HexChat: Complete guide to start using this IRC client

Introduction

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HexChat is a multi-platform IRC chat client who has gained popularity for its clean interface, low resource consumption and wide range of supplements. In this article you will discover from the first steps of installation to advanced tricks to make the most of your favorite channels. If you are looking for a light alternative to the heavier customers, HexChat may be the ideal solution.

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What is HexChat?

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Originally based on XChat, HexChat remained a Community project after the original development stopped. It is available for Windows, Linux and macOS, and supports both IPv4 and IPv6 connections. Its open source allows anyone to contribute with improvements, themes and scripts, which has generated an active ecosystem of supplements that expand their basic messaging functions.

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Installation

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• Windows: download the installer from the official page and run it by following the wizard.

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• Linux: in Debian-based distributions usesudo apt install hexchat; in Fedora testsudo dnf install hexchat.

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• macOS: uses Homebrew with the commandbrew install --cask hexchat.

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After installation, the network configuration wizard will appear at the start of the program where you can add your favorite IRC servers.

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Basic configuration

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The first step is to create a new network. Click onNetworks > Editand pressAdd. Enter a descriptive name, server address (e.g. chat.freenode.net) and port (6667 for no TLS or 6697 for TLS). If your network requires authentication, complete the Nickserv or SASL fields in the authentication tab.

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Once the network is saved, select and pressConnect. In the channel binding window, write the name of the channel preceded by the # symbol, as # linux, and press Enter. Now you can chat.

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Advanced features

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• Scripting with Python and Perl: allows you to automate answers, log logs or create simple bots.

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• Topics and interface customization: changes the colors, sources and layout of the panels through the theme manager.

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• Quotation log: activates the automatic log saving in text or HTML format to review later discussions.

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• Proxy and tunneling: Configure connections through SOCKS5 or HTTP for greater privacy.

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• Custom Notifications: defines sounds or visual alerts for specific keywords.

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Tips and tricks

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• Use the command / quote to send RAW orders to the server, useful to operate with services like NickServ or ChanServ.

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• Keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + K changes text color, Ctrl + B puts bold and Ctrl + I cursive.

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• Infilters of the following: Ignore specific users or channels using the list of ignored to reduce noise.

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• Search the buffer: press Ctrl + F to search text within the current window history.

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• It frequently updates: developers publish security patches and new features every few months.

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Common problem solution

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If you can't connect, check that the port is not blocked by your firewall and the server is online. In case of TLS certificate errors, make sure the date and time of your system are correct or disable the certificate verification only for testing. Nick's conflicts can be resolved by changing your nickname or identifying you with NickServ before joining a channel.

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Popular IRC networks to start

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Although thousands of IRC networks are available, some are particularly known for their activity and variety of channels.

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• Freenode: historically home to free software and development projects.

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• OFTC: community-oriented technology and open collaboration.

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• QuakeNet: focused on multiplayer games and eSports competitions.

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• IRCNet: one of the oldest networks with a global user base.

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• DALnet: known for its channels of music, art and casual talks.

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Exploring these networks will allow you to find channels that align with your interests, from programming to hobbies like reading or photography.

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Resources for further learning

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If you want to deepen the use of IRC and HexChat, there are numerous tutorials, documentation and communities where you can continue to learn.

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• Official HexChat documentation: installation guide, configuration and scripting.

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• Help channels in Freenode as # hexhat and # irc-help.

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• Blogs and video services on platforms like YouTube and Medium that show advanced tricks.

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• Stack Exchange Forums and Reddit where users answer specific questions about commands and themes.

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Taking advantage of these resources will help you to master HexChat and make the most of the IRC network. In addition, participating in these communities gives you the opportunity to learn from experts and share your own knowledge.

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Conclusion

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HexChat combines simplicity and power, offering an IRC platform accessible to both newcomers and experienced users.

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Its open source nature and active community ensure that it will continue to evolve and adapt to the new needs of real-time chat. Download it, combine it and start exploring the vast network of IRC servers that still host development communities, games and hobbies today.