Chat for WebIRC

This plugin provides a shortcode that renders a lightweight IRC client written in vanilla JavaScript. It supports direct WebSocket connections to IRC servers (IRCv3-friendly) and includes an optional WebIRC gateway.

Security-conscious defaults:

• Server allow-list (host:port format), WSS (WebSockets over SSL/TLS) only
• Optional WebSocket subprotocols (e.g., text.ircv3.net)
• Optional WS path (e.g., /webirc)
• Optional CSP connect-src helper (off by default)
• Input sanitization and validation
• Proper escaping of output

Features:

• Image Sharing: Upload and share images directly in chat with drag-and-drop support
• Custom Avatars: Personalized user avatars with upload, crop, and preview functionality
• Smart Image Processing: Automatic optimization, resizing, and format conversion (WebP support)
• Performance Optimized: Memory-efficient processing with caching and lazy loading
• Mobile-First Images: Touch-friendly upload interface with responsive image display
• Modern Responsive Design: Mobile-first approach with adaptive layouts for all screen sizes
• Enhanced Mobile Experience: Touch-optimized interface with proper virtual keyboard support
• Smart Responsive Behavior: Overlay sidebar on mobile, collapsible on tablet, side-by-side on desktop
• Editable Username: Click-to-edit nickname with real-time validation and user persistence
• User Persistence: Automatic nickname saving for logged-in WordPress users
• Lightweight vanilla TypeScript/JavaScript implementation (no frameworks)
• Fully responsive design with semantic HTML
• Internationalization ready (i18n strings)
• Configurable server allow-list with strict validation
• WebSocket subprotocol support (IRCv3)
• Optional WebIRC gateway fallback
• Comprehensive IRC slash commands: 30+ commands including /join, /part, /nick, /msg, /whois, /topic, /away, /help, and more
• Automatic nickname generation and collision handling
• Debug logging and connection status indicators
• Optional Content Security Policy (CSP) header generation
• WordPress hooks and filters for extensibility
• Follows WordPress Coding Standards

Usage

Basic Usage: Simply add the shortcode [chat_webirc] to any page or post where you want the IRC chat to appear. The plugin will use secure default settings to connect to a test IRC server.

Shortcode Examples: * Basic: [chat_webirc] – Uses default server and channel * Custom channel: [chat_webirc channel="#mychannel"] * Custom server: [chat_webirc server="irc.example.com:7443" channel="#general"]

Available IRC Commands: Once the chat is loaded, users can use these commands:

Basic Commands: * /join #channel – Join a channel * /part [#channel] – Leave current or specified channel * /nick newname – Change nickname * /quit [message] – Disconnect * /help – Show all available commands

Communication: * /msg <nick> <message> – Send private message * /notice <target> <message> – Send notice message * /me <action> – Send action message * /query <nick> – Open private chat context

User & Channel Info: * /whois <nick> – Get detailed user information * /who [channel] – List users in channel * /list [pattern] – List available channels * /names [channel] – List nicknames in channel * /topic [text] – View/set channel topic

Status & Utility: * /away [message] – Set away status * /back – Remove away status * /ping <nick> – Ping user * /version [nick] – Get version info

Advanced Commands: * /ctcp <nick> <command> – Send CTCP command * /motd [server] – View message of the day * /stats <query> [server] – View server statistics * /raw <command> – Send raw IRC command (if enabled)

Type /help in the chat for the complete command reference.

Configuration: Go to Settings → Chat for WebIRC in your WordPress admin to customize servers, channels, and security options.

Notes

• Some public IRC networks may restrict WebSocket connections to certain origins. The included test server permits connections for testing purposes.
• Do not send sensitive information. This client is intentionally minimal and does not yet support SASL authentication.