Before Discord, Slack, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok dominated the digital communication space, there was Internet Relay Chat (IRC). For those who remember the days of dialing into chat servers, crafting elaborate bots, and participating in open-source communities, IRC holds a special place in internet history. But what happened to IRC? Can it still be used? And more importantly, does it still have a place in today’s internet ecosystem? Let’s dive into the world of IRC and explore its legacy, usage, and future.

What is IRC?

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a real-time messaging protocol that allows users to communicate in channels (group discussions) or privately (one-on-one messaging). Launched in 1988, IRC quickly became the go-to platform for developers, tech enthusiasts, and online communities.

Unlike modern messaging apps, IRC is decentralized, meaning no single company owns or controls it. Users connect to various servers and networks, creating a resilient and open communication system. Over the years, IRC played a crucial role in the development of open-source software, including Linux and Ubuntu.

Why Did IRC Fade from Popularity?

While IRC was once the backbone of online chat, several factors led to its decline:

1. User Experience Challenges – Unlike modern chat applications, IRC lacks built-in message history (unless a user stays connected), media sharing capabilities, and a user-friendly interface. Many newcomers found it intimidating.
2. The Rise of Proprietary Platforms – Services like Slack, Discord, and Telegram offered seamless user experiences, mobile compatibility, and integrations, which attracted users away from IRC.
3. Lack of Centralized Support – Because IRC is decentralized, it lacks the marketing power and development funding that proprietary apps enjoy.

Why Do People Still Use IRC?

Despite these challenges, IRC continues to thrive in certain circles. Some key reasons why IRC remains relevant include:

1. Open-Source and Federated Nature – Unlike Slack or Discord, IRC is fully open-source, allowing developers to modify and improve it freely. It is also federated, meaning different servers can communicate with one another.
2. Customization and Automation – IRC is highly customizable and allows users to create bots and scripts for automation. Many open-source communities still rely on IRC for technical discussions.
3. Privacy and Control – Unlike corporate-owned chat applications, IRC does not require an account, making it an attractive option for those concerned about privacy.
4. Resilience and Longevity – Because IRC does not rely on a single company, it will not be shut down due to business decisions. This makes it a stable choice for long-term communication.

The Future: IRC vs. Matrix

While IRC still has its loyal user base, a new protocol is gaining traction: Matrix. Matrix offers many of the benefits of IRC, such as decentralization and open-source development, but with modern features like end-to-end encryption and message history. Interestingly, Matrix can bridge with IRC, allowing communities to transition without abandoning their IRC roots.

How to Use IRC Today

If you’re feeling nostalgic or simply want to explore IRC, here are some recommended clients:

• HexChat – A user-friendly IRC client with active development.
• WeeChat – A powerful and customizable terminal-based client.
• Quassel – A Qt-based IRC client with a modern interface.
• IRCCloud – A web-based IRC client that solves the history issue.

For Ubuntu users, several IRC clients are pre-installed or easily available, including Pidgin, Smuxi, Konversation, and Empathy.

Conclusion

IRC may no longer be the dominant force it once was, but it is far from dead. It remains an invaluable tool for open-source communities, privacy-focused users, and those who appreciate its lightweight, decentralized nature. While newer protocols like Matrix are gaining ground, IRC’s resilience proves that sometimes, the old ways still have a place in the modern internet. If you’re feeling nostalgic, why not fire up an IRC client and see what’s happening in the channels today?