Internet Relay Chat (IRC) may be defined as a form of chat. This type of chat is actually real-time Internet text messaging (chat). It may be also referred to as synchronous conferencing. Its prime applications are in discussion forums, group communication in channels, etc.
However, private messaging is also possible with the help of IRC. Not only this, direct data transfers can also be accomplished to the client.
It is a protocol which is open in nature and uses TCP. It sometimes also makes the use of TLS. It is also possible to connect two IRC servers in order to expand the network.
A line-based structure is the foundation of IRC. Through IRC, the client may send single-line messages to the server. Further replies may be received to these messages. Also, replies may be received from some other clients. A channel is the prime means of communication in an IRC.
Some of the issues that have been addressed by modern IRC were actually the challenges with some conventional forms of IRC. These limitations included load of shared data on the scalability of IRC, problem of collision, protection issues because of net splits, other protocol weaknesses such as no encryption, etc.
