);
+    set_call(this_call, _False); */
     
     _cbend;
 }
@@ -370,8 +370,8 @@ void callback_peer_timeout ( int32_t call_index, void* arg )
  */
 void cmd_call(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char *error_str;
 
     if (argc != 0) {
         error_str = "Invalid syntax!";
@@ -408,7 +408,7 @@ on_error:
 
 void cmd_answer(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char *error_str;
 
     if (argc != 0) {
         error_str = "Invalid syntax!";
@@ -439,7 +439,7 @@ on_error:
 
 void cmd_reject(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char *error_str;
 
     if (argc != 0) {
         error_str = "Invalid syntax!";
@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@ on_error:
 
 void cmd_hangup(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char *error_str;
 
     if (argc != 0) {
         error_str = "Invalid syntax!";
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ on_error:
 
 void cmd_cancel(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char *error_str;
 
     if (argc != 0) {
         error_str = "Invalid syntax!";
@@ -532,8 +532,8 @@ on_error:
 
 void cmd_list_devices(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char *error_str;
 
     if ( argc != 1 ) {
         if ( argc < 1 ) error_str = "Type must be specified!";
@@ -566,8 +566,8 @@ on_error:
 /* This changes primary device only */
 void cmd_change_device(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char *error_str;
 
     if ( argc != 2 ) {
         if ( argc < 1 ) error_str = "Type must be specified!";
@@ -612,8 +612,8 @@ on_error:
 
 void cmd_ccur_device(WINDOW * window, ToxWindow * self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {    
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char *error_str;
     
     if ( argc != 2 ) {
         if ( argc < 1 ) error_str = "Type must be specified!";
@@ -681,8 +681,8 @@ void cmd_ccur_device(WINDOW * window, ToxWindow * self, Tox *m, int argc, char (
 
 void cmd_mute(WINDOW * window, ToxWindow * self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {    
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char *error_str;
     
     if ( argc != 1 ) {
         if ( argc < 1 ) error_str = "Type must be specified!";
@@ -728,9 +728,8 @@ void cmd_mute(WINDOW * window, ToxWindow * self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[
 }
 
 void cmd_sense(WINDOW * window, ToxWindow * self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
-{    
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *error_str;
+{
+    char *error_str;
     
     if ( argc != 1 ) {
         if ( argc < 1 ) error_str = "Must have value!";
diff --git a/src/chat.c b/src/chat.c
index 2c4d542..7cc4d17 100644
--- a/src/chat.c
+++ b/src/chat.c
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ static void kill_infobox(ToxWindow *self);
 #endif /* _SUPPORT_AUDIO */
 
 /* Array of chat command names used for tab completion. */
-static const uint8_t chat_cmd_list[AC_NUM_CHAT_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE] = {
+static const char chat_cmd_list[AC_NUM_CHAT_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE] = {
     { "/accept"     },
     { "/add"        },
     { "/clear"      },
@@ -138,24 +138,22 @@ void kill_chat_window(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
     del_window(self);
 }
 
-static void chat_onMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *msg, uint16_t len)
+static void chat_onMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const char *msg, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
         return;
 
     ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
 
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, nick);
-
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, (uint8_t *) nick);
     n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
     nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
     line_info_add(self, timefrmt, nick, NULL, msg, IN_MSG, 0, 0);
-
     write_to_log(msg, nick, ctx->log, false);
     alert_window(self, WINDOW_ALERT_1, true);
 }
@@ -184,20 +182,20 @@ static void chat_onTypingChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t is
     friends[num].is_typing = is_typing;
 }
 
-static void chat_onAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *action, uint16_t len)
+static void chat_onAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const char *action, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
         return;
 
     ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
 
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, nick);
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, (uint8_t *) nick);
 
     n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);;
     nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
     line_info_add(self, timefrmt, nick, NULL, action, ACTION, 0, 0);
@@ -205,7 +203,7 @@ static void chat_onAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *a
     alert_window(self, WINDOW_ALERT_1, true);
 }
 
-static void chat_onNickChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *nick, uint16_t len)
+static void chat_onNickChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const char *nick, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
         return;
@@ -222,7 +220,7 @@ static void chat_onStatusChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t st
     statusbar->status = status;
 }
 
-static void chat_onStatusMessageChange(ToxWindow *self, int32_t num, const uint8_t *status, uint16_t len)
+static void chat_onStatusMessageChange(ToxWindow *self, int32_t num, const char *status, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
         return;
@@ -234,19 +232,19 @@ static void chat_onStatusMessageChange(ToxWindow *self, int32_t num, const uint8
 }
 
 static void chat_onFileSendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t filenum,
-                                   uint64_t filesize, const uint8_t *pathname, uint16_t path_len)
+                                   uint64_t filesize, const char *pathname, uint16_t path_len)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
         return;
 
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE * 2];
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE * 2];
+    char *errmsg;
 
     /* holds the filename appended to the user specified path */
-    uint8_t filename_path[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
+    char filename_path[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
 
     /* holds the lone filename */
-    uint8_t filename_nopath[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char filename_nopath[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     get_file_name(filename_nopath, pathname);
     int len = strlen(filename_nopath);
 
@@ -272,7 +270,7 @@ static void chat_onFileSendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t filename[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char filename[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
     if (filename_path[0])
         strcpy(filename, filename_path);
@@ -325,14 +323,14 @@ static void chat_close_file_receiver(int32_t num, uint8_t filenum)
 }
 
 static void chat_onFileControl(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t receive_send,
-                               uint8_t filenum, uint8_t control_type, const uint8_t *data, uint16_t length)
+                               uint8_t filenum, uint8_t control_type, const char *data, uint16_t length)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
         return;
 
-    const uint8_t *filename;
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
-    int i;   /* file_sender index */
+    const char *filename;
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
+    int i = 0;   /* file_sender index */
 
     if (receive_send == 0) {
         filename = friends[num].file_receiver.filenames[filenum];
@@ -375,7 +373,7 @@ static void chat_onFileControl(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t rec
     alert_window(self, WINDOW_ALERT_2, true);
 }
 
-static void chat_onFileData(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t filenum, const uint8_t *data,
+static void chat_onFileData(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t filenum, const char *data,
                             uint16_t length)
 {
     if (self->num != num)
@@ -400,22 +398,21 @@ static void chat_onFileData(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t filenu
         uint64_t size = friends[num].file_receiver.size[filenum];
         long double pct_remain = remain ? (1 - (remain / size)) * 100 : 100;
 
-        uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-        const uint8_t *name = friends[num].file_receiver.filenames[filenum];
+        char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+        const char *name = friends[num].file_receiver.filenames[filenum];
         snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Saving file as: '%s' (%.1Lf%%)", name, pct_remain);
         line_info_set(self, friends[num].file_receiver.line_id[filenum], msg);
     }
 }
 
-static void chat_onGroupInvite(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const uint8_t *group_pub_key)
+static void chat_onGroupInvite(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const char *group_pub_key)
 {
     if (self->num != friendnumber)
         return;
 
-    uint8_t name[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE + TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, friendnumber, name);
-
+    char name[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE + TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, friendnumber, (uint8_t *) name);
     n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
     name[n_len] = '\0';
 
@@ -423,7 +420,8 @@ static void chat_onGroupInvite(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, co
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "Type \"/join\" to join the chat.", SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 
-    memcpy(friends[friendnumber].groupchat_key, group_pub_key, TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE);
+    memcpy(friends[friendnumber].groupchat_key, group_pub_key, 
+           sizeof(friends[friendnumber].groupchat_key));
     friends[friendnumber].groupchat_pending = true;
 
     alert_window(self, WINDOW_ALERT_2, true);
@@ -440,9 +438,7 @@ void chat_onInvite (ToxWindow *self, ToxAv *av, int call_index)
     /* call_index is set here and reset on call end */
     
     self->call_idx = call_index;
-
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "Incoming audio call! Type: \"/answer\" or \"/reject\"", SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
-
     alert_window(self, WINDOW_ALERT_0, true);
 }
 
@@ -547,6 +543,7 @@ static void init_infobox(ToxWindow *self)
 
     int x2, y2;
     getmaxyx(self->window, y2, x2);
+    (void) y2;
 
     memset(&ctx->infobox, 0, sizeof(struct infobox));
 
@@ -624,22 +621,22 @@ static void draw_infobox(ToxWindow *self)
 
 #endif /* _SUPPORT_AUDIO */
 
-static void send_action(ToxWindow *self, ChatContext *ctx, Tox *m, uint8_t *action)
+static void send_action(ToxWindow *self, ChatContext *ctx, Tox *m, char *action)
 {
     if (action == NULL)
         return;
 
-    uint8_t selfname[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint16_t len = tox_get_self_name(m, selfname);
+    char selfname[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    uint16_t len = tox_get_self_name(m, (uint8_t *) selfname);
     selfname[len] = '\0';
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
     line_info_add(self, timefrmt, selfname, NULL, action, ACTION, 0, 0);
 
-    if (tox_send_action(m, self->num, action, strlen(action)) == 0) {
-        uint8_t *errmsg = " * Failed to send action.";
+    if (tox_send_action(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) action, strlen(action)) == 0) {
+        char *errmsg = " * Failed to send action.";
         line_info_add(self, NULL, selfname, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
     } else {
         write_to_log(action, selfname, ctx->log, true);
@@ -694,7 +691,7 @@ static void chat_onKey(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, wint_t key, bool ltr)
     } else if (key == '\n') {
         rm_trailing_spaces_buf(ctx);
 
-        uint8_t line[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+        char line[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
         if (wcs_to_mbs_buf(line, ctx->line, MAX_STR_SIZE) == -1)
             memset(&line, 0, sizeof(line));
@@ -712,17 +709,17 @@ static void chat_onKey(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, wint_t key, bool ltr)
                 execute(ctx->history, self, m, line, CHAT_COMMAND_MODE);
             }
         } else if (!string_is_empty(line)) {
-            uint8_t selfname[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-            uint16_t len = tox_get_self_name(m, selfname);
+            char selfname[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+            uint16_t len = tox_get_self_name(m, (uint8_t *) selfname);
             selfname[len] = '\0';
 
-            uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+            char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
             get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
             line_info_add(self, timefrmt, selfname, NULL, line, OUT_MSG, 0, 0);
 
-            if (!statusbar->is_online || tox_send_message(m, self->num, line, strlen(line)) == 0) {
-                uint8_t *errmsg = " * Failed to send message.";
+            if (!statusbar->is_online || tox_send_message(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) line, strlen(line)) == 0) {
+                char *errmsg = " * Failed to send message.";
                 line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
             } else {
                 write_to_log(line, selfname, ctx->log, false);
@@ -803,10 +800,10 @@ static void chat_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
     /* Reset statusbar->statusmsg on window resize */
     if (x2 != self->x) {
-        uint8_t statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
+        char statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
 
         pthread_mutex_lock(&Winthread.lock);
-        tox_get_status_message(m, self->num, statusmsg, TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH);
+        tox_get_status_message(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) statusmsg, TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH);
         pthread_mutex_unlock(&Winthread.lock);
 
         snprintf(statusbar->statusmsg, sizeof(statusbar->statusmsg), "%s", statusmsg);
@@ -841,6 +838,7 @@ static void chat_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
     int y, x;
     getyx(self->window, y, x);
+    (void) x;
     int new_x = ctx->start ? x2 - 1 : ctx->pos;
     wmove(self->window, y + 1, new_x);
 
