diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index dd6bfee..9c0c319 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.10)
-project(fun VERSION 0.41.12 LANGUAGES C)
+project(fun VERSION 0.41.13 LANGUAGES C)
 
 set(CMAKE_C_STANDARD 99)
 set(CMAKE_C_STANDARD_REQUIRED ON)
diff --git a/examples/net/irc_interactive.fun b/examples/net/irc_interactive.fun
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a954a1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/net/irc_interactive.fun
@@ -0,0 +1,487 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env fun
+
+/*
+ * Fully interactive IRC client example using lib/net/irc.fun
+ *
+ * This script lets you interact with an IRC server from the terminal:
+ * - Shows incoming messages (processed between your inputs)
+ * - Lets you type slash-commands similar to classic IRC clients
+ *
+ * Notes/limitations:
+ * - The Fun stdlib provides blocking input(); there is no stdin polling.
+ *   We therefore alternate: process network I/O, then read one user line.
+ *   Server PINGs are handled whenever we process network I/O (between inputs).
+ * - For TLS, point host/port to a local TLS tunnel (e.g., stunnel) and set use_tls=1.
+ */
+
+#include <net/irc.fun>
+#include <strings.fun>
+#include <io/console.fun>
+#include <io/process.fun>
+#include <utils/datetime.fun>
+
+// --- Configuration ---
+// freenode (plain): host="chat.freenode.net", port=6667, use_tls=0
+// For TLS via a local tunnel to server:6697 -> host="127.0.0.1", port=<local>, use_tls=1
+host = "chat.freenode.net"
+port = 6667
+use_tls = 0
+
+default_nick = "FunUser"
+default_user = "funuser"
+default_real = "Fun Interactive Client"
+network_pass = ""  // Optional network password (not NickServ)
+
+// Optionally auto-join a channel after connect (empty string to skip)
+auto_join = "#fun-lang"
+
+dt = DateTime()
+proc = Process()
+
+// Initialize globals used by prompt/printing early so handlers can access them
+current_chan = ""
+current_nick = default_nick
+// When set to 1, we skip the pre-prompt drain and immediately show the prompt
+want_fast_prompt = 0
+// Small counter to skip a few network pump cycles right after commands
+skip_pump_ticks = 0
+
+// --- Timing knobs (tunable at runtime) ---
+// How long to drain incoming lines before each prompt (ms). 0 => no drain.
+pre_drain_ms = 0
+// Sleep between empty pumps during the pre-prompt drain (ms)
+pre_drain_idle_ms = 20
+// After sending a line (/msg or plain), how long to briefly pump (ms)
+send_pump_ms = 400
+
+// --- Helpers ---
+fun print_help()
+  print("Commands:")
+  print("  /help                      Show this help")
+  print("  /nick <newnick>            Change nickname")
+  print("  /join <#channel>           Join a channel")
+  print("  /part [#channel] [msg]     Leave a channel (current if omitted)")
+  print("  /msg <target> <text>       Send PRIVMSG to channel or user")
+  print("  /me  <target> <text>       Send ACTION (/me) to target")
+  print("  /raw <line>                Send a raw IRC line")
+  print("  /names [#channel]          Show names for a channel")
+  print("  /drainms <ms>              Set pre-prompt drain milliseconds (0 = off)")
+  print("  /sendpump <ms>             Set brief post-send pump ms")
+  print("  /showtimers                Show current timing settings")
+  print("  /quit [message]            Quit and exit")
+  print("")
+  print("Typing a line without '/' will send it to the current channel if set.")
+
+// Extract nick from a prefix like "nick!user@host"
+fun prefix_nick(prefix)
+  p = to_string(prefix)
+  ex = find(p, "!")
