IRC
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a text-based communication protocol used for real-time, online messaging. It operates on a client-server model, connecting users worldwide in a virtual network of chat rooms called "channels". Here are descriptions of key IRC computer terms:
Core IRC concepts
IRC (Internet Relay Chat): The protocol itself, created in 1988, that facilitates text-based communication.
IRC Network: A collection of interconnected IRC servers that relays messages across the network. Many different networks exist, each with its own community and culture.
IRC Server: A computer that runs the IRC software. Users connect to a server to access a particular network. Many networks have multiple servers that are linked to provide wider access.
IRC Client: The software program that a user runs on their device to connect to an IRC server. Popular clients include mIRC (Windows), HexChat (cross-platform), and web-based clients like KiwiIRC.
Channel: A chat room within an IRC network, typically dedicated to a specific topic. Channel names usually begin with a hashtag, like #linux or #python.
Nickname (or Nick): The unique username a user selects to identify themselves within an IRC network.
Command: Text entered by a user into the client, prefixed with a forward slash (/), to perform an action. For example, /join #channelname is a command to enter a new channel.
Private Message (or Query): A one-on-one, text-based conversation with another user that is not visible to the rest of the channel.
©2025 PC Anatomy | 