IRC<\/a> is an application-layer protocol that facilitates communication in the form of text. The protocol was created by Jarkko Oikarinen<\/a> in August 1988. It was originally intended to extend the capabilities of the BBS<\/a> systems of the era. Unlike modern alternatives like Slack<\/a> or Discord<\/a>, IRC<\/a> is an open standard, allowing anyone to implement their own IRC Server<\/a> or IRC Client<\/a>.<\/p> The IRC<\/a> protocol is based on a Client-Server<\/a> architecture. A user runs a client program that connects to a server in an IRC Network<\/a>. The most famous networks include Libera.Chat<\/a>, Freenode<\/a>, and Undernet<\/a>. Users communicate in channels, which are identified by a '#' prefix. For instance, developers often congregate in Linux<\/a> or Python<\/a> related channels. The technical specifications are documented in RFC 1459<\/a>.<\/p> Interaction with the server is performed using commands. Common examples include Sources: IRCHelp.org<\/a>, Wikipedia<\/a>.<\/p>Protocol Mechanics<\/h2>
Commands and Features<\/h2>
\/JOIN<\/code> to enter a channel, \/NICK<\/code> to change a username, and \/PRIVMSG<\/code> to send a private message. Many networks also employ services like NickServ<\/a> and ChanServ<\/a> to manage user registrations and channel permissions. Advanced users often use Bouncers<\/a> (such as ZNC<\/a>) to stay connected even when their local client is offline.<\/p>Related Topics<\/h3>