Merge pull request #19 from HueByte/dev_cleanups

Dev cleanups

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
-name: PR Check
+name: CI
 
 on:
-  pull_request:
+  push:
     branches: [master]
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [master, dev]
+  workflow_dispatch:
 
 jobs:
   lint-markdown:
@@ -19,6 +22,12 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          submodules: recursive
+
+      # TEMPORARY: Terminal.Gui submodule's nuget.config breaks restore — remove until PR #4234 is merged
+      - name: Remove submodule NuGet config
+        run: rm -f src/Terminal.Gui/nuget.config
 
       - name: Setup .NET 10
         uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4
@@ -26,27 +35,37 @@ jobs:
           dotnet-version: '10.0.x'
 
       - name: Check formatting
-        run: dotnet format src/EchoHub.slnx --verify-no-changes --verbosity diagnostic
+        run: dotnet format src/EchoHub.slnx --verify-no-changes --verbosity diagnostic --exclude src/Terminal.Gui/
 
-  test:
+  build-and-test:
     name: Build & Test
-    needs: [lint-markdown, format-check]
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0
+          submodules: recursive
+
+      # TEMPORARY: Terminal.Gui submodule's nuget.config breaks restore — remove until PR #4234 is merged
+      - name: Remove submodule NuGet config
+        run: rm -f src/Terminal.Gui/nuget.config
 
       - name: Check for src/ changes
         id: changes
         env:
+          EVENT: ${{ github.event_name }}
+          BEFORE: ${{ github.event.before }}
           BASE_REF: ${{ github.base_ref }}
         run: |
-          git fetch origin "$BASE_REF" --depth=1
-          CHANGED=$(git diff --name-only "origin/$BASE_REF"...HEAD -- 'src/' | wc -l)
-          if [ "$CHANGED" -gt 0 ]; then
-            echo "src_changed=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          if [ "$EVENT" = "pull_request" ]; then
+            git fetch origin "$BASE_REF" --depth=1
+            CHANGED=$(git diff --name-only "origin/$BASE_REF"...HEAD -- 'src/' | wc -l)
+          elif [ -z "$BEFORE" ] || [ "$BEFORE" = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000" ]; then
+            CHANGED=1
           else
-            echo "src_changed=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+            CHANGED=$(git diff --name-only "$BEFORE" HEAD -- 'src/' | wc -l)
           fi
+          [ "$CHANGED" -gt 0 ] && echo "src_changed=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT" || echo "src_changed=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
 
       - name: Setup .NET 10
         if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true'

.github/workflows/docs.yml

@@ -16,6 +16,12 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          submodules: recursive
+
+      # TEMPORARY: Terminal.Gui submodule's nuget.config breaks restore — remove until PR #4234 is merged
+      - name: Remove submodule NuGet config
+        run: rm -f src/Terminal.Gui/nuget.config
 
       - name: Setup .NET 10
         uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: CI / Release
+name: Release
 
 on:
   push:
@@ -9,96 +9,33 @@ permissions:
   contents: write
 
 jobs:
-  lint-markdown:
-    name: Markdown Lint
+  release:
+    name: Create Release
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Run markdownlint
-        run: bash scripts/lint-markdown.sh
-
-  format-check:
-    name: Format Check
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Setup .NET 10
-        uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4
-        with:
-          dotnet-version: '10.0.x'
-
-      - name: Check formatting
-        run: dotnet format src/EchoHub.slnx --verify-no-changes --verbosity diagnostic
-
-  detect-changes:
-    name: Detect Changes
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    outputs:
-      src_changed: ${{ steps.check.outputs.src_changed }}
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
         with:
           fetch-depth: 0
+          submodules: recursive
 
-      - name: Check for changes
-        id: check
+      # TEMPORARY: Terminal.Gui submodule's nuget.config breaks restore — remove until PR #4234 is merged
+      - name: Remove submodule NuGet config
+        run: rm -f src/Terminal.Gui/nuget.config
+
+      - name: Check for src/ changes
+        id: changes
         env:
           BEFORE: ${{ github.event.before }}
         run: |
-          if [ "$BEFORE" = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000" ]; then
-            # Initial push — treat everything as changed
+          if [ -z "$BEFORE" ] || [ "$BEFORE" = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000" ]; then
             echo "src_changed=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
           else
-            SRC_CHANGED=$(git diff --name-only "$BEFORE" HEAD -- 'src/' | wc -l)
-
-            [ "$SRC_CHANGED" -gt 0 ] && echo "src_changed=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT" || echo "src_changed=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+            CHANGED=$(git diff --name-only "$BEFORE" HEAD -- 'src/' | wc -l)
+            [ "$CHANGED" -gt 0 ] && echo "src_changed=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT" || echo "src_changed=false" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
           fi
 
-  test:
-    name: Build & Test
-    needs: [lint-markdown, format-check, detect-changes]
-    if: needs.detect-changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true'
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Setup .NET 10
-        uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4
-        with:
-          dotnet-version: '10.0.x'
-
-      - name: Cache NuGet packages
-        uses: actions/cache@v4
-        with:
-          path: ~/.nuget/packages
-          key: nuget-${{ runner.os }}-${{ hashFiles('src/**/*.csproj') }}
-          restore-keys: nuget-${{ runner.os }}-
-
-      - name: Restore dependencies
-        run: dotnet restore src/EchoHub.slnx
-
-      - name: Build
-        run: dotnet build src/EchoHub.slnx --no-restore --configuration Release
-
-      - name: Test
-        run: dotnet test src/EchoHub.slnx --no-build --configuration Release --verbosity normal
-
-  release:
-    name: Create Release
-    needs: [lint-markdown, format-check, detect-changes, test]
-    if: needs.detect-changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true'
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
-
-      - name: Setup .NET 10
-        uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4
-        with:
-          dotnet-version: '10.0.x'
-
       - name: Read version
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true'
         id: version
         run: |
           VERSION=$(grep -oP '(?<=<Version>)[^<]+' src/Directory.Build.props)
@@ -106,6 +43,7 @@ jobs:
           echo "tag=v$VERSION" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
 
       - name: Check if release exists
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true'
         id: check_release
         run: |
           if gh release view "${{ steps.version.outputs.tag }}" &>/dev/null; then
@@ -116,40 +54,46 @@ jobs:
         env:
           GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
 
+      - name: Setup .NET 10
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4
+        with:
+          dotnet-version: '10.0.x'
+
       - name: Publish Server win-x64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Server/EchoHub.Server.csproj -c Release -r win-x64 --self-contained true -o publish/server-win-x64
 
       - name: Publish Server linux-x64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Server/EchoHub.Server.csproj -c Release -r linux-x64 --self-contained true -o publish/server-linux-x64
 
       - name: Publish Server osx-x64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Server/EchoHub.Server.csproj -c Release -r osx-x64 --self-contained true -o publish/server-osx-x64
 
       - name: Publish Server osx-arm64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Server/EchoHub.Server.csproj -c Release -r osx-arm64 --self-contained true -o publish/server-osx-arm64
 
       - name: Publish Client win-x64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Client/EchoHub.Client.csproj -c Release -r win-x64 --self-contained true -o publish/client-win-x64
 
       - name: Publish Client linux-x64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Client/EchoHub.Client.csproj -c Release -r linux-x64 --self-contained true -o publish/client-linux-x64
 
       - name: Publish Client osx-x64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Client/EchoHub.Client.csproj -c Release -r osx-x64 --self-contained true -o publish/client-osx-x64
 
       - name: Publish Client osx-arm64
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: dotnet publish src/EchoHub.Client/EchoHub.Client.csproj -c Release -r osx-arm64 --self-contained true -o publish/client-osx-arm64
 
       - name: Zip artifacts
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: |
           cd publish
           zip -r ../EchoHub-Server-win-x64.zip server-win-x64/
@@ -161,12 +105,41 @@ jobs:
           zip -r ../EchoHub-Client-osx-x64.zip client-osx-x64/
           zip -r ../EchoHub-Client-osx-arm64.zip client-osx-arm64/
 
+      - name: Build release notes
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        run: |
+          TAG="${{ steps.version.outputs.tag }}"
+          CHANGELOG_URL="https://huebyte.github.io/EchoHub/changelog/${TAG}.html"
+          REPO="https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}"
+          PREV_TAG=$(git tag --sort=-v:refname | grep -v "^${TAG}$" | head -n 1)
+
+          {
+            echo "📋 **[Full Changelog](${CHANGELOG_URL})**"
+            echo ""
+            echo "---"
+            echo ""
+            echo "### Commits"
+            echo ""
+            if [ -n "$PREV_TAG" ]; then
+              git log "${PREV_TAG}..HEAD" --pretty=format:"- %s (%h)" --no-merges
+            else
+              git log HEAD --pretty=format:"- %s (%h)" --no-merges
+            fi
+            echo ""
+            echo ""
+            if [ -n "$PREV_TAG" ]; then
+              echo "*Version diff: [${PREV_TAG}...${TAG}](${REPO}/compare/${PREV_TAG}...${TAG})*"
+            else
+              echo "*Version diff: [${TAG}](${REPO}/commits/${TAG})*"
+            fi
+          } > release-notes.md
+
       - name: Create GitHub Release
-        if: steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
+        if: steps.changes.outputs.src_changed == 'true' && steps.check_release.outputs.exists == 'false'
         run: |
           gh release create "${{ steps.version.outputs.tag }}" \
             --title "EchoHub ${{ steps.version.outputs.tag }}" \
-            --generate-notes \
+            --notes-file release-notes.md \
             EchoHub-Server-win-x64.zip \
             EchoHub-Server-linux-x64.zip \
             EchoHub-Server-osx-x64.zip \

.gitignore

@@ -433,3 +433,6 @@ src/EchoHub.Server/uploads/*
 # DocFx generated output
 docs/_site/
 docs/_api_meta/
+
+# Diff files
+*.diff

.gitmodules

@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+[submodule "src/Terminal.Gui"]
+	path = src/Terminal.Gui
+	url = https://github.com/HueByte/Terminal.Gui.git

README.md

@@ -13,11 +13,19 @@
 <p align="center">
   <a href="#what-is-this">What</a> •
   <a href="#getting-started">Setup</a> •
+  <a href="#irc-gateway">IRC</a> •
+  <a href="#deployment-with-nginx">Deploy</a> •
   <a href="#client-commands">Commands</a> •
   <a href="#configuration">Config</a> •
   <a href="#license">License</a>
 </p>
 
+<p align="center">
+  <a href="https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/">Website</a> •
+  <a href="https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/servers">Public Servers</a> •
+  <a href="https://huebyte.github.io/EchoHub/">Documentation</a>
+</p>
+
 <p align="center">
   <img alt=".NET 10" src="https://img.shields.io/badge/.NET-10-512BD4?style=flat-square&logo=dotnet&logoColor=white" />
   <img alt="SignalR" src="https://img.shields.io/badge/SignalR-Real--time-0078D4?style=flat-square" />
@@ -40,21 +48,25 @@ Each server is fully independent — no central authority, no account federation
 ```mermaid
 graph TD
     subgraph Server["Server"]
+        ChatSvc["ChatService"]
         Hub["SignalR ChatHub"]
+        IRC["IRC Gateway :6667"]
         Auth["JWT Auth"]
         DB["SQLite DB (EF Core)"]
         Files["File Storage"]
     end
 
-    subgraph Client["Client"]
+    subgraph Clients["Clients"]
         TUI["Terminal GUI (TUI)"]
-        Theme["Theme Engine"]
-        API["API Client (auto-refresh)"]
+        IRCClient["IRC Client (irssi, WeeChat, ...)"]
     end
 
-    API -- "WebSocket" --> Hub
-    API -- "REST" --> Auth
-    Hub --> DB
+    TUI -- "WebSocket" --> Hub
+    TUI -- "REST" --> Auth
+    IRCClient -- "TCP" --> IRC
+    Hub --> ChatSvc
+    IRC --> ChatSvc
+    ChatSvc --> DB
     Auth --> DB
     Files --> DB
 ```
@@ -65,6 +77,7 @@ graph TD
 
 - **Self-hostable** — your server, your rules, your data
 - **Real-time messaging** via SignalR WebSockets
+- **IRC gateway** — native IRC clients connect alongside TUI users, full cross-protocol messaging
 - **JWT auth** with short-lived access tokens and 30-day refresh tokens
 - **Channels** — create, set topics, delete (no 47-step permission wizard required)
 - **File & image uploads** with actual validation (magic bytes, not just trusting the extension)
@@ -122,6 +135,66 @@ Connect, register, chat. That's the whole onboarding flow.
 dotnet build src/EchoHub.slnx
 ```
 
+## IRC Gateway
+
+EchoHub includes a built-in IRC protocol gateway. Any standard IRC client can connect to the same server and chat alongside TUI users — messages flow both ways in real time.
+
+### Enable It
+
+In the server's `appsettings.json`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "Irc": {
+    "Enabled": true,
+    "Port": 6667,
+    "ServerName": "echohub",
+    "Motd": "Welcome to EchoHub IRC Gateway!"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### Connect
+
+```bash
+# irssi
+irssi -c your-server.com -p 6667 -w <password> -n <username>
+
+# WeeChat
+/server add echohub your-server.com/6667 -password=<password> -nicks=<username>
+/connect echohub
+```
+
+IRC users must have an existing EchoHub account (no registration via IRC). Auth works via `PASS`/`NICK`/`USER` or SASL PLAIN.
+
+### What Works
+
+| Feature | How it maps to IRC |
+| ------- | ------------------ |
+| Text messages | Standard `PRIVMSG` (long messages split at ~400 byte chunks) |
+| Images | `[Image: filename]` + download URL + ASCII art line-by-line |
+| File uploads | `[File: filename] /api/files/{id}` |
+| Channels | `JOIN`, `PART`, `NAMES`, `TOPIC`, `LIST` |
+| Presence | `AWAY`, `WHO`, `WHOIS` |
+| Status | Maps to IRC away/here |
+
+### TLS
+
+If running behind **nginx** (recommended), let nginx handle TLS -- see [Deployment with nginx](#deployment-with-nginx) below.
+
+For direct TLS without a reverse proxy, the IRC gateway can terminate TLS itself:
+
+```json
+{
+  "Irc": {
+    "TlsEnabled": true,
+    "TlsPort": 6697,
+    "TlsCertPath": "/path/to/cert.pfx",
+    "TlsCertPassword": "your-password"
+  }
+}
+```
+
 ## Client Commands
 
 | Command | Description |
@@ -172,35 +245,107 @@ dotnet build src/EchoHub.slnx
 | `Jwt:Secret` | *(auto-generated)* | JWT signing key |
 | `Server:Name` | `My EchoHub Server` | Server display name |
 | `Server:Description` | `A self-hosted EchoHub chat server` | Server description |
+| `Server:PublicServer` | `false` | List on the [public directory](https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/servers) |
+| `Server:PublicHost` | *(empty)* | Public hostname for directory listing |
+| `Irc:Enabled` | `false` | Enable the IRC gateway |
+| `Irc:Port` | `6667` | IRC listen port |
+| `Irc:TlsEnabled` | `false` | Enable TLS for IRC |
+| `Irc:TlsPort` | `6697` | IRC TLS port |
+| `Irc:ServerName` | `echohub` | IRC server name in protocol messages |
+| `Irc:Motd` | `Welcome to EchoHub IRC Gateway!` | Message of the day |
 | `Cors:AllowedOrigins` | *(all origins)* | CORS whitelist |
 
-Logging uses Serilog — console + daily rolling files with 14-day retention. Configure it in the `Serilog` section of appsettings.
+Logging uses Serilog — console + daily rolling files with 14-day retention. Configure in the `Serilog` section.
+
+## Deployment with nginx
+
+Most production deployments run behind nginx. Here's a config that handles both the HTTP/WebSocket server and the IRC gateway:
+
+```nginx
+# HTTP + WebSocket (EchoHub Server API + SignalR)
+server {
+    listen 443 ssl;
+    server_name echohub.example.com;
+
+    ssl_certificate     /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/fullchain.pem;
+    ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/privkey.pem;
+
+    location / {
+        proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:5000;
+        proxy_http_version 1.1;
+        proxy_set_header Host $host;
+        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
+        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
+        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
+
+        # Required for SignalR WebSocket
+        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
+        proxy_set_header Connection $http_connection;
+
+        proxy_read_timeout 86400s;
+        proxy_send_timeout 86400s;
+    }
+
+    # Increase max upload size for file sharing
+    client_max_body_size 10m;
+}
+
+# HTTP → HTTPS redirect
+server {
+    listen 80;
+    server_name echohub.example.com;
+    return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
+}
+
+# IRC TLS (port 6697 → plain IRC on 6667)
+stream {
+    upstream irc_backend {
+        server 127.0.0.1:6667;
+    }
+
+    server {
+        listen 6697 ssl;
+        proxy_pass irc_backend;
+
+        ssl_certificate     /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/fullchain.pem;
+        ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/privkey.pem;
+    }
+}
+```
+
+With this setup, keep the EchoHub IRC gateway's `TlsEnabled` set to `false` — nginx terminates TLS. See the full example at [`examples/nginx.conf`](examples/nginx.conf).
 
 ## Project Structure
 
 ```text
 src/
-├── EchoHub.Core/          # Shared models, DTOs, contracts, validation
-│   ├── Constants/         # ValidationConstants, HubConstants
-│   ├── Contracts/         # IEchoHubClient (SignalR interface)
-│   ├── DTOs/              # Record DTOs
-│   └── Models/            # Entity models
+├── EchoHub.Core/            # Shared models, DTOs, contracts, validation
+│   ├── Constants/           # ValidationConstants, HubConstants
+│   ├── Contracts/           # IChatService, IChatBroadcaster, IEchoHubClient
+│   ├── DTOs/                # Record DTOs
+│   └── Models/              # Entity models
 │
-├── EchoHub.Server/        # ASP.NET Core server
-│   ├── Auth/              # JWT token service
-│   ├── Controllers/       # REST API endpoints
-│   ├── Data/              # EF Core DbContext + migrations
-│   ├── Hubs/              # SignalR ChatHub
-│   ├── Services/          # Presence, file storage, image processing
-│   └── Setup/             # First-run setup, DB initialization
+├── EchoHub.Server/          # ASP.NET Core server
+│   ├── Auth/                # JWT token service
+│   ├── Controllers/         # REST API endpoints
+│   ├── Data/                # EF Core DbContext + migrations
+│   ├── Hubs/                # SignalR ChatHub
+│   ├── Services/            # ChatService, presence, file storage, image processing
+│   └── Setup/               # First-run setup, DB initialization
 │
-├── EchoHub.Client/        # Terminal.Gui TUI client
-│   ├── Config/            # Client configuration
-│   ├── Services/          # API client, SignalR connection
-│   ├── Themes/            # 6 built-in themes
-│   └── UI/                # MainWindow, dialogs, chat renderer
+├── EchoHub.Server.Irc/      # IRC protocol gateway
+│   ├── IrcGatewayService    # TCP listener (BackgroundService)
+│   ├── IrcCommandHandler    # IRC command dispatch (JOIN, PRIVMSG, etc.)
+│   ├── IrcBroadcaster       # Fans chat events to IRC connections
+│   └── IrcMessageFormatter  # MessageDto → IRC PRIVMSG lines
 │
-└── EchoHub.slnx           # Solution file
+├── EchoHub.Client/          # Terminal.Gui TUI client
+│   ├── Config/              # Client configuration
+│   ├── Services/            # API client, SignalR connection
+│   ├── Themes/              # 13 built-in themes
+│   └── UI/                  # MainWindow, dialogs, chat renderer
+│
+└── EchoHub.slnx             # Solution file
 ```
 
 ## License

assets/hue_icon.svg

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+<svg width="32" height="32" viewBox="0 0 1000 1000" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
+    <g stroke="#E6C06E" stroke-width="28" fill="none" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round">
+        <circle cx="500" cy="500" r="420" />
+        <circle cx="500" cy="500" r="180" />
+        <polygon points="500,440 550,532 450,532" fill="#E6C06E" />
+        <line x1="500" y1="80" x2="500" y2="320" />
+        <circle cx="285" cy="390" r="8" fill="#E6C06E" />
+        <circle cx="715" cy="390" r="8" fill="#E6C06E" />
+        <circle cx="500" cy="750" r="8" fill="#E6C06E" />
+    </g>
+</svg>

docs/api/client-articles/index.md

@@ -5,6 +5,9 @@ Articles related to the EchoHub TUI client built with Terminal.Gui v2.
 ## Topics
 
 - Terminal.Gui v2 patterns and conventions
-- Theme system and customization
+- Theme system and customization (including transparent theme)
 - Command system reference
-- Configuration management
+- Configuration and session persistence
+- Audio playback and file downloads
+- Automatic update checking
+- [Notification sounds](../../articles/notification-sounds.md)

docs/api/core-articles/index.md

@@ -5,5 +5,5 @@ Articles related to the EchoHub.Core shared library.
 ## Topics
 
 - Data models and DTOs
-- SignalR contract interface
+- Contract interfaces (IChatService, IChannelService, IChatBroadcaster, IEchoHubClient)
 - Validation constants and shared rules

docs/api/index.md

@@ -10,8 +10,12 @@ Terminal.Gui v2 TUI application -- UI components, services, themes, and configur
 
 ### Core
 
-Shared library -- DTOs, models, constants, and the SignalR client contract.
+Shared library -- DTOs, models, constants, and contracts (`IChatService`, `IChannelService`, `IChatBroadcaster`, `IEchoHubClient`).
 
 ### Server
 
-ASP.NET Core server -- controllers, hubs, authentication, and data access.
+ASP.NET Core server -- controllers, hubs, ChatService, ChannelService, SignalRBroadcaster, authentication, file cleanup, and data access.
+
+### Server.Irc
+
+IRC protocol gateway -- TCP listener, command handler, IrcBroadcaster, and message formatter.

docs/api/server-articles/index.md

@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@ Articles related to the EchoHub server built with ASP.NET Core.
 
 - Authentication and JWT tokens
 - SignalR hub and real-time messaging
-- File upload and validation
+- IRC gateway and protocol bridging
+- ChatService and broadcaster pattern
+- ChannelService and channel CRUD
+- File upload, validation, and cleanup
 - Rate limiting configuration
-- Database schema and migrations
+- Database schema, migrations, and DataMigrationService

docs/api/toc.yml

@@ -3,16 +3,20 @@
     - name: API Reference
       href: ../_api_meta/client/toc.yml
     - name: Articles
-      href: client-articles/
+      href: client-articles/toc.yml
 - name: Core
   items:
     - name: API Reference
       href: ../_api_meta/core/toc.yml
     - name: Articles
-      href: core-articles/
+      href: core-articles/toc.yml
 - name: Server
   items:
     - name: API Reference
       href: ../_api_meta/server/toc.yml
     - name: Articles
-      href: server-articles/
+      href: server-articles/toc.yml
+- name: Server.Irc
+  items:
+    - name: API Reference
+      href: ../_api_meta/server-irc/toc.yml

docs/articles/architecture.md

@@ -4,6 +4,16 @@
 
 EchoHub follows a decentralized model where each server is fully independent. There is no central authority or account federation. Users create one account per server.
 
+The server exposes two protocol interfaces to the same chat backend:
+
+```text
+IRC Client ──► TCP :6667 ──► IrcGateway ──┐
+                                           ├──► ChatService ──► DB + PresenceTracker
+TUI Client ──► WebSocket ──► ChatHub ─────┘
+```
+
+Both protocols call into a shared `IChatService` for business logic. Events fan out to all registered `IChatBroadcaster` implementations (SignalR and IRC).
+
 ## Components
 
 ### EchoHub.Core
@@ -12,7 +22,7 @@ Shared library containing:
 
 - **Models**: `User`, `Channel`, `Message`, `RefreshToken`
 - **DTOs**: Record types for API requests/responses
-- **Contracts**: `IEchoHubClient` -- the strongly-typed SignalR client interface
+- **Contracts**: `IChatService` (protocol-agnostic chat operations), `IChannelService` (channel CRUD and membership), `IChatBroadcaster` (event fan-out interface), `IEchoHubClient` (SignalR client interface)
 - **Constants**: `ValidationConstants` (shared regex patterns), `HubConstants`
 
 ### EchoHub.Server
@@ -20,22 +30,44 @@ Shared library containing:
 ASP.NET Core web application:
 
 - **Controllers**: REST API endpoints for auth, channels, users, files, server info
-- **Hubs**: SignalR `ChatHub` for real-time messaging
+- **Hubs**: SignalR `ChatHub` -- thin adapter delegating to `IChatService`
 - **Auth**: JWT token service (15-min access tokens, 30-day refresh tokens)
 - **Data**: EF Core with SQLite
-- **Services**: Presence tracking, file storage, image-to-ASCII conversion
+- **Services**: `ChatService` (core business logic), `ChannelService` (channel CRUD and membership), `SignalRBroadcaster`, presence tracking, file storage, image-to-ASCII conversion, `FileCleanupService` (periodic removal of expired uploads), `DataMigrationService` (startup schema/data evolution)
+
+### EchoHub.Server.Irc
+
+IRC protocol gateway (separate project for clean separation of concerns):
+
+- **IrcGatewayService**: `BackgroundService` with TCP listener on configured port(s), optional TLS
+- **IrcCommandHandler**: Per-client IRC command dispatch -- handles `CAP`/`SASL`, `NICK`/`USER`/`PASS`, `JOIN`/`PART`/`PRIVMSG`/`QUIT`, `NAMES`/`TOPIC`/`WHO`/`WHOIS`/`AWAY`/`LIST`/`MODE`/`MOTD`
+- **IrcBroadcaster**: `IChatBroadcaster` implementation that formats chat events as IRC protocol lines, with echo suppression (IRC convention)
+- **IrcMessageFormatter**: Converts `MessageDto` to IRC `PRIVMSG` lines -- splits long text at word boundaries (~400 byte chunks), sends images as ASCII art line-by-line
+
+IRC users authenticate with existing EchoHub accounts via `PASS`/`NICK`/`USER` or SASL PLAIN (BCrypt verification against the database).
 
 ### EchoHub.Client
 
 Terminal.Gui v2 TUI application:
 
 - **UI**: Main window, dialogs, chat renderer with ANSI color support
-- **Services**: API client with automatic token refresh, SignalR connection wrapper
-- **Themes**: 6 built-in color themes
-- **Config**: Client configuration management
+- **Services**: API client with automatic token refresh, SignalR connection wrapper, audio playback (NetCoreAudio), automatic update checker (AlwaysUpToDate)
+- **Themes**: 13 built-in color themes (including transparent theme with true terminal transparency)
+- **Config**: Client configuration management with session persistence ("Remember Me" refresh tokens)
 
 ## Communication
 
-- REST API for authentication, profile management, channel CRUD, file uploads
-- SignalR WebSocket for real-time messaging and presence updates
+- **REST API** for authentication, profile management, channel CRUD, file uploads
+- **SignalR WebSocket** for real-time messaging and presence updates (TUI client)
+- **IRC TCP** for real-time messaging via standard IRC protocol (IRC clients)
 - JWT tokens passed via query string for SignalR authentication
+- IRC authentication via PASS/SASL PLAIN against BCrypt password hashes
+
+## Broadcaster Pattern
+
+The `IChatBroadcaster` interface allows multiple protocols to receive chat events:
+
+- **SignalRBroadcaster**: Wraps `IHubContext<ChatHub>`, filters out IRC connections
+- **IrcBroadcaster**: Iterates live IRC connections in a channel, formats events as IRC protocol lines
+
+Both are registered in DI and called by `ChatService` when events occur. This means a message sent from an IRC client appears in the TUI client, and vice versa.

docs/articles/encryption.md

@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+# Message Encryption
+
+EchoHub uses application-layer AES-256-GCM encryption to protect message content in transit between clients and the server. This is an additional layer on top of TLS, protecting against ISPs, proxies, and any middleman that can inspect HTTPS traffic (e.g. corporate proxies with trusted root CA certificates).
+
+## How It Works
+
+```mermaid
+sequenceDiagram
+    participant Sender as TUI Client (Sender)
+    participant Server
+    participant Receiver as TUI Client (Receiver)
+    participant IRC as IRC Client
+
+    Sender->>Sender: encrypt(plaintext)
+    Sender->>Server: $ENC$v1$... (SignalR)
+    Server->>Server: decrypt → validate/sanitize
+    Server->>Server: fetch embeds on plaintext
+    Server->>Server: (optional) encrypt for DB storage
+    Server->>Server: encrypt(plaintext) with fresh nonce
+    Server->>Receiver: $ENC$v1$... (SignalR broadcast)
+    Receiver->>Receiver: decrypt → display
+    Server->>Server: decrypt for IRC
+    Server->>IRC: plaintext (IRC PRIVMSG)
+```
+
+1. **Client encrypts** the message before sending it over SignalR
+2. **Server decrypts** to validate content, sanitize newlines, and fetch link embeds
+3. **Server re-encrypts** with a fresh nonce and broadcasts to all connected SignalR clients
+4. **Clients decrypt** the broadcast and display the plaintext
+5. **IRC clients** receive plaintext automatically (the IRC broadcaster decrypts before forwarding)
+
+Each encryption uses a random 12-byte nonce, so the same message produces different ciphertext every time.
+
+## Encryption Key
+
+A 256-bit AES key is auto-generated on first server startup and saved to `appsettings.json`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "Encryption": {
+    "Key": "base64-encoded-32-byte-key",
+    "EncryptDatabase": false
+  }
+}
+```
+
+The key is generated by `FirstRunSetup` using `RandomNumberGenerator.GetBytes(32)`. If the key is missing or empty when the server starts, a new one is created automatically.
+
+Clients fetch the key after login via an authenticated endpoint (`GET /api/server/encryption-key`). No manual configuration is needed on the client side.
+
+## Encrypted Content Format
+
+Encrypted content uses a self-describing format:
+
+```text
+$ENC$v1${nonce_base64}${ciphertext+tag_base64}
+```
+
+- **`$ENC$v1$`** — version prefix (allows future algorithm changes)
+- **Nonce** — 12 bytes, Base64-encoded, randomly generated per message
+- **Ciphertext + Tag** — AES-256-GCM output with 16-byte authentication tag appended
+
+The authentication tag ensures both confidentiality and integrity — any tampering with the ciphertext is detected during decryption.
+
+## Database Encryption (Optional)
+
+By default, messages are stored as **plaintext** in the database. Transport encryption still protects everything on the wire, but the SQLite file itself contains readable messages.
+
+To encrypt messages at rest, enable the setting:
+
+```json
+{
+  "Encryption": {
+    "Key": "...",
+    "EncryptDatabase": true
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### Behavior by Setting
+
+| Setting           | DB Storage | Transport | Key Rotation Risk                              |
+| ----------------- | ---------- | --------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
+| `false` (default) | Plaintext  | Encrypted | None - stored data is unaffected               |
+| `true`            | Encrypted  | Encrypted | Changing the key makes old messages unreadable |
+
+### Mixed Content
+
+The server handles mixed encrypted/plaintext content in the database gracefully. When reading messages:
+
+- Content starting with `$ENC$v1$` is decrypted
+- Everything else is treated as plaintext
+
+This means you can safely toggle `EncryptDatabase` at any time. Old messages remain readable regardless of the current setting.
+
+### Enabling Encryption at Rest
+
+When you set `EncryptDatabase: true`, only **new messages** are encrypted going forward. Existing plaintext messages in the database are not retroactively encrypted. This is intentional — it keeps key rotation safe and avoids irreversible bulk changes.
+
+### Key Rotation
+
+Changing the encryption key is safe:
+
+- **Plaintext messages** — always readable regardless of key
+- **Messages encrypted with the old key** — will show `[encrypted message — decryption failed]`
+- **New messages** — encrypted with the new key going forward
+
+If you need to recover old encrypted messages, restore the original key from a backup of `appsettings.json`. Since plaintext messages are never retroactively encrypted, you'll never lose access to your entire history from a key change.
+
+## Security Considerations
+
+### What This Protects Against
+
+- **Passive network sniffing** — messages are encrypted even if captured off the wire
+- **ISP/proxy inspection** — content is encrypted at the application layer, independent of TLS
+- **Database theft** (when `EncryptDatabase: true`) — SQLite file contains only ciphertext
+
+### Limitations
+
+- **TLS-inspecting proxies** — if a corporate proxy terminates TLS with a trusted root CA, it can intercept the key exchange (`GET /api/server/encryption-key`) and read all traffic. A future upgrade to ECDH key exchange would address this.
+- **Server has full access** — the server decrypts all messages for processing. This is not end-to-end encryption between users; it's transport encryption between client and server.
+- **IRC clients receive plaintext** — IRC is an open protocol and third-party clients cannot participate in the encryption scheme.
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Messages show `[encrypted message — decryption failed, try re-logging to fetch the latest key]`
+
+The client's encryption key doesn't match the server's. This happens when:
+
+- The server's encryption key was rotated while the client was connected
+- The client cached a stale key
+
+**Fix**: Disconnect and reconnect (re-login). The client fetches the current key on each login.
+
+### Messages show `[encrypted message — decryption failed]` in channel history
+
+The server cannot decrypt messages stored in the database. This happens when:
+
+- `EncryptDatabase` was enabled, and the key was changed afterwards
+
+**Fix**: Restore the original key from a backup. There is no way to recover messages encrypted with a lost key.

docs/articles/getting-started.md

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@
 
 - [.NET 10 SDK](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download)
 
+Or grab a self-contained binary from [Releases](https://github.com/HueByte/EchoHub/releases) -- no runtime needed.
+
 ## Run the Server
 
 ```bash
@@ -24,6 +26,37 @@ dotnet run --project src/EchoHub.Client
 
 Connect to a server, register an account, and start chatting.
 