@@ -870,8 +868,8 @@ static void chat_onInit(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
     statusbar->status = tox_get_user_status(m, self->num);
     statusbar->is_online = tox_get_friend_connection_status(m, self->num) == 1;
 
-    uint8_t statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
-    uint16_t s_len = tox_get_status_message(m, self->num, statusmsg, TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH);
+    char statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
+    uint16_t s_len = tox_get_status_message(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) statusmsg, TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH);
     statusmsg[s_len] = '\0';
     snprintf(statusbar->statusmsg, sizeof(statusbar->statusmsg), "%s", statusmsg);
     statusbar->statusmsg_len = s_len;
@@ -940,13 +938,9 @@ ToxWindow new_chat(Tox *m, int32_t friendnum)
     ret.device_selection[0] = ret.device_selection[1] = -1;
 #endif /* _SUPPORT_AUDIO */
 
-    uint8_t name[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
-    int len = tox_get_name(m, friendnum, name);
-
-    len = MIN(len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
-
-    name[len] = '\0';
-    strcpy(ret.name, name);
+    char name[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
+    tox_get_name(m, friendnum, (uint8_t *) name);
+    snprintf(ret.name, sizeof(ret.name), "%s", name);
 
     ChatContext *chatwin = calloc(1, sizeof(ChatContext));
     StatusBar *stb = calloc(1, sizeof(StatusBar));
diff --git a/src/chat_commands.c b/src/chat_commands.c
index 0d48504..15cf701 100644
--- a/src/chat_commands.c
+++ b/src/chat_commands.c
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ extern uint8_t max_file_senders_index;
 
 void cmd_groupinvite(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (argc < 1) {
         errmsg = "Invalid syntax";
@@ -62,14 +62,14 @@ void cmd_groupinvite(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*a
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Invited friend to Room #%d.", groupnum);
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 }
 
 void cmd_join_group(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (get_num_active_windows() >= MAX_WINDOWS_NUM) {
         errmsg = " * Warning: Too many windows are open.";
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ void cmd_join_group(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*ar
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *groupkey = friends[self->num].groupchat_key;
+    char *groupkey = friends[self->num].groupchat_key;
 
     if (!friends[self->num].groupchat_pending) {
         errmsg = "No pending group chat invite.";
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ void cmd_join_group(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*ar
         return;
     }
 
-    int groupnum = tox_join_groupchat(m, self->num, groupkey);
+    int groupnum = tox_join_groupchat(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) groupkey);
 
     if (groupnum == -1) {
         errmsg = "Group chat instance failed to initialize.";
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ void cmd_join_group(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*ar
 
 void cmd_savefile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (argc != 1) {
         errmsg = "Invalid syntax.";
@@ -125,10 +125,10 @@ void cmd_savefile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *filename = friends[self->num].file_receiver.filenames[filenum];
+    char *filename = friends[self->num].file_receiver.filenames[filenum];
 
     if (tox_file_send_control(m, self->num, 1, filenum, TOX_FILECONTROL_ACCEPT, 0, 0) == 0) {
-        uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+        char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
         snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Saving file as: '%s' (%.1f%%)", filename, 0.0);
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
         friends[self->num].file_receiver.line_id[filenum] = self->chatwin->hst->line_end->id + 1;
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ void cmd_savefile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv
 
 void cmd_sendfile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (max_file_senders_index >= (MAX_FILES - 1)) {
         errmsg = "Please wait for some of your outgoing file transfers to complete.";
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ void cmd_sendfile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *path = argv[1];
+    char *path = argv[1];
 
     if (path[0] != '\"') {
         errmsg = "File path must be enclosed in quotes.";
@@ -170,7 +170,8 @@ void cmd_sendfile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv
         return;
     }
 
-    path[strlen(++path) - 1] = L'\0';
+    ++path;
+    path[strlen(path) - 1] = L'\0';
     int path_len = strlen(path);
 
     if (path_len > MAX_STR_SIZE) {
@@ -191,9 +192,9 @@ void cmd_sendfile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv
     uint64_t filesize = ftell(file_to_send);
     fseek(file_to_send, 0, SEEK_SET);
 
-    uint8_t filename[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char filename[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     get_file_name(filename, path);
-    int filenum = tox_new_file_sender(m, self->num, filesize, filename, strlen(filename));
+    int filenum = tox_new_file_sender(m, self->num, filesize, (const uint8_t *) filename, strlen(filename));
 
     if (filenum == -1) {
         errmsg = "Error sending file.";
@@ -216,7 +217,7 @@ void cmd_sendfile(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv
             file_senders[i].piecelen = fread(file_senders[i].nextpiece, 1,
                                              tox_file_data_size(m, self->num), file_to_send);
 
-            uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+            char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
             snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Sending file: '%s'", path);
             line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 
diff --git a/src/device.c b/src/device.c
index 50d0514..66eba23 100644
--- a/src/device.c
+++ b/src/device.c
@@ -62,8 +62,8 @@ typedef struct _Device {
 const char *ddevice_names[2];              /* Default device */
 const char *devices_names[2][MAX_DEVICES]; /* Container of available devices */
 static int size[2];                        /* Size of above containers */
-Device *running[2][MAX_DEVICES]={NULL};    /* Running devices */
-uint32_t primary_device[2] = {0};          /* Primary device */
+Device *running[2][MAX_DEVICES];     /* Running devices */
+uint32_t primary_device[2];          /* Primary device */
 
 static ToxAv* av = NULL;
 
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ DeviceError init_devices(ToxAv* av_)
     
     av = av_;
     
-    return ae_None;
+    return (DeviceError) ae_None;
 }
 
 DeviceError terminate_devices()
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ DeviceError terminate_devices()
     
     pthread_mutex_destroy(&mutex);
     
-    return ae_None;
+    return (DeviceError) ae_None;
 }
 
 DeviceError device_mute(DeviceType type, uint32_t device_idx)
@@ -419,7 +419,7 @@ void print_devices(ToxWindow* self, DeviceType type)
 {
     int i = 0;
     for ( ; i < size[type]; i ++) {
-        uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+        char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
         snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "%d: %s", i, devices_names[type][i]);
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
     }
diff --git a/src/device.h b/src/device.h
index 6b8e062..e8605ec 100644
--- a/src/device.h
+++ b/src/device.h
@@ -82,4 +82,4 @@ DeviceError write_out(uint32_t device_idx, int16_t* data, uint32_t lenght, uint8
 void print_devices(ToxWindow* self, DeviceType type);
 
 DeviceError selection_valid(DeviceType type, int32_t selection);
-#endif /* _device_h */
\ No newline at end of file
+#endif /* _device_h */
diff --git a/src/dns.c b/src/dns.c
index c582c5f..ddc131b 100644
--- a/src/dns.c
+++ b/src/dns.c
@@ -47,8 +47,8 @@
 
 /* TODO: process keys from key file instead of hard-coding like a noob */
 static struct dns3_server {
-    uint8_t *name;
-    uint8_t key[DNS3_KEY_SZ];
+    char *name;
+    char key[DNS3_KEY_SZ];
 } dns3_servers[] = {
     {
         "utox.org",
@@ -68,9 +68,9 @@ static struct dns3_server {
 
 static struct _thread_data {
     ToxWindow *self;
-    uint8_t id_bin[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
-    uint8_t addr[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char id_bin[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
+    char addr[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     uint8_t busy;
     Tox *m;
 } t_data;
@@ -81,9 +81,9 @@ static struct _dns_thread {
 } dns_thread;
 
 
-static int dns_error(ToxWindow *self, uint8_t *errmsg)
+static int dns_error(ToxWindow *self, char *errmsg)
 {
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "User lookup failed: %s", errmsg);
 
     pthread_mutex_lock(&dns_thread.lock);
@@ -103,11 +103,11 @@ static void kill_dns_thread(void *dns_obj)
 }
 
 /* puts TXT from dns response in buf. Returns length of TXT on success, -1 on fail.*/
-static int parse_dns_response(ToxWindow *self, u_char *answer, int ans_len, uint8_t *buf)
+static int parse_dns_response(ToxWindow *self, u_char *answer, int ans_len, char *buf)
 {
     uint8_t *ans_pt = answer + sizeof(HEADER);
     uint8_t *ans_end = answer + ans_len;
-    uint8_t exp_ans[PACKETSZ];
+    char exp_ans[PACKETSZ];
     
     int len = dn_expand(answer, ans_end, ans_pt, exp_ans, sizeof(exp_ans));
 
@@ -171,10 +171,10 @@ static int parse_dns_response(ToxWindow *self, u_char *answer, int ans_len, uint
    and the domain in dombuf.
 
    return length of username on success, -1 on failure */
-static int parse_addr(uint8_t *addr, uint8_t *namebuf, uint8_t *dombuf)
+static int parse_addr(char *addr, char *namebuf, char *dombuf)
 {
-    uint8_t tmpaddr[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t *tmpname, *tmpdom;
+    char tmpaddr[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char *tmpname, *tmpdom;
 
     strcpy(tmpaddr, addr);
     tmpname = strtok(tmpaddr, "@");
@@ -195,8 +195,8 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
 {
     ToxWindow *self = t_data.self;
 
-    uint8_t domain[MAX_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t name[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char domain[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char name[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
     int namelen = parse_addr(t_data.addr, name, domain);
 
@@ -206,7 +206,8 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
     }
 
     /* get domain name/pub key */
-    uint8_t *DNS_pubkey, *domname = NULL;
+    char *DNS_pubkey = NULL;
+    char *domname = NULL;
     int i;
 
     for (i = 0; i < NUM_DNS3_SERVERS; ++i) {
@@ -222,17 +223,18 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
         kill_dns_thread(NULL);
     }
 
-    void *dns_obj = tox_dns3_new(DNS_pubkey);
+    void *dns_obj = tox_dns3_new((uint8_t *) DNS_pubkey);
 
     if (dns_obj == NULL) {
         dns_error(self, "Core failed to create DNS object.");
         kill_dns_thread(NULL);
     }
 
-    uint8_t string[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
+    char string[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
     uint32_t request_id;
 
-    int str_len = tox_generate_dns3_string(dns_obj, string, sizeof(string), &request_id, name, namelen);
+    int str_len = tox_generate_dns3_string(dns_obj, (uint8_t *) string, sizeof(string), &request_id, 
+                                           (uint8_t *) name, namelen);
 
     if (str_len == -1) {
         dns_error(self, "Core failed to generate DNS3 string.");
@@ -242,7 +244,7 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
     string[str_len] = '\0';
 
     u_char answer[PACKETSZ];
-    uint8_t d_string[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
+    char d_string[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
 
