Instant messenger based on IRC?
reddit / irc

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joscher123 · 2021-02-28 10:16

Has anyone ever tried to create an instant messenger (like Whatsapp)
based on the IRC protocol? I'm aware of Deltachat, which uses emails
(IMAP) so it just crossed my mind

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AdmiralFace · 2021-02-28 11:34

Essentially IRC, but with more polished UX/UI?

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joscher123 · 2021-02-28 12:39

Yes, and focus on 1:1 chats too

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sniarn · 2021-02-28 12:52

Why would you want to do that?

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__haydenh__ · 2021-02-28 13:27

IRC is already an instant messenger.

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OMGItsCheezWTF · 2021-02-28 13:46

There was a client called Trillian back in the day that used loads of
IM protocols and IRC, but the interface was definitely IM inspired,
that might be what you want? No idea if the project still exists in
any way shape or form.

Pidgin is another - https://www.pidgin.im/

Both can (or could if Trillian doesn't exist anymore) use existing IRC
networks.

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sim642 · 2021-02-28 14:40

IRC requires you to keep an app and an active connection to a server
at all times, which can be battery draining and fragile over the
mobile network or when switching networks/moving around.

All modern instant messengers can use Android/iOS standard
notification services instead.

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sim642 · 2021-02-28 14:42

IRCCloud has done some work to provide features and services on top of
being just a plain IRC client/bouncer.

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rubinlinux · 2021-02-28 17:13

Matrix with an irc bridge is what i use now

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P4k3 · 2021-02-28 17:56

There are irc clients that does that too.

Thelounge (self hosted) or IRCCloud are two options.

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anarchyisthekey · 2021-02-28 19:05

IRC protocol already supports direct messages with DCC. So you could
potentially build an IM on top of it.

For more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Client-to-Client

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Mendacity531 · 2021-02-28 19:14

ICQ was based on IRC protocol.

It's already been done.

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1worldterminal · 2021-03-01 01:11

Exactly, in itself IRC can be used as an instant messenger.

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joscher123 · 2021-03-01 09:39

I thought it had its own proprietary protocol

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Mendacity531 · 2021-03-01 16:46

Nope, it was backed on IRC, even had it's own IRC servers in the early
day.

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jhthorsen · 2021-03-04 11:42

Maybe you want to try out https://convos.chat ?