weechat
Extensible terminal-based chat client
TLDR
Start WeeChat
SYNOPSIS
weechat [-d directory] [-r command] [-p] [options]
DESCRIPTION
WeeChat (Wee Enhanced Environment for Chat) is an extensible terminal-based chat client. While primarily an IRC client, plugins extend it to Matrix, Slack, Discord, and other protocols.
The interface uses multiple buffers for channels, private messages, and server consoles. Navigation uses Alt+arrow keys or buffer numbers. Windows can split horizontally or vertically.
Configuration through /set covers everything: colors, keybindings, network settings, and plugin options. Changes apply immediately; /save persists them.
Scripts extend functionality in Python, Perl, Ruby, Lua, and other languages. Popular scripts add features: notifications, auto-join, URL handling, and protocol bridges. The scripts repository provides community contributions.
Relay plugin enables remote access from other clients or mobile apps. This provides a persistent connection that mobile devices can disconnect/reconnect to.
Security features include SASL authentication, SSL/TLS, and proxy support. Password handling integrates with system keyrings.
PARAMETERS
-a, --no-connect
Disable auto-connect to servers.-c, --colors
Display colors in terminal.-d, --dir DIR
Set configuration directory.-p, --no-plugin
Don't load plugins.-P, --plugins LIST
Load only specified plugins.-r, --run-command CMD
Run commands after startup.-s, --no-script
Don't load scripts.-t, --temp-dir
Use temporary directory.-u, --upgrade
Upgrade from previous session.-v, --version
Show version.-h, --help
Show help.
COMMANDS
/connect SERVER
Connect to server./disconnect
Disconnect from server./join CHANNEL
Join channel./part [CHANNEL]
Leave channel./msg TARGET MESSAGE
Send message./query NICK
Open private conversation./nick NEWNICK
Change nickname./set OPTION [VALUE]
Set configuration option./save
Save configuration./quit
Exit WeeChat./help [COMMAND]
Show help.
CAVEATS
Learning curve for commands and configuration. Some features require plugins/scripts. Mobile use requires relay setup. Default colors may not suit all terminals. IRC-centric despite multi-protocol support.
HISTORY
WeeChat was created by Sébastien Helleu (FlashCode) in 2003. The name references "wee" (small) and evolved to mean "extensible environment." Written in C for performance with extensive scripting support, it became a popular alternative to irssi for terminal chat.
SEE ALSO
irssi(1), hexchat(1), matrix-commander(1)