{{Note|A web-based IRC client has not bet set up yet|warn}}
IRC stands for ''Internet Relay Chat'' and was one of the first instant messaging protocols. Many say it has been superseded by other protocols and platforms but [https:drewdevault.com/2019/07/01/Absence-of-features-in-IRC.html some] make very good arguments for why it's still very useful. Personally, I prefer it to pretty much every IM app or platform I've tried.
Make sure you read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Connecting =
*'''Hostname:''' <code>irc.nixnet.services</code>
*'''Port:''' <code>6697</code>
If your client doesn't support TLS, I recommend looking into Stunnel
The "official" channels are <code>#nixnet</code> and <code>#nixnet-ot</code>. As the names suggest, the first should be used for anything related to [https:nixnet.services NixNet] and the latter for anything off-topic. Rules are few but check the Terms of Service for specifics.
Don't forget to run <code>/list</code> to see all the public channels!
General =
I take a light approach to moderation in general but particularly with IRC. '''Don't''' be "that person" who gives opers a hard time. Channel modes are set to <code>+nst</code> by default but can easily be changed.
This server runs [https:oragono.io/ oragono] and comes with a lot of nice features baked-in, such as NickServ, ChanServ, message history (disabled by default), and multi-client support. The docs are a mixture of information pertaining to admins and users; ignore the admin content and focus on what might be pertinent to users.
Clients =
If you would like a web client, I host [https:thelounge.chat TheLounge] at [https:irc.nixnet.services irc.nixnet.services]. If you'd like a TUI, there are some great clients in the [https:codeberg.org/shellowl/delightful-cli#user-content-instant-messaging delightful-cli] list. I personally use WeeChat. For graphical client, HexChat is a popular option, as is Pidgin.