+  if (ex >= 0)
+    return substr(p, 0, ex)
+  at = find(p, "@")
+  if (at >= 0)
+    return substr(p, 0, at)
+  return p
+
+// Internal helper: ensure params is an Array
+fun _msg_params_safe(m)
+  p = m["params"]
+  if (typeof(p) == "Array")
+    return p
+  return []
+
+// Render a parsed message in a readable way (defensive conversions)
+fun render_msg(msg)
+  cmd = to_string(msg["command"])
+  if (cmd == "PRIVMSG")
+    sender = prefix_nick(to_string(msg["prefix"]))
+    ps = _msg_params_safe(msg)
+    tgt_s = ""
+    if (len(ps) > 0)
+      tgt_s = to_string(ps[0])
+    txt_s = to_string(msg["trailing"])
+    if (len(tgt_s) > 0)
+      // Avoid join() to prevent any accidental shadowing; use concatenation
+      out = "[" + tgt_s + "] <" + sender + "> " + txt_s
+      print(out)
+    else
+      out = "<" + sender + "> " + txt_s
+      print(out)
+    return
+  if (cmd == "NOTICE")
+    sender = prefix_nick(to_string(msg["prefix"]))
+    ps = _msg_params_safe(msg)
+    // target (unused in print below, but keep for parity with PRIVMSG)
+    tgt_s = ""
+    if (len(ps) > 0)
+      tgt_s = to_string(ps[0])
+    txt_s = to_string(msg["trailing"])
+    out = "-" + sender + "- " + txt_s
+    print(out)
+    return
+  if (cmd == "PING")
+    // Handled by pump(); we don't spam output for PINGs
+    return
+  // Default: print raw line representation
+  // (Caller prints the original line; this is an extra if wanted.)
+
+// Build the prompt string reflecting current channel
+fun _prompt_str()
+  // Include current local date/time with seconds in the prompt for debugging
+  ts = dt.format(dt.now_ms(), "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
+  p = "[" + ts + "] irc"
+  if (len(current_chan) > 0)
+    p = p + "[" + current_chan + "]"
+  return p + "> "
+
+// Repaint the prompt immediately (used after commands/output)
+fun _repaint_prompt()
+  // Force a fresh line, then print the prompt
+  print("")
+  echo(_prompt_str())
+
+// Process incoming lines once; auto-PONG is done in IRCClient.pump via callback
+fun on_line(line, msg)
+  // Print raw lines only for maximum robustness (avoids CALL runtime issues)
+  print(line)
+  // Update local state based on parsed message so prompt/channel reflect reality
+  cmd = to_string(msg["command"])
+  ps = _msg_params_safe(msg)
+  // Track our own NICK changes
+  if (cmd == "NICK")
+    oldn = prefix_nick(to_string(msg["prefix"]))
+    newn = ""
+    if (len(ps) > 0)
+      newn = to_string(ps[0])
+    else
+      newn = to_string(msg["trailing"])  // fallback
+    if (oldn == current_nick) 
+      current_nick = newn
+  // Track JOIN/PART to set/unset current_chan when it's us
+  if (cmd == "JOIN")
+    who = prefix_nick(to_string(msg["prefix"]))
+    ch = ""
+    if (len(ps) > 0)
+      ch = to_string(ps[0])
+    else
+      ch = to_string(msg["trailing"])  // e.g., ":#chan"
+    if (len(ch) > 0 && substr(ch, 0, 1) == ":")
+      ch = substr(ch, 1, len(ch) - 1)
+    if (who == current_nick)
+      current_chan = ch
+      print("Joined " + current_chan)
+  if (cmd == "PART")
+    who = prefix_nick(to_string(msg["prefix"]))
+    ch = ""
+    if (len(ps) > 0)
+      ch = to_string(ps[0])
+    if (who == current_nick)
+      if (str_to_upper(ch) == str_to_upper(current_chan))
+        current_chan = ""
+  // Track numerics that confirm join/names
+  if (cmd == "353" || cmd == "366")
+    // Try to find a channel name among params
+    ch = ""
+    i = 0
+    while (i < len(ps))
+      p = to_string(ps[i])
+      if (len(p) > 0 && substr(p, 0, 1) == "#")
+        ch = p
+        break
+      i = i + 1
+    if (len(ch) > 0)
+      // If we had not set current channel yet, set it now
