List of Internet Relay Chat commands facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a way for people to chat online in real-time. Think of it like a super old-school group chat! To do things in IRC, you use special messages called commands. Most of the time, you type a slash (`/`) before a command to tell your IRC program that you want to do something, not just send a regular message.

When you see `<something>` in a command, it means you need to replace `<something>` with a real value, like a nickname or a channel name. If you see `[something]`, it means that part of the command is optional, so you don't always have to include it.

Common IRC Commands

ADMIN Command

The `ADMIN` command helps you find out who the administrators (the people who run things) are on an IRC server. If you don't say which server, it will tell you about the one you're currently connected to.

Syntax: `/ADMIN [<target>]`
Example: `/ADMIN` (to see admins of your current server)

AWAY Command

The `AWAY` command lets others know you're not at your computer. If someone sends you a private message, the server will automatically reply with your "away" message. If you use the command without a message, it means you're back!

Syntax: `/AWAY [<message>]`
Example: `/AWAY I'm grabbing a snack, be right back!`
Example: `/AWAY` (to show you're back)

CNOTICE Command

The `CNOTICE` command is used by channel operators (people who manage a chat room) to send a special message to someone in their channel. This message can get through even if the server is trying to slow down messages to prevent spam. It's often used in busy help channels.

Syntax: `/CNOTICE <nickname> <channel> :<message>`
Example: `/CNOTICE CoolKid #HelpDesk :Please check your private messages for more info.`

CPRIVMSG Command

Similar to `CNOTICE`, the `CPRIVMSG` command is for channel operators to send a private message to someone in their channel. This message also bypasses limits that prevent too many messages from being sent at once. It's helpful for operators who need to talk to many people quickly.

Syntax: `/CPRIVMSG <nickname> <channel> :<message>`
Example: `/CPRIVMSG GamerGirl #Support :I've sent you a link to the solution.`

HELP Command

The `HELP` command asks the IRC server to show you its help information. It's a quick way to get details about how to use the server.

Syntax: `/HELP`

INFO Command

The `INFO` command gives you details about an IRC server. This can include things like its version, when it was started, and other useful facts.

Syntax: `/INFO [<target>]`
Example: `/INFO` (to get info about your current server)

INVITE Command

The `INVITE` command lets you invite a friend to join a specific chat channel. If the channel is set to "invite-only," only people already in the channel or channel operators can invite others.

Syntax: `/INVITE <nickname> <channel>`
Example: `/INVITE MyBestFriend #GamingChat`

ISON Command

The `ISON` command helps you check if one or more friends are currently online and connected to the IRC network. The server will reply with a list of the nicknames that are online.

Syntax: `/ISON <nicknames>`
Example: `/ISON Friend1 Friend2 CoolGuy`

JOIN Command

The `JOIN` command is how you enter a chat channel (also called a "room"). If the channel doesn't exist yet, using `JOIN` will create it! Some channels might need a password, which you can add after the channel name.

Syntax: `/JOIN <channels> [<keys>]`
Example: `/JOIN #MyCoolChannel`
Example: `/JOIN #SecretBase mypassword`

KICK Command

The `KICK` command is used by channel operators to force someone to leave a channel. It's like telling someone to "get out!" of the room. Operators might use this if someone is breaking the rules.

Syntax: `/KICK <channel> <client> :[<message>]`
Example: `/KICK #MainChat AnnoyingUser :Please follow the rules.`

KNOCK Command

If you want to join an "invite-only" channel but haven't been invited, you can use the `KNOCK` command. This sends a message to the channel, asking for an invite.

Syntax: `/KNOCK <channel> [<message>]`
Example: `/KNOCK #PrivateClub :Can I please join?`

LINKS Command

The `LINKS` command shows you how different IRC servers are connected to each other. It's like seeing a map of the IRC network.

Syntax: `/LINKS [<remote server> [<server mask>]]`

LIST Command

The `LIST` command shows you a list of all the chat channels on the server. If you ask for specific channels, it will also show you what the topic (main subject) of those channels is.

