irssi
terminal-based IRC client known for its scriptability, themability
TLDR
Start irssi
SYNOPSIS
irssi [-c server] [-p port] [-n nick] [--ssl] [--config file] [-e command]
DESCRIPTION
irssi is a terminal-based IRC client known for its scriptability, themability, and efficiency. It runs entirely in the terminal, supporting multiple simultaneous connections, windows, and channels.
The interface uses a multi-window system: pressing Alt+number (or Ctrl+N/P) switches between windows. Each channel, query, and server status gets its own window. The status bar shows window activity with color-coded highlights.
Configuration is stored in ~/.irssi/config and modified via /set commands or direct file editing. Settings include nick, alternate nicks, quit messages, highlighting rules, and server configurations. Networks and servers can be predefined for easy connection.
Irssi's Perl scripting interface enables extensive customization. Scripts can add commands, modify behavior, integrate with external services, or implement bots. A large library of community scripts exists for common needs.
For persistent connections, irssi is commonly run in a terminal multiplexer (screen, tmux) on a server, allowing disconnection without losing chat sessions.
PARAMETERS
-c, --connect server
Connect to server on startup.-p, --port port
Server port number.-n, --nick nick
Nickname to use.-w, --password password
Server password.--ssl
Use SSL/TLS connection.--ssl-verify
Verify SSL certificate.--config file
Use alternate configuration file.--home dir
Use alternate irssi home directory.-e, --exec command
Execute irssi command on startup.--noconnect
Don't connect to any servers on startup.
IRSSI COMMANDS
/connect server
Connect to a server./disconnect
Disconnect from current server./join #channel
Join a channel./part [#channel]
Leave a channel./msg nick message
Send private message./query nick
Open private query window./quit [message]
Quit irssi./window number
Switch to window number./wc
Close current window./names
List users in channel./whois nick
Get user information./set option value
Change settings./save
Save configuration./script load name
Load a Perl script.
CAVEATS
Learning curve for keyboard navigation. Default keybindings may conflict with terminal/screen. Some scripts require additional Perl modules. No built-in GUI - purely terminal-based. UTF-8 support may need explicit configuration on older systems.
HISTORY
irssi was created by Timo Sirainen around 1999 as a modular, scriptable IRC client. The name comes from IRC written with the Finnish "ii" ending. It became one of the most popular terminal IRC clients, praised for its stability and extensibility. Development continues with regular maintenance releases.