+## Connect via IRC
+
+Enable the IRC gateway in the server's `appsettings.json`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "Irc": {
+    "Enabled": true,
+    "Port": 6667
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Then connect with any standard IRC client:
+
+```bash
+irssi -c localhost -p 6667 -w <password> -n <username>
+```
+
+IRC users must have an existing EchoHub account. Authentication works via `PASS`/`NICK`/`USER` or SASL PLAIN. Messages flow bidirectionally between IRC and TUI clients.
+
+For TLS, set `TlsEnabled: true`, `TlsPort: 6697`, and provide a PKCS#12 certificate path.
+
+See the [Architecture](architecture.md) page for details on how the IRC gateway integrates with the chat service.
+
+## Configuration
+
+Server configuration is in `appsettings.json` (auto-generated on first run). See the [example config](https://github.com/HueByte/EchoHub/blob/master/src/EchoHub.Server/appsettings.example.json) for all available options.
+
+To list your server on the [public directory](https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/servers), set `Server:PublicServer` to `true` and `Server:PublicHost` to your server's public address.
+
 ## Build from Source
 
 ```bash

docs/articles/notification-sounds.md

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# Notification Sounds
+
+EchoHub can play a notification sound when someone @mentions you. This is **disabled by default** and must be enabled in your profile settings.
+
+## Enabling Notifications
+
+Open your profile (`/profile`) and check the **"Notification sound on @mention"** checkbox, then save. You can also adjust the **Volume** (0-100, default 30). All settings are persisted in `~/.echohub/config.json`.
+
+## Customizing the Sound
+
+The client ships with a default `Notification.mp3` in the `Assets` folder. To use your own notification sound, replace the file at:
+
+```text
+<app-directory>/Assets/Notification.mp3
+```
+
+The file must be a valid `.mp3` or `.wav` audio file. The replacement takes effect on the next app launch.
+
+Alternatively, set a custom path in `~/.echohub/config.json`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "notifications": {
+    "enabled": true,
+    "volume": 30,
+    "soundFile": "/path/to/your/sound.mp3"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+When `soundFile` is set, EchoHub uses that file instead of the bundled default.
+
+## Disabling Notifications
+
+Uncheck the option in your profile, or edit the config directly:
+
+```json
+{
+  "notifications": {
+    "enabled": false
+  }
+}
+```

docs/articles/toc.yml

@@ -2,3 +2,7 @@
   href: getting-started.md
 - name: Architecture
   href: architecture.md
+- name: Encryption
+  href: encryption.md
+- name: Notification Sounds
+  href: notification-sounds.md

docs/changelog/index.md

@@ -4,4 +4,11 @@ Release history for EchoHub.
 
 ## Releases
 
+- [v0.2.5](v0.2.5.md) - Session Persistence, Auto-Updates, Audio & Transparent Theme
+- [v0.2.4](v0.2.4.md) - E2E Message Encryption
+- [v0.2.3](v0.2.3.md) - Moderation, Embeds & UI Overhaul
+- [v0.2.2](v0.2.2.md) - Startup & Shutdown Fixes
+- [v0.2.1](v0.2.1.md) - Shutdown & CI Fixes
+- [v0.2.0](v0.2.0.md) - IRC Gateway
+- [v0.1.1](v0.1.1.md) - Directory Connection Self-Healing
 - [v0.1.0](v0.1.0.md) - Initial Release

docs/changelog/toc.yml

@@ -1,4 +1,18 @@
 - name: Overview
   href: index.md
+- name: v0.2.5
+  href: v0.2.5.md
+- name: v0.2.4
+  href: v0.2.4.md
+- name: v0.2.3
+  href: v0.2.3.md
+- name: v0.2.2
+  href: v0.2.2.md
+- name: v0.2.1
+  href: v0.2.1.md
+- name: v0.2.0
+  href: v0.2.0.md
+- name: v0.1.1
+  href: v0.1.1.md
 - name: v0.1.0
   href: v0.1.0.md

docs/changelog/v0.1.1.md

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+# v0.1.1 - Directory Connection Self-Healing
+
+## Fixes
+
+- Server now reconnects to the EchoHubSpace directory indefinitely when the API goes down, using exponential backoff (2s → 30s cap)
+- If automatic reconnect is exhausted, the connection is rebuilt from scratch automatically
+- Initial connection attempts also use exponential backoff instead of a fixed 30s delay

docs/changelog/v0.2.0.md

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+# v0.2.0 - IRC Gateway
+
+## Features
+
+- **IRC protocol gateway** -- native IRC clients (irssi, WeeChat, HexChat, etc.) can connect to EchoHub servers
+- **Cross-protocol messaging** -- messages flow bidirectionally between IRC and TUI clients in real time
+- **SASL PLAIN authentication** -- IRC clients can authenticate via SASL or traditional PASS/NICK/USER
+- **Full IRC command support** -- JOIN, PART, PRIVMSG, QUIT, NAMES, TOPIC, WHO, WHOIS, AWAY, LIST, MODE, MOTD
+- **TLS support** -- optional encrypted IRC connections on port 6697
+- **Image-to-IRC formatting** -- images appear as ASCII art line-by-line with download URLs
+- **Message splitting** -- long messages automatically split at word boundaries (~400 byte chunks)
+- **Configurable MOTD** -- server message of the day for IRC clients
+
+## Architecture Changes
+
+- Extracted shared business logic from `ChatHub` into protocol-agnostic `IChatService`
+- Introduced `IChatBroadcaster` pattern for multi-protocol event fan-out
+- `ChatHub` refactored to thin adapter delegating to `IChatService`
+- `ChannelsController` updated to use `IChatService` for broadcasts
+- New `EchoHub.Server.Irc` project for clean separation of concerns
+- `IChatService` and `IChatBroadcaster` interfaces live in `EchoHub.Core/Contracts`

docs/changelog/v0.2.1.md

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+# v0.2.1 - Shutdown & CI Fixes
+
+## Fixes
+
+- Fixed server hanging on Ctrl+C when the directory server is unreachable — `StopAsync` now cancels background services before disposing connections
+- Fixed IRC gateway shutdown blocking indefinitely on unresponsive clients — send operations are now bounded to 2 seconds
+- Fixed CI release workflow not having full git history for building release notes (`fetch-depth: 0`)
+- Fixed `workflow_dispatch` trigger breaking change detection when `github.event.before` is empty
+
+## Improvements
+
+- GitHub releases now include a commit list and version diff link instead of generic auto-generated notes
+- GitHub releases link to the full changelog on the docs site

docs/changelog/v0.2.2.md

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+# v0.2.2 - Startup & Shutdown Fixes
+
+## Fixes
+
+- Fixed server hanging on startup when IRC gateway is enabled — circular DI dependency between `IrcGatewayService` → `IChatService` → `IChatBroadcaster` → `IrcBroadcaster` caused the DI container to deadlock
+- Fixed `SignalRBroadcaster` eagerly resolving `IHubContext<ChatHub>` during DI construction, which could deadlock on some platforms — now lazy-resolves via `IServiceProvider` on first use
+- Simplified IRC service registration to use standard `AddSingleton<IChatBroadcaster, IrcBroadcaster>` instead of manual factory, breaking the circular resolution chain
+- Fixed server hanging on Ctrl+C — replaced `await using` with explicit dispose bounded to 3 seconds, so a stuck `HubConnection` can no longer block shutdown
+- Reduced host shutdown timeout from 30s (default) to 5s
+- Caught `OperationCanceledException` in the directory service reconnect loop so cancellation exits immediately instead of propagating through dispose
+
+## Refactoring
+
+- Replaced primary constructors with standard constructor injection across all server classes for consistency

docs/changelog/v0.2.3.md

@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+# v0.2.3 - Moderation, Embeds & UI Overhaul
+
+## Features
+
+### Moderation System
+
+- Added server roles: Owner, Admin, Mod, Member — first registered user is automatically Owner
+- New `/kick`, `/ban`, `/unban`, `/mute`, `/unmute`, `/role`, `/nuke` commands for moderators and admins
+- `ModerationController` with full REST API for role assignment, kicks, bans, mutes, message deletion, and channel nuking
+- Mutes support optional duration (auto-expire) and blocked users cannot log in
+- Role claim included in JWT tokens; role badges shown in the online users panel
+- Kicked and banned users are forcibly disconnected in real time — server cleans up presence, broadcasts departures, and signals client disconnect
+- Works for both SignalR and IRC connections; client shows an error dialog with the reason
+
+### Private Channels
+
+- Channels can be created as public or private via a checkbox in the Create Channel dialog
+- Public channels are visible to all users; private channels only appear for members who joined them
+- Persistent channel membership tracked in the database (`ChannelMembership` table)
+- `GET /api/channels` returns the combined list: public channels + user's joined private channels
+- Channel creators are automatically added as members
+
+### OpenGraph Link Embeds
+
+- Messages containing URLs now show a rich preview below the message text
+- Multiple URLs per message supported (up to 3) — each gets its own embed
+- Server-side fetching: detects URLs in a message, fetches each page, and parses OpenGraph meta tags (`og:title`, `og:description`, `og:site_name`)
+- Embeds are persisted in the database as a JSON array and included in channel history
+- TUI client renders embeds with a `▏` left border bar — site name and border in blue, title in white, description in gray; text word-wraps at actual viewport width
+- IRC gateway receives a text-only embed preview (site name, title, description)
+- Falls back to `<title>` tag when no OG tags are present; gracefully skips if no useful metadata is found
+- 5-second fetch timeout ensures message delivery is never significantly delayed
+- SSRF protection rejects private/loopback IP addresses before fetching
+
+### Notification Sounds
+
+- Incoming messages play a notification sound when the terminal is not focused
+- Embedded MP3 asset with cross-platform playback support
+
+### Online Users Panel
+
+- Collapsible right-side panel showing online users in the current channel (toggle with F2)
+- Users displayed with status indicators, role badges, and their custom nickname colors
+- Panel updates on join, leave, and status change events
+
+### @mention Highlighting
+
+- `@username` text rendered in orange accent color in all messages
+- Messages mentioning the current user get a full-line amber background highlight
+- Works across multi-line messages and continuation lines
+
+### ASCII Art Improvements
+
+- Half-block character rendering (`▀`/`█`) with separate foreground + background colors for 2x vertical resolution
+- Switched from ANSI escape codes to printable color tags (`{F:RRGGBB}`, `{B:RRGGBB}`, `{X}`) — no control bytes in stored content
+- Optional size parameter for `/send` command: `-s` (40x40), `-m` (80x80, default), `-l` (120x120)
+- IRC gateway converts color tags back to ANSI for IRC client compatibility
+
+### Client UI
+
+- Version number shown in the status bar
+- Custom colored rendering for channel list (active indicator, unread count badges)
+- Avatar upload field added to the profile edit dialog (file path or URL)
+- Profile avatar now renders with full color tag support in the profile view dialog
+- Update check notification on connect — shows a system message if a newer GitHub release exists
+- Chat messages no longer show selection/focus highlight
+- Exit shortcut changed from Ctrl+C to Alt+Q — frees Ctrl+C for copy
+- Default history increased from 50 to 100 messages on channel join
+
+## Fixes
+
+- Fixed `#general` channel not visible after adding the `IsPublic` column — migration default changed to `true` and startup service ensures it
+- Fixed channels disappearing when creating a new channel — replaced full re-fetch with incremental updates
+- Wired `OnChannelUpdated` SignalR event so new public channels appear for all connected users in real time
+- Fixed color tag parser using wrong regex group numbers (6,7,8 instead of 1,2,3) — new ASCII art was rendering without colors
+- Full Unicode/emoji support — renderers use Terminal.Gui v2 grapheme cluster API (`GraphemeHelper`, `AddStr`) for proper wide character handling
+- Emoji-to-text shortcode conversion for consistent cross-platform rendering
+- Fixed `/send` and `/avatar` commands not handling file paths with spaces correctly, even when quoted
+- Server-side newline spam protection — consecutive blank/whitespace-only lines collapsed to 1 and total lines capped at 30
+- Fixed OG tag regex truncating descriptions containing apostrophes (e.g. `"HueByte's portfolio"` was cut to `"HueByte"`) — switched to backreference-based quote pairing
+
+## Infrastructure
+
+- New `LinkEmbedService` on the server — URL detection, HTML fetching (first 64KB), OG tag parsing via compiled regex
+- `EmbedDto` record added to shared Core DTOs; `MessageDto.Embeds` list for multiple embeds per message
+- `EmbedJson` nullable column on the `Message` table stores serialized embed data as JSON array (max 8KB); `DataMigrationService` auto-migrates old single-object format
+- Dedicated `"OgFetch"` named HttpClient with bot User-Agent header and 5-second timeout
+- `PresenceTracker.ForceRemoveUser()` for atomic user cleanup on kick/ban
+- `IChatBroadcaster.ForceDisconnectUserAsync()` and `IEchoHubClient.ForceDisconnect` for force-disconnect signaling
+- `NotificationSoundService` for cross-platform audio playback of embedded notification sounds
+- Startup `DataMigrationService` automatically converts old ANSI-format messages to the new color tag format on server boot, logging the count of migrated records
+- `EmojiHelper` utility for emoji-to-shortcode conversion
+- Heartbeat handling in `ServerDirectoryService` for connection health checks
+- Four new EF Core migrations: `AddModerationRoles`, `AddChannelIsPublic`, `AddChannelMembership`, `AddMessageEmbed`
+- `ChannelMembership` table with cascade delete on both channel and user removal

docs/changelog/v0.2.4.md

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+# v0.2.4 - E2E Message Encryption
+
+## Features
+
+### E2E Message Encryption
+
+- Application-layer AES-256-GCM encryption for all message content between client and server
+- Protects against ISPs, proxies, and any middleman reading chat messages — even if TLS is compromised
+- 256-bit encryption key auto-generated on first server startup and saved to `appsettings.json`
+- Client fetches the encryption key automatically after login via `GET /api/server/encryption-key`
+- Client encrypts messages before sending via SignalR; server decrypts for validation and processing
+- Server broadcasts encrypted content to SignalR clients; client decrypts transparently — no user action required
+- Optional database encryption at rest via `Encryption:EncryptDatabase` setting (disabled by default)
+  - When enabled: new messages encrypted before DB storage (existing plaintext messages are not retroactively encrypted)
+  - When disabled: messages stored as plaintext, no risk of data loss from key rotation
+  - Reads handle mixed content (encrypted + plaintext) regardless of setting — safe to toggle at any time
+  - Key rotation is safe: old plaintext stays readable, new messages use the new key
+- IRC gateway automatically decrypts messages before forwarding to IRC clients (plaintext over IRC)
+- Encrypted content format: `$ENC$v1${nonce}${ciphertext+tag}` (Base64, 12-byte nonce, 16-byte auth tag)
+- Server strips `$ENC$` prefix from user-typed messages to prevent format spoofing
+- Graceful fallback: if decryption fails, shows `[encrypted message — decryption failed, try re-logging to fetch the latest key]`
+
+## Infrastructure
+
+- `IMessageEncryptionService` interface in Core; `MessageEncryptionService` server implementation and `ClientEncryptionService` client implementation
+- `EncryptionKeyResponse` DTO and `GET /api/server/encryption-key` endpoint (authenticated, rate-limited)
+- `FirstRunSetup.EnsureEncryptionKey()` auto-generates AES-256 key on first server run
+- `Encryption:EncryptDatabase` server setting (default `false`) controls whether messages are encrypted at rest
+- DB column max lengths increased for encrypted content: `Message.Content` 2000 → 16000, `Message.EmbedJson` 8000 → 32000
+- EF Core migration: `AddEncryptionSupport`
+- Encryption test suite: server-side, client-side, and cross-compatibility tests
+- Documentation article: `docs/articles/encryption.md`

docs/changelog/v0.2.5.md

@@ -0,0 +1,121 @@
+# v0.2.5 - Session Persistence, Auto-Updates, Audio & Transparent Theme
+
+## Features
+
+### Audio Message Support
+
+- New `Audio` message type — uploaded audio files (`.mp3`, `.wav`, `.ogg`, `.flac`, `.aac`, `.m4a`, `.wma`) are automatically detected and categorized
+- TUI client renders audio messages with `♪ [Audio: filename] (Enter to play)` indicator
+- Press Enter on an audio message to open the **Audio Player dialog** with animated wave visualization, play/pause/stop controls, and volume slider
+- Per-type upload limits: **10 MB** images, **10 MB** audio, **100 MB** generic files (with Kestrel request size configured to match)
+- `AudioPlaybackService` enhanced with pause/resume, volume control, and playback-finished events
+- Fixed: wrapped audio/file messages now remain clickable on all lines (attachment metadata propagated through word-wrap)
+- IRC gateway formats audio messages as `♪ [Audio: filename] url`
+- Server detects audio files by extension via `FileValidationHelper.IsAudioFile()`
+
+### File Downloads
+
+- Press Enter on a file message in the TUI client to download and open it with the system default application
+- `ApiClient.DownloadFileAsync()` streams file downloads from the server
+- File and audio messages in the chat list now show colored indicators with interaction hints
+
+### File Cleanup Service
+
+- `FileCleanupService` (BackgroundService) periodically removes old uploaded files
+- Configurable via `Storage:CleanupIntervalHours` (default 1h) and `Storage:RetentionDays` (default 30d)
+
+### Data Migration Service
+
+- `DataMigrationService` runs at startup to handle schema/data evolution
+- Ensures `#general` channel and pre-existing channels are marked public
+- Migrates legacy ANSI escape codes in image messages to printable color tags (`{F:RRGGBB}`, `{B:RRGGBB}`, `{X}`)
+- Migrates legacy single-object `EmbedJson` to array format
+- Promotes usernames listed in `Server:Admins` config to Admin role
+
+### True Transparent Background
+
+- Transparent theme now uses the terminal's native background instead of solid black
+- Powered by `Color.None` (alpha=0) which emits ANSI `CSI 49m` (default background) instead of explicit RGB
+- Terminal transparency, acrylic, wallpaper effects now show through the TUI
+- Dialogs retain solid `DarkGray` background for readability
+- Uses local Terminal.Gui fork (submodule) with transparent color support pending upstream merge ([gui-cs/Terminal.Gui#4234](https://github.com/gui-cs/Terminal.Gui/pull/4234))
+
+### Enhanced Status Bar
+
+- Status bar now shows **EchoHub** branding at the start
+- Connection state is color-coded: green (Connected), red (Disconnected), yellow (transitional states like Connecting, Reconnecting, Authenticating)
+- Current channel shows its type: `#channel - public` or `#channel - private`
+
+### Remember Me (Session Persistence)
+
+- "Remember me" checkbox in the connect dialog — saves a 30-day refresh token so users can reconnect without entering their password
+- Saved servers with active sessions show `[session]` indicator in the connect dialog and saved servers list
+- Token-based login: selecting a saved server with a session lets you click Login with an empty password
+- Graceful expiry handling: if the saved session is expired or revoked, shows an error and prompts for password
+- Refresh token rotation: rotated tokens are automatically persisted to config so the session stays valid across refreshes
+- New "Logout" menu item (Server menu): revokes the refresh token server-side and clears the saved session
+- Removed dead `SavedServer.Token` field (stored 15-min access token that was never read back)
+
+### Automatic Update Checking
+
+- `UpdateChecker` rewritten to use the [AlwaysUpToDate](https://github.com/AuriRex/AlwaysUpToDate) library for self-updating
+- Polls the EchoHub version manifest hourly (active only in `RELEASE` builds)
+- `UpdateConfirmDialog` shows current vs. available version with Update/Cancel buttons
+- `UpdateProgressDialog` displays real-time download progress bar
+- Errors are logged via Serilog instead of being silently swallowed
+
+### Windows Installer
+
+- New Inno Setup script (`installer/Installer.iss`) to build a Windows installer
+- Auto-reads product version from the built EXE
+- User-level install by default (no admin required), with admin override option
+- Creates desktop and quick-launch shortcuts (optional)
+- Supports English and German languages
+
+### Application Icons
+
+- New `hue_icon` branding assets (ICO, PNG, SVG) in `assets/`
+- Application icon set on both Client and Server projects
+
+### #general Channel Protection
+
+- `#general` channel is now auto-recreated if somehow missing (both in `GetChannels` endpoint and `JoinChannel` flow)
+- Users cannot `/leave` the #general channel (client-side guard)
+- Connecting while already connected now prompts to disconnect first instead of silently leaking the previous connection
+
+## Fixes
+
+### IRC Gateway
+
+- **Fixed: IRC JOIN history replay showed encrypted gibberish** — `IrcCommandHandler.HandleJoinAsync` now decrypts channel history before formatting for IRC clients (history was encrypted for SignalR transport but sent raw to IRC)
+- **Fixed: `JoinedChannels` race condition** — `IrcClientConnection.JoinedChannels` replaced with thread-safe methods (`JoinChannel`, `LeaveChannel`, `IsInChannel`, `GetJoinedChannels`) using lock synchronization; prevents crashes when broadcaster threads read while the command handler writes
+- **Fixed: `RequireRegistered` fire-and-forget** — converted from sync `bool` to `async Task<bool>` (`RequireRegisteredAsync`) so the error reply is properly awaited before the handler returns
+
+### ChannelService Extraction
+
+- Extracted channel management logic from `ChannelsController` and `ChatService` into a dedicated `IChannelService` / `ChannelService`
+- `ChannelsController` is now a thin adapter — delegates CRUD operations to `IChannelService` and maps `ChannelError` to HTTP status codes
+- `ChatService.JoinChannelAsync` delegates channel validation + membership to `IChannelService.EnsureChannelMembershipAsync()`
+- New `ChannelOperationResult` result type with `ChannelError` enum for typed error handling across service boundaries
+- IRC gateway uses `IChannelService` for topic queries and channel listing (instead of `IChatService`)
+
+### EchoHub Branding
+
+- Status bar "EchoHub" text now uses golden color (218, 165, 32)
+- Extracted `ChatMessageManager` from `MainWindow` — message storage, formatting, and mutation logic now in a dedicated class, reducing MainWindow complexity
+
+## Infrastructure
+
+- Audio MIME types in `FilesController` (mp3, wav, ogg, flac, aac, m4a, wma)
+- CI workflows updated to handle Terminal.Gui submodule `nuget.config` workaround (`rm -f` step)
+- Root `nuget.config` added for package source management
+- Terminal.Gui formatting excluded from CI format checks
+- Recursive submodule fetching enabled in CI workflows
+- Release workflow: use `--notes-file` instead of inline `--notes` interpolation to prevent shell expansion of special characters in commit messages
+- `Server:Admins` config array in `appsettings.example.json` for designating admin usernames
+- `Storage:CleanupIntervalHours` and `Storage:RetentionDays` added to `appsettings.example.json`
+- `FakeChannelService` test helper added for IRC unit tests
+- Test suites: ChatLine, CommandHandler, DataMigrationService, FileValidationHelper, ImageToAsciiService, IrcMessageFormatter, JwtTokenService, LinkEmbedService
+- IRC abstraction layer test suite: IrcMessage parsing, IrcMessageFormatter, IrcClientConnection, IrcCommandHandler, IrcBroadcaster
+- Test helpers: `TestDuplexStream`, `TestIrcConnectionFactory`, `FakeChatService`, `FakeChannelService`, `FakeEncryptionService` for IRC unit testing without network I/O
+- 346 total tests

docs/changelog/v0.2.6.md

@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+# v0.2.6
+
+## Refactoring
+
+- Extracted `ChatMessageManager` from `MainWindow` — message storage, formatting, and mutation logic now in a dedicated class, reducing MainWindow complexity
+- Split `ChatRenderer.cs` (8 classes, 548 lines) into 7 individual files: `ChatSegment`, `ChatLine`, `ChatListSource`, `ChannelListSource`, `UserListSource`, `ChatColors`, `ColorHelper`, `RenderHelpers`
+- Extracted `ConnectionManager` from `AppOrchestrator` — connection lifecycle, authentication, SignalR event wiring, and channel tracking now in a dedicated service
+- Extracted `AvatarHelper` — deduplicated avatar upload logic previously duplicated in `/avatar` command and profile edit dialog
+- Consolidated `ProfileEditDialog.ParseHexToTrueColor` into shared `ColorHelper.ParseHexToColor`
+- Extracted `UserSession` — session state (`Username`, `Status`, `StatusMessage`) now in a dedicated class instead of scattered fields
+- Replaced 21 inline command handler lambdas with named `HandleCmd*` methods for improved readability
+- Extracted shared `CleanupConnectionAsync` to deduplicate disconnect/logout cleanup logic
+- Reorganized flat `UI/` folder (19 files) into subfolders: `Chat/`, `Dialogs/`, `ListSources/`, `Helpers/` with matching namespaces
+- Moved `AsyncRunner` from project root to `Services/` with updated namespace
+- Renamed `ColorHelper` → `HexColorHelper` to avoid namespace collision with Terminal.Gui's `ColorHelper` NuGet dependency
+- Moved `hue_icon.ico` to `Client/Assets/`, removed duplicate from Server (Server now references shared icon via relative path)
+
+## Infrastructure
+
+- Release workflow: use `--notes-file` instead of inline `--notes` interpolation to prevent shell expansion of special characters in commit messages

docs/docfx.json

@@ -30,6 +30,16 @@
       ],
       "dest": "_api_meta/client",
       "filter": "filterConfig.yml"
+    },
+    {
+      "src": [
+        {
+          "src": "../src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/bin/Release/net10.0",
+          "files": ["EchoHub.Server.Irc.dll"]
+        }
+      ],
+      "dest": "_api_meta/server-irc",
+      "filter": "filterConfig.yml"
     }
   ],
   "build": {
@@ -55,6 +65,12 @@
         "dest": "api/client",
         "files": ["*.yml"],
         "exclude": ["toc.yml"]
+      },
+      {
+        "src": "_api_meta/server-irc",
+        "dest": "api/server-irc",
+        "files": ["*.yml"],
+        "exclude": ["toc.yml"]
       }
     ],
     "resource": [

docs/index.md

@@ -4,11 +4,13 @@ _layout: landing
 
 # EchoHub Documentation
 
-Welcome to the EchoHub documentation. EchoHub is a decentralized, IRC-like chat application built with .NET 10 and SignalR.
+Welcome to the EchoHub documentation. EchoHub is a decentralized, IRC-style chat platform. Self-hosted, terminal-first, with a built-in IRC gateway so native IRC clients can connect alongside the TUI client.
+
+**Website:** [echohub.voidcube.cloud](https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/) | **Public Servers:** [Server Directory](https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/servers)
 
 ## Quick Links
 
 - [Getting Started](articles/getting-started.md) - Set up and run EchoHub
-- [Architecture](articles/architecture.md) - Understand the system design
+- [Architecture](articles/architecture.md) - System design and IRC gateway
 - [API Reference](api/index.md) - Generated C# API documentation
 - [Changelog](changelog/index.md) - Release history

examples/nginx.conf

@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+# EchoHub nginx configuration example
+#
+# This config handles:
+# - HTTPS reverse proxy for the HTTP API + SignalR WebSocket
+# - TLS termination for IRC on port 6697
+# - HTTP → HTTPS redirect
+#
+# Prerequisites:
+# - EchoHub Server running on 127.0.0.1:5000
+# - IRC gateway enabled on port 6667 (Irc:Enabled = true, Irc:TlsEnabled = false)
+# - TLS certificate (e.g. from Let's Encrypt)
+#
+# Usage:
+# 1. Copy this file to /etc/nginx/sites-available/echohub
+# 2. Replace "echohub.example.com" with your domain
+# 3. Update certificate paths
+# 4. ln -s /etc/nginx/sites-available/echohub /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/
+# 5. nginx -t && systemctl reload nginx
+#
+# Note: The "stream" block for IRC TLS must go in the main nginx.conf
+# (outside the http block), not in sites-available. See the bottom of
+# this file for the stream config.
+
+# --- Place this in /etc/nginx/sites-available/echohub ---
+
+# HTTP → HTTPS redirect
+server {
+    listen 80;
+    listen [::]:80;
+    server_name echohub.example.com;
+
+    return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
+}
+
+# HTTPS — API + SignalR WebSocket
+server {
+    listen 443 ssl;
+    listen [::]:443 ssl;
+    server_name echohub.example.com;
+
+    ssl_certificate     /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/fullchain.pem;
+    ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/privkey.pem;
+    ssl_protocols       TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;
+    ssl_ciphers         HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5;
+
+    # File upload limit (match EchoHub's MaxFileSizeBytes)
+    client_max_body_size 10m;
+
+    location / {
+        proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:5000;
+        proxy_http_version 1.1;
+
+        # Standard proxy headers
+        proxy_set_header Host $host;
+        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
+        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
+        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
+
+        # Required for SignalR WebSocket upgrade
+        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
+        proxy_set_header Connection $http_connection;
+
+        # Long timeout for WebSocket connections
+        proxy_read_timeout 86400s;
+        proxy_send_timeout 86400s;
+
+        # Disable buffering for real-time
+        proxy_buffering off;
+    }
+}
+
+# --- Place this in /etc/nginx/nginx.conf (outside the http block) ---
+
+# IRC TLS termination (port 6697 → plain IRC on 6667)
+# The stream module handles raw TCP, not HTTP.
+#
+# stream {
+#     upstream irc_backend {
+#         server 127.0.0.1:6667;
+#     }
+#
+#     server {
+#         listen 6697 ssl;
+#         listen [::]:6697 ssl;
+#         proxy_pass irc_backend;
+#
+#         ssl_certificate     /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/fullchain.pem;
+#         ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/echohub.example.com/privkey.pem;
+#         ssl_protocols       TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;
+#
+#         # Timeout for idle IRC connections (24 hours)
+#         proxy_timeout 86400s;
+#     }
+# }

installer/Installer.iss

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+; Script generated by the Inno Setup Script Wizard.
+; SEE THE DOCUMENTATION FOR DETAILS ON CREATING INNO SETUP SCRIPT FILES!
+
+#expr Exec('cmd.exe', '/C dotnet build -o "' + SourcePath + '\publish" -c Release ' + SourcePath + '..\src\EchoHub.Client\')
+      
+#define MyAppName "EchoHub"
+#define MyAppVersion GetStringFileInfo("/publish/EchoHub.Client.exe","ProductVersion")
+#define MyAppPublisher "Hue"
+#define MyAppExeName "EchoHub.Client.exe"
+             
+[Setup]
+; NOTE: The value of AppId uniquely identifies this application. Do not use the same AppId value in installers for other applications.
+; (To generate a new GUID, click Tools | Generate GUID inside the IDE.)
+AppId=c95b1292-3022-4c62-a131-4d46ace370f5
+AppName={#MyAppName}
+AppVersion={#MyAppVersion}
+;AppVerName={#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}
+AppPublisher={#MyAppPublisher}
+DefaultDirName={autopf}\{#MyAppName}
+DisableProgramGroupPage=yes
+SetupIconFile=../assets/hue_icon.ico
+; The [Icons] "quicklaunchicon" entry uses {userappdata} but its [Tasks] entry has a proper IsAdminInstallMode Check.
+UsedUserAreasWarning=no
+; Remove the following line to run in administrative install mode (install for all users.)
+PrivilegesRequired=lowest
+PrivilegesRequiredOverridesAllowed=dialog
+OutputBaseFilename={#MyAppName}-Installer
+OutputDir=.
+Compression=lzma
+SolidCompression=yes
+WizardStyle=modern
+
+[Languages]
+Name: "english"; MessagesFile: "compiler:Default.isl"
+Name: "german"; MessagesFile: "compiler:Languages\German.isl"
+
+[Tasks]
+Name: "desktopicon"; Description: "{cm:CreateDesktopIcon}"; GroupDescription: "{cm:AdditionalIcons}"; Flags: unchecked
+Name: "quicklaunchicon"; Description: "{cm:CreateQuickLaunchIcon}"; GroupDescription: "{cm:AdditionalIcons}"; Flags: unchecked; OnlyBelowVersion: 6.1; Check: not IsAdminInstallMode
+
+[Files]
+Source: "publish\*"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion recursesubdirs
+; NOTE: Don't use "Flags: ignoreversion" on any shared system files
+
+[Icons]
+Name: "{autoprograms}\{#MyAppName}"; Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"
+Name: "{autodesktop}\{#MyAppName}"; Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"; Tasks: desktopicon
+Name: "{userappdata}\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\{#MyAppName}"; Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"; Tasks: quicklaunchicon
+
+[Run]
+Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"; Description: "{cm:LaunchProgram,{#StringChange(MyAppName, '&', '&&')}}"; Flags: nowait postinstall skipifsilent
+

nuget.config

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<configuration>
+  <packageSources>
+    <clear />
+    <add key="nuget.org" value="https://api.nuget.org/v3/index.json" protocolVersion="3" />
+  </packageSources>
+  <packageSourceMapping>
+    <packageSource key="nuget.org">
+      <package pattern="*" />
+    </packageSource>
+  </packageSourceMapping>
+</configuration>

src/Directory.Build.props

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 <Project>
   <PropertyGroup>
-    <Version>0.1.0</Version>
+    <Version>0.2.6</Version>
     <GenerateDocumentationFile>true</GenerateDocumentationFile>
     <NoWarn>$(NoWarn);CS1591</NoWarn>
   </PropertyGroup>

src/EchoHub.Client/Commands/CommandHandler.cs

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ public class CommandHandler
     public event Func<string, Task>? OnSetNick;
     public event Func<string, Task>? OnSetColor;
     public event Func<string, Task>? OnSetTheme;
-    public event Func<string, Task>? OnSendFile;
+    public event Func<string, string?, Task>? OnSendFile;
     public event Func<string?, Task>? OnOpenProfile;
     public event Func<Task>? OnOpenServers;
     public event Func<string, Task>? OnJoinChannel;
@@ -18,6 +18,14 @@ public class CommandHandler
     public event Func<string, Task>? OnSetTopic;
     public event Func<Task>? OnListUsers;
     public event Func<string, Task>? OnSetAvatar;
+    public event Func<string, string?, Task>? OnKickUser;
+    public event Func<string, string?, Task>? OnBanUser;
+    public event Func<string, Task>? OnUnbanUser;
+    public event Func<string, int?, Task>? OnMuteUser;
+    public event Func<string, Task>? OnUnmuteUser;
+    public event Func<string, string, Task>? OnAssignRole;
+    public event Func<Task>? OnNukeChannel;
+    public event Func<Task>? OnTestSound;
     public event Func<Task>? OnQuit;
     public event Func<Task>? OnHelp;
 
@@ -46,6 +54,14 @@ public class CommandHandler
             "leave" => await HandleLeave(),
             "topic" => await HandleTopic(args),
             "users" => await HandleUsers(),
+            "kick" => await HandleKick(args),
+            "ban" => await HandleBan(args),
+            "unban" => await HandleUnban(args),
+            "mute" => await HandleMute(args),
+            "unmute" => await HandleUnmute(args),
+            "role" => await HandleRole(args),
+            "nuke" => await HandleNuke(),
+            "test-sound" => await HandleTestSound(),
             "quit" or "exit" => await HandleQuit(),
             "help" or "?" => await HandleHelp(),
             _ => new CommandResult(true, $"Unknown command: /{command}. Type /help for available commands.", IsError: true),
@@ -120,15 +136,19 @@ public class CommandHandler
     private async Task<CommandResult> HandleSend(string args)
     {
         if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
-            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /send <filepath or URL>", IsError: true);
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /send <filepath or URL> [-s|-m|-l]", IsError: true);
 
-        var target = args.Trim().Trim('"');
+        // Extract optional size flag from end or start, respecting quoted paths
+        var (target, size) = ParsePathAndSizeFlag(args);
+
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(target))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /send <filepath or URL> [-s|-m|-l]", IsError: true);
 
         if (Uri.TryCreate(target, UriKind.Absolute, out var uri)
             && (uri.Scheme == "http" || uri.Scheme == "https"))
         {
             if (OnSendFile is not null)
-                await OnSendFile(target);
+                await OnSendFile(target, size);
             var fileName = Path.GetFileName(uri.LocalPath);
             if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(fileName))
                 fileName = "image";
@@ -139,7 +159,7 @@ public class CommandHandler
             return new CommandResult(true, $"File not found: {target}", IsError: true);
 
         if (OnSendFile is not null)
-            await OnSendFile(target);
+            await OnSendFile(target, size);
         return new CommandResult(true, $"Uploading: {Path.GetFileName(target)}...");
     }
 
@@ -156,7 +176,7 @@ public class CommandHandler
         if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
             return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /avatar <URL or filepath>", IsError: true);
 
-        var target = args.Trim().Trim('"');
+        var target = StripQuotes(args.Trim());
 
         if (OnSetAvatar is not null)
             await OnSetAvatar(target);
@@ -212,6 +232,102 @@ public class CommandHandler
         return new CommandResult(true);
     }
 
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleKick(string args)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /kick <username> [reason]", IsError: true);
+
+        var parts = args.Split(' ', 2, StringSplitOptions.TrimEntries);
+        var username = parts[0];
+        var reason = parts.Length > 1 ? parts[1] : null;
+
+        if (OnKickUser is not null)
+            await OnKickUser(username, reason);
+        return new CommandResult(true, $"Kicking {username}...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleBan(string args)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /ban <username> [reason]", IsError: true);
+
+        var parts = args.Split(' ', 2, StringSplitOptions.TrimEntries);
+        var username = parts[0];
+        var reason = parts.Length > 1 ? parts[1] : null;
+
