pidgin

pidgin [OPTION...]

-c dir
    Use an alternative directory for configuration files, user profiles, and chat logs instead of the default ~/.purple/.

--config=dir
    Long form of -c, specifies an alternative configuration directory for Pidgin.

-d
    Enable verbose debug output to the standard error (console), useful for basic troubleshooting.

--debug
    Long form of -d, enables verbose debug output.

-D
    Enable exhaustive debug output, including detailed information from loaded plugins and modules, for in-depth debugging.

--debug-all
    Long form of -D, enables exhaustive debug output.

-n
    Prevent Pidgin from attempting to open via D-Bus, forcing a new instance of the application even if one is already running.

--no-remote
    Long form of -n, prevents remote D-Bus activation.

-v
    Display the Pidgin version information and then exit immediately.

--version
    Long form of -v, displays version information and exits.

-h
    Show a help message with available command-line options and then exit.

--help
    Long form of -h, displays a help message and exits.

Pidgin is a free and open-source multi-protocol instant messaging client. It enables users to connect to various chat networks simultaneously, including AIM, ICQ, Jabber/XMPP (Google Talk), MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Bonjour, and more. Primarily a graphical application, Pidgin provides a unified interface for managing conversations across different services. It is well-known for its extensibility through a robust plugin system, offering additional features like encryption, spell checking, and various UI enhancements. When launched from the command line, it offers options primarily for specifying alternative configuration directories, enabling detailed debug output, or controlling its interaction with D-Bus, making it useful for developers, system administrators, and advanced users to troubleshoot or manage multiple configurations.

Pidgin is primarily a graphical user interface (GUI) application. While it can be launched from the terminal, its command-line options are mainly for debugging, managing configurations, or controlling instance behavior rather than performing direct messaging operations. Running with extensive debug options (-d, -D) can generate a large volume of output, potentially impacting terminal performance or quickly filling logs.

By default, Pidgin stores its user-specific configuration, chat logs, account information, and plugin data within the ~/.purple/ directory. This directory is critical for user data persistence and can be redirected to an alternative location using the -c or --config command-line options.
User-installed plugins are typically placed in the ~/.purple/plugins/ subdirectory.

The PIDGIN_DEBUG environment variable can be set to control the level of debug output, offering an alternative to command-line options for persistent debugging across multiple sessions or script-based launches without modifying the command itself.

Pidgin originated as Gaim (GTK+ AOL Instant Messenger) in 1999. Due to legal pressure from AOL regarding the 'AIM' trademark in its name, it was officially renamed to Pidgin in 2007. It quickly became a popular open-source instant messaging client on Linux and other Unix-like systems, offering a unified messaging experience before the widespread adoption of web-based or single-protocol mobile clients. Despite shifts in messaging paradigms, Pidgin continues to be maintained and used by a dedicated community.

finch(1), purple(3)