This plugin provides a shortcode that renders a lightweight IRC client written in vanilla JavaScript. It supports direct WebSocket connections to IRC servers (IRCv3-friendly) and includes an optional WebIRC gateway.

Security-conscious defaults:

Server allow-list (host:port format), WSS (WebSockets over SSL/TLS) only
Optional WebSocket subprotocols (e.g., text.ircv3.net)
Optional WS path (e.g., /webirc)
Optional CSP connect-src helper (off by default)
Input sanitization and validation
Proper escaping of output

Features:

Image Sharing: Upload and share images directly in chat with drag-and-drop support
Custom Avatars: Personalized user avatars with upload, crop, and preview functionality
Smart Image Processing: Automatic optimization, resizing, and format conversion (WebP support)
Performance Optimized: Memory-efficient processing with caching and lazy loading
Mobile-First Images: Touch-friendly upload interface with responsive image display
Modern Responsive Design: Mobile-first approach with adaptive layouts for all screen sizes
Enhanced Mobile Experience: Touch-optimized interface with proper virtual keyboard support
Smart Responsive Behavior: Overlay sidebar on mobile, collapsible on tablet, side-by-side on desktop
Editable Username: Click-to-edit nickname with real-time validation and user persistence
User Persistence: Automatic nickname saving for logged-in WordPress users
Lightweight vanilla TypeScript/JavaScript implementation (no frameworks)
Fully responsive design with semantic HTML
Internationalization ready (i18n strings)
Configurable server allow-list with strict validation
WebSocket subprotocol support (IRCv3)
Optional WebIRC gateway fallback
Comprehensive IRC slash commands: 30+ commands including /join, /part, /nick, /msg, /whois, /topic, /away, /help, and more
Automatic nickname generation and collision handling
Debug logging and connection status indicators
Optional Content Security Policy (CSP) header generation
WordPress hooks and filters for extensibility
Follows WordPress Coding Standards

Usage

Basic Usage:
Simply add the shortcode [chat_webirc] to any page or post where you want the IRC chat to appear. The plugin will use secure default settings to connect to a test IRC server.

Shortcode Examples:
* Basic: [chat_webirc] – Uses default server and channel
* Custom channel: [chat_webirc channel="#mychannel"]
* Custom server: [chat_webirc server="irc.example.com:7443" channel="#general"]

Available IRC Commands:
Once the chat is loaded, users can use these commands:

Basic Commands:
* /join #channel – Join a channel
* /part [#channel] – Leave current or specified channel
* /nick newname – Change nickname
* /quit [message] – Disconnect
* /help – Show all available commands

Communication:
* /msg <nick> <message> – Send private message
* /notice <target> <message> – Send notice message
* /me <action> – Send action message
* /query <nick> – Open private chat context

User & Channel Info:
* /whois <nick> – Get detailed user information
* /who [channel] – List users in channel
* /list [pattern] – List available channels
* /names [channel] – List nicknames in channel
* /topic [text] – View/set channel topic

Status & Utility:
* /away [message] – Set away status
* /back – Remove away status
* /ping <nick> – Ping user
* /version [nick] – Get version info

Advanced Commands:
* /ctcp <nick> <command> – Send CTCP command
* /motd [server] – View message of the day
* /stats <query> [server] – View server statistics
* /raw <command> – Send raw IRC command (if enabled)

Type /help in the chat for the complete command reference.

Configuration:
Go to Settings Chat for WebIRC in your WordPress admin to customize servers, channels, and security options.

Notes

Some public IRC networks may restrict WebSocket connections to certain origins. The included test server permits connections for testing purposes.
Do not send sensitive information. This client is intentionally minimal and does not yet support SASL authentication.