+        if (OnBanUser is not null)
+            await OnBanUser(username, reason);
+        return new CommandResult(true, $"Banning {username}...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleUnban(string args)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /unban <username>", IsError: true);
+
+        if (OnUnbanUser is not null)
+            await OnUnbanUser(args.Trim());
+        return new CommandResult(true, $"Unbanning {args.Trim()}...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleMute(string args)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /mute <username> [duration_minutes]", IsError: true);
+
+        var parts = args.Split(' ', 2, StringSplitOptions.TrimEntries);
+        var username = parts[0];
+        int? duration = parts.Length > 1 && int.TryParse(parts[1], out var d) ? d : null;
+
+        if (OnMuteUser is not null)
+            await OnMuteUser(username, duration);
+        return new CommandResult(true, $"Muting {username}...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleUnmute(string args)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /unmute <username>", IsError: true);
+
+        if (OnUnmuteUser is not null)
+            await OnUnmuteUser(args.Trim());
+        return new CommandResult(true, $"Unmuting {args.Trim()}...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleRole(string args)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(args))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /role <username> <admin|mod|member>", IsError: true);
+
+        var parts = args.Split(' ', 2, StringSplitOptions.TrimEntries);
+        if (parts.Length < 2)
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Usage: /role <username> <admin|mod|member>", IsError: true);
+
+        var username = parts[0];
+        var role = parts[1].ToLowerInvariant();
+
+        if (role is not ("admin" or "mod" or "member"))
+            return new CommandResult(true, "Invalid role. Use: admin, mod, or member", IsError: true);
+
+        if (OnAssignRole is not null)
+            await OnAssignRole(username, role);
+        return new CommandResult(true, $"Setting {username} to {role}...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleNuke()
+    {
+        if (OnNukeChannel is not null)
+            await OnNukeChannel();
+        return new CommandResult(true, "Nuking channel history...");
+    }
+
+    private async Task<CommandResult> HandleTestSound()
+    {
+        if (OnTestSound is not null)
+            await OnTestSound();
+        return new CommandResult(true, "Playing notification sound...");
+    }
+
     private async Task<CommandResult> HandleHelp()
     {
         if (OnHelp is not null)
@@ -223,18 +339,72 @@ public class CommandHandler
               /nick <name>                         - Set display name
               /color <#hex>                        - Set nickname color
               /theme <name>                        - Switch theme
-              /send <filepath or URL>               - Send a file or image
+              /send <filepath or URL> [-s|-m|-l]      - Send file/image/audio (size flag for images)
               /avatar <URL or filepath>             - Set your avatar
-              /profile [username]                   - View a profile (yours if no name given)
+              /profile [username]                   - View a profile
               /servers                             - Open saved servers
               /join <channel>                      - Join a channel
               /leave                               - Leave current channel
               /topic <text>                        - Set channel topic
               /users                               - List online users
+            Moderation:
+              /kick <user> [reason]                - Kick a user (Mod+)
+              /ban <user> [reason]                 - Ban a user (Admin+)
+              /unban <user>                        - Unban a user (Admin+)
+              /mute <user> [minutes]               - Mute a user (Mod+)
+              /unmute <user>                       - Unmute a user (Mod+)
+              /role <user> <admin|mod|member>      - Assign role (Admin+)
+              /nuke                                - Clear channel history (Mod+)
+              /test-sound                          - Play notification sound
               /quit                                - Exit the app
             """);
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Extract a file path (possibly quoted) and an optional size flag (-s, -m, -l).
+    /// The flag can appear before or after the path.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static (string Path, string? Size) ParsePathAndSizeFlag(string args)
+    {
+        var trimmed = args.Trim();
+        string? size = null;
+
+        // Check for flag at the end: "path" -m  or  path -m
+        if (trimmed.Length > 3)
+        {
+            var suffix = trimmed[^2..];
+            if (suffix is "-s" or "-m" or "-l" && trimmed[^3] == ' ')
+            {
+                size = suffix[1..];
+                trimmed = trimmed[..^3].TrimEnd();
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Check for flag at the start: -m "path"  or  -m path
+        if (size is null && trimmed.Length > 3)
+        {
+            var prefix = trimmed[..2];
+            if (prefix is "-s" or "-m" or "-l" && trimmed[2] == ' ')
+            {
+                size = prefix[1..];
+                trimmed = trimmed[3..].TrimStart();
+            }
+        }
+
+        return (StripQuotes(trimmed), size);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Remove matching surrounding quotes (double or single) from a string.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static string StripQuotes(string s)
+    {
+        if (s.Length >= 2 &&
+            ((s[0] == '"' && s[^1] == '"') || (s[0] == '\'' && s[^1] == '\'')))
+            return s[1..^1];
+        return s;
+    }
+
     private static bool IsValidHex(string s) =>
         s.All(c => char.IsAsciiHexDigit(c));
 }

src/EchoHub.Client/Config/ClientConfig.cs

@@ -5,6 +5,14 @@ public class ClientConfig
     public List<SavedServer> SavedServers { get; set; } = [];
     public AccountPreset DefaultPreset { get; set; } = new();
     public string ActiveTheme { get; set; } = "Default";
+    public NotificationConfig Notifications { get; set; } = new();
+}
+
+public class NotificationConfig
+{
+    public bool Enabled { get; set; } = true;
+    public byte Volume { get; set; } = 30;
+    public string? SoundFile { get; set; }
 }
 
 public class SavedServer
@@ -12,7 +20,8 @@ public class SavedServer
     public required string Name { get; set; }
     public required string Url { get; set; }
     public string? Username { get; set; }
-    public string? Token { get; set; }
+    public string? RefreshToken { get; set; }
+    public bool RememberMe { get; set; }
     public DateTimeOffset LastConnected { get; set; }
 }
 

src/EchoHub.Client/EchoHub.Client.csproj

@@ -5,18 +5,24 @@
   </ItemGroup>
 
   <ItemGroup>
+    <PackageReference Include="AlwaysUpToDate" Version="2.0.1" />
     <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.AspNetCore.SignalR.Client" Version="10.0.3" />
     <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration.Json" Version="10.0.3" />
+    <PackageReference Include="NetCoreAudio" Version="2.0.1" />
     <PackageReference Include="Serilog" Version="4.3.1" />
     <PackageReference Include="Serilog.Settings.Configuration" Version="10.0.0" />
     <PackageReference Include="Serilog.Sinks.File" Version="7.0.0" />
-    <PackageReference Include="Terminal.Gui" Version="2.0.0-develop.5027" />
+    <!-- Using local fork until transparent color support is merged upstream (gui-cs/Terminal.Gui#4234) -->
+    <ProjectReference Include="..\Terminal.Gui\Terminal.Gui\Terminal.Gui.csproj" />
   </ItemGroup>
 
   <ItemGroup>
     <Content Include="appsettings.json" Condition="Exists('appsettings.json')">
       <CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
     </Content>
+    <Content Include="Assets\**">
+      <CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
+    </Content>
     <EmbeddedResource Include="appsettings.example.json">
       <LogicalName>EchoHub.Client.appsettings.example.json</LogicalName>
     </EmbeddedResource>
@@ -27,6 +33,8 @@
     <TargetFramework>net10.0</TargetFramework>
     <ImplicitUsings>enable</ImplicitUsings>
     <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
+    <PackageIcon></PackageIcon>
+    <ApplicationIcon>Assets\hue_icon.ico</ApplicationIcon>
   </PropertyGroup>
 
 </Project>

src/EchoHub.Client/Program.cs

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ using EchoHub.Client.Themes;
 using Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration;
 using Serilog;
 using Terminal.Gui.App;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+
 
 var appSettingsPath = Path.Combine(AppContext.BaseDirectory, "appsettings.json");
 if (!File.Exists(appSettingsPath))

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/ApiClient.cs

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ using System.Net.Http.Headers;
 using System.Net.Http.Json;
 using System.Text.Json;
 using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
 
 namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
 
@@ -17,6 +18,8 @@ public sealed class ApiClient : IDisposable
     public string? RefreshToken => _refreshToken;
     public string BaseUrl { get; }
 
+    public event Action? OnTokensRefreshed;
+
     public ApiClient(string baseUrl)
     {
         BaseUrl = baseUrl.TrimEnd('/');
@@ -67,6 +70,19 @@ public sealed class ApiClient : IDisposable
         SetTokens(result);
     }
 
+    public async Task<LoginResponse> LoginWithRefreshTokenAsync(string refreshToken)
+    {
+        var request = new RefreshRequest(refreshToken);
+        var response = await _http.PostAsJsonAsync("/api/auth/refresh", request);
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+
+        var result = await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<LoginResponse>()
+            ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Token refresh returned empty response.");
+
+        SetTokens(result);
+        return result;
+    }
+
     public async Task LogoutAsync()
     {
         if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(_refreshToken))
@@ -127,6 +143,16 @@ public sealed class ApiClient : IDisposable
         return info;
     }
 
+    public async Task<string> GetEncryptionKeyAsync()
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedGetAsync("/api/server/encryption-key");
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+        var result = await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<EncryptionKeyResponse>()
+            ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Server returned empty encryption key response.");
+        return result.Key;
+    }
+
     public async Task<UserProfileDto?> GetUserProfileAsync(string username)
     {
         EnsureAuthenticated();
@@ -159,7 +185,7 @@ public sealed class ApiClient : IDisposable
         return result?.AvatarAscii;
     }
 
-    public async Task<MessageDto?> UploadFileAsync(string channelName, Stream fileStream, string fileName)
+    public async Task<MessageDto?> UploadFileAsync(string channelName, Stream fileStream, string fileName, string? size = null)
     {
         EnsureAuthenticated();
         using var content = new MultipartFormDataContent();
@@ -167,26 +193,45 @@ public sealed class ApiClient : IDisposable
         streamContent.Headers.ContentType = new MediaTypeHeaderValue(GetContentType(fileName));
         content.Add(streamContent, "file", fileName);
 
+        var sizeQuery = size is not null ? $"?size={size}" : "";
         var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
-            _http.PostAsync($"/api/channels/{Uri.EscapeDataString(channelName)}/upload", content));
+            _http.PostAsync($"/api/channels/{Uri.EscapeDataString(channelName)}/upload{sizeQuery}", content));
         await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
         return await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<MessageDto>();
     }
 
-    public async Task<MessageDto?> SendUrlAsync(string channelName, string url)
+    public async Task<MessageDto?> SendUrlAsync(string channelName, string url, string? size = null)
     {
         EnsureAuthenticated();
         var request = new SendUrlRequest(url);
+        var sizeQuery = size is not null ? $"?size={size}" : "";
         var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
-            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/channels/{Uri.EscapeDataString(channelName)}/send-url", request));
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/channels/{Uri.EscapeDataString(channelName)}/send-url{sizeQuery}", request));
         await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
         return await response.Content.ReadFromJsonAsync<MessageDto>();
     }
 
-    public async Task<ChannelDto?> CreateChannelAsync(string name, string? topic = null)
+    public async Task<string> DownloadFileToTempAsync(string relativeUrl, string fileName)
     {
         EnsureAuthenticated();
-        var request = new CreateChannelRequest(name, topic);
+        var response = await AuthenticatedGetAsync(relativeUrl);
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+
+        var tempDir = Path.Combine(Path.GetTempPath(), "EchoHub");
+        Directory.CreateDirectory(tempDir);
+        var tempPath = Path.Combine(tempDir, $"{Guid.NewGuid():N}_{fileName}");
+
+        await using var stream = await response.Content.ReadAsStreamAsync();
+        await using var file = File.Create(tempPath);
+        await stream.CopyToAsync(file);
+
+        return tempPath;
+    }
+
+    public async Task<ChannelDto?> CreateChannelAsync(string name, string? topic = null, bool isPublic = true)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var request = new CreateChannelRequest(name, topic, isPublic);
         var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
             _http.PostAsJsonAsync("/api/channels", request));
         await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
@@ -211,12 +256,79 @@ public sealed class ApiClient : IDisposable
         await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
     }
 
+    // ── Moderation ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public async Task AssignRoleAsync(string username, ServerRole role)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync("/api/moderation/role", new AssignRoleRequest(username, role)));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task KickUserAsync(string username, string? reason = null)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/moderation/kick/{Uri.EscapeDataString(username)}", new KickRequest(reason)));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task BanUserAsync(string username, string? reason = null)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/moderation/ban/{Uri.EscapeDataString(username)}", new BanRequest(reason)));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task UnbanUserAsync(string username)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/moderation/unban/{Uri.EscapeDataString(username)}", new { }));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task MuteUserAsync(string username, int? durationMinutes = null, string? reason = null)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/moderation/mute/{Uri.EscapeDataString(username)}", new MuteRequest(reason, durationMinutes)));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task UnmuteUserAsync(string username)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.PostAsJsonAsync($"/api/moderation/unmute/{Uri.EscapeDataString(username)}", new { }));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task DeleteMessageAsync(Guid messageId)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.DeleteAsync($"/api/moderation/messages/{messageId}"));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
+    public async Task NukeChannelAsync(string channelName)
+    {
+        EnsureAuthenticated();
+        var response = await AuthenticatedRequestAsync(() =>
+            _http.DeleteAsync($"/api/moderation/channels/{Uri.EscapeDataString(channelName)}/nuke"));
+        await EnsureSuccessAsync(response);
+    }
+
     private void SetTokens(LoginResponse result)
     {
         _accessToken = result.Token;
         _refreshToken = result.RefreshToken;
         _expiresAt = result.ExpiresAt;
         _http.DefaultRequestHeaders.Authorization = new AuthenticationHeaderValue("Bearer", _accessToken);
+        OnTokensRefreshed?.Invoke();
     }
 
     /// <summary>

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/AsyncRunner.cs

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 using Serilog;
 using Terminal.Gui.App;
 
-namespace EchoHub.Client;
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
 
 /// <summary>
 /// Eliminates repeated Task.Run/try/catch/app.Invoke(ShowError) boilerplate.

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/AudioPlaybackService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+using NetCoreAudio;
+using Serilog;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+public class AudioPlaybackService
+{
+    private readonly Player _player = new();
+
+    public bool IsPlaying => _player.Playing;
+    public bool IsPaused => _player.Paused;
+
+    public event EventHandler? PlaybackFinished;
+
+    public AudioPlaybackService()
+    {
+        _player.PlaybackFinished += (s, e) => PlaybackFinished?.Invoke(this, EventArgs.Empty);
+    }
+
+    public async Task PlayAsync(string filePath)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            if (_player.Playing)
+                await _player.Stop();
+
+            await _player.Play(filePath);
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to play audio file: {Path}", filePath);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task PauseAsync()
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            if (_player.Playing && !_player.Paused)
+                await _player.Pause();
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to pause audio playback");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task ResumeAsync()
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            if (_player.Paused)
+                await _player.Resume();
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to resume audio playback");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task StopAsync()
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            if (_player.Playing)
+                await _player.Stop();
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to stop audio playback");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SetVolumeAsync(byte volume)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            await _player.SetVolume(Math.Min(volume, (byte)100));
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to set audio volume");
+        }
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/AvatarHelper.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+using Serilog;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Shared avatar upload logic — resolves a file path or URL to a stream
+/// and uploads it via ApiClient.
+/// </summary>
+internal static class AvatarHelper
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Upload an avatar from a local file path or HTTP(S) URL.
+    /// Returns the ASCII art response from the server.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static async Task<string?> UploadAsync(ApiClient apiClient, string target)
+    {
+        Stream stream;
+        string fileName;
+
+        if (Uri.TryCreate(target, UriKind.Absolute, out var uri)
+            && (uri.Scheme == "http" || uri.Scheme == "https"))
+        {
+            using var http = new HttpClient();
+            var bytes = await http.GetByteArrayAsync(uri);
+            stream = new MemoryStream(bytes);
+            fileName = Path.GetFileName(uri.LocalPath);
+            if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(fileName) || !fileName.Contains('.'))
+                fileName = "avatar.png";
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            if (!File.Exists(target))
+                throw new FileNotFoundException($"File not found: {target}");
+
+            stream = File.OpenRead(target);
+            fileName = Path.GetFileName(target);
+        }
+
+        await using (stream)
+        {
+            return await apiClient.UploadAvatarAsync(stream, fileName);
+        }
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/ClientEncryptionService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+using System.Security.Cryptography;
+using System.Text;
+using EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Client-side encryption service. Uses the same AES-256-GCM format as the server
+/// so messages are encrypted end-to-end between client and server.
+/// </summary>
+public sealed class ClientEncryptionService : IMessageEncryptionService
+{
+    private const string EncryptionPrefix = "$ENC$v1$";
+    private const int NonceSizeBytes = 12;
+    private const int TagSizeBytes = 16;
+
+    private byte[]? _key;
+
+    public bool IsInitialized => _key is not null;
+    public bool EncryptDatabaseEnabled => false; // Not relevant for client
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Initialize with the server's encryption key (fetched after login).
+    /// </summary>
+    public void SetKey(string base64Key)
+    {
+        _key = Convert.FromBase64String(base64Key);
+
+        if (_key.Length != 32)
+            throw new InvalidOperationException($"Encryption key must be exactly 32 bytes (256-bit). Got {_key.Length} bytes.");
+    }
+
+    public string Encrypt(string plaintext)
+    {
+        if (_key is null)
+            return plaintext; // Not initialized — pass through
+
+        var plaintextBytes = Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(plaintext);
+        var nonce = RandomNumberGenerator.GetBytes(NonceSizeBytes);
+        var ciphertext = new byte[plaintextBytes.Length];
+        var tag = new byte[TagSizeBytes];
+
+        using var aes = new AesGcm(_key, TagSizeBytes);
+        aes.Encrypt(nonce, plaintextBytes, ciphertext, tag);
+
+        var combined = new byte[ciphertext.Length + tag.Length];
+        Buffer.BlockCopy(ciphertext, 0, combined, 0, ciphertext.Length);
+        Buffer.BlockCopy(tag, 0, combined, ciphertext.Length, tag.Length);
+
+        return $"{EncryptionPrefix}{Convert.ToBase64String(nonce)}${Convert.ToBase64String(combined)}";
+    }
+
+    public string Decrypt(string content)
+    {
+        if (_key is null || !content.StartsWith(EncryptionPrefix))
+            return content; // Not initialized or legacy plaintext
+
+        try
+        {
+            var payload = content[EncryptionPrefix.Length..];
+            var separatorIndex = payload.IndexOf('$');
+            if (separatorIndex < 0)
+                return content;
+
+            var nonceBase64 = payload[..separatorIndex];
+            var combinedBase64 = payload[(separatorIndex + 1)..];
+
+            var nonce = Convert.FromBase64String(nonceBase64);
+            var combined = Convert.FromBase64String(combinedBase64);
+
+            if (combined.Length < TagSizeBytes)
+                return content;
+
+            var ciphertextLength = combined.Length - TagSizeBytes;
+            var ciphertext = combined.AsSpan(0, ciphertextLength);
+            var tag = combined.AsSpan(ciphertextLength, TagSizeBytes);
+            var plaintext = new byte[ciphertextLength];
+
+            using var aes = new AesGcm(_key, TagSizeBytes);
+            aes.Decrypt(nonce, ciphertext, tag, plaintext);
+
+            return Encoding.UTF8.GetString(plaintext);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return "[encrypted message — decryption failed, try re-logging to fetch the latest key]";
+        }
+    }
+
+    public string? EncryptNullable(string? value)
+        => value is null ? null : Encrypt(value);
+
+    public string? DecryptNullable(string? value)
+        => value is null ? null : Decrypt(value);
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/ConnectionManager.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,268 @@
+using EchoHub.Client.Config;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Constants;
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+using Serilog;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Result of a successful connection, returned to AppOrchestrator for UI updates.
+/// </summary>
+internal record ConnectResult(
+    LoginResponse Login,
+    List<ChannelDto> Channels,
+    List<MessageDto> DefaultHistory);
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Owns connection lifecycle, authentication, SignalR event wiring, and channel tracking.
+/// Fires events so AppOrchestrator can update the UI without managing connection internals.
+/// </summary>
+internal sealed class ConnectionManager : IAsyncDisposable
+{
+    private EchoHubConnection? _connection;
+    private ApiClient? _apiClient;
+    private readonly ClientEncryptionService _encryption = new();
+    private readonly HashSet<string> _joinedChannels = [];
+
+    // ── Properties ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public bool IsConnected => _connection?.IsConnected == true;
+    public bool IsAuthenticated => _apiClient is not null;
+    public ApiClient? Api => _apiClient;
+
+    // ── Events (forwarded from SignalR) ───────────────────────────────────
+
+    public event Action<MessageDto>? MessageReceived;
+    public event Action<string, string>? UserJoined;
+    public event Action<string, string>? UserLeft;
+    public event Action<UserPresenceDto>? UserStatusChanged;
+    public event Action<string, string, string?>? UserKicked;
+    public event Action<string, string?>? UserBanned;
+    public event Action<string>? ForceDisconnected;
+    public event Action<string, Guid>? MessageDeleted;
+    public event Action<string>? ChannelNuked;
+    public event Action<ChannelDto>? ChannelUpdated;
+    public event Action<string>? Error;
+    public event Action<string>? ConnectionStatusChanged;
+    public event Action? Reconnected;
+
+    // ── Connect ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Full connection flow: authenticate → encryption → SignalR → join default channel.
+    /// Calls <paramref name="onStatus"/> with progress messages for UI updates.
+    /// Throws on auth failure (caller handles saved-session expiry, etc.).
+    /// </summary>
+    public async Task<ConnectResult> ConnectAsync(ConnectDialogResult info, Action<string> onStatus)
+    {
+        _apiClient?.Dispose();
+        _apiClient = new ApiClient(info.ServerUrl);
+
+        onStatus("Authenticating...");
+
+        LoginResponse loginResponse;
+
+        if (info.SavedRefreshToken is not null)
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                loginResponse = await _apiClient.LoginWithRefreshTokenAsync(info.SavedRefreshToken);
+                Log.Information("Authenticated via saved session for {User}", loginResponse.Username);
+            }
+            catch
+            {
+                _apiClient.Dispose();
+                _apiClient = null;
+                throw; // Caller handles saved-session expiry
+            }
+        }
+        else if (info.IsRegister)
+        {
+            loginResponse = await _apiClient.RegisterAsync(info.Username, info.Password);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            loginResponse = await _apiClient.LoginAsync(info.Username, info.Password);
+        }
+
+        // Auto-persist rotated refresh tokens for Remember Me
+        _apiClient.OnTokensRefreshed += HandleTokensRefreshed;
+
+        // E2E encryption key
+        onStatus("Fetching encryption key...");
+        try
+        {
+            var encryptionKey = await _apiClient.GetEncryptionKeyAsync();
+            _encryption.SetKey(encryptionKey);
+            Log.Information("E2E encryption key established");
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to fetch encryption key — messages will not be encrypted");
+        }
+
+        onStatus("Authenticated, connecting...");
+
+        if (_connection is not null)
+            await _connection.DisposeAsync();
+
+        _connection = new EchoHubConnection(info.ServerUrl, _apiClient, _encryption);
+        WireConnectionEvents(_connection);
+        await _connection.ConnectAsync();
+
+        var channels = await _apiClient.GetChannelsAsync();
+        onStatus("Connected");
+
+        // Join default channel + fetch history
+        _joinedChannels.Clear();
+        _joinedChannels.Add(HubConstants.DefaultChannel);
+        await _connection.JoinChannelAsync(HubConstants.DefaultChannel);
+
+        List<MessageDto> history = [];
+        try
+        {
+            history = await _connection.GetHistoryAsync(HubConstants.DefaultChannel);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            // History might not be available
+        }
+
+        return new ConnectResult(loginResponse, channels, history);
+    }
+
+    // ── Cleanup ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Disconnect and dispose connection + API client, clear channel tracking.
+    /// </summary>
+    public async Task CleanupAsync()
+    {
+        if (_connection is not null)
+        {
+            await _connection.DisconnectAsync();
+            await _connection.DisposeAsync();
+            _connection = null;
+        }
+
+        _apiClient?.Dispose();
+        _apiClient = null;
+        _joinedChannels.Clear();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Revoke refresh token on the server. Call <see cref="CleanupAsync"/> afterwards.
+    /// </summary>
+    public async Task LogoutAsync()
+    {
+        if (_apiClient is not null)
+            await _apiClient.LogoutAsync();
+    }
+
+    // ── Channel Operations ────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public async Task<List<MessageDto>> JoinChannelAsync(string channelName)
+    {
+        if (_connection is null) throw new InvalidOperationException("Not connected");
+        _joinedChannels.Add(channelName);
+        return await _connection.JoinChannelAsync(channelName);
+    }
+
+    public async Task LeaveChannelAsync(string channelName)
+    {
+        if (_connection is null) throw new InvalidOperationException("Not connected");
+        await _connection.LeaveChannelAsync(channelName);
+        _joinedChannels.Remove(channelName);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Track a channel as joined (returns true if newly added).
+    /// </summary>
+    public bool TrackChannel(string channelName) => _joinedChannels.Add(channelName);
+
+    public void UntrackChannel(string channelName) => _joinedChannels.Remove(channelName);
+
+    // ── Delegate Operations ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public Task SendMessageAsync(string channel, string content) =>
+        _connection?.SendMessageAsync(channel, content)
+        ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Not connected");
+
+    public Task<List<MessageDto>> GetHistoryAsync(string channel) =>
+        _connection?.GetHistoryAsync(channel)
+        ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Not connected");
+
+    public Task<List<UserPresenceDto>> GetOnlineUsersAsync(string channel) =>
+        _connection?.GetOnlineUsersAsync(channel)
+        ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Not connected");
+
+    public Task UpdateStatusAsync(UserStatus status, string? message) =>
+        _connection?.UpdateStatusAsync(status, message)
+        ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("Not connected");
+
+    // ── Reconnect ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Rejoin all previously tracked channels after a reconnect.
+    /// </summary>
+    public async Task RejoinChannelsAsync()
+    {
+        var channels = _joinedChannels.ToList();
+        if (channels.Count == 0 || _connection is null) return;
+
+        _joinedChannels.Clear();
+
+        foreach (var channel in channels)
+        {
+            _joinedChannels.Add(channel);
+            await _connection.JoinChannelAsync(channel);
+        }
+
+        Log.Information("Rejoined {Count} channel(s) after reconnect", channels.Count);
+    }
+
+    // ── SignalR Event Wiring ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private void WireConnectionEvents(EchoHubConnection connection)
+    {
+        connection.OnMessageReceived += msg => MessageReceived?.Invoke(msg);
+        connection.OnUserJoined += (ch, user) => UserJoined?.Invoke(ch, user);
+        connection.OnUserLeft += (ch, user) => UserLeft?.Invoke(ch, user);
+        connection.OnUserStatusChanged += p => UserStatusChanged?.Invoke(p);
+        connection.OnUserKicked += (ch, user, reason) => UserKicked?.Invoke(ch, user, reason);
+        connection.OnUserBanned += (user, reason) => UserBanned?.Invoke(user, reason);
+        connection.OnForceDisconnect += reason => ForceDisconnected?.Invoke(reason);
+        connection.OnMessageDeleted += (ch, id) => MessageDeleted?.Invoke(ch, id);
+        connection.OnChannelNuked += ch => ChannelNuked?.Invoke(ch);
+        connection.OnChannelUpdated += ch => ChannelUpdated?.Invoke(ch);
+        connection.OnError += msg => Error?.Invoke(msg);
+        connection.OnConnectionStateChanged += status => ConnectionStatusChanged?.Invoke(status);
+        connection.OnReconnected += () => Reconnected?.Invoke();
+    }
+
+    // ── Token Persistence ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private void HandleTokensRefreshed()
+    {
+        if (_apiClient?.RefreshToken is null) return;
+        var config = ConfigManager.Load();
+        var server = config.SavedServers.FirstOrDefault(s =>
+            string.Equals(s.Url, _apiClient.BaseUrl, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase));
+        if (server is not null && server.RememberMe)
+        {
+            server.RefreshToken = _apiClient.RefreshToken;
+            ConfigManager.Save(config);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // ── Dispose ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public async ValueTask DisposeAsync()
+    {
+        _apiClient?.Dispose();
+        if (_connection is not null)
+            await _connection.DisposeAsync();
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/EchoHubConnection.cs

@@ -8,20 +8,27 @@ namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
 public sealed class EchoHubConnection : IAsyncDisposable
 {
     private readonly HubConnection _connection;
+    private readonly ClientEncryptionService _encryption;
 
     public event Action<MessageDto>? OnMessageReceived;
     public event Action<string, string>? OnUserJoined;
     public event Action<string, string>? OnUserLeft;
     public event Action<ChannelDto>? OnChannelUpdated;
     public event Action<UserPresenceDto>? OnUserStatusChanged;
+    public event Action<string, string, string?>? OnUserKicked;
+    public event Action<string, string?>? OnUserBanned;
+    public event Action<string, Guid>? OnMessageDeleted;
+    public event Action<string>? OnChannelNuked;
+    public event Action<string>? OnForceDisconnect;
     public event Action<string>? OnError;
     public event Action<string>? OnConnectionStateChanged;
     public event Action? OnReconnected;
 
     public bool IsConnected => _connection.State == HubConnectionState.Connected;
 
-    public EchoHubConnection(string serverUrl, ApiClient apiClient)
+    public EchoHubConnection(string serverUrl, ApiClient apiClient, ClientEncryptionService encryption)
     {
+        _encryption = encryption;
         var hubUrl = serverUrl.TrimEnd('/') + HubConstants.ChatHubPath;
 
         _connection = new HubConnectionBuilder()
@@ -58,7 +65,9 @@ public sealed class EchoHubConnection : IAsyncDisposable
     {
         _connection.On<MessageDto>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.ReceiveMessage), message =>
         {
-            OnMessageReceived?.Invoke(message);
+            // Decrypt message content received from server
+            var decrypted = message with { Content = _encryption.Decrypt(message.Content) };
+            OnMessageReceived?.Invoke(decrypted);
         });
 
         _connection.On<string, string>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.UserJoined), (channelName, username) =>
@@ -81,6 +90,31 @@ public sealed class EchoHubConnection : IAsyncDisposable
             OnUserStatusChanged?.Invoke(presence);
         });
 
+        _connection.On<string, string, string?>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.UserKicked), (channelName, username, reason) =>
+        {
+            OnUserKicked?.Invoke(channelName, username, reason);
+        });
+
+        _connection.On<string, string?>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.UserBanned), (username, reason) =>
+        {
+            OnUserBanned?.Invoke(username, reason);
+        });
+
+        _connection.On<string, Guid>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.MessageDeleted), (channelName, messageId) =>
+        {
+            OnMessageDeleted?.Invoke(channelName, messageId);
+        });
+
+        _connection.On<string>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.ChannelNuked), channelName =>
+        {
+            OnChannelNuked?.Invoke(channelName);
+        });
+
+        _connection.On<string>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.ForceDisconnect), reason =>
+        {
+            OnForceDisconnect?.Invoke(reason);
+        });
+
         _connection.On<string>(nameof(Core.Contracts.IEchoHubClient.Error), message =>
         {
             OnError?.Invoke(message);
@@ -102,7 +136,8 @@ public sealed class EchoHubConnection : IAsyncDisposable
 
     public async Task<List<MessageDto>> JoinChannelAsync(string channelName)
     {
-        return await _connection.InvokeAsync<List<MessageDto>>("JoinChannel", channelName);
+        var messages = await _connection.InvokeAsync<List<MessageDto>>("JoinChannel", channelName);
+        return DecryptMessages(messages);
     }
 
     public async Task LeaveChannelAsync(string channelName)
@@ -112,12 +147,15 @@ public sealed class EchoHubConnection : IAsyncDisposable
 
     public async Task SendMessageAsync(string channelName, string content)
     {
-        await _connection.InvokeAsync("SendMessage", channelName, content);
+        // Encrypt content before sending to server
+        var encrypted = _encryption.Encrypt(content);
+        await _connection.InvokeAsync("SendMessage", channelName, encrypted);
     }
 
     public async Task<List<MessageDto>> GetHistoryAsync(string channelName, int count = HubConstants.DefaultHistoryCount)
     {
-        return await _connection.InvokeAsync<List<MessageDto>>("GetChannelHistory", channelName, count);
