DevelopmentTools
Core Documentation
Technical Specifications
Binary & Data
External Networking
Assets
Development Tools & Libraries
Building for the Hotline protocol in the modern era requires libraries that can handle Big-Endian binary structures and the TRTP handshake. Below are the recommended tools and resources for current developers.
Modern Libraries
Python (Discord-Hotline Bridge)
The following Python script provides a stable foundation for a Discord-to-Hotline relay. It utilizes asyncio for non-blocking socket communication and discord.py for the bot interface.
- Source: View Python Bridge Source
- Key Features: Guest login (0x6b), Plain-text relay, and Webhook support.
Go-Hotline (ghotline)
A modern implementation of the Hotline protocol written in Go. Excellent for building high-performance trackers or automated bots.
- Capability: Full support for Transaction 107 (Login) and 200 (File Listing).
- Use Case: Server monitoring and high-speed indexing.
Hotline SDK (C/C++)
The original logic for many classic clients. While dated, these headers provide the exact struct definitions for FILP and RFLT.
- Note: Requires
#pragma pack(2)or similar alignment settings to match the 68k/PPC memory alignment of the original protocol.
Protocol Debugging Tools
Wireshark (Custom Dissectors)
To debug raw hex traffic, Wireshark is indispensable.
- Filter:
tcp.port == 5500 - Tip: Look for the
54 52 54 50(TRTP) signature at the start of the stream to verify the handshake.
Hex Editors
Useful for inspecting the Flat File Objects (FILP) during upload/download debugging.
- Recommended: HxD (Windows), Hex Fiend (macOS), or 010 Editor.
External Resources
- Preterhuman.net: Archives of original Hotline documentation and early 1.2x source fragments.
- HLWiki Icons: Access the raw icon set directly via
