IRC terminology: a glossary for new users

Getting started with Internet Relay Chat (IRC) involves learning a few traditional terms and acronyms. This glossary breaks down the essential vocabulary you will encounter on your network.

Core Concepts & Connection

1. Client: The software application you use to connect to IRC (e.g., HexChat, The Lounge, Irssi, or WeeChat).
2. Server: A computer that accepts client connections and routes messages across the network.
3. Network: A collection of multiple interconnected IRC servers sharing channels and user data (e.g., all users across the servers can chat in the same channels).
4. Nick (Nickname): Your unique username on the network (e.g., Alice). You can register your nickname to protect it from being used by others.
5. Channel: A public or private group chat room. Channel names always begin with a hash symbol, such as #support or #lounge.
6. Hostmask: A unique identifier assigned to your connection, structured like nickname!username@hostname. It is used by servers and bots to identify users and manage bans.

User Modes & Status

Prefixes next to a user's nickname in the channel member list indicate their level of privilege:

1. Voice (+): Users with voice status can speak in a channel that has been set to moderated mode (+m). Displayed with a plus sign (+) next to their nick.
2. Halfop (%): A mid-tier administrative role with limited moderation powers (like kicking non-ops), represented by a percent sign (%). (Note: Not supported on all networks).
3. Channel Operator / Op (@): The moderator of a specific channel. Can kick, ban, and change channel settings. Displayed with an at-symbol (@).
4. Network Operator / IRCOp: A system administrator for the entire IRC network, responsible for network health, security, and global policies.

Common Commands

IRC actions are typically driven by slash (/) commands typed directly into your chat input:

1. /join #channel: Enters a specific channel (e.g., /join #help).
2. /part #channel: Leaves a channel.
3. /msg nickname message: Sends a private message to another user without opening a separate query window.
4. /nick newname: Changes your current nickname.
5. /whois nickname: Displays public profile information about a user, including their connected channels and connection details.
6. /quit [reason]: Disconnects you entirely from the IRC network.

Services & Security

1. NickOP: The network service responsible for nickname registration and password authentication. It prevents others from stealing your nick.
2. ChanOP: The service that manages channel registration, automated access lists, and persistent channel settings.
3. SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer): A secure method for authenticating your identity with NickServ before you fully join the network, keeping your password safe and preventing connection drops.
4. ZNC / Bouncer: A persistent proxy client that stays connected to the IRC network 24/7 on your behalf. It logs messages while you are offline so you never miss a conversation.