What is ircWx?
ircWx stands for irc Web extension. It is a protocol designed to bring IRC into a web paradigm by providing
protocol-level support for web based authentication, registration and management of user accounts,
browsing of channels, profiles, fully integrated web-based chat, and other features required by a modern web user.
It is based on IRCx protocol, so most of the protocol is similar to IRCx.
IRC is a form of live/instant group communication over the internet. Instant messengers are usually built for
one-to-one chat, while IRC is designed for group, multi-user live communication. For technical and more detailed
information, visit the Internet Relay Chat wiki page.
Why the need for a new IRC protocol?
Web technologies have grown tremendously in recent years, and more applications are moving into a web paradigm.
Therefore, ircWx's goal is to bring internet relay chat to the web paradigm.
Standard IRC protocol was not designed for the web model. Bringing IRC applications into modern website experiences
creates certain limitations, so protocol-level support was necessary.
Can I use a standard IRC client?
ircWx is designed to be backward compatible where possible, and mIRC can be used to chat out of the box. However,
to use every feature, a client with full ircWx protocol support is required. With scripting, mIRC can also use some
registered account and profile features.
How do I use it?
There are networks using this protocol. Visit the ircWx Networks List
to see communities using Net-Bits and ircWx technology.
How can I use it for my own server?
At the moment, the system is only available as SaaS. I want to give it to others, but ongoing development and updates
would make deployment difficult. It also consists of multiple server-side services and components, which makes setup complex.
There are a limited number of slots because I want to stay focused on development, even for SaaS. However, if you are
interested in using it as SaaS and have a good standing/decent network, you can apply at
ircwx_setup@net-bits.net.
Why build a desktop client when this is for the web paradigm?
Web technologies still have limitations compared to desktop applications. For example, flashing a window in the taskbar
and title for notification are not always possible in browser applications. For advanced features that cannot be done in
a browser, a desktop client called Sabertooth IRCwx Client was built.
Is the protocol free to develop for and use?
Yes, the protocol is free to develop for and use for server, client, or any other application. However, protocol-level
changes are made by net-bits.net to ensure the protocol stays aligned with its original goals and does not become bloated.
Protocol-level changes can be suggested on the ircWx forum.