# Usage

## Starting the Bouncer

```bash
bouncer -c config/bouncer.toml -v
```

| Flag | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `-c, --config PATH` | Config file (default: `config/bouncer.toml`) |
| `-v, --verbose` | Debug logging |
| `--version` | Show version |

## Connecting with an IRC Client

Configure your IRC client to connect to the bouncer:

| Setting | Value |
|---------|-------|
| Server | `127.0.0.1` |
| Port | `6667` (or as configured) |
| Password | `networkname:yourpassword` |

### Password Format

```
PASS <network>:<password>
```

- `network` -- matches a `[networks.NAME]` section in config
- `password` -- the `bouncer.password` value from config

If you omit the network prefix (`PASS yourpassword`), the first configured network is used.

### Client Examples

**irssi:**
```
/connect -password libera:mypassword 127.0.0.1 6667
```

**weechat:**
```
/server add bouncer 127.0.0.1/6667 -password=libera:mypassword
/connect bouncer
```

**hexchat:**
Set server password to `libera:mypassword` in the network settings.

## Multiple Networks

Define multiple `[networks.*]` sections in the config. Connect with different passwords to access each:

```
PASS libera:mypassword    # connects to libera
PASS oftc:mypassword      # connects to oftc
```

Multiple clients can attach to the same network simultaneously.

## Backlog

Messages are stored in `bouncer.db` (SQLite) next to the config file. When you reconnect, missed messages are automatically replayed.

Configure backlog in `bouncer.toml`:

```toml
[bouncer.backlog]
max_messages = 10000       # per network, 0 = unlimited
replay_on_connect = true   # set false to disable replay
```

## Stopping

Press `Ctrl+C` or send `SIGTERM`. The bouncer shuts down gracefully.