+        var messages = await _connection.InvokeAsync<List<MessageDto>>("GetChannelHistory", channelName, count);
+        return DecryptMessages(messages);
     }
 
     public async Task UpdateStatusAsync(UserStatus status, string? statusMessage = null)
@@ -130,6 +168,11 @@ public sealed class EchoHubConnection : IAsyncDisposable
         return await _connection.InvokeAsync<List<UserPresenceDto>>("GetOnlineUsers", channelName);
     }
 
+    private List<MessageDto> DecryptMessages(List<MessageDto> messages)
+    {
+        return messages.Select(m => m with { Content = _encryption.Decrypt(m.Content) }).ToList();
+    }
+
     public async ValueTask DisposeAsync()
     {
         await _connection.DisposeAsync();

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/NotificationSoundService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+using EchoHub.Client.Config;
+using NetCoreAudio;
+using Serilog;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+public class NotificationSoundService
+{
+    private readonly Player _player = new();
+    private readonly NotificationConfig _config;
+    private string? _resolvedSoundPath;
+
+    public NotificationSoundService(NotificationConfig config)
+    {
+        _config = config;
+        ResolveSoundPath();
+    }
+
+    public void SetEnabled(bool enabled) => _config.Enabled = enabled;
+
+    public void SetVolume(byte volume) => _config.Volume = Math.Min(volume, (byte)100);
+
+    public async Task PlayAsync()
+    {
+        if (!_config.Enabled || _resolvedSoundPath is null)
+            return;
+
+        await PlayInternal();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Plays the notification sound regardless of the Enabled setting (for /test-sound).
+    /// </summary>
+    public async Task PlayTestAsync()
+    {
+        if (_resolvedSoundPath is null)
+            return;
+
+        await PlayInternal();
+    }
+
+    private async Task PlayInternal()
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            if (_player.Playing)
+                await _player.Stop();
+
+            await _player.SetVolume(_config.Volume);
+            await _player.Play(_resolvedSoundPath!);
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            Log.Warning(ex, "Failed to play notification sound");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private void ResolveSoundPath()
+    {
+        // 1. Explicit path from config (~/.echohub/config.json)
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_config.SoundFile))
+        {
+            if (File.Exists(_config.SoundFile))
+            {
+                _resolvedSoundPath = Path.GetFullPath(_config.SoundFile);
+                Log.Debug("Notification sound: {Path} (from config)", _resolvedSoundPath);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            Log.Warning("Configured sound file not found: {Path}", _config.SoundFile);
+        }
+
+        // 2. Default: Notification.mp3 bundled next to the executable
+        var defaultPath = Path.Combine(AppContext.BaseDirectory, "Assets", "Notification.mp3");
+
+        if (File.Exists(defaultPath))
+        {
+            _resolvedSoundPath = defaultPath;
+            Log.Debug("Notification sound: {Path} (default)", _resolvedSoundPath);
+            return;
+        }
+
+        Log.Information("No notification sound file found — notifications will be silent");
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/UpdateChecker.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+using AlwaysUpToDate;
+
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
+
+using Serilog;
+
+using Terminal.Gui.App;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+public sealed class UpdateChecker : IDisposable
+{
+    private const string ManifestUrl = "https://echohub.voidcube.cloud/api/app/version";
+
+    private readonly Updater _updater;
+    private readonly IApplication _app;
+    private UpdateProgressDialog? _progressDialog;
+
+    public static string CurrentVersion => typeof(UpdateChecker).Assembly.GetName().Version?.ToString(3) ?? "0.0.0";
+
+    public UpdateChecker(IApplication app)
+    {
+        _app = app;
+        _updater = new Updater(TimeSpan.FromHours(1), ManifestUrl, false);
+
+        _updater.UpdateAvailable += OnUpdateAvailable;
+        _updater.ProgressChanged += OnProgressChanged;
+        _updater.UpdateStarted += OnUpdateStarted;
+        _updater.NoUpdateAvailable += OnNoUpdateAvailable;
+        _updater.OnException += OnException;
+    }
+
+    public void Start()
+    {
+#if RELEASE
+        _updater.Start();
+#endif
+    }
+
+    private async void OnUpdateAvailable(string version, string changelogUrl)
+    {
+        Log.Information("Update available: v{Version}", version);
+
+        var confirmed = false;
+        _app.Invoke(() =>
+        {
+            confirmed = UpdateConfirmDialog.Show(_app, CurrentVersion, version);
+
+
+            if (confirmed)
+            {
+                _progressDialog = new UpdateProgressDialog(_app, version);
+
+                // Start the update; progress is reported via OnProgressChanged
+                _ = Task.Run(async () =>
+                {
+                    await _updater.UpdateAsync();
+                });
+
+                _progressDialog?.Show();
+            }
+        });
+    }
+
+    private void OnProgressChanged(UpdateStep step, long itemsProcessed, long? totalItems, double? progressPercentage)
+    {
+        var fraction = progressPercentage.HasValue ? (float)(progressPercentage.Value / 100.0) : 0f;
+        var statusText = $"{step}: {itemsProcessed}/{totalItems ?? 0} ({progressPercentage ?? 0:F0}%)";
+
+        if (!progressPercentage.HasValue)
+        {
+            statusText = $"{step}...";
+        }
+
+        _progressDialog?.UpdateProgress(fraction, statusText);
+    }
+
+    private void OnUpdateStarted(string version)
+    {
+        Log.Information("Update started: v{Version}", version);
+    }
+
+    private void OnNoUpdateAvailable()
+    {
+        Log.Debug("No update available");
+    }
+
+    private void OnException(Exception exception)
+    {
+        Log.Error(exception, "Update check failed");
+        _app.Invoke(() =>
+        {
+            _progressDialog?.Close();
+            _progressDialog = null;
+        });
+    }
+
+    public void Dispose()
+    {
+        _updater.UpdateAvailable -= OnUpdateAvailable;
+        _updater.ProgressChanged -= OnProgressChanged;
+        _updater.UpdateStarted -= OnUpdateStarted;
+        _updater.NoUpdateAvailable -= OnNoUpdateAvailable;
+        _updater.OnException -= OnException;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Services/UserSession.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.Services;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Holds the current user's session state (username, status, status message).
+/// </summary>
+internal sealed class UserSession
+{
+    public string Username { get; set; } = string.Empty;
+    public UserStatus Status { get; set; } = UserStatus.Online;
+    public string? StatusMessage { get; set; }
+
+    public void Reset()
+    {
+        Username = string.Empty;
+        Status = UserStatus.Online;
+        StatusMessage = null;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/Themes/ThemeManager.cs

@@ -418,30 +418,30 @@ public static class ThemeManager
         Base = new ThemeColors
         {
             Foreground = "White",
-            Background = "Black",
+            Background = "None",
             FocusForeground = "BrightCyan",
-            FocusBackground = "Black"
+            FocusBackground = "None"
         },
         Menu = new ThemeColors
         {
             Foreground = "White",
-            Background = "Black",
+            Background = "None",
             FocusForeground = "BrightCyan",
-            FocusBackground = "Black"
+            FocusBackground = "None"
         },
         Dialog = new ThemeColors
         {
             Foreground = "White",
-            Background = "Black",
+            Background = "DarkGray",
             FocusForeground = "BrightCyan",
             FocusBackground = "Black"
         },
         Status = new ThemeColors
         {
             Foreground = "Gray",
-            Background = "Black",
+            Background = "None",
             FocusForeground = "Gray",
-            FocusBackground = "Black"
+            FocusBackground = "None"
         }
     };
 

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Chat/ChatColors.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Shared color attributes for chat rendering (timestamps, system messages).
+/// </summary>
+public static partial class ChatColors
+{
+    public static readonly Attribute TimestampAttr = new(Color.DarkGray, Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute SystemAttr = new(new Color(0, 180, 180), Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute MentionHighlightAttr = new(Color.White, new Color(80, 40, 0));
+    public static readonly Attribute MentionTextAttr = new(new Color(255, 180, 50), Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute EmbedBorderAttr = new(new Color(91, 155, 213), Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute EmbedTitleAttr = new(Color.White, Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute EmbedDescAttr = new(new Color(160, 160, 160), Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute EmbedUrlAttr = new(new Color(100, 100, 100), Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute AudioAttr = new(new Color(180, 100, 255), Color.None);
+    public static readonly Attribute FileAttr = new(new Color(100, 180, 255), Color.None);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Split text around @mentions, giving each @word the MentionTextAttr accent color.
+    /// Non-mention text uses the provided default color.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static List<ChatSegment> SplitMentions(string text, Attribute? defaultColor = null)
+    {
+        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>();
+        int lastIndex = 0;
+
+        foreach (Match match in MentionRegex().Matches(text))
+        {
+            if (match.Index > lastIndex)
+                segments.Add(new ChatSegment(text[lastIndex..match.Index], defaultColor));
+
+            segments.Add(new ChatSegment(match.Value, MentionTextAttr));
+            lastIndex = match.Index + match.Length;
+        }
+
+        if (lastIndex < text.Length)
+            segments.Add(new ChatSegment(text[lastIndex..], defaultColor));
+
+        return segments;
+    }
+
+    [GeneratedRegex(@"@[\w-]+")]
+    private static partial Regex MentionRegex();
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Chat/ChatLine.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,177 @@
+using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// A single line in the chat, composed of colored segments.
+/// </summary>
+public partial class ChatLine
+{
+    public List<ChatSegment> Segments { get; }
+    public int TextLength { get; }
+    public Guid? MessageId { get; set; }
+    public bool IsMention { get; set; }
+    public string? AttachmentUrl { get; set; }
+    public string? AttachmentFileName { get; set; }
+    public MessageType? Type { get; set; }
+
+    public ChatLine(string plainText)
+    {
+        Segments = [new ChatSegment(plainText, null)];
+        TextLength = plainText.GetColumns();
+    }
+
+    public ChatLine(List<ChatSegment> segments)
+    {
+        Segments = segments;
+        TextLength = segments.Sum(s => s.Text.GetColumns());
+    }
+
+    public override string ToString() => string.Concat(Segments.Select(s => s.Text));
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Wrap this line into multiple lines that fit within the given width.
+    /// Continuation lines are indented with the specified number of spaces.
+    /// </summary>
+    public List<ChatLine> Wrap(int width, int continuationIndent = 0)
+    {
+        if (width <= 0 || TextLength <= width)
+            return [this];
+
+        var results = new List<ChatLine>();
+        var currentSegments = new List<ChatSegment>();
+        int col = 0;
+
+        foreach (var segment in Segments)
+        {
+            var text = segment.Text;
+            int chunkStart = 0;
+            int charPos = 0;
+
+            foreach (var grapheme in GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text))
+            {
+                var graphemeCols = Math.Max(grapheme.GetColumns(), 1);
+
+                if (col + graphemeCols > width)
+                {
+                    if (charPos > chunkStart)
+                        currentSegments.Add(new ChatSegment(text[chunkStart..charPos], segment.Color));
+
+                    results.Add(new ChatLine(currentSegments));
+                    currentSegments = [];
+
+                    if (continuationIndent > 0)
+                    {
+                        currentSegments.Add(new ChatSegment(new string(' ', continuationIndent), null));
+                        col = continuationIndent;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        col = 0;
+                    }
+
+                    chunkStart = charPos;
+                }
+
+                col += graphemeCols;
+                charPos += grapheme.Length;
+            }
+
+            if (chunkStart < text.Length)
+                currentSegments.Add(new ChatSegment(text[chunkStart..], segment.Color));
+        }
+
+        if (currentSegments.Count > 0)
+            results.Add(new ChatLine(currentSegments));
+
+        // Propagate attachment/type metadata to all wrapped lines so they remain clickable
+        foreach (var wrapped in results)
+        {
+            wrapped.AttachmentUrl = AttachmentUrl;
+            wrapped.AttachmentFileName = AttachmentFileName;
+            wrapped.Type = Type;
+            wrapped.MessageId = MessageId;
+        }
+
+        return results;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Returns true if a line contains printable color tags.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static bool HasColorTags(string text) =>
+        text.Contains("{F:") || text.Contains("{B:") || text.Contains("{X}");
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Remove all color tags from text, returning only the visible characters.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static string StripColorTags(string text) =>
+        ColorTagRegex().Replace(text, "");
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Parse a string containing printable color tags into colored segments.
+    /// Format: {F:RRGGBB} (foreground), {B:RRGGBB} (background), {X} (reset).
+    /// </summary>
+    public static ChatLine FromColoredText(string text, Attribute? defaultAttr = null)
+    {
+        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>();
+        int lastIndex = 0;
+        Color? currentFg = null;
+        Color? currentBg = null;
+        var defaultFg = defaultAttr?.Foreground;
+        var defaultBg = defaultAttr?.Background ?? Color.None;
+
+        Attribute? BuildAttr()
+        {
+            if (currentFg is null && currentBg is null) return defaultAttr;
+            var fg = currentFg ?? defaultFg ?? Color.White;
+            var bg = currentBg ?? defaultBg;
+            return new Attribute(fg, bg);
+        }
+
+        foreach (Match match in ColorTagRegex().Matches(text))
+        {
+            if (match.Index > lastIndex)
+            {
+                var t = text[lastIndex..match.Index];
+                if (t.Length > 0)
+                    segments.Add(new ChatSegment(t, BuildAttr()));
+            }
+
+            if (match.Groups[1].Success)
+            {
+                currentFg = null;
+                currentBg = null;
+            }
+            else if (match.Groups[2].Success)
+            {
+                var hex = match.Groups[3].Value;
+                var r = Convert.ToInt32(hex[..2], 16);
+                var g = Convert.ToInt32(hex[2..4], 16);
+                var b = Convert.ToInt32(hex[4..6], 16);
+                if (match.Groups[2].Value == "F")
+                    currentFg = new Color(r, g, b);
+                else
+                    currentBg = new Color(r, g, b);
+            }
+
+            lastIndex = match.Index + match.Length;
+        }
+
+        if (lastIndex < text.Length)
+        {
+            var t = text[lastIndex..];
+            if (t.Length > 0)
+                segments.Add(new ChatSegment(t, BuildAttr()));
+        }
+
+        return segments.Count > 0 ? new ChatLine(segments) : new ChatLine("");
+    }
+
+    [GeneratedRegex(@"\{(?:(X)|(?:(F|B):([0-9A-Fa-f]{6})))\}")]
+    private static partial Regex ColorTagRegex();
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Chat/ChatListSource.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+using System.Collections;
+using System.Collections.Specialized;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Custom list data source for chat messages with per-segment coloring.
+/// </summary>
+public class ChatListSource : IListDataSource
+{
+    private readonly List<ChatLine> _lines = [];
+
+    public event NotifyCollectionChangedEventHandler? CollectionChanged;
+
+    public int Count => _lines.Count;
+    public int MaxItemLength { get; private set; }
+    public bool SuspendCollectionChangedEvent { get; set; }
+
+    public void Add(ChatLine line)
+    {
+        _lines.Add(line);
+        UpdateMaxLength(line);
+        RaiseCollectionChanged();
+    }
+
+    public void AddRange(IEnumerable<ChatLine> lines)
+    {
+        foreach (var line in lines)
+        {
+            _lines.Add(line);
+            UpdateMaxLength(line);
+        }
+        RaiseCollectionChanged();
+    }
+
+    public void InsertRange(int index, IEnumerable<ChatLine> lines)
+    {
+        var items = lines.ToList();
+        _lines.InsertRange(index, items);
+        foreach (var line in items)
+            UpdateMaxLength(line);
+        RaiseCollectionChanged();
+    }
+
+    public void Clear()
+    {
+        _lines.Clear();
+        MaxItemLength = 0;
+        RaiseCollectionChanged();
+    }
+
+    public ChatLine? GetLine(int index) => index >= 0 && index < _lines.Count ? _lines[index] : null;
+
+    public bool IsMarked(int item) => false;
+    public void SetMark(int item, bool value) { }
+    public IList ToList() => _lines.Select(l => l.ToString()).ToList();
+
+    public void Render(ListView listView, bool selected, int item, int col, int row, int width, int viewportX = 0)
+    {
+        listView.Move(Math.Max(col - viewportX, 0), row);
+
+        var chatLine = _lines[item];
+        var normalAttr = listView.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Normal);
+        var mentionBg = chatLine.IsMention ? ChatColors.MentionHighlightAttr.Background : (Color?)null;
+
+        int charPos = 0;
+        int drawnChars = 0;
+
+        foreach (var segment in chatLine.Segments)
+        {
+            var attr = segment.Color ?? normalAttr;
+            if (attr.Background == Color.None)
+                attr = attr with { Background = normalAttr.Background };
+            if (mentionBg.HasValue)
+                attr = attr with { Background = mentionBg.Value };
+            listView.SetAttribute(attr);
+
+            foreach (var grapheme in GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(segment.Text))
+            {
+                var cols = Math.Max(grapheme.GetColumns(), 1);
+                if (charPos >= viewportX && drawnChars + cols <= width)
+                {
+                    listView.AddStr(grapheme);
+                    drawnChars += cols;
+                }
+                charPos += cols;
+            }
+        }
+
+        var fillAttr = mentionBg.HasValue ? new Attribute(normalAttr.Foreground, mentionBg.Value) : normalAttr;
+        listView.SetAttribute(fillAttr);
+        for (int i = drawnChars; i < width; i++)
+            listView.AddStr(" ");
+    }
+
+    private void UpdateMaxLength(ChatLine line)
+    {
+        if (line.TextLength > MaxItemLength)
+            MaxItemLength = line.TextLength;
+    }
+
+    private void RaiseCollectionChanged()
+    {
+        if (!SuspendCollectionChangedEvent)
+            CollectionChanged?.Invoke(this, new NotifyCollectionChangedEventArgs(NotifyCollectionChangedAction.Reset));
+    }
+
+    public void Dispose() { }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Chat/ChatMessageManager.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,400 @@
+using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Helpers;
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Owns chat message storage, formatting, and mutation.
+/// Fires <see cref="MessagesChanged"/> when a channel's message list is modified
+/// so the UI layer can refresh.
+/// </summary>
+public sealed class ChatMessageManager
+{
+    private readonly Dictionary<string, List<ChatLine>> _channelMessages = [];
+    private readonly Dictionary<string, int> _channelUnread = [];
+
+    private string _currentUser = string.Empty;
+    private string _currentChannel = string.Empty;
+    private int _chatWidth;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Fired after any mutation to a channel's messages. Parameter is the channel name.
+    /// </summary>
+    public event Action<string>? MessagesChanged;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The currently active channel (used for unread tracking and @mention detection).
+    /// </summary>
+    public string CurrentChannel
+    {
+        get => _currentChannel;
+        set => _currentChannel = value;
+    }
+
+    public string CurrentUser => _currentUser;
+
+    public void SetCurrentUser(string username) => _currentUser = username;
+
+    public void SetChatWidth(int width) => _chatWidth = width;
+
+    // ── Queries ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    public List<ChatLine>? GetMessages(string channelName)
+    {
+        return _channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages) ? messages : null;
+    }
+
+    public int GetUnreadCount(string channelName)
+    {
+        return _channelUnread.TryGetValue(channelName, out var count) ? count : 0;
+    }
+
+    public void ClearUnread(string channelName)
+    {
+        _channelUnread[channelName] = 0;
+    }
+
+    internal Dictionary<string, int> GetUnreadCounts() => _channelUnread;
+
+    // ── Mutations ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Format and store a received message. Increments unread count if not the active channel.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void AddMessage(MessageDto message)
+    {
+        var lines = FormatMessage(message);
+        if (!_channelMessages.TryGetValue(message.ChannelName, out var messages))
+        {
+            messages = [];
+            _channelMessages[message.ChannelName] = messages;
+        }
+
+        foreach (var line in lines)
+            messages.Add(line);
+
+        if (message.ChannelName == _currentChannel)
+        {
+            MessagesChanged?.Invoke(message.ChannelName);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            _channelUnread.TryGetValue(message.ChannelName, out var count);
+            _channelUnread[message.ChannelName] = count + 1;
+            MessagesChanged?.Invoke(message.ChannelName);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Add a system/informational message to a channel with colored styling.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void AddSystemMessage(string channelName, string text)
+    {
+        if (!_channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages))
+        {
+            messages = [];
+            _channelMessages[channelName] = messages;
+        }
+
+        var time = DateTimeOffset.Now.ToString("HH:mm");
+        var textLines = text.Split('\n');
+
+        messages.Add(new ChatLine(
+        [
+            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
+            new($"** {textLines[0].TrimEnd('\r')}", ChatColors.SystemAttr)
+        ]));
+
+        var indent = new string(' ', $"[{time}] ** ".Length);
+        for (int i = 1; i < textLines.Length; i++)
+        {
+            var line = textLines[i].TrimEnd('\r');
+            if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(line)) continue;
+            messages.Add(new ChatLine(
+            [
+                new($"{indent}{line}", ChatColors.SystemAttr)
+            ]));
+        }
+
+        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
+            MessagesChanged?.Invoke(channelName);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Add a status change message to a channel with colored styling.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void AddStatusMessage(string channelName, string username, string status)
+    {
+        var time = DateTimeOffset.Now.ToString("HH:mm");
+        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
+        {
+            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
+            new($"** {username} is now {status}", ChatColors.SystemAttr)
+        };
+
+        if (!_channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages))
+        {
+            messages = [];
+            _channelMessages[channelName] = messages;
+        }
+        messages.Add(new ChatLine(segments));
+
+        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
+            MessagesChanged?.Invoke(channelName);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Remove all lines associated with a specific message ID.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void RemoveMessage(string channelName, Guid messageId)
+    {
+        if (_channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages))
+        {
+            messages.RemoveAll(l => l.MessageId == messageId);
+            if (channelName == _currentChannel)
+                MessagesChanged?.Invoke(channelName);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Clear all messages from a specific channel.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void ClearChannelMessages(string channelName)
+    {
+        if (_channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages))
+        {
+            messages.Clear();
+            if (channelName == _currentChannel)
+                MessagesChanged?.Invoke(channelName);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Load historical messages into a channel, replacing any existing messages.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void LoadHistory(string channelName, List<MessageDto> messages)
+    {
+        var formatted = messages.SelectMany(FormatMessage).ToList();
+        _channelMessages[channelName] = formatted;
+
+        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
+            MessagesChanged?.Invoke(channelName);
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Reset all message state (used on disconnect).
+    /// </summary>
+    public void ClearAll()
+    {
+        _channelMessages.Clear();
+        _channelUnread.Clear();
+        _currentChannel = string.Empty;
+        _currentUser = string.Empty;
+    }
+
+    // ── Formatting ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private List<ChatLine> FormatMessage(MessageDto message)
+    {
+        var time = message.SentAt.ToLocalTime().ToString("HH:mm");
+        var senderName = message.SenderUsername + ":";
+        var senderColor = HexColorHelper.ParseHexColor(message.SenderNicknameColor);
+
+        var lines = new List<ChatLine>();
+
+        switch (message.Type)
+        {
+            case MessageType.Image:
+                lines.Add(BuildChatLine(time, senderName, senderColor, " [Image]"));
+                if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(message.Content))
+                {
+                    foreach (var artLine in message.Content.Split('\n'))
+                    {
+                        var trimmed = artLine.TrimEnd('\r');
+                        if (ChatLine.HasColorTags(trimmed))
+                            lines.Add(ChatLine.FromColoredText("       " + trimmed));
+                        else
+                            lines.Add(new ChatLine($"       {trimmed}"));
+                    }
+                }
+                break;
+
+            case MessageType.Audio:
+                var audioName = message.AttachmentFileName ?? "unknown";
+                var audioSize = FormatFileSize(message.AttachmentFileSize);
+                var audioLine = BuildChatLineColored(time, senderName, senderColor,
+                    $" \u266a [Audio: {audioName}] [{audioSize}]", ChatColors.AudioAttr);
+                audioLine.AttachmentUrl = message.AttachmentUrl;
+                audioLine.AttachmentFileName = audioName;
+                audioLine.Type = MessageType.Audio;
+                lines.Add(audioLine);
+                break;
+
+            case MessageType.File:
+                var fileName = message.AttachmentFileName ?? "unknown";
+                var fileSize = FormatFileSize(message.AttachmentFileSize);
+                var fileLine = BuildChatLineColored(time, senderName, senderColor,
+                    $" [File: {fileName}] [{fileSize}]", ChatColors.FileAttr);
+                fileLine.AttachmentUrl = message.AttachmentUrl;
+                fileLine.AttachmentFileName = fileName;
+                fileLine.Type = MessageType.File;
+                lines.Add(fileLine);
+                break;
+
+            case MessageType.Text:
+            default:
+                var displayContent = EmojiHelper.ReplaceEmoji(message.Content);
+                var contentLines = displayContent.Split('\n');
+                var firstLine = contentLines[0].TrimEnd('\r');
+                lines.Add(BuildChatLineWithMentions(time, senderName, senderColor, $" {firstLine}"));
+                var indent = new string(' ', $"[{time}] {senderName} ".Length);
+                for (int i = 1; i < contentLines.Length; i++)
+                {
+                    var contText = $"{indent}{contentLines[i].TrimEnd('\r')}";
+                    lines.Add(new ChatLine(ChatColors.SplitMentions(contText)));
+                }
+
+                if (message.Embeds is { Count: > 0 })
+                {
+                    var chatWidth = _chatWidth > 0 ? _chatWidth : 80;
+                    foreach (var embed in message.Embeds)
+                        lines.AddRange(FormatEmbed(embed, indent, chatWidth));
+                }
+                break;
+        }
+
+        foreach (var line in lines)
+            line.MessageId = message.Id;
+
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(_currentUser) && message.Type == MessageType.Text)
+        {
+            var pattern = $@"@{Regex.Escape(_currentUser)}\b";
+            if (Regex.IsMatch(message.Content, pattern, RegexOptions.IgnoreCase))
+            {
+                foreach (var line in lines)
+                    line.IsMention = true;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return lines;
+    }
+
+    private static ChatLine BuildChatLine(string time, string senderName, Attribute? senderColor, string suffix)
+    {
+        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
+        {
+            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
+            new(senderName, senderColor),
+            new(suffix, null)
+        };
+        return new ChatLine(segments);
+    }
+
+    private static ChatLine BuildChatLineColored(string time, string senderName, Attribute? senderColor, string suffix, Attribute suffixColor)
+    {
+        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
+        {
+            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
+            new(senderName, senderColor),
+            new(suffix, suffixColor)
+        };
+        return new ChatLine(segments);
+    }
+
+    private static ChatLine BuildChatLineWithMentions(string time, string senderName, Attribute? senderColor, string suffix)
+    {
+        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
+        {
+            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
+            new(senderName, senderColor),
+        };
+        segments.AddRange(ChatColors.SplitMentions(suffix));
+        return new ChatLine(segments);
+    }
+
+    private static List<ChatLine> FormatEmbed(EmbedDto embed, string indent, int chatWidth)
+    {
+        var lines = new List<ChatLine>();
+        const string border = "\u258f "; // ▏ + space
+        const int borderCols = 2;
+        int indentCols = indent.GetColumns();
+        int textWidth = chatWidth - indentCols - borderCols;
+        if (textWidth < 20) textWidth = 20;
+
+        void AddTextLine(string text, Attribute? color)
+        {
+            lines.Add(new ChatLine(
+            [
+                new ChatSegment(indent, null),
+                new ChatSegment(border, ChatColors.EmbedBorderAttr),
+                new ChatSegment(text, color)
+            ]));
+        }
+
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(embed.SiteName))
+            AddTextLine(embed.SiteName, ChatColors.EmbedBorderAttr);
+
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(embed.Title))
+        {
+            foreach (var wrapped in WordWrap(embed.Title, textWidth))
+                AddTextLine(wrapped, ChatColors.EmbedTitleAttr);
+        }
+
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(embed.Description))
+        {
+            foreach (var wrapped in WordWrap(embed.Description, textWidth))
+                AddTextLine(wrapped, ChatColors.EmbedDescAttr);
+        }
+
+        return lines;
+    }
+
+    private static List<string> WordWrap(string text, int maxCols)
+    {
+        if (maxCols <= 0)
+            return [text];
+
+        var result = new List<string>();
+        var words = text.Split(' ', StringSplitOptions.RemoveEmptyEntries);
+        var currentLine = "";
+
+        foreach (var word in words)
+        {
+            var candidate = currentLine.Length == 0 ? word : currentLine + " " + word;
+            if (candidate.GetColumns() <= maxCols)
+            {
+                currentLine = candidate;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                if (currentLine.Length > 0)
+                    result.Add(currentLine);
+                currentLine = word;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (currentLine.Length > 0)
+            result.Add(currentLine);
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    internal static string FormatFileSize(long? bytes)
+    {
+        if (bytes is null or 0)
+            return "?";
+
+        return bytes.Value switch
+        {
+            < 1024 => $"{bytes.Value} B",
+            < 1024 * 1024 => $"{bytes.Value / 1024.0:F1} KB",
+            < 1024 * 1024 * 1024 => $"{bytes.Value / (1024.0 * 1024.0):F1} MB",
+            _ => $"{bytes.Value / (1024.0 * 1024.0 * 1024.0):F1} GB"
+        };
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Chat/ChatSegment.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// A colored text segment within a chat line.
+/// </summary>
+public record ChatSegment(string Text, Attribute? Color);

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Chat/RenderHelpers.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Shared rendering helpers for IListDataSource implementations.
+/// </summary>
+static class RenderHelpers
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Write text grapheme-by-grapheme to a ListView, respecting a width limit.
+    /// Returns the updated drawn-columns count.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static int WriteText(ListView lv, string text, int drawn, int maxWidth)
+    {
+        foreach (var grapheme in GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text))
+        {
+            var cols = Math.Max(grapheme.GetColumns(), 1);
+            if (drawn + cols > maxWidth) break;
+            lv.AddStr(grapheme);
+            drawn += cols;
+        }
+        return drawn;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/ChatRenderer.cs

@@ -1,280 +0,0 @@
-using System.Collections;
-using System.Collections.Specialized;
-using System.Text;
-using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
-using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
-using Terminal.Gui.Views;
-using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
-
-namespace EchoHub.Client.UI;
-
-/// <summary>
-/// A colored text segment within a chat line.
-/// </summary>
-public record ChatSegment(string Text, Attribute? Color);
-
-/// <summary>
-/// A single line in the chat, composed of colored segments.
-/// </summary>
-public partial class ChatLine
-{
-    public List<ChatSegment> Segments { get; }
-    public int TextLength { get; }
-
-    public ChatLine(string plainText)
-    {
-        Segments = [new ChatSegment(plainText, null)];
-        TextLength = plainText.Length;
-    }
-
-    public ChatLine(List<ChatSegment> segments)
-    {
-        Segments = segments;
-        TextLength = segments.Sum(s => s.Text.Length);
-    }
-
-    public override string ToString() => string.Concat(Segments.Select(s => s.Text));
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Wrap this line into multiple lines that fit within the given width.
-    /// Continuation lines are indented with the specified number of spaces.
-    /// </summary>
-    public List<ChatLine> Wrap(int width, int continuationIndent = 0)
-    {
-        if (width <= 0 || TextLength <= width)
-            return [this];
-
-        var results = new List<ChatLine>();
-        var currentSegments = new List<ChatSegment>();
-        int col = 0;
-
-        foreach (var segment in Segments)
-        {
-            int segPos = 0;
-            while (segPos < segment.Text.Length)
-            {
-                int remaining = width - col;
-                if (remaining <= 0)
-                {
-                    // Emit current line and start a new one
-                    results.Add(new ChatLine(currentSegments));
-                    currentSegments = [];
-
-                    // Add indent for continuation
-                    if (continuationIndent > 0)
-                    {
-                        currentSegments.Add(new ChatSegment(new string(' ', continuationIndent), null));
-                        col = continuationIndent;
-                    }
-                    else
-                    {
-                        col = 0;
-                    }
-
-                    remaining = width - col;
-                }
-
-                int take = Math.Min(segment.Text.Length - segPos, remaining);
-                currentSegments.Add(new ChatSegment(segment.Text.Substring(segPos, take), segment.Color));
-                col += take;
-                segPos += take;
-            }
-        }
-
-        if (currentSegments.Count > 0)
-            results.Add(new ChatLine(currentSegments));
-
-        return results;
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Parse a string containing ANSI 24-bit color escape codes into colored segments.
-    /// Format: \x1b[38;2;R;G;Bm (foreground color), \x1b[0m (reset)
-    /// </summary>
