Developed in August 1988, by Jarkko Oikarinen, IRC is short for Internet Relay Chat. It is a popular chat service still in use today. IRC enables users to connect to a server using a software program or web service and communicate with each other live. For example, the Computer Hope chat room uses an IRC server to allow its users to talk and ask computer questions live.

To connect and chat with other IRC users, you must have an IRC client or a web interface that connects you to IRC servers. There are many software IRC clients that enable users to connect and communicate to other IRC servers. We suggest the HydraIRC program.

Below is a listing of some IRC commands that can be used while connected to an IRC server. Although most of these commands work with most IRC clients and IRC servers, some commands may be invalid.

If you log into an IRC server frequently and use the same nick, make sure to register the nick with nickserv to prevent others from using the same name. See the nickserv definition for further information about this command.

Finally, if you’re running an IRC channel and want to register the channel, use the chanserv command. See the chanserv definition for further information about this command.

Ban, BNC, Chanfix, Chanserv, Chat, Chat terms, Computer acronyms, CTCP, DCC, G-Lined, HOP, Internet terms, Ircle, Kicked, K-Line, Luser, mIRCScript, MUT, Notice, Op, Privmsg, SOP, Trillian, WALLOPS, X, Xirc, Z:Lined

  • How to send a private message in IRC chat.