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BitlBee

BitlBee

BitlBee is an open source instant messaging client that runs in your IRC client instead of directly in an IM network. It acts as a gateway between many popular chat networks and IRC, allowing you to interact with friends on AIM, ICQ, XMPP/Jabber, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger,
Social & Communications Instant Messaging
irc aim icq xmpp jabber msn yahoo-messenger twitter
BitlBee screenshot
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BitlBee: Open Source Instant Messaging Client for Multiple Networks

A free and open source messaging client connecting various networks like AIM, ICQ, XMPP/Jabber, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Twitter, through IRC interface.

What is BitlBee?

BitlBee is an open source instant messaging gateway and server designed to bridge chat networks and standard IRC clients. Rather than connecting directly to chat services like AIM, ICQ, XMPP/Jabber, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and others, BitlBee opens a local IRC server that handles the chat traffic.

This allows the user to interact with popular chat networks using a favorite IRC client like HexChat. Commands, messaging, contact lists and more are translated between the services invisibly by BitlBee in the background. It brings chat networks into IRC so they can be accessed from any IRC-capable client.

Key features include:

  • Access to AIM, ICQ, MSN, YahooIM, XMPP/Jabber, Twitter and more from IRC clients
  • Centralized and unified buddy lists and contact management
  • Private messaging, group chats, file transfers on supported protocols
  • IRC gateway for non-IRC chat networks cuts down on bouncers
  • Lightweight, daemonized, runs on Linux and Unix platforms

BitlBee is popular with tech-savvy chat users who live on IRC already. Running an array of dedicated IM clients can be a headache. By funneling everything through a preferred IRC client with BitlBee handling the translation, user experience is greatly simplified.

BitlBee Features

Features

  1. Connects to popular chat networks like AIM, ICQ, XMPP/Jabber, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Twitter
  2. Runs as an IRC client instead of directly in an IM network
  3. Acts as a gateway between chat networks and IRC
  4. Allows interacting with friends on various networks through a familiar IRC interface

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free

Lightweight and low resource usage

Supports many popular chat protocols

Provides a consistent IRC-style interface

Cons

Setup can be complex for novice users

Limited native client features compared to official network clients

Requires running an IRC client as well

Some protocol support is limited or buggy

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.bitlbee.org/

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