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profClaw can join IRC networks as a bot, responding to direct messages and channel mentions. Supports TLS connections and NickServ authentication.

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Capabilities

FeatureSupported
Direct messagesYes
Channel messagesYes (on mention)
TLS connectionsYes
NickServ authYes
Multi-channelYes
CTCPNo
DCCNo

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Setup

1

Choose a network

Pick an IRC network (Libera.Chat, OFTC, Freenode successor, etc.).
2

Choose a nickname

Pick a unique bot nickname. Register it with NickServ if the network supports it:
/msg NickServ REGISTER password email@example.com
3

Configure profClaw

IRC_SERVER=irc.libera.chat
IRC_PORT=6697
IRC_NICK=profclaw-bot
IRC_PASSWORD=nickserv-password
IRC_CHANNELS=#your-channel,#another-channel
IRC_USE_TLS=true

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Environment Variables

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IRC_SERVER
string
required
IRC server hostname (e.g., irc.libera.chat).
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IRC_PORT
number
IRC server port. Defaults to 6667. Use 6697 for TLS.
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IRC_NICK
string
required
Bot nickname.
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IRC_PASSWORD
string
NickServ or server password.
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IRC_CHANNELS
string
required
Comma-separated list of channels to join (e.g., #general,#dev).
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IRC_USE_TLS
boolean
Enable TLS. Defaults to true.

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Configuration Example

IRC_SERVER=irc.libera.chat
IRC_PORT=6697
IRC_NICK=profclaw
IRC_PASSWORD=my-nickserv-password
IRC_CHANNELS=#dev,#ai-bots
IRC_USE_TLS=true

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Bot Trigger

In channels, the bot responds when mentioned: 
<user> profclaw: what is the weather in London?
<profclaw> According to current data, London is 12°C and cloudy.
In private messages, all messages are processed.

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Notes

  • Status: Beta
  • IRC is connectionless - profClaw maintains a persistent TCP connection.
  • If the connection drops, profClaw automatically reconnects.
  • TLS port 6697 is strongly recommended over plaintext 6667.
  • NickServ registration prevents nick squatting on public networks.