Syntax: `/LIST [<channels> [<server>]]`
Example: `/LIST` (to see all channels)
Example: `/LIST #Gaming, #Art` (to see specific channels)

LUSERS Command

The `LUSERS` command gives you statistics about how many users and servers are currently on the IRC network. It helps you see how big the network is.

Syntax: `/LUSERS [<mask> [<server>]]`

MODE Command

The `MODE` command is very powerful! It's used to change settings for both users and channels. For example, a channel operator can use it to make a channel "invite-only" or to give someone special powers in the channel. Users can also set their own modes, like making themselves invisible to others.

Syntax: `/MODE <nickname> <flags>` (for user settings)
Syntax: `/MODE <channel> <flags> [<args>]` (for channel settings)
Example: `/MODE #MyChannel +i` (makes channel invite-only)
Example: `/MODE MyNick +i` (makes your nickname invisible)

MOTD Command

The `MOTD` command (Message of the Day) shows you a special message from the server administrators. This message often contains important announcements or rules.

Syntax: `/MOTD [<server>]`
Example: `/MOTD`

NAMES Command

The `NAMES` command lists everyone who is in a specific channel. If you don't name a channel, it will show you everyone on the server, grouped by channel. It also shows special symbols next to nicknames, like `@` for a channel operator or `+` for someone with "voice" (meaning they can talk in a moderated channel).

Syntax: `/NAMES [<channels>]`
Example: `/NAMES #MyChannel`

NICK Command

The `NICK` command lets you change your nickname on IRC. Choose something cool and unique!

Syntax: `/NICK <nickname>`
Example: `/NICK NewCoolNick`

NOTICE Command

The `NOTICE` command is like `PRIVMSG` (private message), but it's used for automated messages or things that don't need a reply. For example, a server might send you a `NOTICE` about a rule.

Syntax: `/NOTICE <msgtarget> :<message>`
Example: `/NOTICE SomeUser :Please read the channel rules.`

OPER Command

The `OPER` command is how a user becomes an IRC operator. You need a special username and password to use this command, and it gives you powerful control over the server or network.

Syntax: `/OPER <username> <password>`

PART Command

The `PART` command is how you leave a chat channel. It's like saying "goodbye" and stepping out of the room.

Syntax: `/PART <channels> [<message>]`
Example: `/PART #OldChatRoom`
Example: `/PART #Gaming Goodbye everyone!`

PASS Command

The `PASS` command is used to send a password when you first connect to an IRC server. This is usually done before you set your nickname and username.

Syntax: `/PASS <password>`

PING Command

The `PING` command is used to check if your connection to the IRC server is still working. The server should send back a `PONG` reply, which tells you everything is okay.

Syntax: `/PING <server1> [<server2>]`
Example: `/PING irc.example.com`

PONG Command

The `PONG` command is the server's reply to a `PING` command. It confirms that the connection is active.

Syntax: `/PONG <server1> [<server2>]`

PRIVMSG Command

The `PRIVMSG` command is how you send messages to other users or to a chat channel. This is the most common command you'll use for chatting!

Syntax: `/PRIVMSG <msgtarget> :<message>`
Example: `/PRIVMSG FriendNick :Hey, how are you?`
Example: `/PRIVMSG #MyChannel :Hello everyone!`

QUIT Command

The `QUIT` command disconnects you from the IRC server. You can add a message to let others know why you're leaving.

Syntax: `/QUIT [<message>]`
Example: `/QUIT Going offline now!`

QUOTE Command

The `QUOTE` command lets you send a command directly to the server without your IRC program trying to understand it first. This is mostly for advanced users or testing.

Syntax: `/QUOTE <command string>`
Example: `/QUOTE JOIN #TestChannel`

REHASH Command

The `REHASH` command tells the IRC server to reload its settings from its configuration files. Only IRC operators can use this command.

Syntax: `/REHASH`

RULES Command

The `RULES` command asks the server to show you its rules. It's always a good idea to check the rules of any server you join!

Syntax: `/RULES`

SQUERY Command

The `SQUERY` command is like `PRIVMSG`, but it's used to send messages specifically to an IRC "service" (like a bot that helps manage channels or nicknames).

