IRC

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Hexchat 2.16.0 screenshot

Irssi 1.2.3 screenshot

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Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a form of real-time Internet communication that allows users to communicate through text messages in a many-to-many manner. Developed in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen, IRC has become a significant part of the early internet culture and continues to be used today, despite the rise of more modern messaging and communication platforms.

Overview

IRC is based on a client-server model, where users connect to servers using an IRC client. These clients can be standalone applications or web-based interfaces. Once connected, users can join channels (designated by a # symbol), which are essentially chat rooms dedicated to specific topics or communities. Users can also engage in private chats with other users.

Technical Aspects

The protocol for IRC is open and standardized, allowing for a wide range of clients and servers. Communication on IRC is plain text, which makes it lightweight and accessible on even the most basic internet connections. However, this also means that it lacks the multimedia support found in newer messaging platforms.

IRC operates on different networks, each consisting of multiple servers. These networks are independent of each other, and a user must connect to the specific network where the desired channel is hosted. Some of the most well-known IRC networks include Freenode, EFnet, and Undernet.

Features

IRC supports various features that enhance communication, such as the ability to transfer files through Direct Client-to-Client (DCC) connections, the use of bots for automation and management tasks within channels, and the ability to create private channels with restricted access.

Security

Security on IRC has been a concern due to its open nature and the lack of encryption in standard protocols. This has led to the development of various methods to secure IRC communications, including the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for encrypted connections and the implementation of services to manage channel and network permissions.

Cultural Impact

IRC played a pivotal role in the early days of the internet, serving as a hub for tech enthusiasts, hackers, and activists. It was instrumental in organizing events, sharing information, and fostering communities around specific interests. IRC has also been used for educational purposes, providing a platform for real-time discussions and collaboration.

Decline and Legacy

With the advent of modern social media and messaging platforms, IRC's popularity has waned. However, it remains active with a dedicated user base and continues to be appreciated for its simplicity, low resource requirements, and open protocol. IRC has influenced the development of many contemporary communication tools and protocols.

See Also

• Instant messaging
• Chat room
• Online chat

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