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IRC

Real-time chat over Internet Relay Chat — the original instant messaging.

Protocol Coming Soon

Talk Is Not Cheap — It’s Free

Real conversations. Real people. No read receipts, no typing indicators — just vibes.
✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦

What is IRC?

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) was created in 1988 and became the backbone of real-time online communication long before Slack, Discord, or Teams existed. Users join channels (chat rooms) organized by topic and chat in real time.

Our IRC server will host channels for Runable.app users and the broader retro-computing community. Connect with any IRC client.

irc://irc.runable.app:20000

Disclaimer: This service is free to use but requires registration and account approval. Users are fully responsible for content posted from their accounts. Runable.app is not responsible for user-generated content, third-party materials, or any direct/indirect loss, damage, or claims related to use of this service.
IRC

Terms of Service

By submitting the registration form and using the IRC service, you agree to the following terms:

  • You must provide accurate account information and keep your credentials secure.
  • You are fully responsible for all content posted from your account.
  • No file upload/download sharing is allowed on this service.
  • No illegal, abusive, hateful, discriminatory, sexually explicit, obscene, foul-language, spam, or copyright-infringing content is allowed.
  • Do not harass, threaten, impersonate, or defame other users.
  • Service access may be suspended or revoked for policy violations or abuse.
  • The service is provided as-is without warranty; availability may change without notice.
  • Runable.app is not liable for any direct or indirect loss, damage, or legal disputes arising from user posts or use of this service.

Registration Form

What to Expect

💬

Real-Time Chat

Instant text communication in public channels or private messages — no bloat, no distractions.

👥

Channels

Topic-based chat rooms for development, retro computing, general chat, and more.

🔌

Any Client

Connect with any IRC client — HexChat, irssi, WeeChat, mIRC, or even a web client.

Other IRC servers

Large public networks you can join from any IRC client while you wait for irc.runable.app.

🌐 Neighbor networks — pick a server line

GUI Clients

Desktop and graphical apps for IRC — point them at any server line above.

⭐

HexChat Recommended

Windows, Linux — A polished, actively maintained fork of XChat. Easy server lists, tabbed channels, and sensible defaults for newcomers.

hexchat.github.io →

💭

Textual

macOS — A native Mac IRC client with a clean interface, iCloud sync, and strong scripting support for power users.

codeux.com/textual →

🖥

Quassel IRC

Windows, macOS, Linux — Distributed client/core design: stay connected on a server or home box and attach from different machines.

quassel-irc.org →

🦄

Konversation

Linux (KDE) — Full-featured KDE IRC client with solid multi-server support and a familiar desktop feel.

apps.kde.org/konversation →

🌐

Kiwi IRC

Web browser — No install: open a tab, choose a network, and chat. Handy when you cannot run a native client.

kiwiirc.com →

CLI & TUI Clients

Terminal-based IRC clients for SSH sessions, minimal setups, and keyboard-driven workflows.

🦁

WeeChat Recommended

Linux, macOS, BSD — A fast, extensible TUI with scripts, relays, and excellent multi-buffer navigation. The usual choice for a serious terminal setup.

sudo apt install weechat  or  weechat.org →

📟

irssi

Linux, macOS, Windows (WSL) — The classic modal IRC client: tiny, scriptable, and ubiquitous in docs and server help channels.

sudo apt install irssi  or  irssi.org →

💻

catgirl

Linux, OpenBSD, macOS — A small, modern terminal client focused on TLS-only IRC with a calm interface and sensible defaults.

git.causal.agency/catgirl →

⚡

senpai

Linux, macOS, BSD — A minimal IRC client written in Go with a straightforward TUI; good when you want something lighter than WeeChat.

sr.ht/~taiite/senpai →  or  go install

💣

sic

Unix-like — Part of suckless tools: under 250 lines of C, line-oriented I/O. Best for scripting, bots, or extreme minimalism.

tools.suckless.org/sic →

⌨

ERC (Emacs)

Linux, macOS, Windows — Built into many Emacs distributions: IRC as buffers, with all the editing and automation Emacs provides.

GNU Emacs manual: ERC →