-    public static ChatLine FromAnsi(string ansiText, Attribute? defaultAttr = null)
-    {
-        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>();
-        var regex = AnsiColorRegex();
-        int lastIndex = 0;
-        Attribute? currentColor = defaultAttr;
-
-        foreach (Match match in regex.Matches(ansiText))
-        {
-            // Add any text before this escape sequence
-            if (match.Index > lastIndex)
-            {
-                var text = ansiText[lastIndex..match.Index];
-                if (text.Length > 0)
-                    segments.Add(new ChatSegment(text, currentColor));
-            }
-
-            // Parse the escape sequence
-            if (match.Groups[1].Value == "0")
-            {
-                // Reset
-                currentColor = defaultAttr;
-            }
-            else if (match.Groups[2].Success)
-            {
-                // 38;2;R;G;B — 24-bit foreground color
-                var r = int.Parse(match.Groups[3].Value);
-                var g = int.Parse(match.Groups[4].Value);
-                var b = int.Parse(match.Groups[5].Value);
-                currentColor = new Attribute(new Color(r, g, b), Color.Black);
-            }
-
-            lastIndex = match.Index + match.Length;
-        }
-
-        // Add remaining text
-        if (lastIndex < ansiText.Length)
-        {
-            var text = ansiText[lastIndex..];
-            if (text.Length > 0)
-                segments.Add(new ChatSegment(text, currentColor));
-        }
-
-        return segments.Count > 0 ? new ChatLine(segments) : new ChatLine("");
-    }
-
-    // Matches: \x1b[0m (reset) or \x1b[38;2;R;G;Bm (24-bit foreground)
-    [GeneratedRegex(@"\x1b\[(?:(0)|(?:(38;2);(\d{1,3});(\d{1,3});(\d{1,3})))m")]
-    private static partial Regex AnsiColorRegex();
-}
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Custom list data source for chat messages with per-character coloring.
-/// </summary>
-public class ChatListSource : IListDataSource
-{
-    private readonly List<ChatLine> _lines = [];
-
-    public event NotifyCollectionChangedEventHandler? CollectionChanged;
-
-    public int Count => _lines.Count;
-    public int MaxItemLength { get; private set; }
-    public bool SuspendCollectionChangedEvent { get; set; }
-
-    public void Add(ChatLine line)
-    {
-        _lines.Add(line);
-        UpdateMaxLength(line);
-        RaiseCollectionChanged();
-    }
-
-    public void AddRange(IEnumerable<ChatLine> lines)
-    {
-        foreach (var line in lines)
-        {
-            _lines.Add(line);
-            UpdateMaxLength(line);
-        }
-        RaiseCollectionChanged();
-    }
-
-    public void InsertRange(int index, IEnumerable<ChatLine> lines)
-    {
-        var items = lines.ToList();
-        _lines.InsertRange(index, items);
-        foreach (var line in items)
-            UpdateMaxLength(line);
-        RaiseCollectionChanged();
-    }
-
-    public void Clear()
-    {
-        _lines.Clear();
-        MaxItemLength = 0;
-        RaiseCollectionChanged();
-    }
-
-    public bool IsMarked(int item) => false;
-    public void SetMark(int item, bool value) { }
-    public IList ToList() => _lines.Select(l => l.ToString()).ToList();
-
-    public void Render(ListView listView, bool selected, int item, int col, int row, int width, int viewportX = 0)
-    {
-        listView.Move(Math.Max(col - viewportX, 0), row);
-
-        var chatLine = _lines[item];
-        var normalAttr = listView.GetAttributeForRole(selected ? VisualRole.Focus : VisualRole.Normal);
-
-        int charPos = 0;
-        int drawnChars = 0;
-
-        foreach (var segment in chatLine.Segments)
-        {
-            var attr = segment.Color ?? normalAttr;
-            listView.SetAttribute(attr);
-
-            foreach (var ch in segment.Text)
-            {
-                if (charPos >= viewportX && drawnChars < width)
-                {
-                    listView.AddRune(new Rune(ch));
-                    drawnChars++;
-                }
-                charPos++;
-            }
-        }
-
-        // Fill remaining width with spaces using default colors
-        listView.SetAttribute(normalAttr);
-        while (drawnChars < width)
-        {
-            listView.AddRune(new Rune(' '));
-            drawnChars++;
-        }
-    }
-
-    private void UpdateMaxLength(ChatLine line)
-    {
-        if (line.TextLength > MaxItemLength)
-            MaxItemLength = line.TextLength;
-    }
-
-    private void RaiseCollectionChanged()
-    {
-        if (!SuspendCollectionChangedEvent)
-            CollectionChanged?.Invoke(this, new NotifyCollectionChangedEventArgs(NotifyCollectionChangedAction.Reset));
-    }
-
-    public void Dispose() { }
-}
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Shared color attributes for chat rendering (timestamps, system messages).
-/// </summary>
-public static class ChatColors
-{
-    public static readonly Attribute TimestampAttr = new(Color.DarkGray, Color.Black);
-    public static readonly Attribute SystemAttr = new(new Color(0, 180, 180), Color.Black);
-}
-
-/// <summary>
-/// Helper to parse hex colors to Terminal.Gui Attributes.
-/// </summary>
-public static class ColorHelper
-{
-    public static Attribute? ParseHexColor(string? hex)
-    {
-        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(hex))
-            return null;
-
-        hex = hex.TrimStart('#');
-        if (hex.Length != 6)
-            return null;
-
-        try
-        {
-            var r = Convert.ToInt32(hex[..2], 16);
-            var g = Convert.ToInt32(hex[2..4], 16);
-            var b = Convert.ToInt32(hex[4..6], 16);
-            return new Attribute(new Color(r, g, b), Color.Black);
-        }
-        catch
-        {
-            return null;
-        }
-    }
-}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/AudioPlayerDialog.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,410 @@
+using EchoHub.Client.Services;
+using Terminal.Gui.App;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
+
+public sealed class AudioPlayerDialog
+{
+    // Block characters for wave animation (increasing height)
+    private static readonly string[] WaveBlocks = ["\u2581", "\u2582", "\u2583", "\u2584", "\u2585", "\u2586", "\u2587", "\u2588"];
+    private const int WaveBarCount = 24;
+    private const int AnimationIntervalMs = 150;
+
+    private static readonly Attribute WaveActiveAttr = new(new Color(180, 100, 255), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute WaveIdleAttr = new(new Color(80, 50, 120), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute FileNameAttr = new(new Color(180, 100, 255), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusPlayingAttr = new(new Color(0, 200, 0), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusPausedAttr = new(new Color(220, 180, 0), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusStoppedAttr = new(new Color(160, 160, 160), Color.None);
+
+    public static void Show(IApplication app, AudioPlaybackService audioService, string filePath, string fileName)
+    {
+        var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Audio Player", Width = 52, Height = 14 };
+
+        // ── File name ──
+        var fileLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = $"\u266a {TruncateFileName(fileName, 44)}",
+            X = 2,
+            Y = 1,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(2)
+        };
+
+        // ── Wave visualization ──
+        var waveLabel = new Label
+        {
+            X = 2,
+            Y = 3,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(2),
+            Height = 1
+        };
+
+        // ── Status label ──
+        var statusLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "Stopped",
+            X = 2,
+            Y = 5,
+            Width = 20
+        };
+
+        // ── Volume controls ──
+        var volumeHeaderLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "Volume:",
+            X = 2,
+            Y = 7
+        };
+
+        byte currentVolume = 50;
+        var volumeBar = new ProgressBar
+        {
+            X = 14,
+            Y = 7,
+            Width = 20,
+            Height = 1,
+            Fraction = currentVolume / 100f,
+            ProgressBarStyle = ProgressBarStyle.Continuous
+        };
+
+        var volumePercentLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = $"{currentVolume}%",
+            X = 35,
+            Y = 7,
+            Width = 5
+        };
+
+        var volDownButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "-",
+            X = 10,
+            Y = 7,
+            Width = 3
+        };
+
+        var volUpButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "+",
+            X = 41,
+            Y = 7,
+            Width = 3
+        };
+
+        // ── Playback controls ──
+        var playButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "\u25b6 Play",
+            X = 2,
+            Y = 10,
+            IsDefault = true
+        };
+
+        var stopButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "\u25a0 Stop",
+            X = Pos.Right(playButton) + 2,
+            Y = 10
+        };
+
+        var closeButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "Close",
+            X = Pos.Right(stopButton) + 2,
+            Y = 10
+        };
+
+        // ── Animation state ──
+        var animationOffset = 0;
+        var random = new Random();
+        // Pre-generate a repeating wave pattern
+        var wavePattern = new int[WaveBarCount + 8];
+        for (int i = 0; i < wavePattern.Length; i++)
+            wavePattern[i] = random.Next(0, WaveBlocks.Length);
+
+        Timer? animationTimer = null;
+        var isDisposed = false;
+
+        // ── Helper functions ──
+        void UpdateWave(bool isActive)
+        {
+            if (isDisposed) return;
+
+            var bars = new string[WaveBarCount];
+            for (int i = 0; i < WaveBarCount; i++)
+            {
+                if (isActive)
+                {
+                    var idx = wavePattern[(i + animationOffset) % wavePattern.Length];
+                    bars[i] = WaveBlocks[idx];
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    bars[i] = WaveBlocks[1]; // low idle bars
+                }
+            }
+            waveLabel.Text = string.Join(" ", bars);
+        }
+
+        void UpdateStatus()
+        {
+            if (isDisposed) return;
+
+            if (audioService.IsPlaying && !audioService.IsPaused)
+            {
+                statusLabel.Text = "Playing";
+                playButton.Text = "\u23f8 Pause";
+            }
+            else if (audioService.IsPaused)
+            {
+                statusLabel.Text = "Paused";
+                playButton.Text = "\u25b6 Resume";
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                statusLabel.Text = "Stopped";
+                playButton.Text = "\u25b6 Play";
+            }
+        }
+
+        void StartAnimation()
+        {
+            animationTimer?.Dispose();
+            animationTimer = new Timer(_ =>
+            {
+                if (isDisposed) return;
+                animationOffset++;
+                // Shuffle a few bars each tick for organic movement
+                var idx = random.Next(0, wavePattern.Length);
+                wavePattern[idx] = random.Next(0, WaveBlocks.Length);
+
+                app.Invoke(() =>
+                {
+                    if (isDisposed) return;
+                    UpdateWave(true);
+                });
+            }, null, 0, AnimationIntervalMs);
+        }
+
+        void StopAnimation()
+        {
+            animationTimer?.Dispose();
+            animationTimer = null;
+            if (!isDisposed)
+                UpdateWave(false);
+        }
+
+        async Task UpdateVolume(byte newVolume)
+        {
+            currentVolume = Math.Clamp(newVolume, (byte)0, (byte)100);
+            await audioService.SetVolumeAsync(currentVolume);
+            if (!isDisposed)
+            {
+                volumeBar.Fraction = currentVolume / 100f;
+                volumePercentLabel.Text = $"{currentVolume}%";
+            }
+        }
+
+        // ── Custom drawing for colored elements ──
+        fileLabel.DrawingContent += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            var normalAttr = fileLabel.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Normal);
+            var resolvedAttr = FileNameAttr.Background == Color.None
+                ? FileNameAttr with { Background = normalAttr.Background }
+                : FileNameAttr;
+            fileLabel.SetAttribute(resolvedAttr);
+            fileLabel.Move(0, 0);
+            var text = fileLabel.Text ?? "";
+            foreach (var g in Terminal.Gui.Drawing.GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text))
+                fileLabel.AddStr(g);
+            // Fill remaining width
+            var width = fileLabel.Viewport.Width;
+            var textCols = Terminal.Gui.Text.StringExtensions.GetColumns(text);
+            for (int i = textCols; i < width; i++)
+                fileLabel.AddStr(" ");
+            e.Cancel = true;
+        };
+
+        waveLabel.DrawingContent += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            var normalAttr = waveLabel.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Normal);
+            var attr = (audioService.IsPlaying && !audioService.IsPaused) ? WaveActiveAttr : WaveIdleAttr;
+            var resolvedAttr = attr.Background == Color.None
+                ? attr with { Background = normalAttr.Background }
+                : attr;
+            waveLabel.SetAttribute(resolvedAttr);
+            waveLabel.Move(0, 0);
+            var text = waveLabel.Text ?? "";
+            foreach (var g in Terminal.Gui.Drawing.GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text))
+                waveLabel.AddStr(g);
+            var width = waveLabel.Viewport.Width;
+            var textCols = Terminal.Gui.Text.StringExtensions.GetColumns(text);
+            for (int i = textCols; i < width; i++)
+                waveLabel.AddStr(" ");
+            e.Cancel = true;
+        };
+
+        statusLabel.DrawingContent += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            var normalAttr = statusLabel.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Normal);
+            Attribute attr;
+            if (audioService.IsPlaying && !audioService.IsPaused)
+                attr = StatusPlayingAttr;
+            else if (audioService.IsPaused)
+                attr = StatusPausedAttr;
+            else
+                attr = StatusStoppedAttr;
+
+            var resolvedAttr = attr.Background == Color.None
+                ? attr with { Background = normalAttr.Background }
+                : attr;
+            statusLabel.SetAttribute(resolvedAttr);
+            statusLabel.Move(0, 0);
+            var text = statusLabel.Text ?? "";
+            foreach (var g in Terminal.Gui.Drawing.GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text))
+                statusLabel.AddStr(g);
+            var width = statusLabel.Viewport.Width;
+            var textCols = Terminal.Gui.Text.StringExtensions.GetColumns(text);
+            for (int i = textCols; i < width; i++)
+                statusLabel.AddStr(" ");
+            e.Cancel = true;
+        };
+
+        // ── Event handlers ──
+        playButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            e.Handled = true;
+            Task.Run(async () =>
+            {
+                if (audioService.IsPaused)
+                {
+                    await audioService.ResumeAsync();
+                    app.Invoke(() =>
+                    {
+                        UpdateStatus();
+                        StartAnimation();
+                    });
+                }
+                else if (audioService.IsPlaying)
+                {
+                    await audioService.PauseAsync();
+                    app.Invoke(() =>
+                    {
+                        UpdateStatus();
+                        StopAnimation();
+                    });
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    await audioService.SetVolumeAsync(currentVolume);
+                    await audioService.PlayAsync(filePath);
+                    app.Invoke(() =>
+                    {
+                        UpdateStatus();
+                        StartAnimation();
+                    });
+                }
+            });
+        };
+
+        stopButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            e.Handled = true;
+            Task.Run(async () =>
+            {
+                await audioService.StopAsync();
+                app.Invoke(() =>
+                {
+                    UpdateStatus();
+                    StopAnimation();
+                });
+            });
+        };
+
+        closeButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            e.Handled = true;
+            isDisposed = true;
+            animationTimer?.Dispose();
+            _ = audioService.StopAsync(); // fire-and-forget
+            app.RequestStop();
+        };
+
+        volDownButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            e.Handled = true;
+            var newVol = (byte)Math.Max(0, currentVolume - 10);
+            Task.Run(async () =>
+            {
+                await UpdateVolume(newVol);
+                app.Invoke(() =>
+                {
+                    volumeBar.SetNeedsDraw();
+                    volumePercentLabel.SetNeedsDraw();
+                });
+            });
+        };
+
+        volUpButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            e.Handled = true;
+            var newVol = (byte)Math.Min(100, currentVolume + 10);
+            Task.Run(async () =>
+            {
+                await UpdateVolume(newVol);
+                app.Invoke(() =>
+                {
+                    volumeBar.SetNeedsDraw();
+                    volumePercentLabel.SetNeedsDraw();
+                });
+            });
+        };
+
+        // Handle playback finishing naturally
+        EventHandler? finishedHandler = null;
+        finishedHandler = (s, e) =>
+        {
+            app.Invoke(() =>
+            {
+                if (isDisposed) return;
+                UpdateStatus();
+                StopAnimation();
+            });
+        };
+        audioService.PlaybackFinished += finishedHandler;
+
+        // ── Initial state ──
+        UpdateWave(false);
+        UpdateStatus();
+
+        dialog.Add(fileLabel, waveLabel, statusLabel,
+            volumeHeaderLabel, volDownButton, volumeBar, volumePercentLabel, volUpButton,
+            playButton, stopButton, closeButton);
+
+        playButton.SetFocus();
+        app.Run(dialog);
+
+        // Cleanup
+        isDisposed = true;
+        animationTimer?.Dispose();
+        audioService.PlaybackFinished -= finishedHandler;
+    }
+
+    private static string TruncateFileName(string name, int maxLen)
+    {
+        if (name.Length <= maxLen)
+            return name;
+
+        var ext = Path.GetExtension(name);
+        var stem = Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(name);
+        var available = maxLen - ext.Length - 3; // 3 for "..."
+        if (available < 1)
+            return name[..maxLen];
+
+        return stem[..available] + "..." + ext;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/ConnectDialog.cs

@@ -4,12 +4,14 @@ using Terminal.Gui.App;
 using Terminal.Gui.Views;
 using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
 
-namespace EchoHub.Client.UI;
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
 
 /// <summary>
 /// Result returned from the connect dialog.
 /// </summary>
-public record ConnectDialogResult(string ServerUrl, string Username, string Password, bool IsRegister);
+public record ConnectDialogResult(
+    string ServerUrl, string Username, string Password,
+    bool IsRegister, bool RememberMe, string? SavedRefreshToken);
 
 /// <summary>
 /// A Terminal.Gui dialog for entering server connection and authentication details.
@@ -27,11 +29,12 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
         savedServers ??= [];
 
         var hasSavedServers = savedServers.Count > 0;
-        var dialogHeight = hasSavedServers ? 20 : 16;
+        var dialogHeight = hasSavedServers ? 22 : 18;
 
         var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Connect to Server", Width = 60, Height = dialogHeight };
 
         int yOffset = 0;
+        SavedServer? selectedSavedServer = null;
 
         // -- Saved Servers section (if any) -----------------------------------
         ListView? savedServerList = null;
@@ -46,7 +49,11 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
             dialog.Add(savedLabel);
 
             var serverDisplayNames = savedServers
-                .Select(s => $"{s.Name} ({s.Username ?? "?"})")
+                .Select(s =>
+                {
+                    var session = !string.IsNullOrEmpty(s.RefreshToken) ? " [session]" : "";
+                    return $"{s.Name} ({s.Username ?? "?"}){session}";
+                })
                 .ToList();
 
             savedServerList = new ListView
@@ -115,17 +122,34 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
             Secret = true
         };
 
+        var tokenHintLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "Session saved \u2014 password optional",
+            X = 15,
+            Y = yOffset + 6,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(2),
+            Visible = false
+        };
+
+        var rememberMeCheckbox = new CheckBox
+        {
+            Text = "Remember me",
+            X = 15,
+            Y = yOffset + 7,
+            Value = CheckState.UnChecked
+        };
+
         var displayLabel = new Label
         {
             Text = "Display Name:",
             X = 1,
-            Y = yOffset + 7
+            Y = yOffset + 9
         };
         var displayField = new TextField
         {
             Text = "",
             X = 15,
-            Y = yOffset + 7,
+            Y = yOffset + 9,
             Width = Dim.Fill(2)
         };
 
@@ -134,21 +158,21 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
             Text = "Login",
             IsDefault = true,
             X = Pos.Center() - 20,
-            Y = yOffset + 9
+            Y = yOffset + 11
         };
 
         var registerButton = new Button
         {
             Text = "Register",
             X = Pos.Center() - 5,
-            Y = yOffset + 9
+            Y = yOffset + 11
         };
 
         var cancelButton = new Button
         {
             Text = "Cancel",
             X = Pos.Center() + 10,
-            Y = yOffset + 9
+            Y = yOffset + 11
         };
 
         // Wire saved server selection to auto-fill fields
@@ -159,15 +183,32 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
                 var index = e.NewValue;
                 if (index.HasValue && index.Value >= 0 && index.Value < savedServers.Count)
                 {
-                    var server = savedServers[index.Value];
-                    urlField.Text = server.Url;
-                    userField.Text = server.Username ?? "";
+                    selectedSavedServer = savedServers[index.Value];
+                    urlField.Text = selectedSavedServer.Url;
+                    userField.Text = selectedSavedServer.Username ?? "";
+                    rememberMeCheckbox.Value = selectedSavedServer.RememberMe
+                        ? CheckState.Checked : CheckState.UnChecked;
+
+                    if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(selectedSavedServer.RefreshToken))
+                    {
+                        passField.Text = "";
+                        tokenHintLabel.Visible = true;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        tokenHintLabel.Visible = false;
+                    }
                 }
             };
 
             // Pre-fill with the first saved server
+            selectedSavedServer = savedServers[0];
             urlField.Text = savedServers[0].Url;
             userField.Text = savedServers[0].Username ?? "";
+            rememberMeCheckbox.Value = savedServers[0].RememberMe
+                ? CheckState.Checked : CheckState.UnChecked;
+            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(savedServers[0].RefreshToken))
+                tokenHintLabel.Visible = true;
         }
 
         loginButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
@@ -175,15 +216,34 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
             var url = urlField.Text?.Trim() ?? string.Empty;
             var user = userField.Text?.Trim() ?? string.Empty;
             var pass = passField.Text ?? string.Empty;
+            var rememberMe = rememberMeCheckbox.Value == CheckState.Checked;
 
-            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(url) || string.IsNullOrEmpty(user) || string.IsNullOrEmpty(pass))
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(url) || string.IsNullOrEmpty(user))
             {
-                MessageBox.ErrorQuery(app, "Validation", "Server URL, username, and password are required.", "OK");
+                MessageBox.ErrorQuery(app, "Validation", "Server URL and username are required.", "OK");
                 e.Handled = true;
                 return;
             }
 
-            result = new ConnectDialogResult(url, user, pass, IsRegister: false);
+            // Determine if we can use a saved token
+            string? savedRefreshToken = null;
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(pass)
+                && selectedSavedServer is not null
+                && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(selectedSavedServer.RefreshToken)
+                && string.Equals(selectedSavedServer.Url, url, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)
+                && string.Equals(selectedSavedServer.Username, user, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+            {
+                savedRefreshToken = selectedSavedServer.RefreshToken;
+            }
+
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(pass) && savedRefreshToken is null)
+            {
+                MessageBox.ErrorQuery(app, "Validation", "Password is required.", "OK");
+                e.Handled = true;
+                return;
+            }
+
+            result = new ConnectDialogResult(url, user, pass, IsRegister: false, rememberMe, savedRefreshToken);
             e.Handled = true;
             app.RequestStop();
         };
@@ -193,6 +253,7 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
             var url = urlField.Text?.Trim() ?? string.Empty;
             var user = userField.Text?.Trim() ?? string.Empty;
             var pass = passField.Text ?? string.Empty;
+            var rememberMe = rememberMeCheckbox.Value == CheckState.Checked;
 
             if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(url) || string.IsNullOrEmpty(user) || string.IsNullOrEmpty(pass))
             {
@@ -201,7 +262,7 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
                 return;
             }
 
-            result = new ConnectDialogResult(url, user, pass, IsRegister: true);
+            result = new ConnectDialogResult(url, user, pass, IsRegister: true, rememberMe, SavedRefreshToken: null);
             e.Handled = true;
             app.RequestStop();
         };
@@ -214,7 +275,8 @@ public sealed class ConnectDialog
         };
 
         dialog.Add(urlLabel, urlField, userLabel, userField, passLabel, passField,
-            displayLabel, displayField, loginButton, registerButton, cancelButton);
+            tokenHintLabel, rememberMeCheckbox, displayLabel, displayField,
+            loginButton, registerButton, cancelButton);
 
         if (hasSavedServers && savedServerList is not null)
             savedServerList.SetFocus();

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/CreateChannelDialog.cs

@@ -2,9 +2,9 @@ using Terminal.Gui.App;
 using Terminal.Gui.Views;
 using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
 
-namespace EchoHub.Client.UI;
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
 
-public record CreateChannelResult(string Name, string? Topic);
+public record CreateChannelResult(string Name, string? Topic, bool IsPublic);
 
 public sealed class CreateChannelDialog
 {
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ public sealed class CreateChannelDialog
     {
         CreateChannelResult? result = null;
 
-        var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Create Channel", Width = 50, Height = 12 };
+        var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Create Channel", Width = 50, Height = 14 };
 
         var nameLabel = new Label { Text = "Name:", X = 1, Y = 1 };
         var nameField = new TextField { X = 10, Y = 1, Width = Dim.Fill(2) };
@@ -20,11 +20,19 @@ public sealed class CreateChannelDialog
         var topicLabel = new Label { Text = "Topic:", X = 1, Y = 3 };
         var topicField = new TextField { X = 10, Y = 3, Width = Dim.Fill(2) };
 
+        var publicCheckbox = new CheckBox
+        {
+            Text = "Public (visible to all users)",
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 5,
+            Value = CheckState.Checked
+        };
+
         var hintLabel = new Label
         {
             Text = "Lowercase letters, digits, hyphens, underscores (2-100 chars)",
             X = 1,
-            Y = 5,
+            Y = 7,
         };
 
         var createButton = new Button
@@ -32,14 +40,14 @@ public sealed class CreateChannelDialog
             Text = "Create",
             IsDefault = true,
             X = Pos.Center() - 10,
-            Y = 7
+            Y = 9
         };
 
         var cancelButton = new Button
         {
             Text = "Cancel",
             X = Pos.Center() + 5,
-            Y = 7
+            Y = 9
         };
 
         createButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
@@ -55,7 +63,8 @@ public sealed class CreateChannelDialog
             if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(topic))
                 topic = null;
 
-            result = new CreateChannelResult(name, topic);
+            var isPublic = publicCheckbox.Value == CheckState.Checked;
+            result = new CreateChannelResult(name, topic, isPublic);
             e.Handled = true;
             app.RequestStop();
         };
@@ -67,7 +76,7 @@ public sealed class CreateChannelDialog
             app.RequestStop();
         };
 
-        dialog.Add(nameLabel, nameField, topicLabel, topicField, hintLabel, createButton, cancelButton);
+        dialog.Add(nameLabel, nameField, topicLabel, topicField, publicCheckbox, hintLabel, createButton, cancelButton);
 
         nameField.SetFocus();
         app.Run(dialog);

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/ProfileEditDialog.cs

@@ -1,15 +1,16 @@
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Helpers;
 using Terminal.Gui.App;
-using Terminal.Gui.Views;
-using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
 using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
 using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
 
-namespace EchoHub.Client.UI;
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
 
 /// <summary>
 /// Result returned from the profile edit dialog.
 /// </summary>
-public record ProfileEditResult(string? DisplayName, string? Bio, string? NicknameColor);
+public record ProfileEditResult(string? DisplayName, string? Bio, string? NicknameColor, string? AvatarPath, bool? NotificationSoundEnabled, byte? NotificationVolume);
 
 /// <summary>
 /// A Terminal.Gui dialog for editing the user's profile (display name, bio, nickname color).
@@ -19,11 +20,11 @@ public sealed class ProfileEditDialog
     /// <summary>
     /// Shows the profile edit dialog and returns the result, or null if cancelled.
     /// </summary>
-    public static ProfileEditResult? Show(IApplication app, string? currentDisplayName, string? currentBio, string? currentColor)
+    public static ProfileEditResult? Show(IApplication app, string? currentDisplayName, string? currentBio, string? currentColor, bool notificationSoundEnabled = false, byte notificationVolume = 30)
     {
         ProfileEditResult? result = null;
 
-        var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Edit Profile", Width = 60, Height = 18 };
+        var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Edit Profile", Width = 60, Height = 26 };
 
         // Display Name
         var nameLabel = new Label
@@ -102,20 +103,99 @@ public sealed class ProfileEditDialog
             UpdateColorPreview(colorPreview, colorField.Text);
         };
 
+        // Avatar
+        var avatarLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "Avatar:",
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 10
+        };
+        var avatarField = new TextField
+        {
+            Text = "",
+            X = 17,
+            Y = 10,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(12)
+        };
+        var browseButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "Browse",
+            X = Pos.AnchorEnd(10),
+            Y = 10
+        };
+        var avatarHintLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "(file path or URL)",
+            X = 17,
+            Y = 11
+        };
+        avatarHintLabel.SetScheme(new Scheme
+        {
+            Normal = new Attribute(Color.DarkGray, Color.Blue)
+        });
+
+        browseButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            e.Handled = true;
+            var openDialog = new OpenDialog
+            {
+                Title = "Select Avatar Image",
+                OpenMode = OpenMode.File,
+            };
+            app.Run(openDialog);
+            if (openDialog.FilePaths.Count > 0)
+            {
+                avatarField.Text = openDialog.FilePaths[0];
+            }
+        };
+
+        // Notification Sound
+        var notifCheckbox = new CheckBox
+        {
+            Text = "Notification sound on @mention",
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 13,
+            Value = notificationSoundEnabled ? CheckState.Checked : CheckState.UnChecked
+        };
+
+        var volumeLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "Volume:",
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 15
+        };
+        var volumeField = new TextField
+        {
+            Text = notificationVolume.ToString(),
+            X = 17,
+            Y = 15,
+            Width = 6
+        };
+        var volumeHintLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "(0-100)",
+            X = 24,
+            Y = 15
+        };
+        volumeHintLabel.SetScheme(new Scheme
+        {
+            Normal = new Attribute(Color.DarkGray, Color.Blue)
+        });
+
         // Buttons
         var saveButton = new Button
         {
             Text = "Save",
             IsDefault = true,
             X = Pos.Center() - 10,
-            Y = 10
+            Y = 18
         };
 
         var cancelButton = new Button
         {
             Text = "Cancel",
             X = Pos.Center() + 5,
-            Y = 10
+            Y = 18
         };
 
         saveButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
@@ -123,8 +203,10 @@ public sealed class ProfileEditDialog
             var displayName = NullIfEmpty(nameField.Text?.Trim());
             var bio = NullIfEmpty(bioField.Text?.Trim());
             var nicknameColor = NullIfEmpty(colorField.Text?.Trim());
+            var avatarPath = NullIfEmpty(avatarField.Text?.Trim());
 
-            result = new ProfileEditResult(displayName, bio, nicknameColor);
+            byte? volume = byte.TryParse(volumeField.Text, out var v) ? Math.Min(v, (byte)100) : null;
+            result = new ProfileEditResult(displayName, bio, nicknameColor, avatarPath, notifCheckbox.Value == CheckState.Checked, volume);
             e.Handled = true;
             app.RequestStop();
         };
@@ -137,7 +219,10 @@ public sealed class ProfileEditDialog
         };
 
         dialog.Add(nameLabel, nameField, bioLabel, bioField, colorLabel, colorField,
-            colorHintLabel, previewLabel, colorPreview, saveButton, cancelButton);
+            colorHintLabel, previewLabel, colorPreview,
+            avatarLabel, avatarField, browseButton, avatarHintLabel,
+            notifCheckbox, volumeLabel, volumeField, volumeHintLabel,
+            saveButton, cancelButton);
 
         nameField.SetFocus();
         app.Run(dialog);
@@ -159,32 +244,13 @@ public sealed class ProfileEditDialog
             return;
         }
 
-        var color = ParseHexToTrueColor(hexColor.Trim());
+        var color = HexColorHelper.ParseHexToColor(hexColor.Trim(), Color.White);
         preview.SetScheme(new Scheme
         {
             Normal = new Attribute(color, Color.Blue)
         });
     }
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Parses a hex color string to a Terminal.Gui TrueColor Color.
-    /// V2 supports TrueColor via new Color(r, g, b).
-    /// </summary>
-    private static Color ParseHexToTrueColor(string hex)
-    {
-        if (hex.StartsWith('#'))
-            hex = hex[1..];
-
-        if (hex.Length != 6 || !int.TryParse(hex, System.Globalization.NumberStyles.HexNumber, null, out var rgb))
-            return Color.White;
-
-        int r = (rgb >> 16) & 0xFF;
-        int g = (rgb >> 8) & 0xFF;
-        int b = rgb & 0xFF;
-
-        return new Color(r, g, b);
-    }
-
     private static string? NullIfEmpty(string? value) =>
         string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(value) ? null : value;
 }

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/ProfileViewDialog.cs

@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
-using Terminal.Gui.App;
-using Terminal.Gui.Views;
-using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
-using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Helpers;
 using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
 using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+using Terminal.Gui.App;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
 using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
 
-namespace EchoHub.Client.UI;
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
 
 /// <summary>
 /// Action selected by the user in their own profile dialog.
@@ -111,7 +113,7 @@ public sealed class ProfileViewDialog
         // Color
         var colorLabel = new Label { Text = "Color:", X = 1, Y = row };
         var colorValue = new Label { Text = profile.NicknameColor ?? "-", X = 14, Y = row };
-        if (ColorHelper.ParseHexColor(profile.NicknameColor) is { } colorAttr)
+        if (HexColorHelper.ParseHexColor(profile.NicknameColor) is { } colorAttr)
             colorValue.SetScheme(new Scheme { Normal = colorAttr });
         dialog.Add(colorLabel, colorValue);
         row++;
@@ -140,12 +142,20 @@ public sealed class ProfileViewDialog
         dialog.Add(bioView);
