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I'd like to create an IRC channel for development purposes. The channel is needed as a simple means of messaging over the internet and I will write my own client to it. I've read that when you try to connect to a channel that doesn't exist it is created automatically. Therefore I only need a server that qualifies for my needs. The only problem is:

So far I would have chosen freenode as the server of choice but it seems more like an open collection of forums for programmers. I don't want my channel to be closed because it is used privately.

Can you recommend a server that allows creation of private channels for free ?

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you could run your own, its relatively simple - I use unreal – Journeyman Geek Dec 18 '11 at 14:49
I got no computer that's always online and there's no machine that will always participate in chat. That means the IP adresses to connect to would change permanently if I used my own server. It just reeks of problems and I'd like to get this done quickly – lhk Dec 18 '11 at 18:16
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closed as off topic by Simon Sheehan, Nifle, Mokubai, Gareth, tombull89 Dec 19 '11 at 10:14

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2 Answers

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You can create a channel on freenode, it being private or invite-only is fine as long as it's fine with the network policies. Each user can register with nickserv and then you can set channel mode +i for your channel so it's invite-only,

/mode #channelname +i

And then set or remove invite exceptions on users' accountnames,

/mode #channel +I $a:accountname
/mode #channel -I $a:accountname

To view the exceptions list,

/mode #channel +I

You can get ChanServ idle in the channel if you have problems with channel getting empty and channel modes being reset,

/msg chanserv set #channel guard on

More details:

This protocol isn't very user-friendly but for people who don't run the channel, the only thing they need would be an irc client, or they could use webchat.freenode.net

You can find other networks at SearchIRC.

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Note that registration with NickServ is not strictly required; one can add invite exceptions by nick!*@* or similar masks. Also, on Freenode, unofficial channels should start with a ## to avoid getting closed. – grawity Dec 19 '11 at 8:31
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The channel naming is included in the link in the first paragraph. – Gryllida Dec 19 '11 at 10:41
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up vote 0 down vote

You may create a private channel in any major IRC network. Type /join ##channel_name to join your room and type /mode ##channel_name +s. From Freenode's userguide:

+s

This channel will not appear on channel lists or WHO or WHOIS output unless you are on it.

If you want to set a password so people need to specify it to join you, use /mode ##channel_name +k [password]. From Freenode's userguide:

+k (channel password)

This mode sets up a channel password. To enter the channel, you must specify the password on your JOIN command. Keep in mind, modes locked with ChanServ's MLOCK command can be seen by anyone recreating the channel (this includes keys).

You may use a number of existing clients instead of trying to write your own (even if you are able to do so), or just access the simple Freenode Web IRC on your browser.

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