What IRC servers are supported?
The plugin works with any IRC server that supports WebSocket connections. By default, it includes: * irc.livefreeonline.club:7443 – An IRC server contributed by our team for testing purposes
Is this secure?
Yes, the plugin implements several security measures: * Server allow-list to prevent connections to unauthorized servers * Input sanitization and validation * Proper escaping of all output * Optional Content Security Policy headers * WSS (secure WebSocket connections) only
Can I use my own IRC server?
Yes, you can add your own IRC server to the allowed servers list in the plugin settings. The server must support WebSocket connections and be accessible via WSS (secure WebSockets).
Does this work with private IRC networks?
The current version is designed for public IRC servers. For private networks that require extra authentication, we will add support for them in future versions.
Do I need an SSL certificate to use this plugin?
The IRC server must have an SSL certificate for WSS (WebSockets Secure) connections to work. Your WordPress website doesn’t strictly require SSL, but it’s highly recommended:
- IRC server : SSL certificate required (mandatory for WSS connections)
- WordPress site : SSL recommended but not mandatory for basic functionality
For security reasons, the plugin only supports secure WSS connections and does not support unencrypted WebSocket connections.
What shortcode parameters are available?
The shortcode supports: * server : IRC server (host:port, must be in allowed servers list) * channel : Channel name (with # prefix)
Example: [chat_webirc server="irc.livefreeonline.club:7443" channel="#help"]
What IRC commands are supported?
The client supports 30+ comprehensive IRC slash commands organized by category:
Basic Commands: * /join #channel – Join a channel * /part [#channel] or /leave [#channel] – Leave current/specified channel * /nick newname – Change nickname * /quit [message] – Disconnect from server
Communication: * /msg <nick> <message> or /privmsg <nick> <message> – Send private message * /notice <target> <message> – Send notice message (less intrusive) * /me <action> – Send action message * /query <nick> – Open private chat context
User Information: * /whois <nick> – Get detailed user information * /who [channel] – List users in channel * /userhost <nick> [nick2]... – Get user host information * /ison <nick> [nick2]... – Check if users are online * /finger <nick> – Send FINGER request
Channel Information: * /list [pattern] – List available channels * /names [channel] – List nicknames in channel * /topic [text] – View or set channel topic
Server Information: * /motd [server] – View message of the day * /admin [server] – View server admin info * /info [server] – View server information * /stats <query> [server] – View server statistics * /links [mask] – List server links * /lusers [mask] – List user statistics * /time [server] – Get server time * /version [nick] – Get version info
Status & Utility: * /away [message] – Set away status * /back – Remove away status * /ping <nick> – Ping user
Advanced: * /ctcp <nick> <command> – Send CTCP command (VERSION, TIME, PING, FINGER) * /raw <IRC command> – Send raw IRC command (if enabled by admin)
Help: * /help – Show complete command reference with usage examples
All commands include proper error handling and usage instructions when used incorrectly.
Does this work well on mobile devices?
Yes! Version 0.5.0 includes a complete mobile overhaul with: * Responsive Design : Adapts perfectly to phones, tablets, and desktops * Touch-Optimized : Proper touch targets and gesture support * Mobile-First Layout : Optimized for small screens with smart sidebar behavior * Orientation Support : Works great in both portrait and landscape modes
Can users change their nickname?
Yes! Version 0.6.0 introduces an editable username feature: * Click-to-Edit : Simply click on your nickname in the chat header to edit it * Real-time Validation : Instant feedback on nickname validity according to IRC standards * User Persistence : Logged-in WordPress users have their nicknames automatically saved and restored * Keyboard Shortcuts : Press Enter to save or Escape to cancel * Guest Support : Non-logged-in users can still change nicknames, but they won’t be saved between sessions
What are the admin settings?
The settings page includes: * Allowed servers : One per line (host:port format) * Default server : Selected from allowed servers list * Default channel : e.g., #general * WebSocket path : e.g., /webirc (optional) * Subprotocols : Comma-separated, e.g., text.ircv3.net * Gateway URL : Optional WSS fallback * Allow per-shortcode overrides : Restricted to allowed servers list * Add CSP header : For connect-src (advanced) * Enable debug logs : Show debug messages in chat