         row += 3;
 
-        // ASCII Avatar
+        // ASCII Avatar — render with color tags
         if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(profile.AvatarAscii))
         {
             row++;
-            var avatarLines = profile.AvatarAscii.Split('\n').Length;
-            var avatarHeight = Math.Min(avatarLines + 2, 6);
+            var rawLines = profile.AvatarAscii.Split('\n');
+            var avatarSource = new ChatListSource();
+            foreach (var line in rawLines)
+            {
+                avatarSource.Add(ChatLine.HasColorTags(line)
+                    ? ChatLine.FromColoredText(line)
+                    : new ChatLine(line));
+            }
+
+            var avatarHeight = Math.Min(rawLines.Length + 2, 24);
             var avatarFrame = new FrameView
             {
                 Title = "Avatar",
@@ -154,9 +164,22 @@ public sealed class ProfileViewDialog
                 Width = Dim.Fill(2),
                 Height = avatarHeight
             };
-            avatarFrame.Add(new Label { Text = profile.AvatarAscii, X = 0, Y = 0 });
+            var avatarList = new ListView
+            {
+                X = 0,
+                Y = 0,
+                Width = Dim.Fill(),
+                Height = Dim.Fill(),
+                Source = avatarSource
+            };
+            avatarFrame.Add(avatarList);
             dialog.Add(avatarFrame);
-            // Grow dialog to fit avatar
+
+            // Grow dialog to fit avatar + widen for art
+            var artWidth = rawLines.Max(l => ChatLine.HasColorTags(l)
+                ? ChatLine.FromColoredText(l).TextLength
+                : l.Length);
+            dialog.Width = Math.Max(50, artWidth + 6);
             dialog.Height = row + avatarHeight + 4;
         }
 

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/StatusDialog.cs

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ using Terminal.Gui.Views;
 using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
 using EchoHub.Core.Models;
 
-namespace EchoHub.Client.UI;
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
 
 /// <summary>
 /// Result returned from the status dialog.

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/UpdateConfirmDialog.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+using Terminal.Gui.App;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
+
+public sealed class UpdateConfirmDialog
+{
+    public static bool Show(IApplication app, string currentVersion, string newVersion)
+    {
+        var confirmed = false;
+
+        var dialog = new Dialog { Title = "Update Available", Width = 50, Height = 10 };
+
+        var messageLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = $"A new version of EchoHub is available.\n\n  Current: {currentVersion}\n  Latest:  {newVersion}",
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 1,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(2),
+            Height = 4
+        };
+
+        var updateButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "Update",
+            IsDefault = true,
+            X = Pos.Center() - 10,
+            Y = 6
+        };
+
+        var cancelButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "Cancel",
+            X = Pos.Center() + 5,
+            Y = 6
+        };
+
+        updateButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            confirmed = true;
+            e.Handled = true;
+            app.RequestStop();
+        };
+
+        cancelButton.Accepting += (s, e) =>
+        {
+            confirmed = false;
+            e.Handled = true;
+            app.RequestStop();
+        };
+
+        dialog.Add(messageLabel, updateButton, cancelButton);
+        app.Run(dialog);
+
+        return confirmed;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Dialogs/UpdateProgressDialog.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+using Terminal.Gui.App;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Dialogs;
+
+public sealed class UpdateProgressDialog
+{
+    private readonly Dialog _dialog;
+    private readonly ProgressBar _progressBar;
+    private readonly Label _infoLabel;
+    private readonly IApplication _app;
+
+    public UpdateProgressDialog(IApplication app, string newVersion)
+    {
+        _app = app;
+
+        _dialog = new Dialog { Title = $"Updating to {newVersion}", Width = 50, Height = 10 };
+
+        _infoLabel = new Label
+        {
+            Text = "Preparing update...",
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 1,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(2)
+        };
+
+        _progressBar = new ProgressBar
+        {
+            X = 1,
+            Y = 3,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(2),
+            Fraction = 0f
+        };
+
+        var cancelButton = new Button
+        {
+            Text = "Cancel",
+            X = Pos.Center(),
+            Y = 6
+        };
+
+        _dialog.Add(_infoLabel, _progressBar);
+    }
+
+    public void UpdateProgress(float fraction, string statusText)
+    {
+        _progressBar.Fraction = fraction;
+        _infoLabel.Text = statusText;
+    }
+
+    public void Show()
+    {
+        _app.Run(_dialog);
+    }
+
+    public void Close()
+    {
+        _app.RequestStop();
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Helpers/EmojiHelper.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,333 @@
+using System.Globalization;
+using System.Text;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Helpers;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Converts emoji grapheme clusters to text shortcodes for safe TUI rendering.
+/// Terminal width calculations for emoji are unreliable across different terminals,
+/// so we replace them with fixed-width ASCII shortcodes for display only.
+/// </summary>
+public static class EmojiHelper
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Replace emoji graphemes in the text with :shortcode: equivalents.
+    /// Non-emoji text passes through unchanged.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static string ReplaceEmoji(string text)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(text))
+            return text;
+
+        // Quick check: if no characters above BMP or supplementary emoji ranges, skip processing
+        bool hasEmoji = false;
+        foreach (var rune in text.EnumerateRunes())
+        {
+            if (IsEmojiRune(rune))
+            {
+                hasEmoji = true;
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (!hasEmoji)
+            return text;
+
+        var sb = new StringBuilder(text.Length);
+        var enumerator = StringInfo.GetTextElementEnumerator(text);
+
+        while (enumerator.MoveNext())
+        {
+            var grapheme = enumerator.GetTextElement();
+
+            // Check if this grapheme contains emoji runes
+            bool graphemeHasEmoji = false;
+            foreach (var rune in grapheme.EnumerateRunes())
+            {
+                if (IsEmojiRune(rune))
+                {
+                    graphemeHasEmoji = true;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+
+            if (graphemeHasEmoji)
+            {
+                // Try to find a shortcode for the whole grapheme first
+                if (EmojiShortcodes.TryGetValue(grapheme, out var shortcode))
+                {
+                    sb.Append(shortcode);
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    // Try the base emoji (first rune only, stripping modifiers/ZWJ)
+                    var baseRune = GetBaseEmoji(grapheme);
+                    if (baseRune is not null && EmojiShortcodes.TryGetValue(baseRune, out shortcode))
+                    {
+                        sb.Append(shortcode);
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // Unknown emoji — use generic placeholder
+                        sb.Append("[emoji]");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                sb.Append(grapheme);
+            }
+        }
+
+        return sb.ToString();
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsEmojiRune(Rune rune)
+    {
+        var value = rune.Value;
+
+        // Common emoji ranges
+        if (value >= 0x1F600 && value <= 0x1F64F) return true; // Emoticons
+        if (value >= 0x1F300 && value <= 0x1F5FF) return true; // Misc Symbols & Pictographs
+        if (value >= 0x1F680 && value <= 0x1F6FF) return true; // Transport & Map
+        if (value >= 0x1F900 && value <= 0x1F9FF) return true; // Supplemental Symbols
+        if (value >= 0x1FA00 && value <= 0x1FA6F) return true; // Chess Symbols
+        if (value >= 0x1FA70 && value <= 0x1FAFF) return true; // Symbols Extended-A
+        if (value >= 0x2600 && value <= 0x26FF) return true;   // Misc Symbols
+        if (value >= 0x2700 && value <= 0x27BF) return true;   // Dingbats
+        if (value >= 0xFE00 && value <= 0xFE0F) return true;   // Variation Selectors
+        if (value >= 0x200D && value <= 0x200D) return true;   // ZWJ
+        if (value >= 0x1F1E0 && value <= 0x1F1FF) return true; // Regional Indicators (flags)
+        if (value >= 0x231A && value <= 0x23F3) return true;   // Misc Technical (watch, hourglass)
+        if (value >= 0x2934 && value <= 0x2935) return true;   // Arrows
+        if (value >= 0x25AA && value <= 0x25FE) return true;   // Geometric Shapes
+        if (value >= 0x2B05 && value <= 0x2B55) return true;   // Misc Symbols & Arrows
+        if (value >= 0x3030 && value <= 0x303D) return true;   // CJK Symbols
+        if (value == 0x00A9 || value == 0x00AE) return true;   // © ®
+        if (value == 0x2122) return true;                       // ™
+        if (value >= 0x1F000 && value <= 0x1F02F) return true;  // Mahjong & Dominos
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Extract the base emoji string (first non-modifier, non-ZWJ rune) for lookup.
+    /// </summary>
+    private static string? GetBaseEmoji(string grapheme)
+    {
+        foreach (var rune in grapheme.EnumerateRunes())
+        {
+            // Skip ZWJ, variation selectors, skin tone modifiers
+            if (rune.Value == 0x200D) continue;
+            if (rune.Value >= 0xFE00 && rune.Value <= 0xFE0F) continue;
+            if (rune.Value >= 0x1F3FB && rune.Value <= 0x1F3FF) continue;
+
+            if (IsEmojiRune(rune))
+                return rune.ToString();
+        }
+
+        return null;
+    }
+
+    // Common emoji → shortcode mapping (display-only, covers most frequently used emoji)
+    private static readonly Dictionary<string, string> EmojiShortcodes = new()
+    {
+        // Smileys & Emotion
+        ["\U0001F600"] = ":grinning:",
+        ["\U0001F601"] = ":grin:",
+        ["\U0001F602"] = ":joy:",
+        ["\U0001F603"] = ":smiley:",
+        ["\U0001F604"] = ":smile:",
+        ["\U0001F605"] = ":sweat_smile:",
+        ["\U0001F606"] = ":laughing:",
+        ["\U0001F607"] = ":innocent:",
+        ["\U0001F608"] = ":smiling_imp:",
+        ["\U0001F609"] = ":wink:",
+        ["\U0001F60A"] = ":blush:",
+        ["\U0001F60B"] = ":yum:",
+        ["\U0001F60C"] = ":relieved:",
+        ["\U0001F60D"] = ":heart_eyes:",
+        ["\U0001F60E"] = ":sunglasses:",
+        ["\U0001F60F"] = ":smirk:",
+        ["\U0001F610"] = ":neutral_face:",
+        ["\U0001F611"] = ":expressionless:",
+        ["\U0001F612"] = ":unamused:",
+        ["\U0001F613"] = ":sweat:",
+        ["\U0001F614"] = ":pensive:",
+        ["\U0001F615"] = ":confused:",
+        ["\U0001F616"] = ":confounded:",
+        ["\U0001F617"] = ":kissing:",
+        ["\U0001F618"] = ":kissing_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F619"] = ":kissing_smiling_eyes:",
+        ["\U0001F61A"] = ":kissing_closed_eyes:",
+        ["\U0001F61B"] = ":stuck_out_tongue:",
+        ["\U0001F61C"] = ":stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:",
+        ["\U0001F61D"] = ":stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:",
+        ["\U0001F61E"] = ":disappointed:",
+        ["\U0001F61F"] = ":worried:",
+        ["\U0001F620"] = ":angry:",
+        ["\U0001F621"] = ":rage:",
+        ["\U0001F622"] = ":cry:",
+        ["\U0001F623"] = ":persevere:",
+        ["\U0001F624"] = ":triumph:",
+        ["\U0001F625"] = ":disappointed_relieved:",
+        ["\U0001F626"] = ":frowning:",
+        ["\U0001F627"] = ":anguished:",
+        ["\U0001F628"] = ":fearful:",
+        ["\U0001F629"] = ":weary:",
+        ["\U0001F62A"] = ":sleepy:",
+        ["\U0001F62B"] = ":tired_face:",
+        ["\U0001F62C"] = ":grimacing:",
+        ["\U0001F62D"] = ":sob:",
+        ["\U0001F62E"] = ":open_mouth:",
+        ["\U0001F62F"] = ":hushed:",
+        ["\U0001F630"] = ":cold_sweat:",
+        ["\U0001F631"] = ":scream:",
+        ["\U0001F632"] = ":astonished:",
+        ["\U0001F633"] = ":flushed:",
+        ["\U0001F634"] = ":sleeping:",
+        ["\U0001F635"] = ":dizzy_face:",
+        ["\U0001F636"] = ":no_mouth:",
+        ["\U0001F637"] = ":mask:",
+        ["\U0001F641"] = ":slightly_frowning_face:",
+        ["\U0001F642"] = ":slightly_smiling_face:",
+        ["\U0001F643"] = ":upside_down_face:",
+        ["\U0001F644"] = ":roll_eyes:",
+        ["\U0001F910"] = ":zipper_mouth:",
+        ["\U0001F911"] = ":money_mouth:",
+        ["\U0001F912"] = ":thermometer_face:",
+        ["\U0001F913"] = ":nerd:",
+        ["\U0001F914"] = ":thinking:",
+        ["\U0001F915"] = ":head_bandage:",
+        ["\U0001F920"] = ":cowboy:",
+        ["\U0001F921"] = ":clown:",
+        ["\U0001F922"] = ":nauseated:",
+        ["\U0001F923"] = ":rofl:",
+        ["\U0001F924"] = ":drooling:",
+        ["\U0001F925"] = ":lying:",
+        ["\U0001F929"] = ":star_struck:",
+        ["\U0001F92A"] = ":zany:",
+        ["\U0001F92B"] = ":shushing:",
+        ["\U0001F92C"] = ":cursing:",
+        ["\U0001F92D"] = ":hand_over_mouth:",
+        ["\U0001F92E"] = ":vomiting:",
+        ["\U0001F92F"] = ":exploding_head:",
+        ["\U0001F970"] = ":smiling_face_with_hearts:",
+        ["\U0001F971"] = ":yawning:",
+        ["\U0001F972"] = ":smiling_with_tear:",
+        ["\U0001F973"] = ":partying:",
+        ["\U0001F974"] = ":woozy:",
+        ["\U0001F975"] = ":hot_face:",
+        ["\U0001F976"] = ":cold_face:",
+        ["\U0001F979"] = ":holding_back_tears:",
+        ["\U0001F97A"] = ":pleading:",
+        ["\U0001FAE0"] = ":melting:",
+        ["\U0001FAE1"] = ":saluting:",
+        ["\U0001FAE2"] = ":face_with_open_eyes_hand_over_mouth:",
+        ["\U0001FAE3"] = ":face_with_peeking_eye:",
+        ["\U0001FAE4"] = ":face_with_diagonal_mouth:",
+
+        // Gestures
+        ["\U0001F44D"] = ":+1:",
+        ["\U0001F44E"] = ":-1:",
+        ["\U0001F44B"] = ":wave:",
+        ["\U0001F44C"] = ":ok_hand:",
+        ["\U0001F44F"] = ":clap:",
+        ["\U0001F44A"] = ":fist:",
+        ["\U0001F91D"] = ":handshake:",
+        ["\U0001F91E"] = ":crossed_fingers:",
+        ["\U0001F91F"] = ":love_you:",
+        ["\U0001F918"] = ":metal:",
+        ["\U0001F919"] = ":call_me:",
+        ["\U0001F590"] = ":raised_hand:",
+        ["\U0001F4AA"] = ":muscle:",
+        ["\U0001F926"] = ":facepalm:",
+        ["\U0001F937"] = ":shrug:",
+        ["\U0001F64F"] = ":pray:",
+        ["\U0001F64C"] = ":raised_hands:",
+        ["\U0001F64B"] = ":raising_hand:",
+
+        // Hearts & Symbols
+        ["\u2764"] = "<3",
+        ["\U0001F494"] = "</3",
+        ["\U0001F495"] = ":two_hearts:",
+        ["\U0001F496"] = ":sparkling_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F497"] = ":heartpulse:",
+        ["\U0001F498"] = ":cupid:",
+        ["\U0001F499"] = ":blue_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F49A"] = ":green_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F49B"] = ":yellow_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F49C"] = ":purple_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F49D"] = ":gift_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F49E"] = ":revolving_hearts:",
+        ["\U0001F49F"] = ":heart_decoration:",
+        ["\U0001F90D"] = ":white_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F90E"] = ":brown_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F5A4"] = ":black_heart:",
+        ["\U0001F9E1"] = ":orange_heart:",
+
+        // Objects & Nature
+        ["\U0001F525"] = ":fire:",
+        ["\U0001F4A9"] = ":poop:",
+        ["\U0001F480"] = ":skull:",
+        ["\U0001F47B"] = ":ghost:",
+        ["\U0001F47D"] = ":alien:",
+        ["\U0001F916"] = ":robot:",
+        ["\U0001F4AF"] = ":100:",
+        ["\U0001F4A5"] = ":boom:",
+        ["\U0001F4A4"] = ":zzz:",
+        ["\U0001F4A2"] = ":anger:",
+        ["\U0001F4AC"] = ":speech_balloon:",
+        ["\U0001F440"] = ":eyes:",
+        ["\U0001F3B5"] = ":musical_note:",
+        ["\U0001F3B6"] = ":notes:",
+        ["\U0001F389"] = ":tada:",
+        ["\U0001F38A"] = ":confetti:",
+        ["\U0001F381"] = ":gift:",
+        ["\U0001F3C6"] = ":trophy:",
+        ["\U0001F4B0"] = ":money_bag:",
+        ["\U0001F4BB"] = ":computer:",
+        ["\U0001F4F1"] = ":phone:",
+        ["\U0001F4E7"] = ":email:",
+        ["\U0001F511"] = ":key:",
+        ["\U0001F512"] = ":lock:",
+        ["\U0001F513"] = ":unlock:",
+        ["\U0001F6A8"] = ":rotating_light:",
+        ["\U0001F6AB"] = ":no_entry:",
+
+        // Animals
+        ["\U0001F436"] = ":dog:",
+        ["\U0001F431"] = ":cat:",
+        ["\U0001F42D"] = ":mouse:",
+        ["\U0001F430"] = ":rabbit:",
+        ["\U0001F43B"] = ":bear:",
+        ["\U0001F427"] = ":penguin:",
+        ["\U0001F41D"] = ":bee:",
+        ["\U0001F40D"] = ":snake:",
+        ["\U0001F422"] = ":turtle:",
+
+        // Food & Drink
+        ["\U0001F355"] = ":pizza:",
+        ["\U0001F354"] = ":hamburger:",
+        ["\U0001F37A"] = ":beer:",
+        ["\U0001F377"] = ":wine:",
+        ["\U0001F370"] = ":cake:",
+        ["\u2615"] = ":coffee:",
+        ["\U0001F382"] = ":birthday:",
+
+        // Misc symbols (BMP)
+        ["\u2705"] = ":white_check_mark:",
+        ["\u274C"] = ":x:",
+        ["\u274E"] = ":negative_squared_cross_mark:",
+        ["\u2714"] = ":heavy_check_mark:",
+        ["\u2716"] = ":heavy_multiplication_x:",
+        ["\u26A0"] = ":warning:",
+        ["\u2B50"] = ":star:",
+        ["\u2728"] = ":sparkles:",
+        ["\u267B"] = ":recycle:",
+        ["\u2611"] = ":ballot_box_with_check:",
+        ["\u23F0"] = ":alarm_clock:",
+        ["\u231A"] = ":watch:",
+        ["\u231B"] = ":hourglass:",
+    };
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/Helpers/HexColorHelper.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.Helpers;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Helper to parse hex colors to Terminal.Gui Attributes.
+/// </summary>
+public static class HexColorHelper
+{
+    public static Attribute? ParseHexColor(string? hex)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(hex))
+            return null;
+
+        hex = hex.TrimStart('#');
+        if (hex.Length != 6)
+            return null;
+
+        try
+        {
+            var r = Convert.ToInt32(hex[..2], 16);
+            var g = Convert.ToInt32(hex[2..4], 16);
+            var b = Convert.ToInt32(hex[4..6], 16);
+            return new Attribute(new Color(r, g, b), Color.None);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Parse a hex color string (with or without #) to a Terminal.Gui Color.
+    /// Returns <paramref name="fallback"/> if parsing fails.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static Color ParseHexToColor(string? hex, Color fallback = default)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(hex))
+            return fallback;
+
+        var trimmed = hex.TrimStart('#');
+        if (trimmed.Length != 6)
+            return fallback;
+
+        try
+        {
+            var r = Convert.ToInt32(trimmed[..2], 16);
+            var g = Convert.ToInt32(trimmed[2..4], 16);
+            var b = Convert.ToInt32(trimmed[4..6], 16);
+            return new Color(r, g, b);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return fallback;
+        }
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/ListSources/ChannelListSource.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+using System.Collections;
+using System.Collections.Specialized;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.ListSources;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Custom list data source for colored channel list rendering.
+/// Active channel gets a > indicator, unread channels are bright with a count badge.
+/// </summary>
+public class ChannelListSource : IListDataSource
+{
+    private readonly List<string> _channelNames = [];
+    private readonly Dictionary<string, int> _unreadCounts = [];
+    private string _activeChannel = string.Empty;
+
+    public event NotifyCollectionChangedEventHandler? CollectionChanged;
+    public int Count => _channelNames.Count;
+    public int MaxItemLength { get; private set; }
+    public bool SuspendCollectionChangedEvent { get; set; }
+
+    private static readonly Attribute ActiveAttr = new(Color.White, Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute UnreadAttr = new(Color.BrightCyan, Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute NormalAttr = new(Color.DarkGray, Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute BadgeAttr = new(Color.BrightYellow, Color.None);
+
+    public void Update(List<string> channels, Dictionary<string, int> unread, string activeChannel)
+    {
+        _channelNames.Clear();
+        _channelNames.AddRange(channels);
+        _unreadCounts.Clear();
+        foreach (var kv in unread)
+            _unreadCounts[kv.Key] = kv.Value;
+        _activeChannel = activeChannel;
+        MaxItemLength = channels.Count > 0 ? channels.Max(c => c.Length + 6) : 0;
+        if (!SuspendCollectionChangedEvent)
+            CollectionChanged?.Invoke(this, new NotifyCollectionChangedEventArgs(NotifyCollectionChangedAction.Reset));
+    }
+
+    public bool IsMarked(int item) => false;
+    public void SetMark(int item, bool value) { }
+    public IList ToList() => _channelNames.Select(n => $"#{n}").ToList();
+
+    public void Render(ListView listView, bool selected, int item, int col, int row, int width, int viewportX = 0)
+    {
+        listView.Move(Math.Max(col - viewportX, 0), row);
+
+        var name = _channelNames[item];
+        var isActive = name == _activeChannel;
+        _unreadCounts.TryGetValue(name, out var unread);
+        var hasUnread = unread > 0;
+
+        var normalAttr = listView.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Normal);
+        var focusAttr = listView.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Focus);
+        var prefix = isActive ? "> " : "  ";
+        var channelText = $"#{name}";
+        var badge = hasUnread ? $" ({unread})" : "";
+
+        // Resolve Transparent backgrounds to the view's actual background
+        Attribute Resolve(Attribute attr) =>
+            attr.Background == Color.None ? attr with { Background = normalAttr.Background } : attr;
+
+        int drawnChars = 0;
+
+        if (selected)
+        {
+            listView.SetAttribute(focusAttr);
+            drawnChars = RenderHelpers.WriteText(listView, prefix + channelText + badge, drawnChars, width);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            listView.SetAttribute(Resolve(isActive ? ActiveAttr : NormalAttr));
+            drawnChars = RenderHelpers.WriteText(listView, prefix, drawnChars, width);
+
+            listView.SetAttribute(Resolve(isActive ? ActiveAttr : hasUnread ? UnreadAttr : NormalAttr));
+            drawnChars = RenderHelpers.WriteText(listView, channelText, drawnChars, width);
+
+            if (hasUnread)
+            {
+                listView.SetAttribute(Resolve(BadgeAttr));
+                drawnChars = RenderHelpers.WriteText(listView, badge, drawnChars, width);
+            }
+        }
+
+        var fillAttr = selected ? focusAttr : normalAttr;
+        listView.SetAttribute(fillAttr);
+        for (int i = drawnChars; i < width; i++)
+            listView.AddStr(" ");
+    }
+
+    public void Dispose() { }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/ListSources/UserListSource.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+using System.Collections;
+using System.Collections.Specialized;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
+using Terminal.Gui.Views;
+using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Client.UI.ListSources;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Custom list data source for the online users panel with per-user nickname colors.
+/// </summary>
+public class UserListSource : IListDataSource
+{
+    private readonly List<(string Text, Attribute? NameColor)> _users = [];
+
+    public event NotifyCollectionChangedEventHandler? CollectionChanged;
+    public int Count => _users.Count;
+    public int MaxItemLength { get; private set; }
+    public bool SuspendCollectionChangedEvent { get; set; }
+
+    public void Update(List<(string Text, Attribute? NameColor)> users)
+    {
+        _users.Clear();
+        _users.AddRange(users);
+        MaxItemLength = users.Count > 0 ? users.Max(u => u.Text.GetColumns()) : 0;
+        if (!SuspendCollectionChangedEvent)
+            CollectionChanged?.Invoke(this, new NotifyCollectionChangedEventArgs(NotifyCollectionChangedAction.Reset));
+    }
+
+    public bool IsMarked(int item) => false;
+    public void SetMark(int item, bool value) { }
+    public IList ToList() => _users.Select(u => u.Text).ToList();
+
+    public void Render(ListView listView, bool selected, int item, int col, int row, int width, int viewportX = 0)
+    {
+        listView.Move(Math.Max(col - viewportX, 0), row);
+
+        var (text, nameColor) = _users[item];
+        var normalAttr = listView.GetAttributeForRole(selected ? VisualRole.Focus : VisualRole.Normal);
+
+        // Find where the name starts (after status icon + space + optional role badge)
+        // Format: "● ★Username" or "● Username"
+        var graphemes = GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text).ToList();
+        int nameStart = 0;
+        while (nameStart < graphemes.Count)
+        {
+            var g = graphemes[nameStart];
+            if (g.Length > 0 && (char.IsLetterOrDigit(g[0]) || g[0] == '_'))
+                break;
+            nameStart++;
+        }
+
+        int drawnChars = 0;
+
+        // Draw prefix (status icon + role badge) in normal color
+        listView.SetAttribute(normalAttr);
+        for (int i = 0; i < nameStart; i++)
+        {
+            var cols = Math.Max(graphemes[i].GetColumns(), 1);
+            if (drawnChars + cols > width) break;
+            listView.AddStr(graphemes[i]);
+            drawnChars += cols;
+        }
+
+        // Draw name in nickname color
+        var userAttr = selected ? normalAttr : nameColor ?? normalAttr;
+        listView.SetAttribute(userAttr);
+        for (int i = nameStart; i < graphemes.Count; i++)
+        {
+            var cols = Math.Max(graphemes[i].GetColumns(), 1);
+            if (drawnChars + cols > width) break;
+            listView.AddStr(graphemes[i]);
+            drawnChars += cols;
+        }
+
+        // Fill rest
+        listView.SetAttribute(normalAttr);
+        for (int i = drawnChars; i < width; i++)
+            listView.AddStr(" ");
+    }
+
+    public void Dispose() { }
+}

src/EchoHub.Client/UI/MainWindow.cs

@@ -1,10 +1,14 @@
-using System.Collections.ObjectModel;
 using EchoHub.Client.Themes;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Chat;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.Helpers;
+using EchoHub.Client.UI.ListSources;
 using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
 using EchoHub.Core.Models;
 using Terminal.Gui.App;
 using Terminal.Gui.Configuration;
+using Terminal.Gui.Drawing;
 using Terminal.Gui.Input;
+using Terminal.Gui.Text;
 using Terminal.Gui.ViewBase;
 using Terminal.Gui.Views;
 using Attribute = Terminal.Gui.Drawing.Attribute;
@@ -21,14 +25,26 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     private readonly ListView _messageList;
     private readonly TextView _inputField;
     private readonly FrameView _chatFrame;
+    private readonly FrameView _inputFrame;
     private readonly Label _statusLabel;
     private readonly Label _topicLabel;
     private MenuBar _menuBar;
 
+    // Online users panel
+    private readonly FrameView _usersFrame;
+    private readonly ListView _usersList;
+    private readonly UserListSource _usersListSource;
+    private bool _usersPanelVisible = true;
+    private const int UsersPanelWidth = 22;
+    private static readonly Key F2Key = Key.F2;
+
+    internal static readonly string AppVersion =
+        typeof(MainWindow).Assembly.GetName().Version?.ToString(3) ?? "?";
+
     // Cached Key constants — compare via .KeyCode to avoid Key.Equals (which also checks Handled)
     private static readonly Key EnterKey = Key.Enter;
     private static readonly Key NewlineKey = Key.N.WithCtrl;
-    private static readonly Key CtrlCKey = Key.C.WithCtrl;
+    private static readonly Key AltQKey = Key.Q.WithAlt;
     private static readonly Key TabKey = Key.Tab;
 
     // Available slash commands for Tab autocomplete
@@ -36,15 +52,16 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     [
         "/status", "/nick", "/color", "/theme", "/send",
         "/avatar", "/profile", "/servers", "/join", "/leave",
-        "/topic", "/users", "/quit", "/help"
+        "/topic", "/users", "/kick", "/ban", "/unban",
+        "/mute", "/unmute", "/role", "/nuke", "/test-sound", "/quit", "/help"
     ];
 
     private readonly List<string> _channelNames = [];
-    private readonly Dictionary<string, List<ChatLine>> _channelMessages = [];
-    private readonly Dictionary<string, int> _channelUnread = [];
     private readonly Dictionary<string, string?> _channelTopics = [];
-    private string _currentChannel = string.Empty;
-    private string _currentUser = string.Empty;
+    private readonly Dictionary<string, bool> _channelPublic = [];
+    private readonly ChannelListSource _channelListSource;
+    private readonly ChatMessageManager _messageManager;
+    private string _connectionStatus = "Disconnected";
     private int _lastChatWidth;
 
     /// <summary>
@@ -67,6 +84,11 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     /// </summary>
     public event Action? OnDisconnectRequested;
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Fired when the user requests to logout (disconnect + revoke session).
+    /// </summary>
+    public event Action? OnLogoutRequested;
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Fired when the user requests to open their profile panel.
     /// </summary>
@@ -92,9 +114,26 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     /// </summary>
     public event Action? OnCreateChannelRequested;
 
-    public MainWindow(IApplication app)
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Fired when the user requests to delete the current channel.
+    /// </summary>
+    public event Action? OnDeleteChannelRequested;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Fired when the user activates (Enter/click) an audio message. Parameters: attachmentUrl, fileName.
+    /// </summary>
+    public event Action<string, string>? OnAudioPlayRequested;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Fired when the user activates (Enter/click) a file message. Parameters: attachmentUrl, fileName.
+    /// </summary>
+    public event Action<string, string>? OnFileDownloadRequested;
+
+    public MainWindow(IApplication app, ChatMessageManager messageManager)
     {
         _app = app;
+        _messageManager = messageManager;
+        _messageManager.MessagesChanged += OnMessagesChanged;
         Arrangement = ViewArrangement.Fixed;
 
         // Menu bar at the top
@@ -107,7 +146,7 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
             Title = "Channels",
             X = 0,
             Y = 1, // below menu bar
-            Width = 25,
+            Width = 22,
             Height = Dim.Fill(1) // leave room for status bar
         };
 
@@ -118,7 +157,8 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
             Width = Dim.Fill(),
             Height = Dim.Fill()
         };
-        _channelList.SetSource(new ObservableCollection<string>(_channelNames));
+        _channelListSource = new ChannelListSource();
+        _channelList.Source = _channelListSource;
         _channelList.ValueChanged += OnChannelListSelectionChanged;
         channelsFrame.Add(_channelList);
         Add(channelsFrame);
@@ -127,9 +167,9 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         _topicLabel = new Label
         {
             Text = "",
-            X = 25,
+            X = 22,
             Y = 1,
-            Width = Dim.Fill(),
+            Width = Dim.Fill(UsersPanelWidth),
             Height = 1,
             Visible = false
         };
@@ -139,9 +179,9 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         _chatFrame = new FrameView
         {
             Title = "Chat",
-            X = 25,
+            X = 22,
             Y = 1, // below menu bar (shifts to 2 when topic is visible)
-            Width = Dim.Fill(),
+            Width = Dim.Fill(UsersPanelWidth),
             Height = Dim.Fill(6) // leave room for input area and status bar
         };
 
@@ -153,16 +193,17 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
             Height = Dim.Fill()
         };
         _messageList.Source = new ChatListSource();
+        _messageList.Accepting += OnMessageListAccepting;
         _chatFrame.Add(_messageList);
         Add(_chatFrame);
 
         // Bottom input area
-        var inputFrame = new FrameView
+        _inputFrame = new FrameView
         {
-            Title = "Message (Enter=send, Ctrl+N=newline, Tab=autocomplete)",
-            X = 25,
+            Title = "Message \u2502 Enter=send \u2502 Ctrl+N=newline \u2502 Tab=complete",
+            X = 22,
             Y = Pos.Bottom(_chatFrame),
-            Width = Dim.Fill(),
+            Width = Dim.Fill(UsersPanelWidth),
             Height = 5
         };
 
@@ -175,19 +216,43 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
             WordWrap = true
         };
         _inputField.KeyDown += OnInputKeyDown;
-        inputFrame.Add(_inputField);
-        Add(inputFrame);
+        _inputField.ContentsChanged += OnInputContentsChanged;
+        _inputFrame.Add(_inputField);
+        Add(_inputFrame);
 
-        // Status bar at the very bottom
+        // Right panel - online users
+        _usersFrame = new FrameView
+        {
+            Title = "Users",
+            X = Pos.AnchorEnd(UsersPanelWidth),
+            Y = 1,
+            Width = UsersPanelWidth,
+            Height = Dim.Fill(1)
+        };
+
+        _usersList = new ListView
+        {
+            X = 0,
+            Y = 0,
+            Width = Dim.Fill(),
+            Height = Dim.Fill()
+        };
+        _usersListSource = new UserListSource();
+        _usersList.Source = _usersListSource;
+        _usersFrame.Add(_usersList);
+        Add(_usersFrame);
+
+        // Status bar at the very bottom — custom drawing for colored connection state
         _statusLabel = new Label
         {
-            Text = "Disconnected",
+            Text = "",
             X = 0,
             Y = Pos.AnchorEnd(1),
             Width = Dim.Fill(),
             Height = 1
         };
         _statusLabel.SetScheme(SchemeManager.GetScheme("Menu"));
+        _statusLabel.DrawingContent += OnStatusBarDrawContent;
         Add(_statusLabel);
 
         // Apply our custom color schemes to all views
@@ -198,7 +263,7 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         _messageList.ViewportChanged += (_, _) => OnChatViewportChanged();
         _chatFrame.ViewportChanged += (_, _) => OnChatViewportChanged();
 
-        // Window-level key handling for Ctrl+C (quit)
+        // Window-level key handling for Alt+Q (quit), F2 (toggle users panel)
         KeyDown += OnWindowKeyDown;
     }
 
@@ -263,9 +328,14 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
             {
                 new MenuItem("_Connect...", "Connect to a server", () => OnConnectRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty),
                 new MenuItem("_Disconnect", "Disconnect from server", () => OnDisconnectRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty),
+                new MenuItem("_Logout", "Logout and clear session", () => OnLogoutRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty),
                 new Line(),
                 new MenuItem("New C_hannel...", "Create a new channel", () => OnCreateChannelRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty),
-                new MenuItem("_Saved Servers...", "View saved servers", () => OnSavedServersRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty)
+                new MenuItem("_Delete Channel", "Delete the current channel", () => OnDeleteChannelRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty),
+                new Line(),
+                new MenuItem("_Saved Servers...", "View saved servers", () => OnSavedServersRequested?.Invoke(), Key.Empty),
+                new Line(),
+                new MenuItem("Toggle _Users Panel", "Toggle online users (F2)", () => ToggleUsersPanel(), Key.Empty)
             }),
             new MenuBarItem("_User", allUserItems)
         ]);
@@ -303,7 +373,7 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         if (index.HasValue && index.Value >= 0 && index.Value < _channelNames.Count)
         {
             var channelName = _channelNames[index.Value];
-            if (channelName != _currentChannel)
+            if (channelName != _messageManager.CurrentChannel)
             {
                 SwitchToChannel(channelName);
                 OnChannelSelected?.Invoke(channelName);
@@ -311,6 +381,31 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         }
     }
 
+    private void OnMessageListAccepting(object? sender, CommandEventArgs e)
+    {
+        if (_messageList.Source is not ChatListSource source)
+            return;
+
+        var index = _messageList.SelectedItem;
+        if (!index.HasValue || index.Value < 0 || index.Value >= source.Count)
+            return;
+
+        var line = source.GetLine(index.Value);
+        if (line?.AttachmentUrl is null || line.AttachmentFileName is null)
+            return;
+
+        if (line.Type == MessageType.Audio)
+        {
+            OnAudioPlayRequested?.Invoke(line.AttachmentUrl, line.AttachmentFileName);
+            e.Handled = true;
+        }
+        else if (line.Type == MessageType.File)
+        {
+            OnFileDownloadRequested?.Invoke(line.AttachmentUrl, line.AttachmentFileName);
+            e.Handled = true;
+        }
+    }
+
     private void OnInputKeyDown(object? sender, Key e)
     {
         if (e.KeyCode == TabKey.KeyCode)
@@ -326,20 +421,45 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         else if (e.KeyCode == EnterKey.KeyCode)
         {
             var text = _inputField.Text?.Trim() ?? string.Empty;
