The Lounge

The Lounge is a self-hosted web IRC client that maintains persistent connections to IRC servers. It functions as a server-side application that allows users to access their chat sessions via a web browser, ensuring that they remain connected to channels even when the browser is closed or the user is offline. This architecture prevents the connection drops typically associated with standard web-based chat clients.

The software is deployed as a Node.js application and can be installed via npm, Yarn, or Docker. It provides a responsive interface that adapts to desktops, smartphones, and tablets, allowing users to resume their sessions across different devices without losing their place in the conversation. Because it runs on the server, it acts as a bridge between the user and the IRC network, handling the protocol communication in the background.

Key features

• Persistent connection to IRC servers while offline
• Push notifications for new messages
• Link previews within the chat interface
• New message markers to track unread content
• Responsive design for mobile and desktop browsers
• Synchronized session state across multiple devices
• Support for IRCv3 standards

The application is built using Node.js on the server side and Vue.js for the frontend. It is a community-managed fork of Shout. The development process involves a TypeScript server and a webpack-based client build. The architecture separates the server, which handles the IRC protocol and connection persistence, from the client, which renders the user interface. This setup makes it suitable for users who want a centralized IRC gateway that does not require a dedicated desktop client to stay online.

Installation requires the latest Node.js LTS version or a more recent release. For production environments, the software can be run as a standalone executable or within a containerized environment. It is designed for users who prefer the open nature of IRC but require the convenience of a modern web interface with persistent session management.

This software serves as a modern interface for the IRC protocol, targeting users who require a self-hosted communication hub with web access.