# The Lounge — Self-Hosted Modern Web IRC Client

> A modern, responsive, cross-platform web IRC client that you can self-host for always-on chat with push notifications and file sharing.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# The Lounge — Self-Hosted Modern Web IRC Client

## Quick Use
```bash
npm install -g thelounge
thelounge start
thelounge add myuser
# Open http://localhost:9000
```

## Introduction
The Lounge is a self-hosted web IRC client that keeps you connected to IRC networks around the clock. It runs as a Node.js server, storing your session so you never miss messages, and serves a responsive web UI accessible from any browser or device.

## What The Lounge Does
- Connects to any IRC network and stays online 24/7 as a bouncer
- Serves a responsive web interface with desktop and mobile push notifications
- Stores chat history in a searchable per-user log (SQLite or file-based)
- Supports file uploads with built-in image previews and link metadata expansion
- Manages multiple users with individual IRC network configurations

## Architecture Overview
The Lounge is a Node.js application using Express for the HTTP layer and Socket.IO for real-time communication with the browser. Each user's IRC connections are managed server-side, persisting across browser sessions. The frontend is built with Vue.js and supports theming. Message storage uses SQLite by default, with configurable retention.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install globally via npm or use the official Docker image
- Configure `~/.thelounge/config.js` for bind address, port, HTTPS, and file upload limits
- Add users with `thelounge add <username>` (password is set interactively)
- Run behind Nginx or Caddy with WebSocket proxy for HTTPS termination
- Enable LDAP authentication for team deployments via a plugin

## Key Features
- Always-on IRC bouncer with message history sync across devices
- Push notifications via the Web Push API on mobile and desktop
- Inline link previews with Open Graph metadata and image thumbnails
- Multi-user support with per-user network and channel configuration
- Customizable themes and a compact mode for power users

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **WeeChat + Glowing Bear** — Terminal IRC client with optional web frontend; more complex setup
- **Quassel** — Split-architecture IRC client with Qt desktop app; no built-in web UI
- **Convos** — Perl-based web IRC client; simpler but fewer features
- **Kiwi IRC** — Web IRC client often used as a gateway; less focus on bouncer functionality
- **ZNC + web client** — Dedicated IRC bouncer with separate web frontend; more modular but more parts to manage

## FAQ
**Q: Does The Lounge work as an IRC bouncer?**
A: Yes. It maintains persistent connections to IRC networks and replays missed messages when you reconnect your browser.

**Q: Can I use it in public mode without user accounts?**
A: Yes. Set `public: true` in the config to allow anonymous users with ephemeral sessions (no message persistence).

**Q: How do I enable HTTPS?**
A: Either configure TLS certificates directly in The Lounge config or terminate HTTPS at your reverse proxy.

**Q: Does it support IRC features like SASL and client certificates?**
A: Yes. Per-network settings support SASL PLAIN, EXTERNAL, and client TLS certificates for authentication with IRC networks.

## Sources
- https://github.com/thelounge/thelounge
- https://thelounge.chat

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-e5a9df69
Author: Script Depot