     /* format string and create dns query */
     snprintf(d_string, sizeof(d_string), "_%s._tox.%s", string, domname);
@@ -253,13 +255,13 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
         kill_dns_thread(dns_obj);
     }
 
-    uint8_t ans_id[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
+    char ans_id[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
 
     /* extract TXT from DNS response */
     if (parse_dns_response(self, answer, ans_len, ans_id) == -1)
         kill_dns_thread(dns_obj);
 
-    uint8_t encrypted_id[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
+    char encrypted_id[MAX_DNS_REQST_SIZE];
     int prfx_len = strlen(TOX_DNS3_TXT_PREFIX);
 
     /* extract the encrypted ID from TXT response */
@@ -270,7 +272,8 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
 
     memcpy(encrypted_id, ans_id + prfx_len, ans_len - prfx_len);
 
-    if (tox_decrypt_dns3_TXT(dns_obj, t_data.id_bin, encrypted_id, strlen(encrypted_id), request_id) == -1) {
+    if (tox_decrypt_dns3_TXT(dns_obj, (uint8_t *) t_data.id_bin, (uint8_t *) encrypted_id, strlen(encrypted_id),
+                             request_id) == -1) {
         dns_error(self, "Core failed to decrypt DNS response.");
         kill_dns_thread(dns_obj);
     }
@@ -284,10 +287,10 @@ void *dns3_lookup_thread(void *data)
 }
 
 /* creates new thread for dns3 lookup. Only allows one lookup at a time. */
-void dns3_lookup(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, uint8_t *id_bin, uint8_t *addr, uint8_t *msg)
+void dns3_lookup(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, char *id_bin, char *addr, char *msg)
 {
     if (t_data.busy) {
-        uint8_t *err = "Please wait for previous user lookup to finish.";
+        char *err = "Please wait for previous user lookup to finish.";
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, err, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
         return;
     }
diff --git a/src/dns.h b/src/dns.h
index edd6579..1141102 100644
--- a/src/dns.h
+++ b/src/dns.h
@@ -27,6 +27,6 @@
 #define _dns_h
 
 /* creates new thread for dns3 lookup. Only allows one lookup at a time. */
-void dns3_lookup(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, uint8_t *id_bin, uint8_t *addr, uint8_t *msg);
+void dns3_lookup(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, char *id_bin, char *addr, char *msg);
 
 #endif /* #define _dns_h */
diff --git a/src/execute.c b/src/execute.c
index 16cc66b..4323728 100644
--- a/src/execute.c
+++ b/src/execute.c
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ static int parse_command(WINDOW *w, ToxWindow *self, char *cmd, char (*args)[MAX
             end = strchr(cmd + 1, '\"');
 
             if (end++ == NULL) {    /* Increment past the end quote */
-                uint8_t *errmsg = "Invalid argument. Did you forget a closing \"?";
+                char *errmsg = "Invalid argument. Did you forget a closing \"?";
                 line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
                 return -1;
             }
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ void execute(WINDOW *w, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, char *cmd, int mode)
     if (string_is_empty(cmd))
         return;
 
-    char args[MAX_NUM_ARGS][MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
+    char args[MAX_NUM_ARGS][MAX_STR_SIZE];
     int num_args = parse_command(w, self, cmd, args);
 
     if (num_args == -1)
@@ -158,6 +158,5 @@ void execute(WINDOW *w, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, char *cmd, int mode)
     if (do_command(w, self, m, num_args, GLOBAL_NUM_COMMANDS, global_commands, args) == 0)
         return;
 
-    uint8_t *errmsg = "Invalid command.";
-    line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
+    line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "Invalid command.", SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 }
diff --git a/src/file_senders.c b/src/file_senders.c
index 614964b..5ffad2f 100644
--- a/src/file_senders.c
+++ b/src/file_senders.c
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ static void set_max_file_senders_index(void)
     max_file_senders_index = j;
 }
 
-static void close_file_sender(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int i, uint8_t *msg, int CTRL, int filenum, int32_t friendnum)
+static void close_file_sender(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int i, char *msg, int CTRL, int filenum, int32_t friendnum)
 {
     if (self->chatwin != NULL) {
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ void close_all_file_senders(Tox *m)
 
 void do_file_senders(Tox *m)
 {
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     int i;
 
     for (i = 0; i < max_file_senders_index; ++i) {
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ void do_file_senders(Tox *m)
             continue;
 
         ToxWindow *self = file_senders[i].toxwin;
-        uint8_t *pathname = file_senders[i].pathname;
+        char *pathname = file_senders[i].pathname;
         int filenum = file_senders[i].filenum;
         int32_t friendnum = file_senders[i].friendnum;
         FILE *fp = file_senders[i].file;
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ void do_file_senders(Tox *m)
         }
 
         while (true) {
-            if (tox_file_send_data(m, friendnum, filenum, file_senders[i].nextpiece,
+            if (tox_file_send_data(m, friendnum, filenum, (uint8_t *) file_senders[i].nextpiece,
                                    file_senders[i].piecelen) == -1)
                 break;
 
diff --git a/src/file_senders.h b/src/file_senders.h
index 3af5bef..4611179 100644
--- a/src/file_senders.h
+++ b/src/file_senders.h
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 #include "windows.h"
 
 #define FILE_PIECE_SIZE 2048    /* must be >= (MAX_CRYPTO_DATA_SIZE - 2) in toxcore/net_crypto.h */
-#define MAX_FILES 256
+#define MAX_FILES 255
 #define TIMEOUT_FILESENDER 120
 
 typedef struct {
@@ -36,9 +36,9 @@ typedef struct {
     int32_t friendnum;
     bool active;
     int filenum;
-    uint8_t nextpiece[FILE_PIECE_SIZE];
+    char nextpiece[FILE_PIECE_SIZE];
     uint16_t piecelen;
-    uint8_t pathname[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char pathname[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     uint64_t timestamp;
     uint64_t last_progress;
     uint64_t size;
diff --git a/src/friendlist.c b/src/friendlist.c
index 734db06..a322c29 100644
--- a/src/friendlist.c
+++ b/src/friendlist.c
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ static void update_friend_last_online(int32_t num, uint64_t timestamp)
              &friends[num].last_online.tm);
 }
 
-static void friendlist_onMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *str, uint16_t len)
+static void friendlist_onMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const char *str, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (num >= max_friends_index)
         return;
@@ -105,17 +105,17 @@ static void friendlist_onMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uin
         if (get_num_active_windows() < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM) {
             friends[num].chatwin = add_window(m, new_chat(m, friends[num].num));
         } else {
-            uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
-            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, nick);
+            char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, (uint8_t *) nick);
             n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
             nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-            uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+            char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
             get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
             line_info_add(prompt, timefrmt, nick, NULL, str, IN_MSG, 0, 0);
 
-            uint8_t *msg = "* Warning: Too many windows are open.";
+            char *msg = "* Warning: Too many windows are open.";
             line_info_add(prompt, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
             alert_window(prompt, WINDOW_ALERT_1, true);
         }
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ static void friendlist_onConnectionChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num,
     sort_friendlist_index();
 }
 
-static void friendlist_onNickChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *nick, uint16_t len)
+static void friendlist_onNickChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const char *nick, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (len > TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH || num >= max_friends_index)
         return;
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ static void friendlist_onStatusChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint
     friends[num].status = status;
 }
 
-static void friendlist_onStatusMessageChange(ToxWindow *self, int32_t num, const uint8_t *status, uint16_t len)
+static void friendlist_onStatusMessageChange(ToxWindow *self, int32_t num, const char *status, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (len > TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH || num >= max_friends_index)
         return;
@@ -174,13 +174,13 @@ void friendlist_onFriendAdded(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, bool sort)
             friends[i].chatwin = -1;
             friends[i].online = false;
             friends[i].status = TOX_USERSTATUS_NONE;
-            friends[i].namelength = tox_get_name(m, num, friends[i].name);
+            friends[i].namelength = tox_get_name(m, num, (uint8_t *) friends[i].name);
             friends[i].logging_on = (bool) user_settings->autolog == AUTOLOG_ON;
-            tox_get_client_id(m, num, friends[i].pub_key);
+            tox_get_client_id(m, num, (uint8_t *) friends[i].pub_key);
             update_friend_last_online(i, tox_get_last_online(m, i));
 
             if (friends[i].namelength == -1 || friends[i].name[0] == '\0') {
-                strcpy(friends[i].name, (uint8_t *) UNKNOWN_NAME);
+                strcpy(friends[i].name, UNKNOWN_NAME);
                 friends[i].namelength = strlen(UNKNOWN_NAME);
             } else {    /* Enforce toxic's maximum name length */
                 friends[i].namelength = MIN(friends[i].namelength, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH);
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ void friendlist_onFriendAdded(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, bool sort)
 }
 
 static void friendlist_onFileSendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, uint8_t filenum,
-        uint64_t filesize, const uint8_t *filename, uint16_t filename_len)
+        uint64_t filesize, const char *filename, uint16_t filename_len)
 {
     if (num >= max_friends_index)
         return;
@@ -212,12 +212,12 @@ static void friendlist_onFileSendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, u
         } else {
             tox_file_send_control(m, num, 1, filenum, TOX_FILECONTROL_KILL, 0, 0);
 
-            uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, nick);
+            char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, (uint8_t *) nick);
             n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
             nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-            uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+            char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
             snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "* File transfer from %s failed: too many windows are open.", nick);
             line_info_add(prompt, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
 
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ static void friendlist_onFileSendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, u
     }
 }
 
-static void friendlist_onGroupInvite(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const uint8_t *group_pub_key)
+static void friendlist_onGroupInvite(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const char *group_pub_key)
 {
     if (num >= max_friends_index)
         return;
@@ -235,12 +235,12 @@ static void friendlist_onGroupInvite(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t num, const
         if (get_num_active_windows() < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM) {
             friends[num].chatwin = add_window(m, new_chat(m, friends[num].num));
         } else {
-            uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, nick);
+            char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, num, (uint8_t *) nick);
             n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
             nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-            uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+            char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
             snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "* Group chat invite from %s failed: too many windows are open.", nick);
             line_info_add(prompt, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
 
