What is Internet Relay Chat?
What is IRC Chat and Why It’s Still Popular

Before all this, in the late 80s, there was IRC (Internet Relay Chat). It enables users to talk in real time via text messages in chat rooms or channels. Is IRC still relevant in 2019? It is still widely used in many communities for group discussions, technical support and to socialize. The open, decentralized structure of IRC servers is a factor behind its continued use. IRC servers are not controlled by individual companies in the way that today modern apps are, meaning users have more control and also privacy. Additionally, the interface is lightweight and text-based, so it also performs great on low-bandwidth links or older computers so data can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
The Basics of Chatting Online with IRC
IRC requires that a user connect to a client which is then used to communicate with an IRC server. After connecting, all users can participate in existing chat rooms (channels) or set up their own. Messages posted to a channel are searchable by all members of that channel, and it also has support for direct messaging. These kinds of things that manage your experience are commands like “/join” and “/nick”. Although IRC chat is mostly text, you can also share links, files or even use bots for games or notifications. While it may be from days of yore, IRC networks have had plenty of time to build strong communities — complete with rules and moderators intended to keep conversations civil and on topic.
Getting Started with IRC
Choosing the Right Internet Relay Chat Client
Various clients are available with different features and UI. Notable clients are mIRC (Windows), HexChat (cross-platform), Irssi (command-line based) etc. The right client for you will be dependent on your comfort level with technology and the device you opt to use.
Novices may favor graphical clients that have simple, intuitive user interfaces with few (if any) advanced features, while power users may opt for terminal clients because of the flexibility they provide.

A brief table overview on few famous IRC Clients:
Client
|
Platform
|
Ease of Use
|
Special Features
|
mIRC
|
Windows
|
Beginner-friendly
|
Script support, file sharing
|
HexChat
|
Windows/Linux
|
User-friendly
|
Cross-platform, customizable
|
Irssi
|
Linux/Mac
|
Advanced users
|
Command-line, lightweight
|
This table helps users quickly see which client fits their needs.
How to Set Up Your First Chat Room
Creating your personal IRC channel is easy. After successfully connecting to an IRC server, you can either create your channel or join an existing channel using the command “/join #yourchannelname”. Then you can set the channel topic – after that, invite friends to jump on board and moderate conversation using some commands. Learning basic IRC commands will improve your experience and help manage your space effectively.
Fun Ways to Use IRC Today
Join Public Chat Rooms for Any Topic
With IRC networks there are hundreds or thousands of public channels where you can talk about technology, videogames, hobbies or even your local community. These rooms are easy to join and a fun way to connect with like-minded people. Channels are usually moderated by moderators so that discussions can be easily monitored and enforced.
Create Your Own Private IRC Channel
However, we made it so you can create a private channel (by invite only with password). Great for friends, clubs or workgroups to exclusively communicate with. You can limit subscriptions to private channels, preserving the quality of your team’s communications and protecting your information.
Tips for Smooth IRC Chatting
Keeping Conversations Fun and Friendly
Just like any other community, IRC chat responds very well to respect and friendliness. Do not spam, flame or post adult content. Talk and listen in a conversation when you need it. It plays an important role in helping friendships last.
Staying Safe While Chatting Online IRC
Although IRC is text-based and often anonymous, you should protect your privacy. Avoid sharing personal details and use secure servers where possible. Be cautious of links or file transfers from unknown users to prevent scams or malware.
Conclusion: Why IRC Still Matters
It is an extremely simple yet powerful way to connect on the internet for chatting. It remains extremely useful due to its openness, lightness, and communities till date. Whether you prefer to engage in the wide open world of public chats or construct your own private channels, IRC provides a level of freedom and power that many contemporary communication tools simply can’t match.
However, those who desire a more serviceable experience with live video and a less hazardous interface can try switching to ParaU. On one side, ParaU brings the freedom to chat with strangers with a vast variety of chatting features (like Omegle), and on the other hand, you can go live to meet your new friends right away. So if you want to sanitize your text messages and experience actual video communication then ParaU is the way to go.
FAQs
-
What is IRC Chat?
IRC Chat is a realtime text messaging system where users connect to servers and join channels (which are nothing but chat rooms) to communicate with other users. One of the oldest online chat protocols. -
How Do I Start Using Internet Relay Chat?
Get an IRC client (for your device), connect to irc.server.name and enter a channel using commands like “/join #channelname”. There are indexes, a variety of clients, and games to get you started. -
Can I use IRC on my phone?
Of course, there are a number of mobile IRC clients for both iOS and Android (like IRCCloud or AndroIRC) so you can chat on the go. -
Is IRC safe for chatting?
IRC is generally safe but anonymous. Do not disclose any of your personal data and if possible keep your IP address private, and follow server advice. Be cautious of suspicious links and files.