Search Results

    • Model used for IRC : IRC follows client-server model. It means that both client and server software is required in order to use it. Many IT (Information Technology) clients are available for different kinds of computers, so whether you have PC, Macintosh, or UNIX work-section, you will be able to use IRC.
    • Chatting on IRC : IRC client connects/communicates with IRC server on Internet. First, you have to log on to server using client and then pick channel on which you want to chat.
    • Working on IRC : When you want to chat first you have to make connection to Internet and then start your client software. After that, you need to log on to IRC server which is located on Internet.
    • Client Software for Chat : CHAT TYPE. SOFTWARE REQUIRED. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Chat program such as mIRC or Ircle. Web-based chat. Web browsers like Netscape or Internet Explorer.
    • What Is Internet Relay Chat (IRC)?
    • Why IRC Matters Today
    • Basic Concepts in Internet Relay Chat
    • How IRC Works: A Technical Overview
    • Getting Started with IRC
    • Common Internet Relay Chat Commands
    • IRC vs. Modern Chat Platforms
    • MIRC – The Most Popular Internet Relay Chat Software
    • Web References

    Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a protocol for live text-based Internet chat. It functions on a client-server model where individual users (clients) connect to a chat network via an IRC server. Initially, IRC was one of the first protocols to offer a decentralized architecture, with different servers interconnected to form a network. Internet Relay Ch...

    Ongoing Utility

    You might wonder why we’re talking about a protocol that originated in the late ’80s. The answer is simple: IRC still matters. Even with the advent of more sophisticated chat applications, IRC continues to be a robust, reliable, and scalable solution for real-time, text-based communication.

    Open Source Advantage

    One of the key advantages is its open-source nature. Anyone can create an IRC server, customize it, and operate it independently. This decentralized approach contrasts sharply with modern chat platforms that are often closed systems, controlled by a single corporation.

    Niche Communities

    Additionally, IRC still thrives as the backbone for many niche online communities. Specialized tech forums, coding communities, and even social groups prefer the simplicity and directness that IRC provides.

    Channels

    First and foremost, let’s talk about channels. These are the chat rooms where discussions take place. Usually identified with a ‘#’ symbol, channels are where the bulk of social interaction on IRC occurs.

    Servers

    Next, we have the IRC servers. These are the machines that host the channels and manage the chats. Each server can host multiple channels and is typically part of a larger network of interconnected servers.

    Clients

    Now, let’s move to the client-side of things. IRC clients are software programs that you install on your computer to connect to an IRC server. Popular clients include mIRC, HexChat, and Irssi.

    Protocol Basics

    Let’s kick things off with the protocol basics. IRC operates over TCP/IP, typically using port 6667 for plain-text communication and ports 6697 or 9999 for SSL-encrypted sessions. So, when we talk about IRC, we’re referring to a set of rules dictating how messages should be formatted and transmitted between clients and servers.

    Connection Process

    Firstly, upon connecting to an IRC server, the client undergoes a “handshake” process. The server challenges the client to provide a unique nickname (nick), a username, and sometimes even a password. Once authenticated, the client can join channels or create new ones.

    Message Structure

    Let’s delve into the message structure. An IRC message comprises a prefix, command, and parameters. The prefix is optional and usually includes the source nickname and server. Commands are upper-case strings or numerical codes that signify the type of action, like “JOIN” for entering a channel. Parameters furnish extra information, like the channel name.

    Setting Up Your Environment

    First off, let’s tackle the preliminary steps. Before you can roam the IRC channels, you’ll need an IRC client. Some popular options include HexChat, mIRC, and Irssi for desktop users. Mobile aficionados can opt for clients like IRCCloud or AndroIRC.

    Installation Steps

    For the sake of this tutorial, let’s assume you’ve chosen HexChat. Here’s how you get it up and running: 1. Download and Install:Navigate to the HexChat website and download the installer suited for your OS. 2. Run the Installer:Double-click the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.

    Configuration

    Post-installation, fire up HexChat. You’ll be greeted with a Network List dialog. 1. Nickname:Choose a unique nickname, which will serve as your identity. 2. User Name and Real Name:These are optional and serve for informational purposes. 3. Networks:Select the IRC network you wish to join, like Freenode, and hit “Connect.” And just like that, you’re connected to an IRC network! But hold on, we’re just getting started.

    Every IRC client has an input area where you can type what you want to say or issue IRC commands. You issue IRC commands by typing on a new line something beginning with a / (forward slash) character. Anything that does not begin with a / is assumed to be a message you are typing to someone or some channel. In the following I will describe the more...

    As we delve deeper into the world of Internet Relay Chat (IRC), a pertinent question arises: How does IRC stack up against modern chat platforms like Slack and Discord? In this chapter, we’ll dissect the technical nuances and practical implications of IRC in comparison to its contemporary counterparts.

    mIRC is a popular Internet Relay Chat client used by individuals and organizations to communicate, share, play and work with each other on IRC networks around the world. You can still download and install mIRC. The latest version is mIRC v7.75 for Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11. Download mIRC

  1. Jan 11, 2022 · Internet Relay Chat: definition. The term IRC, short for Internet Relay Chat, refers to a chat system that allows people (even strangers) to message each other over the Internet in near real time. IRC users connect to one of numerous networks and then join one or more of the channels. Here you have the option to send text messages to everyone ...

  2. en.wikipedia.org › wiki › IRCIRC - Wikipedia

    Internet Relay Chat ( IRC) is a text-based chat system for instant messaging. IRC is designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels, [1] but also allows one-on-one communication via private messages [2] as well as chat and data transfer, [3] including file sharing.

  3. Jun 30, 2023 · IRC chatroom and chat participants back in the day. IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a protocol that enables real-time text messaging between computers connected to the internet. Its message-based nature sets it apart from other protocols. It was created in 1988 and is primarily used for group discussions in chat rooms called “channels,” but it ...

  4. Mar 21, 2022 · The Internet Relay Chat is a protocol used for live interactive internal text messaging or simultaneous conferencing. It is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels, but also allows one-to-one communication messages as well as chat and data transfer including file sharing. IRC is the way of communicating in ...

  5. Oct 24, 2012 · In 1988, popularized real-time online communication becomes a reality with IRC, or Internet relay chat. IRC is basically a glorified chatroom system that started off as a way to have live chatting between multiple users, but eventually evolved into a powerful network for data transfers and file sharing. With IRC, multiple users can connect to a ...