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Kiwi IRC is a browser-based client for joining Internet Relay Chat (IRC). It is not an IRC network: you still need a network or server to connect to. You can use a hosted Kiwi IRC client or website widget if available, or deploy the client yourself. For self-hosting, connect directly when your IRC daemon supports WebSockets; otherwise, use Kiwi IRC’s webircgateway as a bridge.

What Kiwi IRC does

Kiwi IRC provides a web interface for IRC, so people can connect through a browser rather than install a desktop client. The project describes its client as static files that can be served from a web server or CDN, and its website presents an embeddable chat widget. These are project descriptions, not independent compatibility or performance tests. Kiwi IRC on GitHub · Kiwi IRC website

The IRC service itself is separate. A Kiwi IRC deployment needs a connection to an IRC network or daemon, either directly over WebSockets or through a gateway. The project also lists KiwiBNC as an option for maintaining a connection, but it is not required simply to use the browser client. Project repository

What features are documented

The current project repository lists support for single- or multi-network connections, multiple layouts, light and dark modes, desktop notifications, runtime JSON configuration, themes, plugins, and a team mode. File upload and video calling are cited as examples of what plugins can enable; they should not be taken as guaranteed built-in services. Kiwi IRC repository

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The official website also describes multiple languages, text styling, and use on desktop, phones, and tablets. Check compatibility for your specific browser, device, and setup rather than assuming every configuration supports them. Kiwi IRC website

Choose an access and deployment path

Path What it involves Best fit
Hosted client or widget Use the hosted client or embed option presented by Kiwi IRC, without deploying the client files yourself. The project links a client builder for an embedded client hosted by kiwiirc.com. People who want browser access or community owners who want to add web chat with less infrastructure work. Check that the hosted service and widget are currently available.
Self-hosted, direct WebSocket Serve the static client files from an HTTP server such as Apache or Nginx and connect to an IRC daemon that supports WebSockets. The Getting Started guide says this arrangement does not require webircgateway. Operators whose IRC daemon already supports WebSockets and who want to maintain the client files themselves.
Self-hosted with webircgateway Serve the client files and run the server-side webircgateway. It provides WebSocket access to IRC daemons without native WebSocket support, and a polling-based fallback for networks that restrict WebSockets. Operators who need a bridge between the browser client and a conventional IRC server, or need the documented fallback.

The project’s Getting Started guide documents the self-hosting options. Its website describes the hosted and embeddable experience. Kiwi IRC website

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How to self-host the client

For a source build, the repository documents a Node.js and Yarn workflow that produces a dist/ directory for deployment to a web server. Exact commands and prerequisites can change, so use the current repository instructions rather than treating an older versioned package command as current. The repository warns against using its development server on a live website. The wiki also documents prebuilt packages and manual installation. Repository build instructions · Getting Started guide

  1. Check the network connection method. Confirm whether the IRC daemon accepts WebSocket connections. If so, the client can connect directly; if not, plan to run webircgateway.
  2. Obtain and build or install the client. Follow the current repository or wiki instructions, using a prebuilt package or source build as appropriate.
  3. Serve the production files. Publish the resulting client files from an HTTP server or CDN. Do not expose the development server as the live site.
  4. Set the client configuration. Point it at the intended gateway or network and choose the startup experience and restrictions appropriate to your community.
  5. Review gateway access before opening it to the public. Restrict allowed origins to the sites meant to use your gateway.

Configure the client and restrict its destinations

The configuration guide documents four ways to load client settings: a JavaScript window.kiwiConfig function, a URL selected with a kiwiconfig meta tag, JSON embedded in the page, or the fallback file static/config.json. Settings include the theme, startup screen, gateway URL, and whether users are restricted to a configured IRC server. Kiwi IRC Configuration guide

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These options let an operator tailor the client to an intended community rather than leave all choices to each visitor. In particular, examine the server restriction setting if the client should connect only to a designated IRC server.

Check allowed origins on webircgateway

Kiwi IRC’s Getting Started guide warns that the gateway permits connections from any website by default. A third-party site could therefore trigger automated connections through an exposed gateway. The guide recommends configuring [allowed_origins] so only intended websites are permitted. This is an operator check for deployments using the gateway, not evidence that every installation is exposed or compromised. Gateway configuration and allowed origins

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What to know about Kiwi IRC’s privacy statements

The Kiwi IRC website includes a post attributed to Prawnsalad and dated January 24, 2016. It states, “We do not store users information for longer than needed”. That is a historical vendor statement, not current proof of retention practices, an independent audit, or a statement that applies to every self-hosted installation. The same post contains historical claims about requests for user information and sharing connection information with IRC networks. Kiwi IRC website

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Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.