Syntax: `/SQUERY <servicename> <text>`

SETNAME Command

The `SETNAME` command allows you to change your "real name" that you set when you first connected to IRC. This is different from your nickname.

Syntax: `/SETNAME <new real name>`
Example: `/SETNAME My Real Name`

SILENCE Command

The `SILENCE` command lets you create a list of users you want to ignore on the server side. If someone on your silence list tries to message you, the server will block it. You can add (`+`) or remove (`-`) users from this list.

Syntax: `/SILENCE [+/-<hostmask>]`
Example: `/SILENCE +AnnoyingUser`
Example: `/SILENCE -NiceGuy`

STATS Command

The `STATS` command gives you various statistics about the IRC server, like how many connections it has or how much data it's handling.

Syntax: `/STATS <query> [<server>]`

SUMMON Command

The `SUMMON` command tries to send a message to a user on the same computer as an IRC server, asking them to join IRC. This command is not very common today.

Syntax: `/SUMMON <user> [<server> [<channel>]]`

TIME Command

The `TIME` command tells you the local time on the IRC server you are connected to.

Syntax: `/TIME [<server>]`
Example: `/TIME`

TOPIC Command

The `TOPIC` command lets you see or change the main subject (topic) of a chat channel. If you're a channel operator or the channel allows it, you can set a new topic.

Syntax: `/TOPIC <channel> [<topic>]`
Example: `/TOPIC #GamingChat` (to see the topic)
Example: `/TOPIC #GamingChat :Let's talk about new games!` (to set a new topic)

TRACE Command

The `TRACE` command helps you see the path your connection takes across the IRC network to reach a specific server or user. It's like tracing a route on a map.

Syntax: `/TRACE [<target>]`

USER Command

The `USER` command is one of the first commands you send when connecting to IRC. It tells the server your username, hostname, and your "real name."

Syntax: `/USER <username> <mode> <unused> <realname>`
Example: `/USER MyUser 0 * :My Real Name`

USERHOST Command

The `USERHOST` command gives you a list of information about one or more nicknames, including their username and where they are connecting from.

Syntax: `/USERHOST <nickname> [<nickname> ...]`
Example: `/USERHOST Friend1 Friend2`

USERIP Command

The `USERIP` command asks for the direct IP address of a user. This command is sometimes used by operators to deal with users causing problems.

Syntax: `/USERIP <nickname>`
Example: `/USERIP BadUser`

USERS Command

The `USERS` command gives you a list of users on the server and some information about them, similar to commands found on Linux or Unix systems.

Syntax: `/USERS [<server>]`

VERSION Command

The `VERSION` command tells you the software version of the IRC server you are connected to.

Syntax: `/VERSION [<server>]`
Example: `/VERSION`

WALLOPS Command

The `WALLOPS` command sends a message to all IRC operators connected to the server. It's used for important announcements that only operators need to see.

Syntax: `/WALLOPS <message>`
Example: `/WALLOPS Server maintenance starting in 5 minutes.`

WATCH Command

The `WATCH` command lets you create a server-side "friends list." You can add (`+`) or remove (`-`) nicknames to this list. The server can then notify you when your friends come online or go offline.

Syntax: `/WATCH [+/-<nicknames>]`
Example: `/WATCH +MyFriend`
Example: `/WATCH -OldFriend`

WHO Command

The `WHO` command lists users who match a certain name or pattern. You can also add "o" to only see IRC operators.

Syntax: `/WHO [<name> ["o"]]`
Example: `/WHO *` (to see everyone)
Example: `/WHO *o` (to see only operators)

WHOIS Command

The `WHOIS` command gives you detailed information about a specific nickname, like their real name, where they are connecting from, and what channels they are in.

Syntax: `/WHOIS [<server>] <nicknames>`
Example: `/WHOIS MyFriend`

WHOWAS Command

The `WHOWAS` command helps you find information about a nickname that is no longer online or has changed their name. It can show you details from the last few times that nickname was used.

Syntax: `/WHOWAS <nickname> [<count> [<server>]]`
Example: `/WHOWAS OldNick`