I spend some time on Freenode as it has many useful channels and people that can help you.

I like IRC even though Discord is a strictly superior experience. I currently use Matrix and Element client to connect to IRC Freenode channels I care about.

Previously I used Textual IRC client and ZNC network bouncer (via LunarBNC) to always keep me logged in to the servers as well as it keeping history logs when I am away.

Here are IRC channels I frequent:

IRC commands

Textual keeps a command reference here.

• /list - Open channel list.

• /msg *nickserv set <yourNSpassword> - Lets Nickserv autologin you. Can then run /nick <your-nick> to login.

Notes

• If I ever get issues with logging in and me being Guest. I can:

  • /msg NickServ RELEASE <nickname> <password>

  • /nick nikivi my nick

Links

• ​IRC Gitter - Connect to Gitter with Textual.

• ​BotBot - IRC logs.

• ​WhatsApp web <-> IRC gateway​

• ​picobounce - IRC bouncer that does just what I want and no more.

• ​Irssi - Modular chat client that is most commonly known for its text mode user interface, but 80% of the code isn't text mode specific.

• ​Pounce - Multi-client, TLS-only IRC bouncer. (Lobsters)

• ​HN: Many IRC servers (2020)​

• ​RobustIRC - IRC without netsplits.

• ​Oragono - Modern IRC server written in Go. (HN)

• ​Synchronous Text (2019)​

• ​Convos - Simplest way to use IRC in your browser. (Code) (Article)

• ​Modern IRC Client Protocol (Code)

• ​Quassel IRC - Modern, cross-platform, distributed IRC client. (Web)

• ​Why IRC is Still Good (2020) (Lobsters)

• ​BitlBee - IRC to other chat networks gateway. (Web)

• ​Kirc - Tiny IRC client written in POSIX C99. (HN)

• ​InspIRCd - Modular C++ IRC server. (Web)

• ​IRC Browse - Web service for browsing IRC logs. (Code)

• ​DarkScience - Group of enthusiasts with a shared interest in computer science. IRC server.

• ​Freenode - IRC network used to discuss peer-directed projects. (GitHub) (Contributing to Freenode IRC Network)

• ​The Lounge - Self-hosted web IRC client. (Lobsters)

• ​soju - User-friendly IRC bouncer. (Lobsters)

• ​History of IRC (Internet Relay Chat)​

• ​Kiwi IRC - Web IRC client. (Code)

• ​I am resigning along with most other Freenode staff (2021) (HN)

• ​Libera Chat - Next-generation IRC network for FOSS projects collaboration. (HN)

• ​Freenode resignation FAQ​

• ​Leaving Freenode for a new network (2021) (HN)

• ​Solanum IRCd - IRCv3 server designed to be highly scalable. (Code)

• ​IRC: run it or use it, but try to avoid doing both (2021) (Lobsters)

• ​Projects and channels that have decided to leave Freenode​

• ​Atheme IRC Services - Set of services for IRC networks designed for large IRC networks with high scalability requirements. (Web)

• ​hackint - Communication IRC network for the hacker community. (GitHub)

• ​Goodbye Freenode (2021) (HN)

• ​The End of Freenode (2021) (Lobsters) (HN)

• ​EsperNet IRC Network​

• ​How does IRC's federation model compare to ActivityPub? (2021)​