+      if (len(current_chan) == 0)
+        current_chan = ch
+        print("Joined " + current_chan)
+  // After any incoming line, re-echo the prompt so it's visible again
+  // (helps after JOIN bursts)
+  print("")
+  echo(_prompt_str())
+
+// Split one line into argv-like array by spaces, keeping trailing text after :
+fun split_irc_cmd(line)
+  s = str_trim(to_string(line))
+  if (len(s) == 0)
+    return []
+  // If contains a space-colon, treat ":..." as a single arg
+  sp = find(s, " :")
+  if (sp >= 0)
+    left = substr(s, 0, sp)
+    right = substr(s, sp + 2, len(s) - sp - 2)
+    parts = str_split(left, " ")
+    push(parts, right)
+    return parts
+  return str_split(s, " ")
+
+// Join parts[start..end] with single spaces
+fun join_rest(parts, start)
+  out = ""
+  i = to_number(start)
+  while (i < len(parts))
+    if (len(out) == 0)
+      out = to_string(parts[i])
+    else
+      out = out + " " + to_string(parts[i])
+    i = i + 1
+  return out
+
+// Briefly pump the IRC client to process server I/O (e.g., after sending)
+fun pump_brief(client, ms)
+  duration = to_number(ms)
+  if (duration <= 0)
+    duration = 150
+  t0 = dt.now_ms()
+  while (dt.now_ms() - t0 < duration)
+    n = client.pump(on_line)
+    if (n == 0)
+      dt.sleep_ms(30)
+
+// Try to read one line from stdin non-blockingly using an external shell.
+// Returns map { "ok": 1/0, "line": string }
+fun _stdin_try_read(timeout_ms)
+  ms = to_number(timeout_ms)
+  if (ms < 0)
+    ms = 0
+  // Build bash command: read with timeout; on success print the line; exit 0
+  // On timeout/EOF, exit non-zero with no output so we can distinguish.
+  // Use -lc to ensure non-interactive login shell features are available.
+  tsec = to_string(ms / 1000)
+  // Keep a minimum of 0.02s to avoid tight CPU spin
+  if (ms < 20)
+    tsec = "0.02"
+  cmd = "bash -lc 'read -t " + tsec + " -r line || exit 1; printf %s \"$line\"'"
+  r = proc.run(cmd)
+  if (r["code"] == 0)
+    return { "ok": 1, "line": to_string(r["out"]) }
+  return { "ok": 0, "line": "" }
+
+// --- Main ---
+mode = " (plain)"
+if (use_tls == 1)
+  mode = " (TLS via tunnel)"
+print("Connecting to " + host + ":" + to_string(port) + mode)
+
+c = IRCClient(host, port, use_tls)
+if (!c.connect())
+  print("Failed to connect.")
+  exit(1)
+
+// Register
+c.register(default_nick, default_user, default_real, network_pass)
+
+// Process initial greetings (and answer PINGs)
+greet_start = dt.now_ms()
+while (dt.now_ms() - greet_start < 2500)
+  c.pump(on_line)
+
+current_chan = ""
+current_nick = default_nick
+if (len(auto_join) > 0)
+  c.join(auto_join)
+  // Don't set current_chan yet; wait for server confirmation
+  dt.sleep_ms(400)
+  // Drain any immediate JOIN replies
+  c.pump(on_line)
+
+con = Console()
+print_help()
+
+// Show initial prompt once
+print("")
+echo(_prompt_str())
+
+while true
+  // 1) First, try to read any user input without blocking. This ensures
+  //    commands execute immediately and are not delayed by network pumping.
+  polled = _stdin_try_read(60)
+  if (polled["ok"] == 1)
+    cmdline = str_trim(polled["line"])
+  else
+    cmdline = ""
+
+  if (len(cmdline) == 0)
+    // 2) No user input this tick — optionally defer pumping briefly right
+    //    after a command to keep the prompt responsive.
+    if (skip_pump_ticks > 0)
+      skip_pump_ticks = skip_pump_ticks - 1
+      // keep the prompt visible
+      echo("")
+      dt.sleep_ms(10)
+      continue
+    // Then pump server traffic once. If the
+    //    underlying recv() blocks until data, keep the sleep short to
+    //    avoid busy-waiting between bursts.
