sic

Connect to the default host (irc.ofct.net) with the nickname set in the $USER environment variable

$ sic

$ sic -h [host] -n [nickname]

$ sic -h [host] -n [nickname] -k [password]

$ :j #[channel]<Enter>

$ :m #[channel|user]<Enter>

$ :s #[channel|user]<Enter>

sic <host> [<port>] [<nick>] [<channel>]

<host>
    The hostname or IP address of the IRC server to connect to. This is a required argument.

<port>
    (Optional) The port number to use for the connection. If omitted, the client typically defaults to the standard IRC port, commonly 6667, or 6697 for SSL/TLS connections if supported by the specific build.

<nick>
    (Optional) The nickname to use on the IRC network. If not provided, a default nickname (e.g., 'guest' or based on the username) might be used by the server or the client itself.

<channel>
    (Optional) A channel name to automatically join upon successful connection to the IRC server. The channel name should typically start with '#' (e.g., '#linux').

sic is a very simple and minimalist IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client designed for command-line use. Adhering to the Unix philosophy, it aims to do one thing well – connect to IRC and facilitate basic text-based communication – without the overhead of extensive features found in more complex clients.

It provides a no-frills experience, making it lightweight and efficient, often favored by users who prefer a stripped-down interface, value system resources, or simply need a quick way to connect to IRC networks for basic chat functionality. Its design prioritizes conciseness and functionality over a rich feature set, often being a prime example of minimalist software development.

sic is not a standard command included in most Linux distributions by default; it typically needs to be compiled from source. Its minimalist nature means it lacks many features common in other IRC clients, such as DCC file transfers, scripting support, advanced logging, multi-server connections, and robust SSL/TLS configuration options. Users requiring these features should consider more full-featured clients.
Due to its simplicity, error handling and user feedback might be less comprehensive compared to more complex applications.

sic is commonly distributed as source code, and its configuration is often handled through a 'config.h' header file that users can modify before compilation. This allows for simple customization of default settings, such as server address, port, or nickname, directly within the source code. Users typically compile it using a standard C compiler like GCC.

Once connected, sic operates by typing messages directly into the terminal, which are then sent to the current channel or private message recipient. IRC commands (e.g., /join #channel, /msg nick message, /quit) are typically prefixed with a forward slash (/), similar to other IRC clients. The output from the server and other users is displayed directly in the terminal.

sic emerged from the minimalist software development philosophy, particularly within projects associated with the suckless.org community. Its creation aimed to provide a bare-bones IRC client that emphasizes small code size, efficiency, and simplicity over feature bloat. Developed primarily in C, it serves as an excellent example of concise and functional programming.

While not having a long, formal release history like major software projects, its development reflects a continuous effort to provide highly efficient and resource-friendly tools. It remains popular among users who appreciate minimalist command-line utilities and prefer to compile software from source to ensure maximum control and a tiny footprint.

irssi(1), weechat(1), netcat(1)