ngIRCd

ngIRCd is an open-source Internet Relay Chat server designed for small or private networks. It operates as a daemon that can run as a single-node server or as part of a larger network of servers connected via a local area network or the internet. The software provides a communication hub where users can interact through various IRC clients using standard protocols.

The software is written from scratch in C and focuses on implementing the most useful commands and semantics used by existing IRC clients. It is deployed as a server application on various Unix-like systems and Windows via WSL or Cygwin. Because it is designed to be lightweight, it requires minimal system resources, making it suitable for low-specification hardware or private home servers.

Key features

• SSL/TLS protection for client-server and server-server links
• Support for IPv6 protocol
• User authentication via Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM)
• User cloaking to hide identity
• Support for common user and channel modes
• Character set conversion for legacy clients
• Compatibility with servers using dynamic IP addresses
• IDENT request support

The architecture is designed to be portable and stable, avoiding the implementation of obscure RFC corner cases in favor of practical utility. It utilizes a lean configuration file to simplify the setup and management process, allowing administrators to deploy the server quickly. The project maintains a wide field of supported platforms, including Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, and AIX, ensuring that the daemon can be hosted across diverse operating system environments.

This server is intended for administrators who need a tidy and maintainable IRC daemon for in-house or public communication networks. It serves as a flexible tool for those who prefer the decentralized and text-based nature of the IRC protocol over centralized messaging platforms.