Basic Internet Relay Chat Commands
Although the commands used in IRC programs may seem confusing at first, they are actually fairly easy to get the hang of once you start to use them. The three most important syntax conventions to remember are:
- All IRC commands begin with a forward slash (/).
Anything else you type will be considered as normal conversation text. - IRC is not case sensitive.
Feel free to use upper, lower, or mixed case letters in your commands. - All channel names begin with a hash sign (#).
The most commonly used Internet Relay Chat commands are listed below:
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| /join #[channel] | Use to join a channel. | /join #channel |
| /part #[channel] | Use to leave a channel. | /part #channel |
| /leave #[channel] | Same as part. | /leave #channel |
| /quit [message] | Use to quit IRC. A message may be added to the command, but is optional. | /quit Byee! |
| /whois [nick] | Used to get info on a nick. | /whois teadrinker |
| /whowas [nick] | Used to get info on a nick that has just left IRC or a person who has just changed their nick. | /whowas teadrinker |
| /who #[channel] | Shows nicks, addresses, and optional user info (if available) for users on a channel. | /who #channel |
| /names #[channel] | Shows nicks of users on a channel. | /names #channel |
| /msg [nick] [message] | Sends a private message (whisper) to a user. | /msg teadrinker hello |
| /query [nick] | Opens a new window for private dialogue with a nick. | /query teadrinker |
| /nick [newnick] | Use to change your current nick to a new nick (e.g. coffeedrinker to teadrinker). | /nick teadrinker |
| /me [action describe] | If teadrinker typed this example, it would be displayed as * teadrinker waves to rocky | /me waves to rocky |
| /away [message] | Use to tell others you are not currently at your computer. A message can be included. To set yourself back, type /away again. | /away Having dinner! |
| /list | Requests a list of currently formed channels from the server. The listing you request is not updated until you issue the request again. | /list |
| /invite [nick] #[channel] | Use to invite a nick who is elsewhere on IRC to join you on a channel. | /invite rocky #channel |
| /ignore [nick/address] | Use to prevent someone from talking to you. The persons nick or address may be used. | /ignore rocky |
| /mode [nick] +i | This is the invisible mode, i.e. you are invisible to a user who does a /who or /names. However, a /whois nick, will show your user information and the channels you're on. | /mode teadrinker +i |
The majority of IRC clients (IRC programs) support the same standard Unix commands listed above; however, some clients may use modifications of these commands, so it's always a good idea to read your specific client's documentation to confirm which commands it uses.
