XChat

If you're looking for a solid and reliable way to dive into Internet Relay Chat, XChat is one of the classic choices that has stood the test of time. It’s an IRC client known for being both powerful and user friendly, offering two main layout styles: a clean tabbed interface for organizing your chats or a tree style view that helps you keep track of multiple channels and servers at a glance.

One of the things that makes XChat so popular is how customizable it is. You can tweak almost every part of the interface and behavior to match your preferences. And when it comes to features, it doesn’t hold back it supports all the IRC basics like CTCP (Client to Client Protocol) and DCC for file transfers and private chats, making it a fully equipped tool for both casual and power users.

But where XChat really shines is its extensibility. It comes with a plugin system that supports a ton of programming languages C, C++, Perl, Python, Tcl, Ruby, Lua, and even some less common ones like D and CLISP. This means you’re not stuck with the default features; you can write your own plugins or use ones made by the community to add new commands, automate tasks, or integrate with other tools. It’s this flexibility that has helped XChat remain relevant and loved by many in the IRC world.