@@ -345,7 +345,7 @@ static void friendlist_onKey(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, wint_t key, bool ltr)
                 friends[f].chatwin = add_window(m, new_chat(m, friends[f].num));
                 set_active_window(friends[f].chatwin);
             } else {
-                uint8_t *msg = "* Warning: Too many windows are open.";
+                char *msg = "* Warning: Too many windows are open.";
                 line_info_add(prompt, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
 
                 alert_window(prompt, WINDOW_ALERT_1, true);
@@ -458,10 +458,10 @@ static void friendlist_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
                 /* Reset friends[f].statusmsg on window resize */
                 if (fix_statuses) {
-                    uint8_t statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
+                    char statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH];
 
                     pthread_mutex_lock(&Winthread.lock);
-                    tox_get_status_message(m, friends[f].num, statusmsg, TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH);
+                    tox_get_status_message(m, friends[f].num, (uint8_t *) statusmsg, TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH);
                     pthread_mutex_unlock(&Winthread.lock);
 
                     snprintf(friends[f].statusmsg, sizeof(friends[f].statusmsg), "%s", statusmsg);
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ static void friendlist_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
                 if (last_seen != 0) {
                     int day_dist = (cur_loc_tm.tm_yday - friends[f].last_online.tm.tm_yday) % 365;
-                    const uint8_t *hourmin = friends[f].last_online.hour_min_str;
+                    const char *hourmin = friends[f].last_online.hour_min_str;
 
                     switch (day_dist) {
                         case 0:
@@ -561,17 +561,17 @@ static void friendlist_onAv(ToxWindow *self, ToxAv *av, int call_index)
             if (toxav_get_call_state(av, call_index) == av_CallStarting) /* Only open windows when call is incoming */
                 friends[id].chatwin = add_window(m, new_chat(m, friends[id].num));
         } else {
-            uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
-            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, id, nick);
+            char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+            int n_len = tox_get_name(m, id, (uint8_t *) nick);
 
             n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
             nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-            uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+            char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
             snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Audio action from: %s!", nick);
             line_info_add(prompt, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 
-            uint8_t *errmsg = "* Warning: Too many windows are open.";
+            char *errmsg = "* Warning: Too many windows are open.";
             line_info_add(prompt, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
 
             alert_window(prompt, WINDOW_ALERT_0, true);
diff --git a/src/friendlist.h b/src/friendlist.h
index ebd4894..7b37654 100644
--- a/src/friendlist.h
+++ b/src/friendlist.h
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 #include "file_senders.h"
 
 struct FileReceiver {
-    uint8_t filenames[MAX_FILES][MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char filenames[MAX_FILES][MAX_STR_SIZE];
     FILE *files[MAX_FILES];
     bool pending[MAX_FILES];
     uint64_t size[MAX_FILES];
@@ -41,17 +41,17 @@ struct FileReceiver {
 struct LastOnline {
     uint64_t last_on;
     struct tm tm;
-    uint8_t hour_min_str[TIME_STR_SIZE];    /* holds 12/24-hour time string e.g. "10:43 PM" */
+    char hour_min_str[TIME_STR_SIZE];    /* holds 12/24-hour time string e.g. "10:43 PM" */
 };
 
 typedef struct {
-    uint8_t name[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    char name[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
     uint16_t namelength;
-    uint8_t statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH];
+    char statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH];
     uint16_t statusmsg_len;
-    uint8_t groupchat_key[TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
+    char groupchat_key[TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
     bool groupchat_pending;
-    uint8_t pub_key[TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
+    char pub_key[TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
     int32_t num;
     int chatwin;
     bool active;
diff --git a/src/global_commands.c b/src/global_commands.c
index a9ae7ff..92ec9d4 100644
--- a/src/global_commands.c
+++ b/src/global_commands.c
@@ -40,13 +40,13 @@ extern ToxWindow *prompt;
 
 extern ToxicFriend friends[MAX_FRIENDS_NUM];
 
-extern uint8_t pending_frnd_requests[MAX_FRIENDS_NUM][TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
+extern char pending_frnd_requests[MAX_FRIENDS_NUM][TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
 extern uint8_t num_frnd_requests;
 
 /* command functions */
 void cmd_accept(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *msg;
+    char *msg;
 
     if (argc != 1) {
         msg = "Invalid syntax.";
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ void cmd_accept(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[
         return;
     }
 
-    int32_t friendnum = tox_add_friend_norequest(m, pending_frnd_requests[req]);
+    int32_t friendnum = tox_add_friend_norequest(m, (uint8_t *) pending_frnd_requests[req]);
 
     if (friendnum == -1)
         msg = "Failed to add friend.";
@@ -90,10 +90,10 @@ void cmd_accept(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 }
 
-void cmd_add_helper(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, uint8_t *id_bin, uint8_t *msg)
+void cmd_add_helper(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, char *id_bin, char *msg)
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
-    int32_t f_num = tox_add_friend(m, id_bin, msg, strlen(msg));
+    char *errmsg;
+    int32_t f_num = tox_add_friend(m, (uint8_t *) id_bin, (uint8_t *) msg, (uint16_t) strlen(msg));
 
     switch (f_num) {
         case TOX_FAERR_TOOLONG:
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ void cmd_add_helper(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, uint8_t *id_bin, uint8_t *msg)
 
 void cmd_add(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (argc < 1) {
         errmsg = "Invalid syntax.";
@@ -144,10 +144,10 @@ void cmd_add(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX
     }
 
     char *id = argv[1];
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
     if (argc > 1) {
-        uint8_t *temp = argv[2];
+        char *temp = argv[2];
 
         if (temp[0] != '\"') {
             errmsg = "Message must be enclosed in quotes.";
@@ -155,17 +155,18 @@ void cmd_add(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX
             return;
         }
 
-        temp[strlen(++temp) - 1] = L'\0';
+        ++temp;
+        temp[strlen(temp) - 1] = L'\0';
         snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "%s", temp);
     } else {
-        uint8_t selfname[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-        uint16_t n_len = tox_get_self_name(m, selfname);
+        char selfname[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+        uint16_t n_len = tox_get_self_name(m, (uint8_t *) selfname);
         selfname[n_len] = '\0';
         snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Hello, my name is %s. Care to Tox?", selfname);
     }
 
-    uint8_t id_bin[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE] = {0};
-    uint16_t id_len = strlen(id);
+    char id_bin[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE] = {0};
+    uint16_t id_len = (uint16_t) strlen(id);
 
     /* try to add tox ID */
     if (id_len == 2 * TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE) {
@@ -203,7 +204,7 @@ void cmd_clear(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[M
 
 void cmd_connect(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     /* check arguments */
     if (argc != 3) {
@@ -212,9 +213,9 @@ void cmd_connect(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)
         return;
     }
 
-    char *ip = argv[1];
-    char *port = argv[2];
-    char *key = argv[3];
+    const char *ip = argv[1];
+    const char *port = argv[2];
+    const char *key = argv[3];
 
     if (atoi(port) == 0) {
         errmsg = "Invalid syntax.";
@@ -222,15 +223,14 @@ void cmd_connect(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *binary_string = hex_string_to_bin(key);
-    tox_bootstrap_from_address(m, ip, TOX_ENABLE_IPV6_DEFAULT,
-                               htons(atoi(port)), binary_string);
+    char *binary_string = hex_string_to_bin(key);
+    tox_bootstrap_from_address(m, ip, TOX_ENABLE_IPV6_DEFAULT, htons(atoi(port)), (uint8_t *) binary_string);
     free(binary_string);
 }
 
 void cmd_groupchat(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (get_num_active_windows() >= MAX_WINDOWS_NUM) {
         errmsg = " * Warning: Too many windows are open.";
@@ -253,14 +253,14 @@ void cmd_groupchat(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*arg
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Group chat created as %d.", groupnum);
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 }
 
 void cmd_log(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *msg;
+    char *msg;
     struct chatlog *log = self->chatwin->log;
 
     if (argc == 0) {
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ void cmd_log(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *swch = argv[1];
+    char *swch = argv[1];
 
     if (!strcmp(swch, "1") || !strcmp(swch, "on")) {
 
@@ -281,8 +281,8 @@ void cmd_log(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX
             friends[self->num].logging_on = true;
             log_enable(self->name, friends[self->num].pub_key, log);
         } else if (self->is_prompt) {
-            uint8_t myid[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
-            tox_get_address(m, myid);
+            char myid[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
+            tox_get_address(m, (uint8_t *) myid);
             log_enable(self->name, myid, log);
         } else if (self->is_groupchat) {
             log_enable(self->name, NULL, log);
@@ -309,8 +309,8 @@ void cmd_log(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX
 void cmd_myid(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
     char id[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE * 2 + 1] = {0};
-    uint8_t address[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
-    tox_get_address(m, address);
+    char address[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
+    tox_get_address(m, (uint8_t *) address);
 
     size_t i;
 
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ void cmd_myid(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MA
 
 void cmd_nick(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     /* check arguments */
     if (argc < 1) {
@@ -334,13 +334,13 @@ void cmd_nick(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MA
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *nick = argv[1];
+    char *nick = argv[1];
     int len = strlen(nick);
 
     if (nick[0] == '\"') {
         ++nick;
         len -= 2;
-        nick[len] = L'\0';
+        nick[len] = '\0';
     }
 
     if (!valid_nick(nick)) {
@@ -350,18 +350,17 @@ void cmd_nick(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MA
     }
 
     len = MIN(len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
+    nick[len] = '\0';
 
-    nick[len] = L'\0';
-
-    tox_set_name(m, nick, len);
-    prompt_update_nick(prompt, nick, len);
+    tox_set_name(m, (uint8_t *) nick, (uint16_t) len);
+    prompt_update_nick(prompt, nick);
 
     store_data(m, DATA_FILE);
 }
 
 void cmd_note(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (argc < 1) {
         errmsg = "Wrong number of arguments.";
@@ -369,7 +368,7 @@ void cmd_note(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MA
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t *msg = argv[1];
+    char *msg = argv[1];
 
     if (msg[0] != '\"') {
         errmsg = "Note must be enclosed in quotes.";
@@ -377,10 +376,11 @@ void cmd_note(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MA
         return;
     }
 
-    msg[strlen(++msg) - 1] = L'\0';
-    uint16_t len = strlen(msg);
-    tox_set_status_message(m, msg, len);
-    prompt_update_statusmessage(prompt, msg, len);
+    ++msg;
+    msg[strlen(msg) - 1] = '\0';
+    int len = strlen(msg);
+    tox_set_status_message(m, (uint8_t *) msg, (uint16_t) len);
+    prompt_update_statusmessage(prompt, msg);
 }
 
 void cmd_prompt_help(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
@@ -395,8 +395,8 @@ void cmd_quit(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MA
 
 void cmd_status(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE])
 {
-    uint8_t *msg = NULL;
-    uint8_t *errmsg;
+    char *msg = NULL;
+    char *errmsg;
 
     if (argc >= 2) {
         msg = argv[2];
@@ -414,7 +414,6 @@ void cmd_status(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[
 
     char *status = argv[1];
     str_to_lower(status);
-    int len = strlen(status);
 
     TOX_USERSTATUS status_kind;
 
