What is IRC (Internet Relay Chat)?

Introduction

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a reliable and efficient way to connect with users over the Internet. Developed more than 35 years ago, it continues to have hundreds of thousands of users. In this blog you’ll learn how IRC works, from login to messaging. We’ll explore some of the basic commands and concepts to help you get started. We will also discuss the pros and cons of IRC to help explain its enduring popularity.

What is IRC (Internet Relay Chat)?

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat and is an Internet application that was developed in 1988 by Jakko Oikarinen in Finland as a convenient way to communicate quickly with other users. IRC is comprised of different channels dedicated to different topics where you can exchange messages with other users from around the globe. The Internet was in its infancy when IRC was created. So, the concept of having a method like Internet Relay Chat to communicate with other users was new—and exciting—territory.

How IRC works

Internet Relay Chat follows a client-server model. To get started with IRC you need client software which is available for Windows, Macs, and UNIX/Linux workstations. After you install the software and connect to the Internet you log onto the IRC server. Based on the topic(s) you are interested in, you choose the specific channel(s) you’d like to join. You then choose a username, or nickname, to identify yourself. At that point, you’re ready to send and receive messages.

In the background, IRC servers are located all over the world and are connected to each other as part of a global network. Your message is sent to the IRC server you’re connected to and then it is automatically sent to the other servers that the users on the channel you selected are logged onto. Messages are transferred from one server to another, using the shortest route available, to enable live IRC chatting with other discussion participants.

Chatting on IRC

In Internet Relay Chat, the IRC client communicates with the IRC server on the Internet. When you type a message and send it, the IRC server in turn sends your IRC chat to the other IRC servers on the network. Those IRC servers send your message to people who are part of the channel(s) you selected.

IRC is primarily used for group communications through public channels, but it also supports one-on-one communication so you can communicate privately with another person. Additionally, some IRC channels are by invitation only, so you’ll need to send a request to be invited.

IRC has special features to help foster a sense of community. For example, you can create lists of users you want to communicate with so you can be notified when they come online. Likewise, if another user adds you to their list, they are informed when you come online.

Client software required for different chat types

Internet Relay Chat was the earliest form of electronic messaging over the Internet. Over the next several years, other types of chat services emerged, each with different software requirements.

While many of these early vendors no longer exist, IRC continues to maintain a strong user base. Additionally, many new online communication offerings have emerged to cater to the needs of technical, business, and casual users. These new services include:

• Direct Chat Programs such as Google Chat, Facebook Chat, and Microsoft Teams chat features.
• Other Chat Group applications including Discord, Slack, WhatsApp, and Telegram which can run on a variety of devices and operating systems as well as web browsers.
• Online conferencing systems such as Zoom, Skype, Webex Meetings, and Microsoft Teams.

The three major types of IRC communication servers

IRC communication servers allow you to share your message with other users on the channel or within a specific discussion group. Initially, servers only supported text-based conversations, but now IRC servers also include support for voice and video.

The three major types of IRC communication servers are:

• EFnet servers
• UnderNet servers
• DALnet servers

Each server has its own hostname, meaning the name of the server and Internet that it accesses. However, you may not be able to connect to the server of your choice if that server already has the maximum number of users.

Basic IRC commands

IRC communication is generally command-based, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with a few of the basics. For example:

To join a channel, use the command: /join #channelname

To send a message, use the command: /msg nickname message

To part a channel, use the command: /part #channelname

To leave IRC use the command: /quit

To learn about a channel’s policies: /rules

To get a list of all the commands available in a channel: /help

To invite a person to the channel you are in: /invite <nickname>

[Note: Add #channelname to the end of the command line if only channel members are allowed to invite others.]

Advantages of Internet Relay Chat

In addition to being the first communication channel over the internet, there are other benefits to IRC that have led to its popularity and continued use.

• Decentralized. In contrast to other communication services, no one company controls IRC so anyone can set up their own server and create their own IRC network that is accessible from almost all operating systems and devices.  
• Privacy. Access levels, invitation-only channels, and one-on-one messaging enable users to establish privacy controls.
• Community. Users are able to establish and maintain relationships with people from around the world who share similar interests.
• Speed. IRC supports chat and file sharing in fractions of seconds to enable real-time communication with hundreds of people at once.
• Flexibility. Users can customize their experience and use IRC for a variety of purposes from critical operations to gaming discussions.

Disadvantages of Internet Relay Chat

IRC is not perfect and does have some drawbacks to be aware of.

• Service availability. Larger IRC networks typically require significant bandwidth to handle the overload and maintain availability when disruptions occur, such as DDoS attacks that attempt to overwhelm a targeted IRC server.
• Security concerns. Users that share files and data, particularly via unencrypted connections, can be subjected to security risks such as data leakage or the transfer of malware.
• Cyberbullying. IRC can be used anonymously which makes it easy for negative, and even malicious, communication and exchanges to occur.
• Limited chat bytes. Chat line length and buffer limits require that users keep messages very short, and break longer messages into multiple, shorter IRC chats.

Conclusion

Internet Relay Chat is a reliable and effective communication tool. It offers users a number of different channels dedicated to different topics where you can send and receive messages with other users from all over the world. Getting started with IRC is relatively straightforward: You need client software in order to connect to an IRC server. Then you can join a channel and begin sending and receiving IRC chats.

There are many reasons why users like IRC, including that it is decentralized, private, fast and flexible, and allows them to create and maintain relationships. However, IRC also has some disadvantages including service availability and security concerns.

Since IRC was first introduced, we now rely heavily on seamless connectivity. Unfortunately, with this connectivity comes the rising threat of cyber attacks to create disruptions. So, the importance of safeguarding against threats like DDoS attacks that lead to downtime has never been greater.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to address these challenges. For example, DDoS protection provides uninterrupted service availability even in the midst of a DDoS attack and can protect you from data leakage, ransom attacks, and other threats to your operations.