ft_irc

Project Overview

ft_irc is a custom IRC (Internet Relay Chat) server implemented in C++98, designed to handle real-time text messaging both in public channels and private messages. This project adheres to the strict protocols that govern internet communications, creating a server that can be connected to via any standard IRC client for testing and interaction.

Features

• Multi-client Handling: Capable of managing multiple client connections simultaneously without blocking or hanging.
• Command Handling: Supports basic IRC commands including setting nicknames, joining channels, sending/receiving messages, and channel operations (KICK, INVITE, TOPIC, MODE).
• Operator and User Roles: Differentiates between operator commands and regular user activities.
• TCP/IP Communication: Utilizes TCP/IP protocols for client-server communication
• No External Libraries: Developed without the use of external or Boost libraries, adhering strictly to C++98 standards.

Installation

To compile the server, ensure you have a C++ compiler that supports the C++98 standard. Clone this repository and navigate to the project directory.

make

This command compiles the source files using the flags -Wall -Wextra -Werror and produces an executable named ircserv.

Running the Server

To start the IRC server, run:

./ircserv <port> <password>

• port: The port number on which the server will listen for incoming connections.
• password: A password required by clients to establish a connection.

Testing

Although the server is designed to work with any IRC client, specific clients used during development should be noted for testing consistency. It's recommended to test using the nc (Netcat) tool for sending commands directly to the server for initial validation.

Deployment

The server is designed to run macOS. Deployment involves running the compiled executable on a machine accessible by clients.