hexchat

Start HexChat

$ hexchat

$ hexchat [irc://irc.libera.chat/channel]

$ hexchat --minimize=2

$ hexchat -d [~/.config/hexchat]

hexchat [options] [url]

HexChat is a graphical IRC client for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It provides a tabbed interface for multiple channels and servers, with features like DCC file transfer, scripting, and extensive customization.
HexChat supports plugins in C, Perl, Python, and Lua. It's a fork of XChat, continuing development with modern features and active maintenance.

url

IRC URL to connect to.

Configuration directory.

Don't load plugins.

Start minimized (0-2).

Open in existing instance.

Connect to IRC URL.

Show version.

- Tabbed interface for channels
- DCC file transfers
- SSL/TLS support
- Scripting (Python, Perl, Lua)
- Spell checking
- Desktop notifications
- Auto-join and reconnect

Configuration stored in ~/.config/hexchat. IRC connections may need SSL. Some networks require registration. Plugin compatibility varies.

HexChat was forked from XChat in 2009 when XChat's Windows builds became shareware. It's maintained by a community of developers and is the most popular graphical IRC client on Linux.

irssi(1), weechat(1), xchat(1)