HexChat
HexChat is an open source, free IRC client for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It supports multiple servers and channels, theming, plugins, and features useful for IRC chat, including notifications, auto-reconnecting, and text styling.
opensource
crossplatform
irc
chat
notifications
autoreconnecting
HexChat: Open Source IRC Client
Free and open source IRC client for Windows, Linux, and macOS, with support for multiple servers and channels, theming, plugins, and useful features like notifications and auto-reconnecting.
What is HexChat?
HexChat is a popular open source IRC chat client available for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. It provides a user-friendly interface for connecting to IRC servers and channels to chat in real-time.
Some key features of HexChat include:
- Support for multiple IRC servers and channels
- Customizable interface with support for skins and themes
- Scripting and plugin support for extending functionality
- Auto-reconnecting and notifications for highlight messages
- Tabbed interface for easily managing multiple chats
- Supports text styling with color and formatting options
- Transcript saving and logging capabilities
- SSL/TLS support for secure connections
- Available completely free and open source
HexChat has a small footprint and lower resource usage compared to other feature-rich IRC clients. It can handle large chat networks well and provides all essential IRC features for daily chat, programming discussions, and online community engagement.
HexChat Features
Features
- Multi-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- Supports multiple IRC networks and channels
- Highly customizable with scripts and plugins
- Encrypted communication via SSL/TLS
- Auto-reconnect and auto-join channels
- Notification support
- Text formatting and styling
- Logging and scrollback
- Proxy support
- IPv6 support
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Free and open source
Very customizable and extensible
Stable and lightweight
Supports all major IRC features
Available for all major desktop platforms
Active development community
Cons
Steeper learning curve than some clients
Limited native mobile support
Less user-friendly than modern chat apps
Some platform versions more outdated than others
Official Links
The Best HexChat Alternatives
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