Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

Definition - What does Internet Relay Chat (IRC) mean?

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is an open protocol that allows users with an IRC client to exchange text messages in real time over the Internet. Internet relay chat was created by Jarkko Oikarinen in 1988 and was one of the first chat systems to allow more than two participants to join in a discussion.

Techopedia explains Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

Like email, Internet Relay Chat was another application that added to the popularity of the Internet before the existence of the World Wide Web. Using an IRC client, users could connect to IRC servers and message with people all over the world in real time, as well as join larger groups (channels). Although this is commonplace today, IRC was an early indication of the Internet’s power to create communities where time and distance would have once made it impossible. Like many aspects of the Internet, the request for comments (RFC) system was central to creating and improving IRC.

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