thelounge/thelounge
Thelounge
The Lounge is a self-hosted, web-based IRC client that functions as a persistent bouncer replacement, keeping users connected to IRC servers even when their browser is closed or device is offline. It runs as a Node.js backend with a WebSocket bridge that relays IRC events and commands between the server and browser, and includes a built-in HTTP and HTTPS server for direct TLS termination without an external reverse proxy.
The client supports multiple user accounts on a shared server installation, with LDAP authentication for credential validation. It maintains persistent server-side IRC connections that capture messages for later retrieval from any device, and syncs chat history and read state across devices for seamless conversation resumption. The Lounge can operate in private mode with authenticated access and persistent connections, or in public mode without authentication where connections are lost when the user departs.
The client includes file upload and link preview capabilities directly within the chat interface, with configurable storage and image proxying to avoid mixed content warnings. It supports multi-network management for simultaneous connections to several IRC servers, and provides a plugin and theme loading system that extends functionality with community packages installed from npm or local files. The interface is delivered as a progressive web app shell with push notification support, responsive rendering across devices, and offline message persistence via SQLite storage.
The server is configured through a JSON file with CLI overrides, and supports user account management, message retention policies, reverse proxy configuration, and optional identd or WEBIRC integration for IRC server identification.
Features
- IRC Clients - Runs a persistent web-based IRC client that stays connected even when the user's device is offline.
- Persistent IRC Clients - Maintains server connections and logs messages while users are offline, eliminating the need for a separate bouncer.
- Multi-User Installations - Supports multiple user accounts with separate identities and settings on a shared server installation.
- Message Logging Stores - Persists user messages to text files or SQLite databases for later access and reloading after server restarts.
- SQLite-Based - Stores chat history and user data in a local SQLite database for offline access and session resumption.
- CLI Configuration Overrides - Reads server settings from a JSON config file with any option overridable via command-line arguments.
- IRC Protocol Connectivity - Connects to IRC servers and maintains persistent sessions so users stay online even after closing the browser.
- Multi-Server Chat Clients - Connects to multiple IRC servers simultaneously and switches between them from a single web interface.
- Persistent Server-Side Connections - Keeps IRC connections alive on the server so users never disconnect, even when their browser is closed or offline.
- Cross-Platform Node.js Applications - Works on any operating system that supports Node.js, providing a consistent IRC client experience across desktops, tablets, and phones.
- Messaging Session Persistence - Maintains persistent IRC connections so users receive messages and resume sessions from any device.
- Multi-User Support - Allows several people to log into the same server with separate identities and settings.
- Multi-User Account Systems - Creates and manages separate user accounts so multiple people can share a single server installation.
- Real-Time Event Relays - Relays IRC events and user commands between the server and browser using real-time WebSocket messages.
- WebSocket Bridges - Relays IRC events and user commands between the server and browser using real-time WebSocket messages.
- Built-in TLS Termination - Terminates TLS encryption directly, serving the web client without an external reverse proxy.
- Browsing Interfaces - Displays past messages and activity from IRC channels and private conversations after reconnecting.
- URL Thumbnail Prefetchers - Loads thumbnails and site descriptions from URLs posted in channels and private messages.
- File Uploads - Uploads and shares files directly within the IRC interface through a web browser.
- File Uploads and Link Previews - Uploads files and automatically displays link previews directly within the IRC chat interface.
- LDAP Authentications - Validates user login credentials against an LDAP server for access to a self-hosted IRC client.
- Link Previews - Automatically fetches and displays a preview of linked web pages within the chat interface.
- Progressive Web App Installations - Is installable as a progressive web app, providing push notifications and a native-like experience across devices.
- Cross-Device Chat History Syncs - Resumes conversations from the exact point left off on any device, preserving message history and read state.
- Cross-Device State Synchronization - Preserves chat history, settings, and read state across all devices for seamless conversation resumption.
- Deployment Mode Configurations - Configures the server to run as a private bouncer-client hybrid or as an open chat available to anyone without registration.
- Progressive Web App Installations - Delivers a responsive, installable web interface that works offline and supports push notifications on mobile devices.
- IRC Push Notification Deliveries - Delivers real-time push notifications for IRC activity to the user's device.
- IRCv3 Protocol Implementations - Implements modern IRC protocol extensions for enhanced features like message tags and capabilities.
- Private IRC Bouncer Modes - Acts as a combined bouncer and client, allowing users to access and resume their session without disconnecting from channels.
- LDAP Authentication - Validates user login credentials against an LDAP server using search or bind DN methods.
- Password Resets - Changes user passwords interactively without requiring the old password, taking effect immediately.
- User Account Creators - Creates new user accounts with configurable settings that take effect immediately without server restart.
- Unread Message Markers - Visually highlights unread messages and tracks the last-read position for quick catch-up.
- Single-Server User Removals - Deletes user configuration and disconnects them from the server immediately while preserving logs.
- IRC Plugin and Theme Loaders - Extends client functionality with community plugins and custom visual themes installed from npm or local files.
- Drag-and-Drop File Upload - Allows users to upload files via drag-and-drop or dialog, storing them on the server with configurable limits.
- Responsive Interfaces - Adapts the chat interface layout to work smoothly across desktops, smartphones, and tablets.
- HTTPS Configuration - Terminates TLS encryption at the application layer using built-in certificate and key configuration.
- In-Chat File Uploaders - Supports file uploads via drag-and-drop or dialog, storing files on the server with configurable limits.
- Template-to-Response Rendering - Adapts the interface to work smoothly across desktops, smartphones, and tablets.
- Project Documentation Examples - Uses screenshots and step-by-step deployment instructions.
- Chat And Messaging - Listed in the “Chat And Messaging” section of the Awesome Selfhosted awesome list.
- Communication Platforms - Modern, self-hosted web IRC client.
- IRC Bouncers - Responsive, self-hosted web IRC client supporting multiple users.
- IRC Communication - Self-hosted web IRC client.
