JTZL's Chat for WebIRC
A framework-light WordPress plugin that embeds a WebSocket IRC client.
Use with caution
JTZL's Chat for WebIRC works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 1 month ago, and scores 60/100 on our health check.
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- Needs PHP 8.2 or newer
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release β each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where JTZL's Chat for WebIRC stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| chat | >100 |
| communication | >100 |
| irc | #5 |
| real-time | >100 |
| Websocket | #23 |
About JTZL's Chat for WebIRC
From the official readme Β· v1.0.0Description
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:
- 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 β 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.
Installation
- Upload the plugin files to the
/wp-content/plugins/chat-webirc/directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly. - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ screen in WordPress.
Next Steps – Getting Started:
After activation, you’re ready to use the IRC chat! The plugin comes with secure default settings that will connect to a test IRC server.
Quick Start:
1. Create or edit any page/post where you want the IRC chat to appear
2. Add the shortcode: [chat_webirc]
3. Save and view your page – the IRC chat will be embedded and ready to use!
Default Settings:
* Server: irc.livefreeonline.club:7443 (secure test server)
* Channel: #help (general help channel)
Customize Settings (Optional):
Visit Settings β Chat for WebIRC in your WordPress admin to:
* Add your own IRC servers to the allowed servers list
* Change the default server and channel
* Configure advanced options like WebSocket paths and subprotocols
* Enable per-shortcode overrides for multiple chat instances
Advanced Usage:
Use shortcode parameters to override defaults: [chat_webirc server="irc.livefreeonline.club:7443" channel="#mychannel"]
Frequently asked questions
What IRC servers are supported?
The plugin works with any IRC server that supports WebSocket connections. By default, it includes: * irc.livefreeonline.club:7443 β 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 doesnβt strictly require SSL, but itβs 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 β Join a channel * /part [#channel] or /leave [#channel] β Leave current/specified channel * /nick newname β Change nickname * /quit [message] β Disconnect from server Communication: * /msg or /privmsg β Send private message * /notice β Send notice message (less intrusive) * /me β Send action message * /query β Open private chat context User Information: * /whois β Get detailed user information * /who [channel] β List users in channel * /userhost [nick2]... β Get user hostβ¦
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 wonβt 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
Changelog
1.0.0
- Removed: User avatar upload feature. Messages now display as
[HH:MM] username βΈ textwith no avatar bubble. Thechat_webirc_upload_avatar/chat_webirc_get_avatar/chat_webirc_get_user_avatarsAJAX endpoints, thechat-webirc-avataruser meta, and thechat-webirc-avatars/andchat-webirc-temp/avatars/directories are no longer used. - Cleanup note: Sites can safely delete
wp-content/uploads/chat-webirc-avatars/andwp-content/uploads/chat-webirc-temp/. Avatar user meta and thechat_webirc_temp_avatarsoption are removed on plugin uninstall.
0.9.0
- Removed: In-chat image sharing (upload, display, and preview). The
chat_webirc_upload_imageAJAX endpoint, theimage_expirationsetting, and thechat-webirc-tempstorage directory are gone. - Retained: User avatar upload remains unchanged.
- Cleanup note: Sites that previously used image sharing can delete files directly inside
wp-content/uploads/chat-webirc-temp/, but do not delete theavatars/subdirectory β it is still used as a staging area for guest user avatars.
0.7.0
- Custom Avatars: User avatar upload with cropping, preview, and persistent storage
- WordPress Integration: Full integration with WordPress media library and user meta
- Error Handling: Graceful error handling with user-friendly feedback messages
0.6.0
- Editable Username Interface: Click-to-edit nickname functionality with inline editing
- User Persistence: Automatic nickname saving for logged-in WordPress users
- Real-time Validation: Client-side IRC nickname validation with helpful error messages
- Smart Nickname Loading: Automatic loading of saved nicknames for returning users
- Improved UX: Loading states, success feedback, and error handling for nickname changes
- WordPress Integration: New AJAX endpoints for saving and retrieving user nicknames
- Guest User Support: Graceful fallback for non-logged-in users with session-based nicknames
- Mobile-Optimized Editing: Touch-friendly edit interface that works seamlessly on all devices
0.5.0
- Major UI Overhaul: Complete redesign of the chat interface with modern, responsive layout
- Mobile-First Design: Fully responsive chat window that adapts to all screen sizes
- Enhanced Mobile Experience: Optimized touch interactions, proper virtual keyboard handling, and improved readability on mobile devices
- Responsive Sidebar: Smart sidebar behavior – overlay on mobile, collapsible on tablet, side-by-side on desktop
- Improved Message Display: Better message grouping, optimized spacing, and responsive typography
- Touch-Friendly Interface: Minimum 44px touch targets for mobile users
- Orientation Support: Smooth transitions and optimized layouts for both portrait and landscape modes
- New Admin Settings: Enhanced configuration options for responsive behavior and UI customization
- Performance Optimizations: Reduced layout thrashing and improved rendering performance
0.2.0
- Add comprehensive IRC slash commands support (30+ commands)
- Enhanced command categories: Basic, Communication, User Info, Channel Info, Server Info, Status, Advanced
- Improved command help system with detailed usage examples
- Added support for CTCP commands, server queries, user lookups, and more
- Better error handling and user feedback for all commands
For developers
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FAQ
JTZL's Chat for WebIRC: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org Β· checked Oct 2, 2026
Is JTZL's Chat for WebIRC free?
Yes. JTZL's Chat for WebIRC is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is JTZL's Chat for WebIRC safe to use in 2026?
JTZL's Chat for WebIRC works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. Was last updated 1 month ago, and scores 60/100 on our health check.
How many websites use JTZL's Chat for WebIRC?
JTZL's Chat for WebIRC is active on <10 WordPress websites and has been downloaded 553 times since it launched in November 2025. It was downloaded 65 times in the last 30 days.
Does JTZL's Chat for WebIRC work with WordPress 7.1?
Yes. The developer has tested JTZL's Chat for WebIRC up to WordPress 7.1.2, the latest release. It requires WordPress 6.8 or newer.
What PHP version does JTZL's Chat for WebIRC need?
JTZL's Chat for WebIRC requires PHP 8.2 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was JTZL's Chat for WebIRC last updated?
The latest version, 1.0.0, was released on August 30, 2026 (1 month ago).
Who makes JTZL's Chat for WebIRC?
JTZL's Chat for WebIRC is developed and maintained by jtzl.
What are the best alternatives to JTZL's Chat for WebIRC?
The most popular alternatives to JTZL's Chat for WebIRC are Joinchat (700K+ installs), Floating Chat Widget: Conta⦠(300K+ installs) and Tidio (70K+ installs).
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