Due to security issues with poorly set up and maintained IRC many hosts and users do not wish to take the risk of joining up with IRC or operating IRC servers, but with all the features possible and the ability to connect to multiple channels IRC was the best option, until now.

The server for this chat is written completely in Java, and isolated from all other networks, the only client that can connect to the server has to come from the same location. Even the least experienced site administrator can rest easy knowing there is no way to get to the host through the chat itself. There are also no file transfers possible, the data sent to and from the server simple, all other files are loaded by the client through an HTTP socket.

When I say IRC like it's because of the style and features of the chat program. Most actions can be done through text commands as in IRC though the client has many features which allow GUI interaction in place of typing them all out. Features which are unavailable to a chatter are not shown in the client anywhere, and administrators can set moderator levels enabling some commands for specific moderators while preventing them from using others. Also many extra features are being added all the time. Currently there is a built in die roller, perfect for gamers, and a simple calculator which will be improved with time. Since the clients never connect directly, all information goes through the server first, there is also no risk to those logging into the chat.

Some features which will be added that are not typical of even IRC are an open canvas, character sheets and management, even GUI dialogs for some actions to help those who can't remember the correct formats and codes.

The server works directly off the MySQL database, so changed to the site will also be noticed by the server as well. This allows the site administration to keep the data for accounts synchronized between the two with ease. Site administration can decide how registration for accounts and aliases is done, great for online gaming where aliases are the characters of the players which must be approved by the moderators before they can be played.

The rooms available are also kept in the database, allowing for more options and easier control.

Another feature dealing with MySQL is that all the personal settings a chatter wishes are stored by the server, allowing them to keep macros and settings when they go to another computer.

There are many graphical features already in place, and more to come. Customized backgrounds and icons for each room, also custom individual icons for chatters.

The interface is set up colorfully yet clear and simple, compact.

The lists are clear yet they look nice. The lists do not have scrollbars, using the mouse wheel instead keeps them clean. Buttons for page up and down as well.

Right or middle click menus help chatters access common features with no hassle. These have been dummy proofed as well, by making them first select their target to cut down on accidental clicks. Also everything has it's own list so they know what they are looking at.

Both the server and client are very compact and small programs, using fewer resources and speeding up download times.

The client is currently 80K, and the server is almost 700K which includes the MySQL libraries (approx 75% of the size).

If you wish to have access to the source code send me a request in email. I am not big on commenting or documenting my programs but if you are brave and wish to see how it's done I will send the code through email (not including the MySQL libraries).