# chat.sr.ht

chat.sr.ht provides real-time chat services to sourcehut users based on the
Internet Relay Chat ([IRC][0]) protocol. In technical terms, chat.sr.ht
essentially provides a hosted IRC bouncer for paid users, and a web gateway for
non-paying or anonymous users.

**NOTICE**: chat.sr.ht is currently in a closed beta. Reach out to emersion on
libera.chat for details.

SourceHut does not operate an IRC network. We recommend [Libera Chat][1], an
independently operated, third-party network, which chat.sr.ht is configured to
use by default. Please review the Libera Chat [Network policies][2] for details
on appropriate network usage.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat
[1]: https://libera.chat
[2]: https://libera.chat/policies

## chat.sr.ht documentation

To start using chat.sr.ht, simply visit [chat.sr.ht](https://chat.sr.ht) in your
web browser and log in with your SourceHut credentials. Read the instructions
on-screen to get started.

We have a few additional guides for different audiences:

- [Quick-start for experienced IRC users](/chat.sr.ht/quickstart.md)
- [Using the IRC bouncer](/chat.sr.ht/bouncer-usage.md)
- [Setting up an IRC channel for your project](#TODO)
- [Writing an IRC bot](#TODO)
- [Information for network operators](/chat.sr.ht/ircops.md)

## chat.sr.ht software

chat.sr.ht is based on the [soju][3] IRC bouncer and the [gamja][4] webchat
client. Our downstream patches, if any, are kept in the "srht" branch of each.

[3]: https://soju.im/
[4]: https://sr.ht/~emersion/gamja/

## Official IRC channels and support

SourceHut operates a number of official IRC channels on libera.chat where you
can get support for sr.ht issues or socialize with other SourceHut users. You
can join them with the `/join <channel>` command.

- #sr.ht: on-topic sourcehut support and development channel, including for
  technical issues related to chat.sr.ht's webchat and bouncer service
- #sr.ht.watercooler: off-topic channel for discussing sourcehut-adjacent topics
  with the sourcehut community
- #sr.ht.ops: read-only technical operations & monitoring channel
- #liberachat: official Libera network support, for issues with channel
  management, NickServ account maintenance, and moderation and spam concerns.
  This channel is not officially affiliated with SourceHut.