@@ -434,9 +433,10 @@ void cmd_status(WINDOW *window, ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int argc, char (*argv)[
     prompt_update_status(prompt, status_kind);
 
     if (msg != NULL) {
-        msg[strlen(++msg) - 1] = L'\0'; /* remove opening and closing quotes */
-        uint16_t len = strlen(msg);
-        tox_set_status_message(m, msg, len);
-        prompt_update_statusmessage(prompt, msg, len);
+        ++msg;
+        msg[strlen(msg) - 1] = L'\0'; /* remove opening and closing quotes */
+        int len = strlen(msg);
+        tox_set_status_message(m, (uint8_t *) msg, (uint16_t) len);
+        prompt_update_statusmessage(prompt, msg);
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/global_commands.h b/src/global_commands.h
index 688b6af..e0e88ba 100644
--- a/src/global_commands.h
+++ b/src/global_commands.h
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ void cmd_prompt_help(WINDOW *, ToxWindow *, Tox *, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_ST
 void cmd_quit(WINDOW *, ToxWindow *, Tox *, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE]);
 void cmd_status(WINDOW *, ToxWindow *, Tox *, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE]);
 
-void cmd_add_helper(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, uint8_t *id_bin, uint8_t *msg);
+void cmd_add_helper(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, char *id_bin, char *msg);
 
 #ifdef _SUPPORT_AUDIO
 void cmd_list_devices(WINDOW *, ToxWindow *, Tox *, int argc, char (*argv)[MAX_STR_SIZE]);
diff --git a/src/groupchat.c b/src/groupchat.c
index 744d015..3ca9732 100644
--- a/src/groupchat.c
+++ b/src/groupchat.c
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ static int max_groupchat_index = 0;
 extern struct user_settings *user_settings;
 
 /* temporary until group chats have unique commands */
-extern const uint8_t glob_cmd_list[AC_NUM_GLOB_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE];
+extern const char glob_cmd_list[AC_NUM_GLOB_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE];
 
 int init_groupchat_win(ToxWindow *prompt, Tox *m, int groupnum)
 {
@@ -124,15 +124,15 @@ static void close_groupchat(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum)
 }
 
 static void groupchat_onGroupMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int peernum,
-                                     const uint8_t *msg, uint16_t len)
+                                     const char *msg, uint16_t len)
 {
     if (self->num != groupnum)
         return;
 
     ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
 
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
-    int n_len = tox_group_peername(m, groupnum, peernum, nick);
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    int n_len = tox_group_peername(m, groupnum, peernum, (uint8_t *) nick);
 
     n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);  /* enforce client max name length */
     nick[n_len] = '\0';
@@ -141,8 +141,8 @@ static void groupchat_onGroupMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int
     int alert_type = WINDOW_ALERT_1;
     bool beep = false;
 
-    uint8_t selfnick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint16_t sn_len = tox_get_self_name(m, selfnick);
+    char selfnick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    uint16_t sn_len = tox_get_self_name(m, (uint8_t *) selfnick);
     selfnick[sn_len] = '\0';
 
     int nick_clr = strcmp(nick, selfnick) == 0 ? GREEN : CYAN;
@@ -157,14 +157,14 @@ static void groupchat_onGroupMessage(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int
 
     alert_window(self, alert_type, beep);
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
     line_info_add(self, timefrmt, nick, NULL, msg, IN_MSG, 0, nick_clr);
     write_to_log(msg, nick, ctx->log, false);
 }
 
-static void groupchat_onGroupAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int peernum, const uint8_t *action,
+static void groupchat_onGroupAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int peernum, const char *action,
                                     uint16_t len)
 {
     if (self->num != groupnum)
@@ -176,8 +176,8 @@ static void groupchat_onGroupAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int p
     int alert_type = WINDOW_ALERT_1;
     bool beep = false;
 
-    uint8_t selfnick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint16_t n_len = tox_get_self_name(m, selfnick);
+    char selfnick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    uint16_t n_len = tox_get_self_name(m, (uint8_t *) selfnick);
     selfnick[n_len] = '\0';
 
     bool nick_match = strcasestr(action, selfnick);
@@ -189,13 +189,12 @@ static void groupchat_onGroupAction(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int p
 
     alert_window(self, alert_type, beep);
 
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {'\0'};
-    n_len = tox_group_peername(m, groupnum, peernum, nick);
-
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    n_len = tox_group_peername(m, groupnum, peernum, (uint8_t *) nick);
     n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
     nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
     line_info_add(self, timefrmt, nick, NULL, action, ACTION, 0, 0);
@@ -223,11 +222,11 @@ static void copy_peernames(int gnum, uint8_t peerlist[][TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH], ui
         exit_toxic_err("failed in copy_peernames", FATALERR_MEMORY);
     }
 
-    uint16_t unknown_len = strlen(UNKNOWN_NAME);
+    uint16_t unknown_len = (uint16_t) strlen(UNKNOWN_NAME);
     int i;
 
     for (i = 0; i < npeers; ++i) {
-        if (string_is_empty(peerlist[i])) {
+        if (string_is_empty((char *) peerlist[i])) {
             memcpy(&groupchats[gnum].peer_names[i * N], UNKNOWN_NAME, sizeof(UNKNOWN_NAME));
             groupchats[gnum].peer_name_lengths[i] = unknown_len;
         } else {
@@ -247,7 +246,7 @@ static void copy_peernames(int gnum, uint8_t peerlist[][TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH], ui
 }
 
 static void groupchat_onGroupNamelistChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnum, int peernum,
-        uint8_t change)
+                                            uint8_t change)
 {
     if (self->num != groupnum)
         return;
@@ -290,49 +289,49 @@ static void groupchat_onGroupNamelistChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int groupnu
 
     ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
 
-    uint8_t *event;
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char *event;
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
     switch (change) {
         case TOX_CHAT_CHANGE_PEER_ADD:
             event = "has joined the room";
-            line_info_add(self, timefrmt, peername, NULL, event, CONNECTION, 0, GREEN);
-            write_to_log(event, peername, ctx->log, true);
+            line_info_add(self, timefrmt, (char *) peername, NULL, event, CONNECTION, 0, GREEN);
+            write_to_log(event, (char *) peername, ctx->log, true);
             break;
 
         case TOX_CHAT_CHANGE_PEER_DEL:
             event = "has left the room";
-            line_info_add(self, timefrmt, oldpeername, NULL, event, CONNECTION, 0, 0);
+            line_info_add(self, timefrmt, (char *) oldpeername, NULL, event, CONNECTION, 0, 0);
 
             if (groupchats[self->num].side_pos > 0)
                 --groupchats[self->num].side_pos;
 
-            write_to_log(event, oldpeername, ctx->log, true);
+            write_to_log(event, (char *) oldpeername, ctx->log, true);
             break;
 
         case TOX_CHAT_CHANGE_PEER_NAME:
             event = " is now known as ";
-            line_info_add(self, timefrmt, oldpeername, peername, event, NAME_CHANGE, 0, 0);
+            line_info_add(self, timefrmt, (char *) oldpeername, (char *) peername, event, NAME_CHANGE, 0, 0);
 
-            uint8_t tmp_event[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH * 2 + 32];
-            snprintf(tmp_event, sizeof(tmp_event), "is now known as %s", peername);
-            write_to_log(tmp_event, oldpeername, ctx->log, true);
+            char tmp_event[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH * 2 + 32];
+            snprintf(tmp_event, sizeof(tmp_event), "is now known as %s", (char *) peername);
+            write_to_log(tmp_event, (char *) oldpeername, ctx->log, true);
             break;
     }
 
     alert_window(self, WINDOW_ALERT_2, false);
 }
 
-static void send_group_action(ToxWindow *self, ChatContext *ctx, Tox *m, uint8_t *action)
+static void send_group_action(ToxWindow *self, ChatContext *ctx, Tox *m, char *action)
 {
     if (action == NULL) {
         wprintw(ctx->history, "Invalid syntax.\n");
         return;
     }
 
-    if (tox_group_action_send(m, self->num, action, strlen(action)) == -1) {
-        uint8_t *errmsg = " * Failed to send action.";
+    if (tox_group_action_send(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) action, strlen(action)) == -1) {
+        char *errmsg = " * Failed to send action.";
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
     }
 }
@@ -398,7 +397,7 @@ static void groupchat_onKey(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, wint_t key, bool ltr)
     } else if (key == '\n') {
         rm_trailing_spaces_buf(ctx);
 
-        uint8_t line[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+        char line[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
         if (wcs_to_mbs_buf(line, ctx->line, MAX_STR_SIZE) == -1)
             memset(&line, 0, sizeof(line));
@@ -416,8 +415,8 @@ static void groupchat_onKey(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, wint_t key, bool ltr)
                 execute(ctx->history, self, m, line, GROUPCHAT_COMMAND_MODE);
             }
         } else if (!string_is_empty(line)) {
-            if (tox_group_message_send(m, self->num, line, strlen(line)) == -1) {
-                uint8_t *errmsg = " * Failed to send message.";
+            if (tox_group_message_send(m, self->num, (uint8_t *) line, strlen(line)) == -1) {
+                char *errmsg = " * Failed to send message.";
                 line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, RED);
             }
         }
@@ -468,7 +467,7 @@ static void groupchat_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
         int peer = i + groupchats[self->num].side_pos;
 
         /* truncate nick to fit in side panel without modifying list */
-        uint8_t tmpnck[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+        char tmpnck[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
         memcpy(tmpnck, &groupchats[self->num].peer_names[peer * N], SIDEBAR_WIDTH - 2);
         tmpnck[SIDEBAR_WIDTH - 2] = '\0';
 
@@ -477,6 +476,7 @@ static void groupchat_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
     int y, x;
     getyx(self->window, y, x);
+    (void) x;
     int new_x = ctx->start ? x2 - 1 : ctx->pos;
     wmove(self->window, y + 1, new_x);
 
diff --git a/src/help.c b/src/help.c
index e1ca85d..75cceb8 100644
--- a/src/help.c
+++ b/src/help.c
@@ -105,6 +105,8 @@ static void help_draw_bottom_menu(WINDOW *win)
 {
     int y2, x2;
     getmaxyx(win, y2, x2);
+    (void) x2;
+
     wmove(win, y2 - 2, 1);
 
     wattron(win, A_BOLD | COLOR_PAIR(BLUE));
diff --git a/src/line_info.c b/src/line_info.c
index f60a35a..8eb43f9 100644
--- a/src/line_info.c
+++ b/src/line_info.c
@@ -126,8 +126,8 @@ static struct line_info *line_info_ret_queue(struct history *hst)
 }
 
 /* creates new line_info line and puts it in the queue */
-void line_info_add(ToxWindow *self, uint8_t *tmstmp, uint8_t *name1, uint8_t *name2, const uint8_t *msg,
-                   uint8_t type, uint8_t bold, uint8_t colour)
+void line_info_add(ToxWindow *self, char *tmstmp, char *name1, char *name2, const char *msg, uint8_t type, 
+                   uint8_t bold, uint8_t colour)
 {
     struct history *hst = self->chatwin->hst;
     struct line_info *new_line = calloc(1, sizeof(struct line_info));
@@ -211,6 +211,7 @@ static void line_info_check_queue(ToxWindow *self)
     int y, y2, x, x2;
     getmaxyx(self->window, y2, x2);
     getyx(self->chatwin->history, y, x);
+    (void) x;
 
     if (x2 <= SIDEBAR_WIDTH)
         return;
@@ -255,7 +256,6 @@ void line_info_print(ToxWindow *self)
         wmove(win, 2, 0);
 
     struct line_info *line = hst->line_start->next;
-    int offst = self->is_groupchat ? SIDEBAR_WIDTH : 0;
     int numlines = 0;
 
     while (line && numlines++ <= y2) {
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ void line_info_print(ToxWindow *self)
         line_info_print(self);
 }
 
