IRC with JAVA

Many of our questions in #starchat come from Webtv and java users, so it is a good idea to have some idea of the capabilities of these two systems. This class will hopefully give you some clues on what our java users can and can't do in their programs.

Usually they are easy to spot when they come in to #starchat, by their mask. They will (usually) have an ident of javachat@*****

Registration:

Java users don't need to register to get the channel list, although they still need to register to get chanops, register a channel, send/receive memo's etc.

What they can't do:

Firstly, java users are not able to open more than one channel at a time, once they join another channel, they will leave the current one, although they can see /msg's in a second pop-up window.

NOTE: Java has some nasty tricks in msg windows. First any /me actions show in main, not in private. Also any messages to chanserv, nickserv, etc will have to be done in main, as java cannot /msg another user from a msg window.

Nor is java able to use cut & paste to copy commands or Urls, so if you need to give an Url, email it to the user.

Finding a channel:

Using /list in java is NOT a good move, it can flood them off the server, or at best, fill their screen and wipe out the discussion in the channel.

If for some reason a java user cannot get the list - just have them click on http://www.starchat.net/channels.php This opens the page in a second 'tab' so they do not have to leave java to see it)

If all else fails, it is possible for them to use /list with parameters to reduce the size of the list, as long as they do it right. eg /list >20, or /list *name*. (note that using *name* will show all channels with 'name' anywhere in the channel name or topic, so it can still be pretty long)

Auto Joining:

Java can be set up to auto join a channel on connect, so suggest that users set the channel name and password in their java window *before* they hit the connect button. (If necessary, send them an email with the appropriate link in it). Remember that the # before the chan name is NOT used in the java login window.

Changing Channels.

Java can use the normal /join #channel command but suggest they use the channel list to connect, as there is less chance of typo's.

NOTE about JAVA-users: They cannot do commands in pm. They won't work. So if you do have to take a java user to pm, please remember that any commands you give them have to be typed in the channel to work.

Chanops:

Java users with chanop status may have problems with some commands like /kick, /ban, if they want to avoid setting akicks. They have to add the #chan name in the kick command eg: /kick #starchat nuisance. /kick nuisance will not work.A 'temporary' ban they have to use /mode #channel +b user. Otherwise the normal /cs commands will work fine.

PJIRC:

We also have a java irc at http://www.starchat.net/pjirc/ . This is not the default, as the regular one is enough to satisfy most of our java users (and less confusing). However, it is much more powerful and very close to the capabilities of a dedicated irc program. It may be an idea to check it out when you have some spare time and maybe suggest it to some of our users if they find the regular java is not allowing them to do all they need. PJIRC users will have to register their nick to see the channel list.