Basic IRC Commands
IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, a one-to-many instant messaging way to communicate with others. If you are new on IRC or you don't remember one of the basic commands, this simplified guide is for you! Those commands work with mIRC in mind, but most of them work regardless of the client you're using. {} indicates an optional addition, [] indicates a necessary parameter.
First Steps
/server : Connects to the specified server. If you are already connected to a server, the client will disconnect and then reconnect to the one referred in the command.
Usage: /server {Modes} [server name] {port}
Example: /server irc.freenode.net
If the port is not specified in the command, the default one will be used (usually 6667).
Some servers require a password in order to connect with them. If so, write the password after the port.
Relevant Modes: On mIRC, you can use the -m flag to open a new server window.
/list : Displays a sortable channel list of the current server. You may add a search query or filter channels by number or users.
Usage: /list {query} {filter}
Examples:
/list
This command displays every channel that contains the word "golf" in its name (its position does not matter)
/list *golf*
This command will just display a list that contains the specific channel, if found:
/list #golf
With this, instead, the command will display all the channels that contain 20 users or more.
/list -min 20
/join : Joins a channel, simple enough.
Usage: /join [channel name]
Example: /join #globalshellz
Some channels require a password in order to join. If so, write the password after the name.
/nick : Another simple one, changes your nickname! :)
Usage: /nick [new nickname]
Example: /nick Black_Dragon
/me : Now that we are into a channel and ready to talk, you already know that you just send messages by typing in the line at the bottom and then pressing enter. However, fancy IRC users also like to "roleplay" sometimes, the /me command does essentially that. The text will be sent as an "Action" rather than a simple message, let's try!
Usage: /me [text]
Example: /me lights a campfire in the middle of the room and begins to tell a story.
Result in channel:
- Frozen_Fire lights a campfire in the middle of the room and begins to tell a story.
Side note: you may have heard of Slaps, which are essentially actions put by default on some clients. While the majority of people take them as simple jokes, somebody thinks that they are not funny, especially in heavy usages. As always, keep in mind channel rules and avoid excessive uses of the command(s).
/whois : Hey, we're starting to do the IRC spy, heh? :D This command simply displays some basic informations about an user. Unless done on special types of users, they won't know that you used the command on them. The received informations will be displayed only to the person that sent the command. You can type the name twice in order to display more informations. (Usually it adds the Idle time and the time/date in which the user connected to the server)
Usage: /whois [nickname]
Example: /whois EmperorPalpatine
Result:
EmperorPalpatine is SithLord@globalshellz/adminbot/emperorpalpatine * Net_SmartIRC Client 1.1.0-dev ($Revision: 253473 $
EmperorPalpatine on @#globalshellz
EmperorPalpatine using leguin.freenode.net Ume?, SE, EU
EmperorPalpatine is logged in as EmperorPalpatine
EmperorPalpatine End of /WHOIS list.
/query : One of the most used command by new users (and one of the most hated by the old ones :P), simply opens a new Query (private message or PM) window with the given nickname, you can type your messages here and they will be seen only by you and the PM'ed user. Sending a message simultaneously with the opening of the window is possible, but optional. Remember to don't PM people without permission unless it's an urgent issue.
Usage: /query [nickname] {message}
Examples:
/query Black_Dragon
/query Black_Dragon Hello, how are you?
sine clients it is /msg
Examples:
/msg Black_Dragon
/msg Black_Dragon Hello, how are you today?
/away : When you want to leave the chat open, but you are Away from Keyboard or the like, this command is for you. When a person tries to PM you, he/she will receive the Away message as a response.
Usage (To mark yourself as "Away"): /away [Message]
Example: /away Going to study Triple Integrals and Termodynamics problems, leave messages in case of emergency, I will answer when I'll come back. See you later!
Usage (To remove yourself from a previous "Away" status): /away
/part : Leaves a channel (the channel window will close). A message is optional.
Usage: /part {message}
Examples:
/part
/part 'later! :)
/quit : Leaves a server and closes the connection. A message is optional.
Usage: /quit {message}
Examples:
/quit
/quit See you Tomorrow!
Side note: In case of emergency, mIRC has also the command /disconnect, which forces the disconnection of the client part without letting the server know that you want to leave (most of the time this will keep your nickname on the network, waiting to be timed out). I still never had the necessity to use it, but I'm putting it just for plain information. Use with caution.
