PyLink/README.md

# PyLink

PyLink is an extensible, plugin-based IRC services framework written in Python. It aims to be:

1) a replacement for the now-defunct Janus.

2) a versatile framework and gateway to IRC.

## Support

**First, MAKE SURE you've read the [FAQ](docs/faq.md)!**

**When upgrading between major versions, remember to read the [release notes](RELNOTES.md) for any breaking changes!**

Please report any bugs you find to the [issue tracker](https://github.com/GLolol/PyLink/issues). Pull requests are open if you'd like to contribute, though new stuff generally goes to the **devel** branch.

You can also find support via our IRC channels: `#PyLink @ irc.overdrivenetworks.com `([webchat](https://webchat.overdrivenetworks.com/?channels=PyLink,dev)) or `#PyLink @ chat.freenode.net`. Ask your questions and be patient for a response.

## License

PyLink and any bundled software are licensed under the Mozilla Public License, version 2.0 ([LICENSE.MPL2](LICENSE.MPL2)). The corresponding documentation in the [docs/](docs/) folder is licensed under the Creative Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. ([LICENSE.CC-BY-SA-4.0](LICENSE.CC-BY-SA-4.0))

## Dependencies

* Python 3.4+
* Setuptools (`pip install setuptools`)
* PyYAML (`pip install pyyaml`)
* [ircmatch](https://github.com/mammon-ircd/ircmatch) (`pip install ircmatch`)
* *For the servprotect plugin*: [expiringdict](https://github.com/mailgun/expiringdict) (note: unfortunately, installation is broken in pip due to [mailgun/expiringdict#13](https://github.com/mailgun/expiringdict/issues/13))

## Supported IRCds

### Primary support

These IRCds (in alphabetical order) are frequently tested and well supported. If any issues occur, please file a bug on the issue tracker.

* [charybdis](http://charybdis.io/) (3.5+ / git master) - module `ts6`
* [InspIRCd](http://www.inspircd.org/) 2.0.x - module `inspircd`
    - For vHost setting to work, `m_chghost.so` must be loaded.
    - Supported channel, user, and prefix modes are negotiated on connect, but hotloading modules that change these is not supported. After changing module configuration, it is recommended to SQUIT PyLink to force a protocol renegotiation.
* [UnrealIRCd](https://www.unrealircd.org/) 4.x - module `unreal`
    - Linking to UnrealIRCd 3.2 servers is only supported when using an UnrealIRCd 4.x server as a hub, with topology such as  `pylink<->unreal4<->unreal3.2`. We nevertheless encourage you to upgrade so all your IRCds are running the same version.

### Extended support

Support for these IRCds exist, but are not tested as frequently and thoroughly. Bugs should be filed if there are any issues, though they may not always be fixed in a timely fashion.

* [Elemental-IRCd](https://github.com/Elemental-IRCd/elemental-ircd) (6.6.x / git master) - module `ts6`
* [InspIRCd](http://www.inspircd.org/) 2.2 (git master) - module `inspircd`
* [IRCd-Hybrid](http://www.ircd-hybrid.org/) (8.2.x / svn trunk) - module `hybrid`
    - Note: for host changing support and optimal functionality, a `service{}` block / U-line should be added for PyLink on every IRCd across your network.
* [juno-ircd](https://github.com/cooper/yiria) (11.x / janet) - module `ts6` (see [configuration example](https://github.com/cooper/juno/blob/master/doc/ts6.md#pylink))
* [Nefarious IRCu](https://github.com/evilnet/nefarious2) (2.0.0+) - module `nefarious`
    - Note: Both account cloaks (user and oper) and hashed IP cloaks are optionally supported (HOST_HIDING_STYLE settings 0 to 3). Make sure you configure PyLink to match your IRCd settings.
    - For optimal functionality (mode overrides in relay, etc.), consider adding `UWorld{}` blocks / U-lines for every server that PyLink spawns.

Other TS6 and P10 variations may work, but are not officially supported.

## Setup

1) Install PyLink by using `python3 setup.py install` (global install) or `python3 setup.py install --user` (local install; note: `--user` is a *literal* string)

2) Rename `example-conf.yml` to `pylink.yml` and configure your instance there. Note that the configuration format isn't finalized yet - this means that your configuration may break in an update! Read the [release notes](RELNOTES.md) before updating to see if anything has changed.

3) Run `pylink` from the command line.

4) Profit???