+    n = c.pump(on_line)
+    if (n == 0)
+      dt.sleep_ms(15)
+    // keep looping
+    continue
+
+  if (substr(cmdline, 0, 1) == "/")
+    // Slash command
+    words = split_irc_cmd(substr(cmdline, 1, len(cmdline) - 1))
+    if (len(words) == 0)
+      continue
+    op = str_to_lower(words[0])
+
+    if (op == "help")
+      print_help()
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      // Skip immediate network pumping this iteration so the prompt
+      // stays responsive right after command execution.
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "nick")
+      if (len(words) < 2)
+        print("Usage: /nick <newnick>")
+      else
+        c.send_raw("NICK " + words[1])
+        current_nick = words[1]
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "join")
+      if (len(words) < 2)
+        print("Usage: /join <#channel>")
+      else
+        ch = words[1]
+        c.join(ch)
+        // Wait for server JOIN/353/366 to confirm; we'll update current_chan in on_line
+        print("Joining " + ch)
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "part")
+      // /part [#chan] [msg]
+      ch = current_chan
+      reason = ""
+      if (len(words) >= 2)
+        ch = words[1]
+      if (len(words) >= 3)
+        reason = words[2]
+      if (len(ch) == 0)
+        print("Usage: /part [#channel] [message]")
+      else
+        c.part(ch, reason)
+        if (str_to_upper(ch) == str_to_upper(current_chan))
+          current_chan = ""
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "msg")
+      if (len(words) < 3)
+        print("Usage: /msg <target> <text>")
+      else
+        tgt = words[1]
+        txt = join_rest(words, 2)
+        c.privmsg(tgt, txt)
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "me")
+      if (len(words) < 3)
+        print("Usage: /me <target> <text>")
+      else
+        tgt = words[1]
+        txt = join_rest(words, 2)
+        c.privmsg(tgt, "\x01ACTION " + txt + "\x01")
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "raw")
+      if (len(words) < 2)
+        print("Usage: /raw <line>")
+      else
+        c.send_raw(join_rest(words, 1))
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "drainms")
+      if (len(words) < 2)
+        print("Usage: /drainms <milliseconds>")
+      else
+        pre_drain_ms = to_number(words[1])
+        print("pre_drain_ms set to " + to_string(pre_drain_ms) + " ms")
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "sendpump")
+      if (len(words) < 2)
+        print("Usage: /sendpump <milliseconds>")
+      else
+        send_pump_ms = to_number(words[1])
+        print("send_pump_ms set to " + to_string(send_pump_ms) + " ms")
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "showtimers")
+      print("Timers:")
+      print("  pre_drain_ms      = " + to_string(pre_drain_ms))
+      print("  pre_drain_idle_ms = " + to_string(pre_drain_idle_ms))
+      print("  send_pump_ms      = " + to_string(send_pump_ms))
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      skip_pump_ticks = 3
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "names")
+      ch = current_chan
+      if (len(words) >= 2)
+        ch = words[1]
+      if (len(ch) == 0)
+        print("Usage: /names [#channel]")
+      else
+        c.send_raw("NAMES " + ch)
+      _repaint_prompt()
+      want_fast_prompt = 1
+      continue
+
+    if (op == "quit")
+      msg = ""
+      if (len(words) >= 2)
+        msg = words[1]
+      c.quit(msg)
+      dt.sleep_ms(200)
+      c.close()
+      print("Goodbye.")
+      break
+
+    print("Unknown command. Type /help")
+    _repaint_prompt()
+    want_fast_prompt = 1
+    skip_pump_ticks = 3
+    continue
+
+  // Regular message: send to current channel if set
+  if (len(current_chan) == 0)
+    print("No current channel. Use /join <#channel> or /msg <nick> <text>.")
+    _repaint_prompt()
+  else
+    c.privmsg(current_chan, cmdline)
+    // Local echo so you see what you sent immediately
+    print("[" + current_chan + "] <" + current_nick + "> " + cmdline)
+    // Repaint prompt after sending; server responses will print concurrently
+    _repaint_prompt()
+    want_fast_prompt = 1
+    skip_pump_ticks = 3
+
+// Exit program