InspIRCd

InspIRCd is a modular Internet Relay Chat (IRC) server written in C++ for Linux, BSD, macOS, and Windows. It is designed to be stable, modern, and lightweight, with many capabilities delivered through loadable modules.

Key Features

• Advanced module system to enable or disable features without bloating the core
• IRC server-to-server linking for building multi-server IRC networks
• IRCv3-related capabilities via modules (varies by configuration and version)
• TLS support via OpenSSL module for encrypted client and server connections
• Operator and abuse-control tooling such as bans, connection controls, and flood mitigation modules
• Highly configurable behavior via a rich server configuration system

Use Cases

• Running a public or private IRC network with one or multiple linked servers
• Hosting an organization or community chat service using the IRC protocol
• Providing an IRC backend for bouncers and modern IRC clients that rely on newer capabilities

Limitations and Considerations

• InspIRCd v3 is end-of-life and no longer receives security updates; newer deployments should use v4
• Functionality depends heavily on selected modules, so feature availability varies between installs

InspIRCd is a strong choice for operators who want an IRCd that stays lightweight while remaining extensible. Its modular architecture makes it suitable for both minimal setups and feature-rich networks tuned to specific policy and performance needs.