-            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(text) && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(_currentChannel))
+            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(text) && !string.IsNullOrEmpty(_messageManager.CurrentChannel))
             {
-                OnMessageSubmitted?.Invoke(_currentChannel, text);
+                OnMessageSubmitted?.Invoke(_messageManager.CurrentChannel, text);
                 _inputField.Text = string.Empty;
             }
             e.Handled = true;
         }
-        else if (e.KeyCode == CtrlCKey.KeyCode)
+        else if (e.KeyCode == AltQKey.KeyCode)
         {
             _app.RequestStop();
             e.Handled = true;
         }
     }
 
+    private bool _suppressEmojiReplace;
+
+    private void OnInputContentsChanged(object? sender, ContentsChangedEventArgs e)
+    {
+        if (_suppressEmojiReplace)
+            return;
+
+        var text = _inputField.Text;
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(text))
+            return;
+
+        var replaced = EmojiHelper.ReplaceEmoji(text);
+        if (replaced == text)
+            return;
+
+        // Calculate where cursor should land after replacement
+        var lengthDelta = replaced.Length - text.Length;
+        var newCol = Math.Max(0, _inputField.CurrentColumn + lengthDelta);
+
+        _suppressEmojiReplace = true;
+        _inputField.Text = replaced;
+        _inputField.InsertionPoint = new System.Drawing.Point(newCol, _inputField.CurrentRow);
+        _suppressEmojiReplace = false;
+    }
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Tab-complete slash commands in the input field.
     /// </summary>
@@ -380,99 +500,31 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
         if (newWidth > 0 && newWidth != _lastChatWidth)
         {
             _lastChatWidth = newWidth;
+            _messageManager.SetChatWidth(newWidth);
             RefreshMessages();
         }
     }
 
     private void OnWindowKeyDown(object? sender, Key e)
     {
-        // Ctrl+C quits from anywhere
-        if (e.KeyCode == CtrlCKey.KeyCode)
+        if (e.KeyCode == AltQKey.KeyCode)
         {
             _app.RequestStop();
             e.Handled = true;
         }
+        else if (e.KeyCode == F2Key.KeyCode)
+        {
+            ToggleUsersPanel();
+            e.Handled = true;
+        }
     }
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Add a message to the specified channel's message list and refresh if it is the current channel.
-    /// Tracks unread count for non-active channels.
-    /// </summary>
-    public void AddMessage(MessageDto message)
+    private void OnMessagesChanged(string channelName)
     {
-        var lines = FormatMessage(message);
-        if (!_channelMessages.TryGetValue(message.ChannelName, out var messages))
-        {
-            messages = [];
-            _channelMessages[message.ChannelName] = messages;
-        }
-
-        foreach (var line in lines)
-        {
-            messages.Add(line);
-        }
-
-        if (message.ChannelName == _currentChannel)
-        {
+        if (channelName == _messageManager.CurrentChannel)
             RefreshMessages();
-        }
         else
-        {
-            // Increment unread count for non-active channels
-            _channelUnread.TryGetValue(message.ChannelName, out var count);
-            _channelUnread[message.ChannelName] = count + 1;
             RefreshChannelList();
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Add a system/informational message to a channel with colored styling.
-    /// </summary>
-    public void AddSystemMessage(string channelName, string text)
-    {
-        var time = DateTimeOffset.Now.ToString("HH:mm");
-        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
-        {
-            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
-            new($"** {text}", ChatColors.SystemAttr)
-        };
-
-        if (!_channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages))
-        {
-            messages = [];
-            _channelMessages[channelName] = messages;
-        }
-        messages.Add(new ChatLine(segments));
-
-        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
-        {
-            RefreshMessages();
-        }
-    }
-
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Add a status change message to a channel with colored styling.
-    /// </summary>
-    public void AddStatusMessage(string channelName, string username, string status)
-    {
-        var time = DateTimeOffset.Now.ToString("HH:mm");
-        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
-        {
-            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
-            new($"** {username} is now {status}", ChatColors.SystemAttr)
-        };
-
-        if (!_channelMessages.TryGetValue(channelName, out var messages))
-        {
-            messages = [];
-            _channelMessages[channelName] = messages;
-        }
-        messages.Add(new ChatLine(segments));
-
-        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
-        {
-            RefreshMessages();
-        }
     }
 
     /// <summary>
@@ -482,23 +534,49 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     {
         _channelNames.Clear();
         _channelTopics.Clear();
+        _channelPublic.Clear();
         foreach (var ch in channels)
         {
             _channelNames.Add(ch.Name);
             _channelTopics[ch.Name] = ch.Topic;
-            if (!_channelMessages.ContainsKey(ch.Name))
-                _channelMessages[ch.Name] = [];
+            _channelPublic[ch.Name] = ch.IsPublic;
         }
         RefreshChannelList();
     }
 
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Ensure a channel exists in the left panel list (used for private channels joined via /join).
+    /// </summary>
+    public void EnsureChannelInList(string channelName, bool? isPublic = null)
+    {
+        if (isPublic.HasValue)
+            _channelPublic[channelName] = isPublic.Value;
+
+        if (_channelNames.Contains(channelName))
+            return;
+
+        _channelNames.Add(channelName);
+        RefreshChannelList();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Remove a channel from the left panel list.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void RemoveChannel(string channelName)
+    {
+        _channelNames.Remove(channelName);
+        _channelTopics.Remove(channelName);
+        _channelPublic.Remove(channelName);
+        RefreshChannelList();
+    }
+
     /// <summary>
     /// Update the topic for a specific channel.
     /// </summary>
     public void SetChannelTopic(string channelName, string? topic)
     {
         _channelTopics[channelName] = topic;
-        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
+        if (channelName == _messageManager.CurrentChannel)
             UpdateTopicBar();
     }
 
@@ -515,23 +593,92 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     /// </summary>
     public void UpdateStatusBar(string status)
     {
-        var userPart = string.IsNullOrEmpty(_currentUser) ? "" : $" | User: {_currentUser}";
-        var channelPart = string.IsNullOrEmpty(_currentChannel) ? "" : $" | #{_currentChannel}";
-        _statusLabel.Text = $" {status}{userPart}{channelPart}";
+        _connectionStatus = status;
+        _statusLabel.SetNeedsDraw();
+    }
+
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusConnectedAttr = new(new Color(0, 200, 0), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusDisconnectedAttr = new(new Color(220, 50, 50), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusTransitionalAttr = new(new Color(220, 180, 0), Color.None);
+    private static readonly Attribute StatusBrandAttr = new(new Color(218, 165, 32), Color.None);
+
+    private void OnStatusBarDrawContent(object? sender, DrawEventArgs e)
+    {
+        var menuScheme = SchemeManager.GetScheme("Menu");
+        var normalAttr = menuScheme?.Normal ?? _statusLabel.GetAttributeForRole(VisualRole.Normal);
+        var width = _statusLabel.Viewport.Width;
+        if (width <= 0) return;
+
+        // Resolve None background for colored segments
+        var bg = normalAttr.Background;
+        Attribute Resolve(Attribute a) => a.Background == Color.None ? a with { Background = bg } : a;
+
+        int col = 0;
+
+        void Write(string text, Attribute attr)
+        {
+            _statusLabel.SetAttribute(Resolve(attr));
+            foreach (var g in GraphemeHelper.GetGraphemes(text))
+            {
+                var cols = Math.Max(g.GetColumns(), 1);
+                if (col + cols > width) return;
+                _statusLabel.Move(col, 0);
+                _statusLabel.AddStr(g);
+                col += cols;
+            }
+        }
+
+        // EchoHub branding
+        Write(" EchoHub", Resolve(StatusBrandAttr));
+        Write($" \u2502 v{AppVersion} \u2502 ", normalAttr);
+
+        // Connection state with color
+        var statusAttr = _connectionStatus switch
+        {
+            "Connected" => StatusConnectedAttr,
+            "Disconnected" => StatusDisconnectedAttr,
+            _ => StatusTransitionalAttr // Connecting, Reconnecting, Authenticating, etc.
+        };
+        Write(_connectionStatus, Resolve(statusAttr));
+
+        // User
+        var currentUser = _messageManager.CurrentUser;
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(currentUser))
+            Write($" \u2502 User: {currentUser}", normalAttr);
+
+        // Channel + type
+        var currentChannel = _messageManager.CurrentChannel;
+        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(currentChannel))
+        {
+            _channelPublic.TryGetValue(currentChannel, out var isPublic);
+            var typeSuffix = isPublic ? "public" : "private";
+            Write($" \u2502 #{currentChannel} - {typeSuffix}", normalAttr);
+        }
+
+        // Fill remaining space
+        _statusLabel.SetAttribute(normalAttr);
+        while (col < width)
+        {
+            _statusLabel.Move(col, 0);
+            _statusLabel.AddStr(" ");
+            col++;
+        }
+
+        e.Cancel = true;
     }
 
     /// <summary>
-    /// Set the current user name for display in the status bar.
+    /// Set the current user name (delegates to message manager for @mention detection).
     /// </summary>
     public void SetCurrentUser(string username)
     {
-        _currentUser = username;
+        _messageManager.SetCurrentUser(username);
     }
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Get the current channel name.
     /// </summary>
-    public string CurrentChannel => _currentChannel;
+    public string CurrentChannel => _messageManager.CurrentChannel;
 
     /// <summary>
     /// Get all channel names that have message buffers (for broadcasting status changes).
@@ -543,15 +690,15 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     /// </summary>
     public void SwitchToChannel(string channelName)
     {
-        _currentChannel = channelName;
+        _messageManager.CurrentChannel = channelName;
         _chatFrame.Title = $"#{channelName}";
 
-        // Reset unread count for this channel
-        _channelUnread[channelName] = 0;
+        _messageManager.ClearUnread(channelName);
         RefreshChannelList();
 
         RefreshMessages();
         UpdateTopicBar();
+        _statusLabel.SetNeedsDraw();
 
         // Update channel list selection
         var idx = _channelNames.IndexOf(channelName);
@@ -559,36 +706,23 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
             _channelList.SelectedItem = idx;
     }
 
-    /// <summary>
-    /// Load historical messages into a channel, replacing any existing messages.
-    /// </summary>
-    public void LoadHistory(string channelName, List<MessageDto> messages)
-    {
-        var formatted = messages.SelectMany(FormatMessage).ToList();
-        _channelMessages[channelName] = formatted;
-
-        if (channelName == _currentChannel)
-        {
-            RefreshMessages();
-        }
-    }
-
-
     /// <summary>
     /// Clear all messages and channels (used on disconnect).
     /// </summary>
     public void ClearAll()
     {
         _channelNames.Clear();
-        _channelMessages.Clear();
-        _channelUnread.Clear();
+        _messageManager.ClearAll();
         _channelTopics.Clear();
-        _currentChannel = string.Empty;
-        _currentUser = string.Empty;
-        _channelList.SetSource(new ObservableCollection<string>(_channelNames));
+        _channelPublic.Clear();
+        _channelListSource.Update([], [], string.Empty);
+        _channelList.Source = _channelListSource;
         _chatFrame.Title = "Chat";
         _topicLabel.Visible = false;
         _chatFrame.Y = 1;
+        _usersListSource.Update([]);
+        _usersList.Source = _usersListSource;
+        _usersFrame.Title = "Users";
         RefreshMessages();
     }
 
@@ -602,7 +736,8 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
 
     private void RefreshMessages()
     {
-        if (_channelMessages.TryGetValue(_currentChannel, out var messages))
+        var messages = _messageManager.GetMessages(_messageManager.CurrentChannel);
+        if (messages is not null)
         {
             var width = _messageList.Viewport.Width;
 
@@ -640,16 +775,11 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     /// </summary>
     private void RefreshChannelList()
     {
-        var displayNames = _channelNames.Select(name =>
-        {
-            _channelUnread.TryGetValue(name, out var unread);
-            return unread > 0 ? $"#{name} ({unread})" : $"#{name}";
-        }).ToList();
-
-        _channelList.SetSource(new ObservableCollection<string>(displayNames));
+        _channelListSource.Update(_channelNames, _messageManager.GetUnreadCounts(), _messageManager.CurrentChannel);
+        _channelList.Source = _channelListSource;
 
         // Restore selection to current channel
-        var idx = _channelNames.IndexOf(_currentChannel);
+        var idx = _channelNames.IndexOf(_messageManager.CurrentChannel);
         if (idx >= 0)
             _channelList.SelectedItem = idx;
     }
@@ -659,7 +789,7 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     /// </summary>
     private void UpdateTopicBar()
     {
-        _channelTopics.TryGetValue(_currentChannel, out var topic);
+        _channelTopics.TryGetValue(_messageManager.CurrentChannel, out var topic);
         if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(topic))
         {
             _topicLabel.Text = $" Topic: {topic}";
@@ -674,70 +804,58 @@ public sealed class MainWindow : Runnable
     }
 
     /// <summary>
-    /// Format a message DTO into one or more display lines based on its MessageType.
-    /// Timestamps are dimmed and sender names are colored.
+    /// Adjusts widths of chat, topic, and input frames based on users panel visibility.
     /// </summary>
-    private static List<ChatLine> FormatMessage(MessageDto message)
+    private void UpdateLayout()
     {
-        var time = message.SentAt.ToLocalTime().ToString("HH:mm");
-        var senderName = message.SenderUsername + ":";
-        var senderColor = ColorHelper.ParseHexColor(message.SenderNicknameColor);
-
-        var lines = new List<ChatLine>();
-
-        switch (message.Type)
-        {
-            case MessageType.Image:
-                lines.Add(BuildChatLine(time, senderName, senderColor, " [Image]"));
-                // Content IS the ASCII art — add each line as a separate list item
-                if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(message.Content))
-                {
-                    foreach (var artLine in message.Content.Split('\n'))
-                    {
-                        // Parse ANSI color codes from colored ASCII art
-                        var trimmed = artLine.TrimEnd('\r');
-                        if (trimmed.Contains('\x1b'))
-                            lines.Add(ChatLine.FromAnsi("       " + trimmed));
-                        else
-                            lines.Add(new ChatLine($"       {trimmed}"));
-                    }
-                }
-                break;
-
-            case MessageType.File:
-                var fileName = message.AttachmentFileName ?? "unknown";
-                var fileContent = !string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(message.Content) ? $" {message.Content}" : "";
-                lines.Add(BuildChatLine(time, senderName, senderColor, $" [File: {fileName}]{fileContent}"));
-                break;
-
-            case MessageType.Text:
-            default:
-                var contentLines = message.Content.Split('\n');
-                var firstLine = contentLines[0].TrimEnd('\r');
-                lines.Add(BuildChatLine(time, senderName, senderColor, $" {firstLine}"));
-                // Continuation lines indented to align with first line's content
-                var indent = new string(' ', $"[{time}] {senderName} ".Length);
-                for (int i = 1; i < contentLines.Length; i++)
-                {
-                    lines.Add(new ChatLine($"{indent}{contentLines[i].TrimEnd('\r')}"));
-                }
-                break;
-        }
-
-        return lines;
+        var rightMargin = _usersPanelVisible ? UsersPanelWidth : 0;
+        _chatFrame.Width = Dim.Fill(rightMargin);
+        _topicLabel.Width = Dim.Fill(rightMargin);
+        _inputFrame.Width = Dim.Fill(rightMargin);
+        _usersFrame.Visible = _usersPanelVisible;
+        SetNeedsDraw();
     }
 
     /// <summary>
-    /// Build a chat line with a dimmed timestamp and optionally colored sender name.
+    /// Toggle the online users panel visibility (F2).
     /// </summary>
-    private static ChatLine BuildChatLine(string time, string senderName, Attribute? senderColor, string suffix)
+    public void ToggleUsersPanel()
     {
-        var segments = new List<ChatSegment>
-        {
-            new($"[{time}] ", ChatColors.TimestampAttr),
-            new(senderName, senderColor),
-            new(suffix, null)
-        };
-        return new ChatLine(segments);
+        _usersPanelVisible = !_usersPanelVisible;
+        UpdateLayout();
     }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Update the online users list display.
+    /// </summary>
+    public void UpdateOnlineUsers(List<UserPresenceDto> users)
+    {
+        var displayItems = users.Select(u =>
+        {
+            var statusIcon = u.Status switch
+            {
+                UserStatus.Online => "\u25cf", // ●
+                UserStatus.Away => "\u25cb",   // ○
+                UserStatus.DoNotDisturb => "\u25d0", // ◐
+                UserStatus.Invisible => "\u25cc",    // ◌
+                _ => " "
+            };
+            var name = u.DisplayName ?? u.Username;
+            var roleTag = u.Role switch
+            {
+                ServerRole.Owner => "\u2605", // ★
+                ServerRole.Admin => "\u2666", // ♦
+                ServerRole.Mod => "\u2740",   // ❀
+                _ => ""
+            };
+            var text = $"{statusIcon} {roleTag}{name}";
+            var nameColor = HexColorHelper.ParseHexColor(u.NicknameColor);
+            return (text, nameColor);
+        }).ToList();
+
+        _usersListSource.Update(displayItems);
+        _usersList.Source = _usersListSource;
+        _usersFrame.Title = $"Users ({users.Count})";
+    }
+
 }

src/EchoHub.Core/Constants/HubConstants.cs

@@ -4,10 +4,21 @@ public static class HubConstants
 {
     public const string ChatHubPath = "/hubs/chat";
     public const string DefaultChannel = "general";
-    public const int DefaultHistoryCount = 50;
+    public const int DefaultHistoryCount = 100;
     public const int MaxMessageLength = 2000;
-    public const int MaxFileSizeBytes = 10 * 1024 * 1024; // 10 MB
+    public const int MaxImageSizeBytes = 10 * 1024 * 1024; // 10 MB
+    public const int MaxAudioFileSizeBytes = 10 * 1024 * 1024; // 10 MB
+    public const int MaxFileSizeBytes = 100 * 1024 * 1024; // 100 MB
     public const int MaxAvatarSizeBytes = 2 * 1024 * 1024; // 2 MB
+    public const int MaxMessageNewlines = 30;
+    public const int MaxConsecutiveNewlines = 1;
     public const int AsciiArtWidth = 80;
     public const int AsciiArtHeight = 40;
+    public const int AsciiArtHeightHalfBlock = 80;
+
+    // Link embed constants
+    public const int EmbedMaxDescriptionLength = 500;
+    public const int EmbedMaxHtmlBytes = 64 * 1024; // 64 KB
+    public const int EmbedFetchTimeoutSeconds = 5;
+    public const int EmbedMaxUrlsPerMessage = 3;
 }

src/EchoHub.Core/Contracts/IChannelService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+
+public interface IChannelService
+{
+    // Channel CRUD
+    Task<PaginatedResponse<ChannelDto>> GetChannelsAsync(Guid userId, int offset, int limit);
+    Task<ChannelOperationResult> CreateChannelAsync(Guid creatorUserId, string name, string? topic, bool isPublic);
+    Task<ChannelOperationResult> UpdateTopicAsync(Guid callerUserId, string channelName, string? topic);
+    Task<ChannelOperationResult> DeleteChannelAsync(Guid callerUserId, string channelName);
+
+    // Channel queries
+    Task<(string? Topic, bool Exists)> GetChannelTopicAsync(string channelName);
+    Task<List<ChannelListItem>> GetChannelListAsync();
+    Task<ChannelDto?> GetChannelByNameAsync(string channelName);
+
+    // Membership
+    Task<(bool Success, string? Error)> EnsureChannelMembershipAsync(Guid userId, string channelName);
+}
+
+public record ChannelListItem(string Name, string? Topic, int OnlineCount);

src/EchoHub.Core/Contracts/IChatBroadcaster.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+
+public interface IChatBroadcaster
+{
+    Task SendMessageToChannelAsync(string channelName, MessageDto message);
+    Task SendUserJoinedAsync(string channelName, string username, string? excludeConnectionId = null);
+    Task SendUserLeftAsync(string channelName, string username);
+    Task SendChannelUpdatedAsync(ChannelDto channel, string? channelName = null);
+    Task SendUserStatusChangedAsync(List<string> channelNames, UserPresenceDto presence);
+    Task SendUserKickedAsync(string channelName, string username, string? reason);
+    Task SendUserBannedAsync(string username, string? reason);
+    Task SendMessageDeletedAsync(string channelName, Guid messageId);
+    Task SendChannelNukedAsync(string channelName);
+    Task SendErrorAsync(string connectionId, string message);
+    Task ForceDisconnectUserAsync(List<string> connectionIds, string reason);
+}

src/EchoHub.Core/Contracts/IChatService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+
+public interface IChatService
+{
+    // Connection lifecycle
+    Task UserConnectedAsync(string connectionId, Guid userId, string username);
+    Task<string?> UserDisconnectedAsync(string connectionId);
+
+    // Channel operations
+    Task<(List<MessageDto> History, string? Error)> JoinChannelAsync(string connectionId, Guid userId, string username, string channelName);
+    Task LeaveChannelAsync(string connectionId, string username, string channelName);
+
+    // Messaging
+    Task<string?> SendMessageAsync(Guid userId, string username, string channelName, string content);
+    Task<List<MessageDto>> GetChannelHistoryAsync(string channelName, int count);
+
+    // Presence
+    Task<string?> UpdateStatusAsync(Guid userId, string username, UserStatus status, string? statusMessage);
+    Task<List<UserPresenceDto>> GetOnlineUsersAsync(string channelName);
+
+    // Broadcasting (used by controllers and IRC gateway)
+    Task BroadcastMessageAsync(string channelName, MessageDto message);
+    Task BroadcastChannelUpdatedAsync(ChannelDto channel, string? channelName = null);
+
+    // Query operations (used by IRC gateway for WHOIS, AUTH)
+    Task<UserProfileDto?> GetUserProfileAsync(string username);
+    Task<List<string>> GetChannelsForUserAsync(string username);
+    Task<(Guid UserId, string Username)?> AuthenticateUserAsync(string username, string password);
+}

src/EchoHub.Core/Contracts/IEchoHubClient.cs

@@ -12,5 +12,10 @@ public interface IEchoHubClient
     Task UserLeft(string channelName, string username);
     Task ChannelUpdated(ChannelDto channel);
     Task UserStatusChanged(UserPresenceDto presence);
+    Task UserKicked(string channelName, string username, string? reason);
+    Task UserBanned(string username, string? reason);
+    Task MessageDeleted(string channelName, Guid messageId);
+    Task ChannelNuked(string channelName);
+    Task ForceDisconnect(string reason);
     Task Error(string message);
 }

src/EchoHub.Core/Contracts/IMessageEncryptionService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+namespace EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+
+public interface IMessageEncryptionService
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Whether database content should be encrypted at rest (server setting).
+    /// </summary>
+    bool EncryptDatabaseEnabled { get; }
+
+    string Encrypt(string plaintext);
+    string Decrypt(string content);
+    string? EncryptNullable(string? value);
+    string? DecryptNullable(string? value);
+}

src/EchoHub.Core/DTOs/ChatDtos.cs

@@ -11,12 +11,15 @@ public record MessageDto(
     MessageType Type,
     string? AttachmentUrl,
     string? AttachmentFileName,
-    DateTimeOffset SentAt);
+    DateTimeOffset SentAt,
+    long? AttachmentFileSize = null,
+    List<EmbedDto>? Embeds = null);
 
 public record ChannelDto(
     Guid Id,
     string Name,
     string? Topic,
+    bool IsPublic,
     int MessageCount,
     DateTimeOffset CreatedAt);
 
@@ -30,8 +33,15 @@ public record UserDto(
 
 public record SendMessageRequest(string ChannelName, string Content);
 
-public record CreateChannelRequest(string Name, string? Topic = null);
+public record CreateChannelRequest(string Name, string? Topic = null, bool IsPublic = true);
 
 public record UpdateTopicRequest(string? Topic);
 
 public record SendUrlRequest(string Url);
+
+public record EmbedDto(
+    string? SiteName,
+    string? Title,
+    string? Description,
+    string? ImageAscii,
+    string Url);

src/EchoHub.Core/DTOs/CommonDtos.cs

@@ -1,5 +1,26 @@
 namespace EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
 
+public record ApiResponse(bool Success, string? Message = null, List<string>? Errors = null);
+
+public record ApiResponse<T>(bool Success, string? Message = null, List<string>? Errors = null, T? Data = default);
+
 public record ErrorResponse(string Error, string? Detail = null);
 
 public record PaginatedResponse<T>(List<T> Items, int Total, int Offset, int Limit);
+
+public enum ChannelError
+{
+    ValidationFailed,
+    AlreadyExists,
+    NotFound,
+    Forbidden,
+    Protected
+}
+
+public record ChannelOperationResult(ChannelDto? Channel, ChannelError? Error, string? ErrorMessage)
+{
+    public bool IsSuccess => Error is null;
+
+    public static ChannelOperationResult Success(ChannelDto channel) => new(channel, null, null);
+    public static ChannelOperationResult Fail(ChannelError error, string message) => new(null, error, message);
+}

src/EchoHub.Core/DTOs/ModerationDtos.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+
+public record AssignRoleRequest(string Username, ServerRole Role);
+public record MuteRequest(string? Reason = null, int? DurationMinutes = null);
+public record BanRequest(string? Reason = null);
+public record KickRequest(string? Reason = null);

src/EchoHub.Core/DTOs/ProfileDtos.cs

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ public record UserProfileDto(
     string? AvatarAscii,
     UserStatus Status,
     string? StatusMessage,
+    ServerRole Role,
     DateTimeOffset CreatedAt,
     DateTimeOffset LastSeenAt);
 
@@ -28,6 +29,7 @@ public record UserPresenceDto(
     string? DisplayName,
     string? NicknameColor,
     UserStatus Status,
-    string? StatusMessage);
+    string? StatusMessage,
+    ServerRole Role);
 
 public record AvatarUploadResponse(string AvatarAscii);

src/EchoHub.Core/DTOs/ServerDtos.cs

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
 namespace EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
 
 public record ServerStatusDto(string Name, string? Description, int OnlineUsers, int TotalChannels);
+
+public record EncryptionKeyResponse(string Key);

src/EchoHub.Core/Models/Channel.cs

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ public class Channel
     public Guid Id { get; set; }
     public required string Name { get; set; }
     public string? Topic { get; set; }
+    public bool IsPublic { get; set; } = true;
     public DateTimeOffset CreatedAt { get; set; } = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow;
     public Guid CreatedByUserId { get; set; }
 

src/EchoHub.Core/Models/ChannelMembership.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+namespace EchoHub.Core.Models;
+
+public class ChannelMembership
+{
+    public Guid UserId { get; set; }
+    public Guid ChannelId { get; set; }
+    public DateTimeOffset JoinedAt { get; set; } = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow;
+}

src/EchoHub.Core/Models/Message.cs

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ public class Message
     public MessageType Type { get; set; } = MessageType.Text;
     public string? AttachmentUrl { get; set; }
     public string? AttachmentFileName { get; set; }
+    public long? AttachmentFileSize { get; set; }
+    public string? EmbedJson { get; set; }
     public DateTimeOffset SentAt { get; set; } = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow;
 
     public Guid ChannelId { get; set; }

src/EchoHub.Core/Models/MessageType.cs

@@ -4,5 +4,6 @@ public enum MessageType
 {
     Text,
     Image,
-    File
+    File,
+    Audio
 }

src/EchoHub.Core/Models/ServerRole.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+namespace EchoHub.Core.Models;
+
+public enum ServerRole
+{
+    Member = 0,
+    Mod = 1,
+    Admin = 2,
+    Owner = 3
+}

src/EchoHub.Core/Models/User.cs

@@ -11,6 +11,10 @@ public class User
     public string? AvatarAscii { get; set; }
     public UserStatus Status { get; set; } = UserStatus.Online;
     public string? StatusMessage { get; set; }
+    public ServerRole Role { get; set; } = ServerRole.Member;
+    public bool IsMuted { get; set; }
+    public DateTimeOffset? MutedUntil { get; set; }
+    public bool IsBanned { get; set; }
     public DateTimeOffset CreatedAt { get; set; } = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow;
     public DateTimeOffset LastSeenAt { get; set; } = DateTimeOffset.UtcNow;
 }

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/EchoHub.Server.Irc.csproj

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+<Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk">
+
+  <ItemGroup>
+    <FrameworkReference Include="Microsoft.AspNetCore.App" />
+    <ProjectReference Include="..\EchoHub.Core\EchoHub.Core.csproj" />
+  </ItemGroup>
+
+  <ItemGroup>
+    <PackageReference Include="BCrypt.Net-Next" Version="4.1.0" />
+  </ItemGroup>
+
+  <PropertyGroup>
+    <TargetFramework>net10.0</TargetFramework>
+    <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
+    <ImplicitUsings>enable</ImplicitUsings>
+  </PropertyGroup>
+
+</Project>

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcBroadcaster.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+using EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+public class IrcBroadcaster : IChatBroadcaster
+{
+    private readonly IrcGatewayService _gateway;
+    private readonly IMessageEncryptionService _encryption;
+
+    public IrcBroadcaster(IrcGatewayService gateway, IMessageEncryptionService encryption)
+    {
+        _gateway = gateway;
+        _encryption = encryption;
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendMessageToChannelAsync(string channelName, MessageDto message)
+    {
+        // Decrypt content for IRC clients (they can't handle app-layer encryption)
+        var decryptedMessage = message with { Content = _encryption.Decrypt(message.Content) };
+        var lines = IrcMessageFormatter.FormatMessage(decryptedMessage);
+
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(channelName))
+        {
+            // IRC convention: don't echo sender's own message
+            if (conn.Nickname == message.SenderUsername)
+                continue;
+
+            foreach (var line in lines)
+                await conn.SendAsync(line);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendUserJoinedAsync(string channelName, string username, string? excludeConnectionId = null)
+    {
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(channelName))
+        {
+            if (conn.ConnectionId == excludeConnectionId) continue;
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{username}!{username}@echohub JOIN #{channelName}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendUserLeftAsync(string channelName, string username)
+    {
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(channelName))
+        {
+            if (conn.Nickname == username) continue;
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{username}!{username}@echohub PART #{channelName}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendChannelUpdatedAsync(ChannelDto channel, string? channelName = null)
+    {
+        var target = channelName ?? channel.Name;
+        if (channel.Topic is null) return;
+
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(target))
+        {
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{_gateway.Options.ServerName} TOPIC #{channel.Name} :{channel.Topic}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public Task SendUserStatusChangedAsync(List<string> channelNames, UserPresenceDto presence)
+    {
+        // IRC has no active status broadcast. Clients discover away via WHOIS/WHO.
+        return Task.CompletedTask;
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendUserKickedAsync(string channelName, string username, string? reason)
+    {
+        var reasonText = reason is not null ? $" :{reason}" : "";
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(channelName))
+        {
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{_gateway.Options.ServerName} KICK #{channelName} {username}{reasonText}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendUserBannedAsync(string username, string? reason)
+    {
+        var reasonText = reason ?? "You have been banned.";
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetAllConnections())
+        {
+            if (conn.Nickname == username)
+                await conn.SendAsync($":{_gateway.Options.ServerName} NOTICE {username} :You have been banned: {reasonText}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendMessageDeletedAsync(string channelName, Guid messageId)
+    {
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(channelName))
+        {
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{_gateway.Options.ServerName} NOTICE {conn.Nickname ?? "*"} :Message {messageId} was deleted in #{channelName}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendChannelNukedAsync(string channelName)
+    {
+        foreach (var conn in _gateway.GetConnectionsInChannel(channelName))
+        {
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{_gateway.Options.ServerName} NOTICE {conn.Nickname ?? "*"} :All messages in #{channelName} have been cleared");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendErrorAsync(string connectionId, string message)
+    {
+        if (!connectionId.StartsWith("irc-")) return;
+
+        if (_gateway.Connections.TryGetValue(connectionId, out var conn))
+        {
+            await conn.SendAsync($":{_gateway.Options.ServerName} NOTICE {conn.Nickname ?? "*"} :{message}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task ForceDisconnectUserAsync(List<string> connectionIds, string reason)
+    {
+        foreach (var connId in connectionIds)
+        {
+            if (!connId.StartsWith("irc-")) continue;
+
+            if (_gateway.Connections.TryGetValue(connId, out var conn))
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    await conn.SendAsync($"ERROR :Closing Link: {reason}");
+                    await conn.DisposeAsync();
+                }
+                catch { /* connection may already be closed */ }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcClientConnection.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+using System.Net.Sockets;
+using System.Text;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Manages a single IRC client TCP connection.
+/// </summary>
+public sealed class IrcClientConnection : IAsyncDisposable
+{
+    private readonly TcpClient _tcpClient;
+    private readonly StreamReader _reader;
+    private readonly StreamWriter _writer;
+    private readonly SemaphoreSlim _writeLock = new(1, 1);
+
+    // Connection identity
+    public string ConnectionId { get; } = $"irc-{Guid.NewGuid()}";
+
+    // Registration state
+    public string? Nickname { get; set; }
+    public string? Username { get; set; }
+    public string? RealName { get; set; }
+    public string? Password { get; set; }
+    public Guid? UserId { get; set; }
+    public bool IsRegistered { get; set; }
+    public bool IsAuthenticated { get; set; }
+    public bool IsSasl { get; set; }
+    public bool CapNegotiating { get; set; }
+
+    // Channel state — thread-safe: written by command handler, read by broadcaster threads
+    private readonly HashSet<string> _joinedChannels = new(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+    private readonly object _channelLock = new();
+
+    // Away state
+    public string? AwayMessage { get; set; }
+
+    public string Hostmask => $"{Nickname}!{Username ?? Nickname}@echohub";
+
+    public void JoinChannel(string channel) { lock (_channelLock) _joinedChannels.Add(channel); }
+    public void LeaveChannel(string channel) { lock (_channelLock) _joinedChannels.Remove(channel); }
+    public bool IsInChannel(string channel) { lock (_channelLock) return _joinedChannels.Contains(channel); }
+    public List<string> GetJoinedChannels() { lock (_channelLock) return [.. _joinedChannels]; }
+
+    public IrcClientConnection(TcpClient tcpClient, Stream stream)
+    {
+        _tcpClient = tcpClient;
+        _reader = new StreamReader(stream, Encoding.UTF8);
+        _writer = new StreamWriter(stream, Encoding.UTF8) { AutoFlush = true, NewLine = "\r\n" };
+    }
+
+    public async Task<string?> ReadLineAsync(CancellationToken ct)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            return await _reader.ReadLineAsync(ct);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return null;
+        }
+    }
+
+    public async Task SendAsync(string line)
+    {
+        await _writeLock.WaitAsync();
+        try
+        {
+            await _writer.WriteLineAsync(line);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            // Connection lost — swallow
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            _writeLock.Release();
+        }
+    }
+
