Description

ft_irc is a custom Internet Relay Chat (IRC) server written in C++98. The project aims to recreate a functional chat server capable of handling multiple simultaneous connections without crashing or blocking. It implements a non-blocking network architecture using I/O multiplexing with poll(), allowing it to serve multiple clients across various channels in real-time.

The server is compatible with official IRC clients (like HexChat, AdiIRC, or Irssi) and follows the communication standards defined in RFC 2812.

Features

• Authentication: Secure connection using a server password and nickname/username registration.
• Channel Management: Create, join, and leave multiple channels simultaneously.
• Operator Privileges: KICK, INVITE, TOPIC, and MODE commands to manage users and channel settings.
• Channel Modes:
  • i: Invite-only channel.
  • t: Topic restrictions for operators.
  • k: Channel key (password).
  • o: Give/take channel operator privilege.
  • l: Set user limit for the channel.
• Private Messaging: Direct messages between users and notices.
• Blackjack Bot: A fully integrated game bot with IRC color formatting and score tracking.

make bot
./srcs/bot/bot 127.0.0.1 <port> <password>

Instructions

Compilation

The project uses a Makefile and must be compiled on a Unix-based system.

make

Execution

Run the server by specifying a port (usually 6667) and a password for client connections.

./ircserv <port> <password>

Usage

1. Open an IRC client (e.g., HexChat).
2. Create a new network with the address 127.0.0.1 and the chosen port.
3. Enter the password you used to launch the server.
4. Join a channel using /join #chan_name.

Bot Usage

1. Open an IRC client (e.g., HexChat).
2. Create a new network with the address 127.0.0.1 and the chosen port.
3. Enter the password you used to launch the server.
4. Join a channel using /join #bot.
5. !ping or !blackjack > (!hit or !stand)

Resources

• RFC 2812: The official Internet Relay Chat: Client Protocol.
• RFC 1459: Original IRC Protocol specifications.
• geeksforgeeks.org Socket Programming in C++: Essential resource for socket programming in C++.

Use of AI

• Protocol Debugging: Resolving issues with GUI clients (HexChat) by identifying missing mandatory numerical replies (RPL_NAMREPLY, RPL_ENDOFNAMES).

Technical Choices

• Multiplexing: Utilized poll() for managing multiple file descriptors to ensure high responsiveness and efficiency.
• Non-blocking Sockets: All client sockets are set to O_NONBLOCK to prevent the server from hanging during slow read/write operations.
• STL Containers: Heavy use of std::map and std::vector to efficiently manage the relationships between clients and channels.