-void line_info_set(ToxWindow *self, uint32_t id, uint8_t *msg)
+void line_info_set(ToxWindow *self, uint32_t id, char *msg)
 {
     struct line_info *line = self->chatwin->hst->line_end;
 
@@ -390,10 +390,10 @@ void line_info_set(ToxWindow *self, uint32_t id, uint8_t *msg)
     }
 }
 
-static void line_info_goto_root(struct history *hst)
+/* static void line_info_goto_root(struct history *hst)
 {
     hst->line_start = hst->line_root;
-}
+} */
 
 static void line_info_scroll_up(struct history *hst)
 {
@@ -413,6 +413,7 @@ static void line_info_page_up(ToxWindow *self, struct history *hst)
 {
     int x2, y2;
     getmaxyx(self->window, y2, x2);
+    (void) x2;
     int jump_dist = y2 / 2;
     int i;
 
@@ -424,6 +425,7 @@ static void line_info_page_down(ToxWindow *self, struct history *hst)
 {
     int x2, y2;
     getmaxyx(self->window, y2, x2);
+    (void) x2;
     int jump_dist = y2 / 2;
     int i;
 
diff --git a/src/line_info.h b/src/line_info.h
index 1315b1f..089292f 100644
--- a/src/line_info.h
+++ b/src/line_info.h
@@ -41,10 +41,10 @@ enum {
 } LINE_TYPE;
 
 struct line_info {
-    uint8_t timestamp[TIME_STR_SIZE];
-    uint8_t name1[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint8_t name2[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint8_t msg[TOX_MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH];
+    char timestamp[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char name1[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    char name2[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    char msg[TOX_MAX_MESSAGE_LENGTH];
     uint8_t type;
     uint8_t bold;
     uint8_t colour;
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ struct history {
 };
 
 /* creates new line_info line and puts it in the queue */
-void line_info_add(ToxWindow *self, uint8_t *tmstmp, uint8_t *name1, uint8_t *name2, const uint8_t *msg,
+void line_info_add(ToxWindow *self, char *tmstmp, char *name1, char *name2, const char *msg,
                    uint8_t type, uint8_t bold, uint8_t colour);
 
 /* Prints a section of history starting at line_start */
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ void line_info_cleanup(struct history *hst);
 void line_info_clear(struct history *hst);
 
 /* puts msg in specified line_info msg buffer */
-void line_info_set(ToxWindow *self, uint32_t id, uint8_t *msg);
+void line_info_set(ToxWindow *self, uint32_t id, char *msg);
 
 void line_info_init(struct history *hst);
 bool line_info_onKey(ToxWindow *self, wint_t key);    /* returns true if key is a match */
diff --git a/src/log.c b/src/log.c
index 4e9bbf3..251c39c 100644
--- a/src/log.c
+++ b/src/log.c
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 extern struct user_settings *user_settings;
 
 /* Creates/fetches log file by appending to the config dir the name and a pseudo-unique identity */
-void init_logging_session(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log)
+void init_logging_session(char *name, char *key, struct chatlog *log)
 {
     if (!log->log_on)
         return;
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ void init_logging_session(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log)
     int path_len = strlen(user_config_dir) + strlen(CONFIGDIR) + strlen(name);
 
     /* use first 4 digits of key as log ident. If no key use a timestamp */
-    uint8_t ident[32];
+    char ident[32];
 
     if (key != NULL) {
         path_len += (KEY_IDENT_DIGITS * 2 + 5);
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ void init_logging_session(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log)
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t log_path[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char log_path[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
     snprintf(log_path, MAX_STR_SIZE, "%s%s%s-%s.log",
              user_config_dir, CONFIGDIR, name, ident);
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ void init_logging_session(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log)
     fprintf(log->file, "\n*** NEW SESSION ***\n\n");
 }
 
-void write_to_log(const uint8_t *msg, uint8_t *name, struct chatlog *log, bool event)
+void write_to_log(const char *msg, char *name, struct chatlog *log, bool event)
 {
     if (!log->log_on)
         return;
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ void write_to_log(const uint8_t *msg, uint8_t *name, struct chatlog *log, bool e
         return;
     }
 
-    uint8_t name_frmt[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH + 3];
+    char name_frmt[TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH + 3];
 
     if (event)
         snprintf(name_frmt, sizeof(name_frmt), "* %s", name);
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ void write_to_log(const uint8_t *msg, uint8_t *name, struct chatlog *log, bool e
         snprintf(name_frmt, sizeof(name_frmt), "%s:", name);
 
     const char *t = user_settings->time == TIME_12 ? "%Y/%m/%d [%I:%M:%S %p]" : "%Y/%m/%d [%H:%M:%S]";
-    uint8_t s[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char s[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     strftime(s, MAX_STR_SIZE, t, get_time());
     fprintf(log->file, "%s %s %s\n", s, name_frmt, msg);
 
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ void write_to_log(const uint8_t *msg, uint8_t *name, struct chatlog *log, bool e
     }
 }
 
-void log_enable(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log)
+void log_enable(char *name, char *key, struct chatlog *log)
 {
     log->log_on = true;
 
diff --git a/src/log.h b/src/log.h
index 0cb1ba2..141d8ef 100644
--- a/src/log.h
+++ b/src/log.h
@@ -33,13 +33,13 @@ struct chatlog {
 };
 
 /* Creates/fetches log file by appending to the config dir the name and a pseudo-unique identity */
-void init_logging_session(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log);
+void init_logging_session(char *name, char *key, struct chatlog *log);
 
 /* formats/writes line to log file */
-void write_to_log(const uint8_t *msg, uint8_t *name, struct chatlog *log, bool event);
+void write_to_log(const char *msg, char *name, struct chatlog *log, bool event);
 
 /* enables logging for specified log and creates/fetches file if necessary */
-void log_enable(uint8_t *name, uint8_t *key, struct chatlog *log);
+void log_enable(char *name, char *key, struct chatlog *log);
 
 /* disables logging for specified log and closes file */
 void log_disable(struct chatlog *log);
diff --git a/src/misc_tools.c b/src/misc_tools.c
index 8b6c0a1..fe98fe6 100644
--- a/src/misc_tools.c
+++ b/src/misc_tools.c
@@ -51,12 +51,12 @@ struct tm *get_time(void)
 {
     struct tm *timeinfo;
     uint64_t t = get_unix_time();
-    timeinfo = localtime((const time_t*)&t);
+    timeinfo = localtime((const time_t*) &t);
     return timeinfo;
 }
 
 /*Puts the current time in buf in the format of [HH:mm:ss] */
-void get_time_str(uint8_t *buf, int bufsize)
+void get_time_str(char *buf, int bufsize)
 {
     if (user_settings->timestamps == TIMESTAMPS_OFF) {
         buf[0] = '\0';
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ void get_time_str(uint8_t *buf, int bufsize)
 }
 
 /* Converts seconds to string in format HH:mm:ss; truncates hours and minutes when necessary */
-void get_elapsed_time_str(uint8_t *buf, int bufsize, uint64_t secs)
+void get_elapsed_time_str(char *buf, int bufsize, uint64_t secs)
 {
     if (!secs)
         return;
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ int string_is_empty(char *string)
 }
 
 /* convert a multibyte string to a wide character string and puts in buf. */
-int mbs_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const uint8_t *string, size_t n)
+int mbs_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const char *string, size_t n)
 {
     size_t len = mbstowcs(NULL, string, 0) + 1;
 
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ int mbs_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const uint8_t *string, size_t n)
 }
 
 /* converts wide character string into a multibyte string and puts in buf. */
-int wcs_to_mbs_buf(uint8_t *buf, const wchar_t *string, size_t n)
+int wcs_to_mbs_buf(char *buf, const wchar_t *string, size_t n)
 {
     size_t len = wcstombs(NULL, string, 0) + 1;
 
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ int qsort_strcasecmp_hlpr(const void *nick1, const void *nick2)
       - cannot start with a space
       - must not contain a forward slash (for logfile naming purposes)
       - must not contain contiguous spaces */
-int valid_nick(uint8_t *nick)
+int valid_nick(char *nick)
 {
     if (!nick[0] || nick[0] == ' ')
         return 0;
@@ -194,17 +194,17 @@ int valid_nick(uint8_t *nick)
 }
 
 /* gets base file name from path or original file name if no path is supplied */
-void get_file_name(uint8_t *namebuf, const uint8_t *pathname)
+void get_file_name(char *namebuf, const char *pathname)
 {
     int idx = strlen(pathname) - 1;
 
-    uint8_t tmpname[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char tmpname[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     snprintf(tmpname, sizeof(tmpname), "%s", pathname);
 
     while (idx >= 0 && pathname[idx] == '/')
         tmpname[idx--] = '\0';
 
-    uint8_t *filename = strrchr(tmpname, '/');
+    char *filename = strrchr(tmpname, '/');
 
     if (filename != NULL) {
         if (!strlen(++filename))
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ void get_file_name(uint8_t *namebuf, const uint8_t *pathname)
 }
 
 /* converts str to all lowercase */
-void str_to_lower(uint8_t *str)
+void str_to_lower(char *str)
 {
     int i;
 
diff --git a/src/misc_tools.h b/src/misc_tools.h
index 2475490..61971bc 100644
--- a/src/misc_tools.h
+++ b/src/misc_tools.h
@@ -40,10 +40,10 @@ char *hex_string_to_bin(const char *hex_string);
 uint64_t get_unix_time(void);
 
 /*Puts the current time in buf in the format of [HH:mm:ss] */
-void get_time_str(uint8_t *buf, int bufsize);
+void get_time_str(char *buf, int bufsize);
 
 /* Converts seconds to string in format HH:mm:ss; truncates hours and minutes when necessary */
-void get_elapsed_time_str(uint8_t *buf, int bufsize, uint64_t secs);
+void get_elapsed_time_str(char *buf, int bufsize, uint64_t secs);
 
 /* get the current local time */
 struct tm *get_time(void);
@@ -55,13 +55,13 @@ void update_unix_time(void);
 int string_is_empty(char *string);
 
 /* convert a multibyte string to a wide character string (must provide buffer) */
-int char_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const uint8_t *string, size_t n);
+int char_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const char *string, size_t n);
 
 /* converts wide character string into a multibyte string and puts in buf. */
-int wcs_to_mbs_buf(uint8_t *buf, const wchar_t *string, size_t n);
+int wcs_to_mbs_buf(char *buf, const wchar_t *string, size_t n);
 
