My_IRC is a modern IRC-style chat application inspired by xat.com, built with a Node.js/Express backend, React frontend, and packaged as a desktop app using Electron. It offers real-time messaging, channel management, private messages, IRC commands, emoji support, and a nostalgic design with grey tabs and a background2.gif backdrop. Data is stored in memory, and the backend runs separately from the frontend and Electron app.

• Authentication: Users set a username and receive a random emoji (e.g., 😺).
• Channels: Create (/create), join (/join), leave (/leave), and delete (/delete) channels, with auto-deletion of inactive channels after 5 minutes.
• Messaging: Send public messages in channels and private messages (/msg) to specific users.
• IRC Commands: Supports /nick, /list, /users, /msg for user and channel management.
• Notifications: Red asterisk (*) on tabs indicates unread messages.
• Design: xat.com-inspired UI with grey tabs, white messages on background2.gif, and an emoji picker.
• Desktop App: Electron integration for a cross-platform desktop experience (Windows, macOS, Linux).

my_irc/
├── index.js              # Backend (Node.js, Express, Socket.IO)
├── main.js               # Electron configuration
├── package.json          # Backend and Electron dependencies
├── client/
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── App.js        # React frontend
│   │   ├── App.css       # xat.com-inspired styles
│   ├── public/
│   │   ├── background2.gif # Background image
│   ├── package.json      # Frontend dependencies

• Node.js (v16 or higher)
• npm (v8 or higher)
• A modern web browser for testing the web version
• Windows, macOS, or Linux for the desktop app

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/nmap-p4ris/myirc
   cd my_irc

2. Install Backend Dependencies:

   npm install

3. Install Frontend Dependencies:

   cd client
   npm install

4. Verify Assets:

   • Ensure background2.gif is in client/public/.
   • Optionally, add a favicon.ico in client/public/ for the Electron app icon.

Run the backend, frontend, and Electron app in separate terminals.

1. Start the Backend (runs on http://localhost:3001):

   cd my_irc
   npm start

2. Start the Frontend (runs on http://localhost:3000):

   cd my_irc/client
   npm start

3. Start the Electron App:

   cd my_irc
   npm run electron

1. Build the Frontend (optional, for static build):

   cd my_irc/client
   npm run build

   • Update main.js to load the static build:

     win.loadFile(path.join(__dirname, "client/build/index.html"));

2. Package the App:

   cd my_irc
   npm run dist

   • Generates executables in my_irc/dist/ (e.g., My_IRC.exe for Windows).

3. Run the Executable:

   • Start the backend (npm start).
   • Run the generated executable (e.g., dist/My_IRC.exe).

• Sign In: Enter a username to join the default channel (General) with a random emoji.
• Channels: Use /create <channel>, /join <channel>, /leave <channel>, or /delete <channel> to manage channels, or use the UI (dropdown, buttons, tab close).
• Messaging: Send public messages in channels or private messages via /msg <username> <message> or the private message section.
• Notifications: Tabs with unread messages show a red asterisk (*).
• Emojis: Use the emoji picker (😊 button) to add emojis to messages.
• Commands: Try /nick <newname>, /list, /users <channel> for additional functionality.

• Electron Window Blank:
  • Ensure the frontend is running (localhost:3000).
  • Check the console: npm run electron -- --enable-logging.
• Socket.IO Connection Issues:
  • Verify the backend is running (localhost:3001).
• Background Image:
  • Confirm background2.gif is in client/public/ or client/build/static/media (for static build).
• Packaging Issues:
  • Ensure client/build exists for static builds.
  • Verify electron-builder is installed (npm install electron-builder --save-dev).

• Add desktop notifications for new messages.
• Implement password-based authentication.
• Customize the Electron window (e.g., remove menu bar, add custom icon).
• Bundle the backend into the Electron app for a standalone experience.

Paduraru Stefan-Paris