IRC Server

A Java-based IRC server implementing core features from RFC 1459 and RFC 2812. Supports multi-client connections, channel management, private messaging, and operator controls over standard IRC port 6667.

Features

• Channel Management -- Create, join, and manage channels with topics, invites, kicks, and user/channel modes
• Private Messaging -- Direct one-on-one communication between connected users
• Operator Controls -- OPER authentication, KILL, DIE, RESTART, and other administrative commands
• RFC Command Coverage -- 25+ implemented commands including JOIN, PART, NICK, PRIVMSG, WHOIS, MODE, LIST, MOTD, and more
• Concurrent Client Handling -- Thread-pooled architecture using Java NIO for non-blocking I/O

Tech Stack

• Language: Java
• Networking: Java NIO (non-blocking I/O with ServerSocketChannel)
• Concurrency: ExecutorService thread pool
• Testing: JUnit 5
• Build: IntelliJ IDEA project (.iml)

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Java JDK 11 or later

Build and Run

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/zachbroad/irc-server.git
   cd irc-server
   

2. Compile:

   javac -d out src/JIRC/*.java src/JIRC/**/*.java
   

3. Run:

   java -cp out JIRC.Main
   

   The server starts on localhost:6667.

4. Connect with any IRC client:

   irssi -c localhost -p 6667
   

Configuration

Server settings (hostname, port, operator password) are defined in IrcServer.java. The message of the day is loaded from motd.txt.

Implemented Commands

AWAY, DIE, INFO, INVITE, ISON, JOIN, KICK, KILL, LIST, MODE, MOTD, NAMES, NICK, NOTICE, OPER, PART, PING, PRIVMSG, QUIT, RESTART, TIME, TOPIC, USER, WHO, WHOIS

License

MIT