 /* convert a multibyte string to a wide character string and puts in buf) */
-int mbs_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const uint8_t *string, size_t n);
+int mbs_to_wcs_buf(wchar_t *buf, const char *string, size_t n);
 
 /* Returns 1 if connection has timed out, 0 otherwise */
 int timed_out(uint64_t timestamp, uint64_t timeout, uint64_t curtime);
@@ -77,12 +77,12 @@ int qsort_strcasecmp_hlpr(const void *nick1, const void *nick2);
       - cannot start with a space
       - must not contain a forward slash (for logfile naming purposes)
       - must not contain contiguous spaces */
-int valid_nick(uint8_t *nick);
+int valid_nick(char *nick);
 
 /* gets base file name from path or original file name if no path is supplied */
-void get_file_name(uint8_t *namebuf, const uint8_t *pathname);
+void get_file_name(char *namebuf, const char *pathname);
 
 /* converts str to all lowercase */
-void str_to_lower(uint8_t *str);
+void str_to_lower(char *str);
 
 #endif /* #define _misc_tools_h */
diff --git a/src/prompt.c b/src/prompt.c
index 1c23eeb..33d5c6d 100644
--- a/src/prompt.c
+++ b/src/prompt.c
@@ -36,15 +36,15 @@
 #include "input.h"
 #include "help.h"
 
-uint8_t pending_frnd_requests[MAX_FRIENDS_NUM][TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE] = {0};
-uint8_t num_frnd_requests = 0;
+char pending_frnd_requests[MAX_FRIENDS_NUM][TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
+uint16_t num_frnd_requests = 0;
 extern ToxWindow *prompt;
 struct _Winthread Winthread;
 
 extern struct user_settings *user_settings;
 
 /* Array of global command names used for tab completion. */
-const uint8_t glob_cmd_list[AC_NUM_GLOB_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE] = {
+const char glob_cmd_list[AC_NUM_GLOB_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE] = {
     { "/accept"     },
     { "/add"        },
     { "/clear"      },
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ const uint8_t glob_cmd_list[AC_NUM_GLOB_COMMANDS][MAX_CMDNAME_SIZE] = {
 };
 
 /* Updates own nick in prompt statusbar */
-void prompt_update_nick(ToxWindow *prompt, uint8_t *nick, uint16_t len)
+void prompt_update_nick(ToxWindow *prompt, char *nick)
 {
     StatusBar *statusbar = prompt->stb;
     snprintf(statusbar->nick, sizeof(statusbar->nick), "%s", nick);
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ void prompt_update_nick(ToxWindow *prompt, uint8_t *nick, uint16_t len)
 }
 
 /* Updates own statusmessage in prompt statusbar */
-void prompt_update_statusmessage(ToxWindow *prompt, uint8_t *statusmsg, uint16_t len)
+void prompt_update_statusmessage(ToxWindow *prompt, char *statusmsg)
 {
     StatusBar *statusbar = prompt->stb;
     snprintf(statusbar->statusmsg, sizeof(statusbar->statusmsg), "%s", statusmsg);
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ void prompt_update_connectionstatus(ToxWindow *prompt, bool is_connected)
 
 /* Adds friend request to pending friend requests.
    Returns request number on success, -1 if queue is full or other error. */
-static int add_friend_request(const uint8_t *public_key)
+static int add_friend_request(const char *public_key)
 {
     if (num_frnd_requests >= MAX_FRIENDS_NUM)
         return -1;
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ static void prompt_onKey(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, wint_t key, bool ltr)
     } else if (key == '\n') {
         rm_trailing_spaces_buf(ctx);
 
-        uint8_t line[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
+        char line[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
 
         if (wcs_to_mbs_buf(line, ctx->line, MAX_STR_SIZE) == -1)
             memset(&line, 0, sizeof(line));
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ static void prompt_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
     if (statusbar->is_online) {
         int colour = WHITE;
-        const uint8_t *status_text = "Unknown";
+        const char *status_text = "Unknown";
 
         switch (statusbar->status) {
             case TOX_USERSTATUS_NONE:
@@ -252,6 +252,8 @@ static void prompt_onDraw(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
     int y, x;
     getyx(self->window, y, x);
+    (void) x;
+
     int new_x = ctx->start ? x2 - 1 : ctx->pos;
     wmove(self->window, y + 1, new_x);
 
@@ -268,8 +270,8 @@ static void prompt_onConnectionChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t friendnum
 
     ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
 
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH] = {0};
-    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, friendnum, nick);
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    int n_len = tox_get_name(m, friendnum, (uint8_t *) nick);
     n_len = MIN(n_len, TOXIC_MAX_NAME_LENGTH - 1);
 
     if (!nick[0]) {
@@ -279,9 +281,9 @@ static void prompt_onConnectionChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t friendnum
 
     nick[n_len] = '\0';
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
-    uint8_t *msg;
+    char *msg;
 
     if (status == 1) {
         msg = "has come online";
@@ -295,15 +297,15 @@ static void prompt_onConnectionChange(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, int32_t friendnum
     }
 }
 
-static void prompt_onFriendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, const uint8_t *key, const uint8_t *data,
+static void prompt_onFriendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, const char *key, const char *data,
                                    uint16_t length)
 {
     ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
 
-    uint8_t timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
+    char timefrmt[TIME_STR_SIZE];
     get_time_str(timefrmt, sizeof(timefrmt));
 
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     snprintf(msg, sizeof(msg), "Friend request with the message '%s'", data);
     line_info_add(self, timefrmt, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
     write_to_log(msg, "", ctx->log, true);
@@ -311,7 +313,7 @@ static void prompt_onFriendRequest(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m, const uint8_t *key,
     int n = add_friend_request(key);
 
     if (n == -1) {
-        uint8_t *errmsg = "Friend request queue is full. Discarding request.";
+        char *errmsg = "Friend request queue is full. Discarding request.";
         line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, errmsg, SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
         write_to_log(errmsg, "", ctx->log, true);
         return;
@@ -326,18 +328,19 @@ void prompt_init_statusbar(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 {
     int x2, y2;
     getmaxyx(self->window, y2, x2);
+    (void) y2;
 
     /* Init statusbar info */
     StatusBar *statusbar = self->stb;
     statusbar->status = TOX_USERSTATUS_NONE;
     statusbar->is_online = false;
 
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
-    uint8_t statusmsg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    char statusmsg[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
     pthread_mutex_lock(&Winthread.lock);
-    uint16_t n_len = tox_get_self_name(m, nick);
-    uint16_t s_len = tox_get_self_status_message(m, statusmsg, MAX_STR_SIZE);
+    uint16_t n_len = tox_get_self_name(m, (uint8_t *) nick);
+    uint16_t s_len = tox_get_self_status_message(m, (uint8_t *) statusmsg, MAX_STR_SIZE);
     uint8_t status = tox_get_self_user_status(m);
     pthread_mutex_unlock(&Winthread.lock);
 
@@ -345,9 +348,9 @@ void prompt_init_statusbar(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
     statusmsg[s_len] = '\0';
 
     /* load prev status message or show toxic version if it has never been set */
-    uint8_t ver[strlen(TOXICVER) + 1];
+    char ver[strlen(TOXICVER) + 1];
     strcpy(ver, TOXICVER);
-    const uint8_t *toxic_ver = strtok(ver, "_");
+    const char *toxic_ver = strtok(ver, "_");
 
     if ( (!strcmp("Online", statusmsg) || !strncmp("Toxing on Toxic", statusmsg, 15)) && toxic_ver != NULL) {
         snprintf(statusmsg, MAX_STR_SIZE, "Toxing on Toxic v.%s", toxic_ver);
@@ -355,9 +358,9 @@ void prompt_init_statusbar(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
         statusmsg[s_len] = '\0';
     }
 
-    prompt_update_statusmessage(prompt, statusmsg, s_len);
+    prompt_update_statusmessage(prompt, statusmsg);
     prompt_update_status(prompt, status);
-    prompt_update_nick(prompt, nick, n_len);
+    prompt_update_nick(prompt, nick);
 
     /* Init statusbar subwindow */
     statusbar->topline = subwin(self->window, 2, x2, 0, 0);
@@ -365,8 +368,6 @@ void prompt_init_statusbar(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
 
 static void print_welcome_msg(ToxWindow *self)
 {
-    ChatContext *ctx = self->chatwin;
-
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "    _____ _____  _____ ____ ", SYS_MSG, 1, BLUE);
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "   |_   _/ _ \\ \\/ /_ _/ ___|", SYS_MSG, 1, BLUE);
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "     | || | | \\  / | | |    ", SYS_MSG, 1, BLUE);
@@ -374,7 +375,7 @@ static void print_welcome_msg(ToxWindow *self)
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "     |_| \\___/_/\\_\\___\\____|", SYS_MSG, 1, BLUE);
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, "", SYS_MSG, 0, 0);
 
-    uint8_t *msg = "Welcome to Toxic, a free, open source Tox-based instant messenging client.";
+    char *msg = "Welcome to Toxic, a free, open source Tox-based instant messenging client.";
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 1, CYAN);
     msg = "Type \"/help\" for assistance. Further help may be found via the man page.";
     line_info_add(self, NULL, NULL, NULL, msg, SYS_MSG, 1, CYAN);
@@ -400,8 +401,8 @@ static void prompt_onInit(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m)
     line_info_init(ctx->hst);
 
     if (user_settings->autolog == AUTOLOG_ON) {
-        uint8_t myid[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
-        tox_get_address(m, myid);
+        char myid[TOX_FRIEND_ADDRESS_SIZE];
+        tox_get_address(m, (uint8_t *) myid);
         log_enable(self->name, myid, ctx->log);
     }
 
diff --git a/src/prompt.h b/src/prompt.h
index 4bc19a9..71ef722 100644
--- a/src/prompt.h
+++ b/src/prompt.h
@@ -35,8 +35,8 @@
 ToxWindow new_prompt(void);
 void prep_prompt_win(void);
 void prompt_init_statusbar(ToxWindow *self, Tox *m);
-void prompt_update_nick(ToxWindow *prompt, uint8_t *nick, uint16_t len);
-void prompt_update_statusmessage(ToxWindow *prompt, uint8_t *statusmsg, uint16_t len);
+void prompt_update_nick(ToxWindow *prompt, char *nick);
+void prompt_update_statusmessage(ToxWindow *prompt, char *statusmsg);
 void prompt_update_status(ToxWindow *prompt, uint8_t status);
 void prompt_update_connectionstatus(ToxWindow *prompt, bool is_connected);
 
diff --git a/src/toxic.c b/src/toxic.c
index 1c12af8..22bf2fb 100644
--- a/src/toxic.c
+++ b/src/toxic.c
@@ -224,10 +224,10 @@ static struct _toxNodes {
     int lines;
     char nodes[MAXNODES][NODELEN];
     uint16_t ports[MAXNODES];
-    uint8_t keys[MAXNODES][TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
+    char keys[MAXNODES][TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE];
 } toxNodes;
 
