10.33 Direct Client Connections

What is DCC?

DCC or Direct Client Connection is a protocol that IRC clients can use to communicate directly with each other, bypassing the IRC server. The reason for this is to form a faster, more stable and direct connection thru which users can transfer files, or send private messages. Note that AmIRC has its own set of Highly Optimized DCC protocols built-in, and does not require external DCC utilities.

DCC File Transfers

The most common use of DCC is for transferring files between two clients. The initiating client will send a message through the IRC server, telling the receiver that a connecton is requested. At this time, the receiver will either accept or reject the offer for the connection. If the receiver accepts the connection, the initiating client will proceed to send the information directly to the receiver. If the connecton is refused, the initiating client will simply timeout the attempt to connect.

• DCC Send - Template: /DCC send <user> <filespec>

  DCC send will attempt to open a connecton with the specified user's client, and if successful, will proceed to send the specified file.

  

• DCC Move - Template: /DCC move <user> <filespec>

  DCC Move is identical to DCC Send, with the exception that DCC move is capable of resuming an interrupted or failed transfer. DCC Move will look into the receiving directory for existing files, and upon finding a partial file which is the same as the file to be transferred, will initiate a /DCC Resume transfer. With AmIRC, This process is completely transparent. If no partial or whole file exists, then the file will be completely transferred.

• DCC Get - Template: /DCC get <user sending file>

  DCC get is a transparent operation with AmIRC, and is only mentioned in this document for the sake of being thorough. AmIRC will notify you of an incoming DCC request, and allow you the option to accept or reject the connecton with a simple click.

• DCC Chat

  Another use of the DCC standard is DCC chat, which, like DCC Send, will send a CTCP request to the receiving client to set up a direct link. In this case, however, the purpose of the link is for users to send messages to each other. Because the mesages are sent through the direct link, and do not pass through the IRC server, this method of sending messages is much more private than using the IRC's privmsg (/msg).

  With AmiRC, it must be noted that a DCC Chat request will not open a dialog window for you, instead, when DCC chat is initiated and accepted, all privmsg's (/msg) to the receiving user will be sent through the DCC link. If you wish to have a dialog box for chatting, the best way to go about this is to highlight the users's name in the listview by clicking on it. then click on the 'Query' gadget below the listview. this will open a window that has several options within it. From here, you can 'ping' or 'whois' the other user, or you may inititate a 'DCC Send' or 'DCC chat'. Starting a 'DCC Chat' from this window will allow you to carry on a dialog with the remote user through the window.

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