hexchat

hexchat [OPTIONS...] [URI...]

--help
    Displays a summary of command-line options and exits.

--version
    Shows the HexChat version information and exits.

--minimize
    Starts HexChat minimized to the system tray or taskbar.

--existing
    If an instance of HexChat is already running, opens a new tab or window within that instance.

--newinstance
    Forces HexChat to start a new instance, even if one is already running.

--configdir <dir>
    Specifies an alternative directory for configuration files and plugins.

--portable
    Runs HexChat in portable mode, using the application's own directory for configuration.

[URI...]
    One or more IRC URIs (e.g., irc://server/channel) to connect to on startup.

HexChat is a free and open-source graphical IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client. It was developed as a fork of XChat, aiming to continue a fully open-source development path after XChat's Windows version became proprietary.

HexChat provides a user-friendly interface for connecting to multiple IRC networks, joining channels, and engaging in real-time text communication. It supports a wide array of features including SSL encryption, proxy support, DCC (Direct Client-to-Client) transfers, and a robust plugin system that allows extending functionality with Python, Perl, and other languages.

Designed for both casual users and power users, it offers tabbed windows, customizable themes, logging capabilities, and spell checking, ensuring a stable and versatile IRC experience across Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms.

Configuration files and user data for HexChat are typically stored in ~/.config/hexchat/ on Linux systems.

While highly compatible, plugins written for its predecessor, XChat, may not be directly compatible with HexChat due to API changes over time.

HexChat boasts a powerful plugin system, supporting scripts and extensions written in various languages, most notably Python and Perl. This allows users to extend its functionality, automate tasks, and deeply customize its behavior to suit specific needs.

Although commonly associated with Linux, HexChat is truly cross-platform. It provides a consistent and familiar IRC experience across Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it a versatile choice for users on different operating systems.

HexChat was created as a fork of the popular XChat IRC client in 2010. The fork occurred after XChat's Windows version became proprietary, leading developers to ensure continued free and open-source development across all platforms. It quickly gained popularity as a spiritual successor, maintaining XChat's core features while adding improvements, bug fixes, and cross-platform consistency for Linux, macOS, and Windows users.

irc(7), xchat(1), irssi(1), weechat(1)