-static int nodelist_load(char *filename)
+static int nodelist_load(const char *filename)
 {
     if (!filename)
         return 1;
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ static int nodelist_load(char *filename)
             toxNodes.nodes[toxNodes.lines][NODELEN - 1] = 0;
             toxNodes.ports[toxNodes.lines] = htons(atoi(port));
 
-            uint8_t *key_binary = hex_string_to_bin(key_ascii);
+            char *key_binary = hex_string_to_bin(key_ascii);
             memcpy(toxNodes.keys[toxNodes.lines], key_binary, TOX_CLIENT_ID_SIZE);
             free(key_binary);
 
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ static int nodelist_load(char *filename)
 int init_connection_helper(Tox *m, int line)
 {
     return tox_bootstrap_from_address(m, toxNodes.nodes[line], TOX_ENABLE_IPV6_DEFAULT,
-                                      toxNodes.ports[line], toxNodes.keys[line]);
+                                      toxNodes.ports[line], (uint8_t *) toxNodes.keys[line]);
 }
 
 /* Connects to a random DHT node listed in the DHTnodes file
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ int init_connection(Tox *m)
 
 static void do_connection(Tox *m, ToxWindow *prompt)
 {
-    uint8_t msg[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
+    char msg[MAX_STR_SIZE] = {0};
 
     static int conn_err = 0;
     static bool was_connected = false;
@@ -388,8 +388,8 @@ int store_data(Tox *m, char *path)
         return 1;
 
     FILE *fd;
-    size_t len;
-    uint8_t *buf;
+    int len;
+    char *buf;
 
     len = tox_size(m);
     buf = malloc(len);
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ int store_data(Tox *m, char *path)
     if (buf == NULL)
         return 2;
 
-    tox_save(m, buf);
+    tox_save(m, (uint8_t *) buf);
 
     fd = fopen(path, "wb");
 
@@ -423,8 +423,8 @@ static void load_data(Tox *m, char *path)
         return;
 
     FILE *fd;
-    size_t len;
-    uint8_t *buf;
+    int len;
+    char *buf;
 
     if ((fd = fopen(path, "rb")) != NULL) {
         fseek(fd, 0, SEEK_END);
@@ -444,7 +444,7 @@ static void load_data(Tox *m, char *path)
             exit_toxic_err("failed in load_data", FATALERR_FREAD);
         }
 
-        tox_load(m, buf, len);
+        tox_load(m, (uint8_t *) buf, len);
         load_friendlist(m);
 
         free(buf);
@@ -618,7 +618,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     if (pthread_create(&Winthread.tid, NULL, thread_winref, (void *) m) != 0)
         exit_toxic_err("failed in main", FATALERR_THREAD_CREATE);
 
-    uint8_t *msg;
+    char *msg;
 
 #ifdef _SUPPORT_AUDIO
 
diff --git a/src/toxic_strings.c b/src/toxic_strings.c
index 3f186da..fb6d28a 100644
--- a/src/toxic_strings.c
+++ b/src/toxic_strings.c
@@ -183,19 +183,19 @@ int complete_line(ChatContext *ctx, const void *list, int n_items, int size)
     if (ctx->pos <= 0 || ctx->len <= 0 || ctx->len >= MAX_STR_SIZE)
         return -1;
 
-    const uint8_t *L = (uint8_t *) list;
+    const char *L = (char *) list;
 
-    uint8_t ubuf[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char ubuf[MAX_STR_SIZE];
 
     /* work with multibyte string copy of buf for simplicity */
-    if (wcs_to_mbs_buf(ubuf, ctx->line, MAX_STR_SIZE) == -1)
+    if (wcs_to_mbs_buf(ubuf, ctx->line, sizeof(ubuf)) == -1)
         return -1;
 
     /* isolate substring from space behind pos to pos */
-    uint8_t tmp[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char tmp[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "%s", ubuf);
     tmp[ctx->pos] = '\0';
-    uint8_t *sub = strrchr(tmp, ' ');
+    char *sub = strrchr(tmp, ' ');
     int n_endchrs = 1;    /* 1 = append space to end of match, 2 = append ": " */
 
     if (!sub++) {
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ int complete_line(ChatContext *ctx, const void *list, int n_items, int size)
         return -1;
 
     int s_len = strlen(sub);
-    const uint8_t *match;
+    const char *match;
     bool is_match = false;
     int i;
 
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ int complete_line(ChatContext *ctx, const void *list, int n_items, int size)
     for (i = 0; i < n_items; ++i) {
         match = &L[i * size];
 
-        if (is_match = strncasecmp(match, sub, s_len) == 0)
+        if ((is_match = strncasecmp(match, sub, s_len) == 0))
             break;
     }
 
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ int complete_line(ChatContext *ctx, const void *list, int n_items, int size)
         return -1;
 
     /* put match in correct spot in buf and append endchars (space or ": ") */
-    const uint8_t *endchrs = n_endchrs == 1 ? " " : ": ";
+    const char *endchrs = n_endchrs == 1 ? " " : ": ";
     int m_len = strlen(match);
     int strt = ctx->pos - s_len;
     int diff = m_len - s_len + n_endchrs;
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ int complete_line(ChatContext *ctx, const void *list, int n_items, int size)
     if (ctx->len + diff > MAX_STR_SIZE)
         return -1;
 
-    uint8_t tmpend[MAX_STR_SIZE];
+    char tmpend[MAX_STR_SIZE];
     strcpy(tmpend, &ubuf[ctx->pos]);
     strcpy(&ubuf[strt], match);
     strcpy(&ubuf[strt + m_len], endchrs);
diff --git a/src/windows.c b/src/windows.c
index 489ebe0..43e52c1 100644
--- a/src/windows.c
+++ b/src/windows.c
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ void on_request(Tox *m, const uint8_t *public_key, const uint8_t *data, uint16_t
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onFriendRequest != NULL)
-            windows[i].onFriendRequest(&windows[i], m, public_key, data, length);
+            windows[i].onFriendRequest(&windows[i], m, (const char *) public_key, (const char *) data, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ void on_message(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const uint8_t *string, uint16_t le
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onMessage != NULL)
-            windows[i].onMessage(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, string, length);
+            windows[i].onMessage(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, (const char *) string, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ void on_action(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const uint8_t *string, uint16_t len
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onAction != NULL)
-            windows[i].onAction(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, string, length);
+            windows[i].onAction(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, (const char *) string, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ void on_nickchange(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const uint8_t *string, uint16_t
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onNickChange != NULL)
-            windows[i].onNickChange(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, string, length);
+            windows[i].onNickChange(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, (const char *) string, length);
     }
 
     if (store_data(m, DATA_FILE))
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ void on_statusmessagechange(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const uint8_t *string,
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onStatusMessageChange != NULL)
-            windows[i].onStatusMessageChange(&windows[i], friendnumber, string, length);
+            windows[i].onStatusMessageChange(&windows[i], friendnumber, (const char *) string, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ void on_groupmessage(Tox *m, int groupnumber, int peernumber, const uint8_t *mes
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onGroupMessage != NULL)
-            windows[i].onGroupMessage(&windows[i], m, groupnumber, peernumber, message, length);
+            windows[i].onGroupMessage(&windows[i], m, groupnumber, peernumber, (const char *) message, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ void on_groupaction(Tox *m, int groupnumber, int peernumber, const uint8_t *acti
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onGroupAction != NULL)
-            windows[i].onGroupAction(&windows[i], m, groupnumber, peernumber, action, length);
+            windows[i].onGroupAction(&windows[i], m, groupnumber, peernumber, (const char *) action, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ void on_groupinvite(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, const uint8_t *group_pub_key,
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onGroupInvite != NULL)
-            windows[i].onGroupInvite(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, group_pub_key);
+            windows[i].onGroupInvite(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, (const char *) group_pub_key);
     }
 }
 
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ void on_file_sendrequest(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, uint8_t filenumber, uint6
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onFileSendRequest != NULL)
             windows[i].onFileSendRequest(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, filenumber, filesize,
-                                         filename, filename_length);
+                                         (const char *) filename, filename_length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ void on_file_control (Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, uint8_t receive_send, uint8_
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onFileControl != NULL)
             windows[i].onFileControl(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, receive_send, filenumber,
-                                     control_type, data, length);
+                                     control_type, (const char *) data, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ void on_file_data(Tox *m, int32_t friendnumber, uint8_t filenumber, const uint8_
 
     for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (windows[i].onFileData != NULL)
-            windows[i].onFileData(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, filenumber, data, length);
+            windows[i].onFileData(&windows[i], m, friendnumber, filenumber, (const char *) data, length);
     }
 }
 
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ void on_window_resize(void)
 
     int i;
 
-    for (i == 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
+    for (i = 0; i < MAX_WINDOWS_NUM; ++i) {
         if (!windows[i].active)
             continue;
 
diff --git a/src/windows.h b/src/windows.h
index ca88eb1..c8c8dfb 100644
--- a/src/windows.h
+++ b/src/windows.h
@@ -78,21 +78,21 @@ struct ToxWindow {
     void(*onKey)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, wint_t, bool);
     void(*onDraw)(ToxWindow *, Tox *);
     void(*onInit)(ToxWindow *, Tox *);
-    void(*onFriendRequest)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, const uint8_t *, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onFriendRequest)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, const char *, const char *, uint16_t);
     void(*onFriendAdded)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, bool);
     void(*onConnectionChange)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t);
-    void(*onMessage)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onNickChange)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onMessage)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onNickChange)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const char *, uint16_t);
     void(*onStatusChange)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t);
-    void(*onStatusMessageChange)(ToxWindow *, int32_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onAction)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onGroupMessage)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int, int, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onGroupAction)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int, int, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onGroupInvite)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const uint8_t *);
+    void(*onStatusMessageChange)(ToxWindow *, int32_t, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onAction)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onGroupMessage)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int, int, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onGroupAction)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int, int, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onGroupInvite)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, const char *);
     void(*onGroupNamelistChange)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int, int, uint8_t);
-    void(*onFileSendRequest)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t, uint64_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onFileControl)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t, uint8_t, uint8_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
-    void(*onFileData)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t, const uint8_t *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onFileSendRequest)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t, uint64_t, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onFileControl)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t, uint8_t, uint8_t, const char *, uint16_t);
+    void(*onFileData)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t, const char *, uint16_t);
     void(*onTypingChange)(ToxWindow *, Tox *, int32_t, uint8_t);
 
 #ifdef _SUPPORT_AUDIO
@@ -139,9 +139,9 @@ struct ToxWindow {
 /* statusbar info holder */
 struct StatusBar {
     WINDOW *topline;
-    uint8_t statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH];
+    char statusmsg[TOX_MAX_STATUSMESSAGE_LENGTH];
     uint16_t statusmsg_len;
-    uint8_t nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
+    char nick[TOX_MAX_NAME_LENGTH];
     uint16_t nick_len;
     uint8_t status;
     bool is_online;