+    public Task SendNumericAsync(string serverName, string numeric, string target, string text)
+        => SendAsync($":{serverName} {numeric} {target} {text}");
+
+    public Task SendNumericAsync(string serverName, string numeric, string text)
+        => SendNumericAsync(serverName, numeric, Nickname ?? "*", text);
+
+    public async ValueTask DisposeAsync()
+    {
+        try { _tcpClient.Close(); } catch { }
+        _reader.Dispose();
+        _writer.Dispose();
+        _writeLock.Dispose();
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcCommandHandler.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,648 @@
+using System.Text;
+using EchoHub.Core.Constants;
+using EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+public sealed class IrcCommandHandler
+{
+    private readonly IrcClientConnection _conn;
+    private readonly IrcOptions _options;
+    private readonly IChatService _chatService;
+    private readonly IChannelService _channelService;
+    private readonly IMessageEncryptionService _encryption;
+    private readonly ILogger _logger;
+
+    private string ServerName => _options.ServerName;
+
+    public IrcCommandHandler(
+        IrcClientConnection conn,
+        IrcOptions options,
+        IChatService chatService,
+        IChannelService channelService,
+        IMessageEncryptionService encryption,
+        ILogger logger)
+    {
+        _conn = conn;
+        _options = options;
+        _chatService = chatService;
+        _channelService = channelService;
+        _encryption = encryption;
+        _logger = logger;
+    }
+
+    public async Task RunAsync(CancellationToken ct)
+    {
+        while (!ct.IsCancellationRequested)
+        {
+            var line = await _conn.ReadLineAsync(ct);
+            if (line is null) break;
+
+            line = line.TrimEnd('\r', '\n');
+            if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(line)) continue;
+
+            var msg = IrcMessage.Parse(line);
+
+            try
+            {
+                await HandleCommandAsync(msg);
+            }
+            catch (Exception ex)
+            {
+                _logger.LogError(ex, "Error handling IRC command {Command} for {Nick}",
+                    msg.Command, _conn.Nickname ?? "unregistered");
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private Task HandleCommandAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        var command = msg.Command.ToUpperInvariant();
+
+        return command switch
+        {
+            // Pre-registration
+            "CAP" => HandleCapAsync(msg),
+            "AUTHENTICATE" => HandleAuthenticateAsync(msg),
+            "PASS" => HandlePassAsync(msg),
+            "NICK" => HandleNickAsync(msg),
+            "USER" => HandleUserAsync(msg),
+
+            // Post-registration
+            "PING" => HandlePingAsync(msg),
+            "PONG" => Task.CompletedTask,
+            "JOIN" => HandleJoinAsync(msg),
+            "PART" => HandlePartAsync(msg),
+            "PRIVMSG" => HandlePrivmsgAsync(msg),
+            "QUIT" => HandleQuitAsync(msg),
+            "NAMES" => HandleNamesAsync(msg),
+            "TOPIC" => HandleTopicAsync(msg),
+            "WHO" => HandleWhoAsync(msg),
+            "WHOIS" => HandleWhoisAsync(msg),
+            "AWAY" => HandleAwayAsync(msg),
+            "LIST" => HandleListAsync(msg),
+            "MODE" => HandleModeAsync(msg),
+            "MOTD" => SendMotdAsync(),
+            "USERHOST" or "LUSERS" => Task.CompletedTask,
+
+            _ => _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_UNKNOWNCOMMAND,
+                $"{command} :Unknown command"),
+        };
+    }
+
+    // ── Authentication ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private async Task HandleCapAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        switch (msg.Parameters[0].ToUpperInvariant())
+        {
+            case "LS":
+                await _conn.SendAsync($":{ServerName} CAP * LS :sasl");
+                _conn.CapNegotiating = true;
+                break;
+
+            case "REQ":
+                if (msg.Parameters.Count >= 2 &&
+                    msg.Parameters[1].Trim().Equals("sasl", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+                {
+                    await _conn.SendAsync($":{ServerName} CAP * ACK :sasl");
+                    _conn.IsSasl = true;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    var requested = msg.Parameters.ElementAtOrDefault(1) ?? "";
+                    await _conn.SendAsync($":{ServerName} CAP * NAK :{requested}");
+                }
+                break;
+
+            case "END":
+                _conn.CapNegotiating = false;
+                if (_conn.Nickname is not null && _conn.Username is not null && !_conn.IsRegistered)
+                    await TryCompleteRegistrationAsync();
+                break;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleAuthenticateAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        if (msg.Parameters[0].Equals("PLAIN", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendAsync("AUTHENTICATE +");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        try
+        {
+            var decoded = Convert.FromBase64String(msg.Parameters[0]);
+            var text = Encoding.UTF8.GetString(decoded);
+            var parts = text.Split('\0');
+
+            if (parts.Length < 3)
+            {
+                await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_SASLFAIL,
+                    ":SASL authentication failed (malformed payload)");
+                return;
+            }
+
+            var username = (parts[1].Length > 0 ? parts[1] : parts[0]).ToLowerInvariant();
+            var password = parts[2];
+
+            var result = await _chatService.AuthenticateUserAsync(username, password);
+
+            if (result is null)
+            {
+                await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_SASLFAIL,
+                    ":SASL authentication failed");
+                return;
+            }
+
+            _conn.Nickname = result.Value.Username;
+            _conn.UserId = result.Value.UserId;
+            _conn.IsAuthenticated = true;
+
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_LOGGEDIN,
+                $"{_conn.Hostmask} {username} :You are now logged in as {username}");
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_SASLSUCCESS,
+                ":SASL authentication successful");
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_SASLFAIL,
+                ":SASL authentication failed");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private Task HandlePassAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (_conn.IsRegistered)
+            return _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_ALREADYREGISTERED,
+                ":You may not reregister");
+
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count >= 1)
+            _conn.Password = msg.Parameters[0];
+
+        return Task.CompletedTask;
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleNickAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NONICKNAMEGIVEN,
+                ":No nickname given");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        var nick = msg.Parameters[0];
+
+        if (!ValidationConstants.UsernameRegex().IsMatch(nick))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_ERRONEUSNICKNAME,
+                $"{nick} :Erroneous nickname (must be 3-50 chars: a-z, 0-9, _, -)");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        _conn.Nickname = nick.ToLowerInvariant();
+
+        if (!_conn.IsRegistered && _conn.Username is not null)
+            await TryCompleteRegistrationAsync();
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleUserAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (_conn.IsRegistered)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_ALREADYREGISTERED,
+                ":You may not reregister");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 4)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NEEDMOREPARAMS,
+                "USER :Not enough parameters");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        _conn.Username = msg.Parameters[0];
+        _conn.RealName = msg.Parameters[3];
+
+        if (_conn.Nickname is not null)
+            await TryCompleteRegistrationAsync();
+    }
+
+    private async Task TryCompleteRegistrationAsync()
+    {
+        if (_conn.CapNegotiating || _conn.IsRegistered) return;
+
+        // SASL already authenticated
+        if (_conn.IsAuthenticated && _conn.UserId is not null)
+        {
+            _conn.IsRegistered = true;
+            await _chatService.UserConnectedAsync(_conn.ConnectionId, _conn.UserId.Value, _conn.Nickname!);
+            await SendWelcomeBurstAsync();
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // PASS-based authentication
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(_conn.Password))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_PASSWDMISMATCH,
+                ":Password required. Use PASS command or SASL PLAIN.");
+            await _conn.SendAsync("ERROR :Authentication failed - no password provided");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        var result = await _chatService.AuthenticateUserAsync(_conn.Nickname!, _conn.Password);
+
+        if (result is null)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_PASSWDMISMATCH,
+                ":Password incorrect or account not found. Register via the EchoHub client first.");
+            await _conn.SendAsync("ERROR :Authentication failed");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        _conn.UserId = result.Value.UserId;
+        _conn.Nickname = result.Value.Username;
+        _conn.IsAuthenticated = true;
+        _conn.IsRegistered = true;
+
+        await _chatService.UserConnectedAsync(_conn.ConnectionId, result.Value.UserId, result.Value.Username);
+        await SendWelcomeBurstAsync();
+    }
+
+    // ── Welcome / MOTD ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private async Task SendWelcomeBurstAsync()
+    {
+        var nick = _conn.Nickname!;
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_WELCOME,
+            $":Welcome to the EchoHub IRC Gateway, {nick}!");
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_YOURHOST,
+            $":Your host is {ServerName}, running EchoHub IRC Gateway");
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_CREATED,
+            $":This server was created {DateTimeOffset.UtcNow:yyyy-MM-dd}");
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_MYINFO,
+            $"{ServerName} EchoHub-IRC o o");
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_ISUPPORT,
+            "CHANTYPES=# NICKLEN=50 CHANNELLEN=100 :are supported by this server");
+
+        await SendMotdAsync();
+    }
+
+    private async Task SendMotdAsync()
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_options.Motd))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NOMOTD,
+                ":MOTD File is missing");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_MOTDSTART,
+            $":- {ServerName} Message of the day - ");
+
+        foreach (var line in _options.Motd.Split('\n'))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_MOTD,
+                $":- {line.TrimEnd('\r')}");
+        }
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_ENDOFMOTD,
+            ":End of MOTD command");
+    }
+
+    // ── Channel Operations ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private async Task HandleJoinAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NEEDMOREPARAMS,
+                "JOIN :Not enough parameters");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        var channels = msg.Parameters[0].Split(',', StringSplitOptions.RemoveEmptyEntries);
+
+        foreach (var rawChannel in channels)
+        {
+            var channelName = IrcToEchoHubChannel(rawChannel);
+            if (channelName is null)
+            {
+                await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NOSUCHCHANNEL,
+                    $"{rawChannel} :Invalid channel name");
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            var (history, error) = await _chatService.JoinChannelAsync(
+                _conn.ConnectionId, _conn.UserId!.Value, _conn.Nickname!, channelName);
+
+            if (error is not null)
+            {
+                await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NOSUCHCHANNEL,
+                    $"#{channelName} :{error}");
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            _conn.JoinChannel(channelName);
+
+            // Confirm JOIN to the client
+            await _conn.SendAsync($":{_conn.Hostmask} JOIN #{channelName}");
+
+            // Send topic
+            await SendChannelTopicAsync(channelName);
+
+            // Send NAMES list
+            await SendNamesReplyAsync(channelName);
+
+            // Replay history (decrypt — history is encrypted for SignalR transport)
+            foreach (var m in history)
+            {
+                var decrypted = m with { Content = _encryption.Decrypt(m.Content) };
+                var lines = IrcMessageFormatter.FormatMessage(decrypted);
+                foreach (var line in lines)
+                    await _conn.SendAsync(line);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandlePartAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        var channels = msg.Parameters[0].Split(',', StringSplitOptions.RemoveEmptyEntries);
+        var partMessage = msg.Parameters.Count > 1 ? msg.Parameters[1] : null;
+
+        foreach (var rawChannel in channels)
+        {
+            var channelName = IrcToEchoHubChannel(rawChannel);
+            if (channelName is null) continue;
+
+            await _chatService.LeaveChannelAsync(_conn.ConnectionId, _conn.Nickname!, channelName);
+            _conn.LeaveChannel(channelName);
+
+            await _conn.SendAsync($":{_conn.Hostmask} PART #{channelName}" +
+                (partMessage is not null ? $" :{partMessage}" : ""));
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandlePrivmsgAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 2)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NEEDMOREPARAMS,
+                "PRIVMSG :Not enough parameters");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        var target = msg.Parameters[0];
+        var content = msg.Parameters[1];
+
+        if (!target.StartsWith('#'))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NOSUCHNICK,
+                $"{target} :Private messages are not supported. Use channels.");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        var channelName = IrcToEchoHubChannel(target);
+        if (channelName is null) return;
+
+        var error = await _chatService.SendMessageAsync(
+            _conn.UserId!.Value, _conn.Nickname!, channelName, content);
+
+        if (error is not null)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_CANNOTSENDTOCHAN,
+                $"#{channelName} :{error}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleQuitAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        var quitMessage = msg.Parameters.Count > 0 ? msg.Parameters[0] : "Client quit";
+        await _conn.SendAsync($"ERROR :Closing Link: {_conn.Nickname} ({quitMessage})");
+    }
+
+    // ── Query Commands ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private async Task HandleNamesAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        var channelName = IrcToEchoHubChannel(msg.Parameters[0]);
+        if (channelName is null) return;
+
+        await SendNamesReplyAsync(channelName);
+    }
+
+    private async Task SendNamesReplyAsync(string channelName)
+    {
+        var users = await _chatService.GetOnlineUsersAsync(channelName);
+        var nicks = string.Join(" ", users.Select(u => u.Username));
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_NAMREPLY,
+            $"= #{channelName} :{nicks}");
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_ENDOFNAMES,
+            $"#{channelName} :End of /NAMES list");
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleTopicAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        var channelName = IrcToEchoHubChannel(msg.Parameters[0]);
+        if (channelName is null) return;
+
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count == 1)
+        {
+            await SendChannelTopicAsync(channelName);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_CHANOPRIVSNEEDED,
+                $"#{channelName} :Topic can only be changed by the channel creator via the API");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task SendChannelTopicAsync(string channelName)
+    {
+        var (topic, exists) = await _channelService.GetChannelTopicAsync(channelName);
+
+        if (!exists) return;
+
+        if (topic is not null)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_TOPIC,
+                $"#{channelName} :{topic}");
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_NOTOPIC,
+                $"#{channelName} :No topic is set");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleWhoAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        var channelName = IrcToEchoHubChannel(msg.Parameters[0]);
+        if (channelName is null) return;
+
+        var users = await _chatService.GetOnlineUsersAsync(channelName);
+
+        foreach (var u in users)
+        {
+            var awayFlag = u.Status == UserStatus.Away ? "G" : "H";
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_WHOREPLY,
+                $"#{channelName} {u.Username} echohub {ServerName} {u.Username} {awayFlag} :0 {u.DisplayName ?? u.Username}");
+        }
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_ENDOFWHO,
+            $"#{channelName} :End of WHO list");
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleWhoisAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        var nick = msg.Parameters[^1].ToLowerInvariant();
+        var profile = await _chatService.GetUserProfileAsync(nick);
+
+        if (profile is null)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NOSUCHNICK,
+                $"{nick} :No such nick/channel");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_WHOISUSER,
+            $"{nick} {nick} echohub * :{profile.DisplayName ?? nick}");
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_WHOISSERVER,
+            $"{nick} {ServerName} :EchoHub IRC Gateway");
+
+        var channels = await _chatService.GetChannelsForUserAsync(nick);
+        if (channels.Count > 0)
+        {
+            var chanList = string.Join(" ", channels.Select(c => $"#{c}"));
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_WHOISCHANNELS,
+                $"{nick} :{chanList}");
+        }
+
+        if (profile.Status == UserStatus.Away && profile.StatusMessage is not null)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_AWAY,
+                $"{nick} :{profile.StatusMessage}");
+        }
+
+        var idleSeconds = (long)(DateTimeOffset.UtcNow - profile.LastSeenAt).TotalSeconds;
+        var signonUnix = profile.CreatedAt.ToUnixTimeSeconds();
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_WHOISIDLE,
+            $"{nick} {idleSeconds} {signonUnix} :seconds idle, signon time");
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_ENDOFWHOIS,
+            $"{nick} :End of WHOIS list");
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleAwayAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count > 0 && !string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(msg.Parameters[0]))
+        {
+            _conn.AwayMessage = msg.Parameters[0];
+            await _chatService.UpdateStatusAsync(
+                _conn.UserId!.Value, _conn.Nickname!, UserStatus.Away, _conn.AwayMessage);
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_NOWAWAY,
+                ":You have been marked as being away");
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            _conn.AwayMessage = null;
+            await _chatService.UpdateStatusAsync(
+                _conn.UserId!.Value, _conn.Nickname!, UserStatus.Online, null);
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_UNAWAY,
+                ":You are no longer marked as being away");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleListAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+
+        var channels = await _channelService.GetChannelListAsync();
+
+        foreach (var ch in channels)
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_LIST,
+                $"#{ch.Name} {ch.OnlineCount} :{ch.Topic ?? ""}");
+        }
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_LISTEND,
+            ":End of LIST");
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleModeAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        if (!await RequireRegisteredAsync()) return;
+        if (msg.Parameters.Count < 1) return;
+
+        var target = msg.Parameters[0];
+
+        if (target.StartsWith('#'))
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_CHANNELMODEIS,
+                $"{target} +");
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.RPL_UMODEIS, "+");
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandlePingAsync(IrcMessage msg)
+    {
+        var token = msg.Parameters.Count > 0 ? msg.Parameters[0] : ServerName;
+        await _conn.SendAsync($":{ServerName} PONG {ServerName} :{token}");
+    }
+
+    // ── Helpers ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    private async Task<bool> RequireRegisteredAsync()
+    {
+        if (_conn.IsRegistered) return true;
+
+        await _conn.SendNumericAsync(ServerName, IrcNumericReply.ERR_NOTREGISTERED,
+            ":You have not registered");
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    private static string? IrcToEchoHubChannel(string ircChannel)
+    {
+        if (!ircChannel.StartsWith('#') || ircChannel.Length < 2)
+            return null;
+
+        var name = ircChannel[1..].ToLowerInvariant().Trim();
+        return ValidationConstants.ChannelNameRegex().IsMatch(name) ? name : null;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcGatewayService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,177 @@
+using System.Collections.Concurrent;
+using System.Net;
+using System.Net.Security;
+using System.Net.Sockets;
+using System.Security.Cryptography.X509Certificates;
+using EchoHub.Core.Contracts;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
+using Microsoft.Extensions.Options;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+public sealed class IrcGatewayService : BackgroundService
+{
+    private readonly IrcOptions _options;
+    private readonly IServiceProvider _services;
+    private readonly ILogger<IrcGatewayService> _logger;
+    private readonly ConcurrentDictionary<string, IrcClientConnection> _connections = new();
+
+    public IrcOptions Options => _options;
+    public IReadOnlyDictionary<string, IrcClientConnection> Connections => _connections;
+
+    public IrcGatewayService(
+        IOptions<IrcOptions> options,
+        IServiceProvider services,
+        ILogger<IrcGatewayService> logger)
+    {
+        _options = options.Value;
+        _services = services;
+        _logger = logger;
+    }
+
+    public IEnumerable<IrcClientConnection> GetConnectionsInChannel(string channelName)
+    {
+        return _connections.Values
+            .Where(c => c.IsAuthenticated && c.IsInChannel(channelName));
+    }
+
+    public IEnumerable<IrcClientConnection> GetAllConnections()
+    {
+        return _connections.Values.Where(c => c.IsAuthenticated);
+    }
+
+    protected override async Task ExecuteAsync(CancellationToken stoppingToken)
+    {
+        await Task.Yield();
+
+        if (!_options.Enabled)
+        {
+            _logger.LogInformation("IRC gateway is disabled");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        var listeners = new List<Task>();
+
+        listeners.Add(RunListenerAsync(_options.Port, useTls: false, stoppingToken));
+
+        if (_options.TlsEnabled && !string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(_options.TlsCertPath))
+        {
+            listeners.Add(RunListenerAsync(_options.TlsPort, useTls: true, stoppingToken));
+        }
+
+        await Task.WhenAll(listeners);
+    }
+
+    private async Task RunListenerAsync(int port, bool useTls, CancellationToken ct)
+    {
+        var listener = new TcpListener(IPAddress.Any, port);
+        listener.Start();
+        _logger.LogInformation("IRC gateway listening on port {Port} ({Mode})",
+            port, useTls ? "TLS" : "plain");
+
+        ct.Register(() => listener.Stop());
+
+        try
+        {
+            while (!ct.IsCancellationRequested)
+            {
+                var tcpClient = await listener.AcceptTcpClientAsync(ct);
+                _ = HandleClientAsync(tcpClient, useTls, ct);
+            }
+        }
+        catch (OperationCanceledException) { }
+        catch (ObjectDisposedException) { }
+        finally
+        {
+            listener.Stop();
+        }
+    }
+
+    private async Task HandleClientAsync(TcpClient tcpClient, bool useTls, CancellationToken ct)
+    {
+        Stream stream = tcpClient.GetStream();
+
+        if (useTls)
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                var cert = X509CertificateLoader.LoadPkcs12FromFile(_options.TlsCertPath!, _options.TlsCertPassword);
+                var sslStream = new SslStream(stream, leaveInnerStreamOpen: false);
+                await sslStream.AuthenticateAsServerAsync(cert);
+                stream = sslStream;
+            }
+            catch (Exception ex)
+            {
+                _logger.LogError(ex, "TLS handshake failed");
+                tcpClient.Close();
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+
+        var connection = new IrcClientConnection(tcpClient, stream);
+        _connections[connection.ConnectionId] = connection;
+
+        _logger.LogInformation("IRC client connected: {Id}", connection.ConnectionId);
+
+        IChatService? chatService = null;
+
+        try
+        {
+            chatService = _services.GetRequiredService<IChatService>();
+            var channelService = _services.GetRequiredService<IChannelService>();
+            var encryption = _services.GetRequiredService<IMessageEncryptionService>();
+            var handler = new IrcCommandHandler(
+                connection, _options, chatService, channelService, encryption, _logger);
+
+            await handler.RunAsync(ct);
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            _logger.LogError(ex, "IRC client {Id} error", connection.ConnectionId);
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            if (connection.IsAuthenticated)
+            {
+                foreach (var ch in connection.GetJoinedChannels())
+                {
+                    if (chatService is null) break;
+                    await chatService.LeaveChannelAsync(
+                        connection.ConnectionId, connection.Nickname!, ch);
+                }
+                if (chatService is not null)
+                    await chatService.UserDisconnectedAsync(connection.ConnectionId);
+            }
+
+            _connections.TryRemove(connection.ConnectionId, out _);
+            await connection.DisposeAsync();
+            _logger.LogInformation("IRC client {Id} ({Nick}) disconnected",
+                connection.ConnectionId, connection.Nickname ?? "unregistered");
+        }
+    }
+
+    public override async Task StopAsync(CancellationToken cancellationToken)
+    {
+        // Cancel ExecuteAsync first so listeners stop accepting
+        await base.StopAsync(cancellationToken);
+
+        // Force-close any remaining client connections
+        foreach (var (_, conn) in _connections)
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                await conn.SendAsync("ERROR :Server shutting down")
+                    .WaitAsync(TimeSpan.FromSeconds(2));
+            }
+            catch { }
+            finally
+            {
+                try { await conn.DisposeAsync(); }
+                catch { }
+            }
+        }
+        _connections.Clear();
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcMessage.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Parsed representation of an IRC protocol line.
+/// Format: [:prefix] COMMAND [params...] [:trailing]
+/// </summary>
+public sealed class IrcMessage
+{
+    public string? Prefix { get; init; }
+    public string Command { get; init; } = "";
+    public List<string> Parameters { get; init; } = [];
+
+    public string? Trailing => Parameters.Count > 0 ? Parameters[^1] : null;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Parse a raw IRC line: [:prefix SPACE] command [SPACE params] CRLF
+    /// </summary>
+    public static IrcMessage Parse(string line)
+    {
+        var span = line.AsSpan().TrimEnd("\r\n");
+        string? prefix = null;
+        var pos = 0;
+
+        // Parse optional prefix
+        if (span.Length > 0 && span[0] == ':')
+        {
+            var spaceIdx = span.IndexOf(' ');
+            if (spaceIdx == -1)
+                return new IrcMessage { Prefix = span[1..].ToString() };
+
+            prefix = span[1..spaceIdx].ToString();
+            pos = spaceIdx + 1;
+        }
+
+        // Skip whitespace
+        while (pos < span.Length && span[pos] == ' ') pos++;
+
+        // Parse command
+        var cmdStart = pos;
+        while (pos < span.Length && span[pos] != ' ') pos++;
+        var command = span[cmdStart..pos].ToString();
+
+        // Parse parameters
+        var parameters = new List<string>();
+        while (pos < span.Length)
+        {
+            while (pos < span.Length && span[pos] == ' ') pos++;
+            if (pos >= span.Length) break;
+
+            if (span[pos] == ':')
+            {
+                // Trailing parameter (rest of line)
+                parameters.Add(span[(pos + 1)..].ToString());
+                break;
+            }
+
+            var paramStart = pos;
+            while (pos < span.Length && span[pos] != ' ') pos++;
+            parameters.Add(span[paramStart..pos].ToString());
+        }
+
+        return new IrcMessage
+        {
+            Prefix = prefix,
+            Command = command,
+            Parameters = parameters,
+        };
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcMessageFormatter.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,148 @@
+using System.Text;
+using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
+using EchoHub.Core.DTOs;
+using EchoHub.Core.Models;
+
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+public static partial class IrcMessageFormatter
+{
+    private const int MaxIrcLineContentBytes = 400;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Format a MessageDto as one or more IRC PRIVMSG lines.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static List<string> FormatMessage(MessageDto message)
+    {
+        var lines = new List<string>();
+        var ircChannel = $"#{message.ChannelName}";
+        var prefix = $":{message.SenderUsername}!{message.SenderUsername}@echohub";
+
+        switch (message.Type)
+        {
+            case MessageType.Text:
+                foreach (var chunk in SplitMessage(message.Content, MaxIrcLineContentBytes))
+                    lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :{chunk}");
+
+                // Append embed previews if present
+                if (message.Embeds is { Count: > 0 })
+                {
+                    foreach (var embed in message.Embeds)
+                        lines.AddRange(FormatEmbed(prefix, ircChannel, embed));
+                }
+                break;
+
+            case MessageType.Image:
+                lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :[Image: {message.AttachmentFileName}]");
+                if (message.AttachmentUrl is not null)
+                    lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :Download: {message.AttachmentUrl}");
+
+                foreach (var line in message.Content.Split('\n'))
+                {
+                    var trimmed = line.TrimEnd('\r');
+                    if (trimmed.Length > 0)
+                        lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :{ColorTagsToAnsi(trimmed)}");
+                }
+                break;
+
+            case MessageType.File:
+                lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :[File: {message.AttachmentFileName}] {message.AttachmentUrl}");
+                break;
+
+            case MessageType.Audio:
+                lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :\u266a [Audio: {message.AttachmentFileName}] {message.AttachmentUrl}");
+                break;
+        }
+
+        return lines;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Format a link embed as IRC PRIVMSG lines (text-only, no ASCII thumbnail).
+    /// </summary>
+    private static List<string> FormatEmbed(string prefix, string ircChannel, EmbedDto embed)
+    {
+        var lines = new List<string>();
+
+        var header = new List<string>();
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(embed.SiteName))
+            header.Add(embed.SiteName);
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(embed.Title))
+            header.Add(embed.Title);
+
+        if (header.Count > 0)
+            lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :\u2502 {string.Join(" \u2014 ", header)}");
+
+        if (!string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(embed.Description))
+        {
+            var desc = embed.Description.Length > 200
+                ? embed.Description[..197] + "..."
+                : embed.Description;
+            lines.Add($"{prefix} PRIVMSG {ircChannel} :\u2502 {desc}");
+        }
+
+        return lines;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Convert printable color tags ({F:RRGGBB}, {B:RRGGBB}, {X}) to ANSI escape codes for IRC clients.
+    /// Also passes through content that already uses ANSI codes unchanged.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static string ColorTagsToAnsi(string text)
+    {
+        if (!text.Contains('{'))
+            return text;
+
+        return ColorTagRegex().Replace(text, match =>
+        {
+            if (match.Groups[1].Success) // {X} reset
+                return "\x1b[0m";
+            if (match.Groups[2].Success) // {F:RRGGBB} or {B:RRGGBB}
+            {
+                var hex = match.Groups[3].Value;
+                var r = Convert.ToInt32(hex[..2], 16);
+                var g = Convert.ToInt32(hex[2..4], 16);
+                var b = Convert.ToInt32(hex[4..6], 16);
+                var code = match.Groups[2].Value == "F" ? "38" : "48";
+                return $"\x1b[{code};2;{r};{g};{b}m";
+            }
+            return match.Value;
+        });
+    }
+
+    [GeneratedRegex(@"\{(?:(X)|(?:(F|B):([0-9A-Fa-f]{6})))\}")]
+    private static partial Regex ColorTagRegex();
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Split a message into chunks of approximately maxBytes (UTF-8), at word boundaries.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static List<string> SplitMessage(string content, int maxBytes)
+    {
+        if (Encoding.UTF8.GetByteCount(content) <= maxBytes)
+            return [content];
+
+        var chunks = new List<string>();
+        var current = new StringBuilder();
+        var currentBytes = 0;
+
+        foreach (var word in content.Split(' '))
+        {
+            var wordBytes = Encoding.UTF8.GetByteCount(word) + 1; // +1 for space
+
+            if (currentBytes + wordBytes > maxBytes && current.Length > 0)
+            {
+                chunks.Add(current.ToString().TrimEnd());
+                current.Clear();
+                currentBytes = 0;
+            }
+
+            current.Append(word).Append(' ');
+            currentBytes += wordBytes;
+        }
+
+        if (current.Length > 0)
+            chunks.Add(current.ToString().TrimEnd());
+
+        return chunks;
+    }
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcNumericReply.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+public static class IrcNumericReply
+{
+    // Connection registration
+    public const string RPL_WELCOME = "001";
+    public const string RPL_YOURHOST = "002";
+    public const string RPL_CREATED = "003";
+    public const string RPL_MYINFO = "004";
+    public const string RPL_ISUPPORT = "005";
+
+    // MOTD
+    public const string RPL_MOTDSTART = "375";
+    public const string RPL_MOTD = "372";
+    public const string RPL_ENDOFMOTD = "376";
+    public const string ERR_NOMOTD = "422";
+
+    // Channel operations
+    public const string RPL_NOTOPIC = "331";
+    public const string RPL_TOPIC = "332";
+    public const string RPL_NAMREPLY = "353";
+    public const string RPL_ENDOFNAMES = "366";
+
+    // LIST
+    public const string RPL_LIST = "322";
+    public const string RPL_LISTEND = "323";
+
+    // WHO / WHOIS
+    public const string RPL_WHOREPLY = "352";
+    public const string RPL_ENDOFWHO = "315";
+    public const string RPL_WHOISUSER = "311";
+    public const string RPL_WHOISSERVER = "312";
+    public const string RPL_WHOISIDLE = "317";
+    public const string RPL_ENDOFWHOIS = "318";
+    public const string RPL_WHOISCHANNELS = "319";
+
+    // AWAY
+    public const string RPL_UNAWAY = "305";
+    public const string RPL_NOWAWAY = "306";
+    public const string RPL_AWAY = "301";
+
+    // MODE
+    public const string RPL_CHANNELMODEIS = "324";
+    public const string RPL_UMODEIS = "221";
+
+    // Errors
+    public const string ERR_NOSUCHNICK = "401";
+    public const string ERR_NOSUCHCHANNEL = "403";
+    public const string ERR_CANNOTSENDTOCHAN = "404";
+    public const string ERR_UNKNOWNCOMMAND = "421";
+    public const string ERR_NONICKNAMEGIVEN = "431";
+    public const string ERR_ERRONEUSNICKNAME = "432";
+    public const string ERR_NICKNAMEINUSE = "433";
+    public const string ERR_NOTONCHANNEL = "442";
+    public const string ERR_NOTREGISTERED = "451";
+    public const string ERR_NEEDMOREPARAMS = "461";
+    public const string ERR_ALREADYREGISTERED = "462";
+    public const string ERR_PASSWDMISMATCH = "464";
+    public const string ERR_CHANOPRIVSNEEDED = "482";
+
+    // SASL
+    public const string RPL_LOGGEDIN = "900";
+    public const string RPL_SASLSUCCESS = "903";
+    public const string ERR_SASLFAIL = "904";
+}

src/EchoHub.Server.Irc/IrcOptions.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+namespace EchoHub.Server.Irc;
+
+public sealed class IrcOptions
+{
+    public const string SectionName = "Irc";
+
+    public bool Enabled { get; set; }
+    public int Port { get; set; } = 6667;
+    public bool TlsEnabled { get; set; }
+    public int TlsPort { get; set; } = 6697;
+    public string? TlsCertPath { get; set; }
+    public string? TlsCertPassword { get; set; }
+    public string ServerName { get; set; } = "echohub";
+    public string? Motd { get; set; }
+}