2 min read 550 words Updated May 10, 2026 Created May 09, 2026
##ubuntu-server#misc

IRC cheatsheet

Command cheat sheet for IRC

Note: Each command (first word) must be prefixed with a slash / Some commands require channel operator status.

  • action : Perform an action.
  • away [message]: Set an away message, or use no message to return from being away.
  • chanserv: Send a command to chanserv
  • debug
  • deop [nick2] ...: Remove channel operator status from someone. You must be a channel operator to do this.
  • devoice [nick2] ...: Remove channel voice status from someone, preventing them from speaking if the channel is moderated (+m).
  • help : Help on a specific command.
  • invite [room]: Invite someone to join you in the specified channel, or the current channel.
  • j [,room2][,...] [key1[,key2][,...]]: Enter one or more channels, optionally providing a channel key for each if needed.
  • join [,room2][,...] [key1[,key2][,...]]: Enter one or more channels, optionally providing a channel key for each if needed.
  • kick [message]: Remove someone from a channel. You must be a channel operator to do this.
  • list: Display a list of chat rooms on the network. Warning, some servers may disconnect you upon doing this.
  • me : Perform an action.
  • me : Send an IRC style action to a buddy or chat.
  • memoserv: Send a command to memoserv
  • mode <+|-> <nick|channel>: Set or unset a channel or user mode.
  • msg : Send a private message to a user (as opposed to a channel).
  • names [channel]: List the users currently in a channel.
  • nick : Change your nickname.
  • nickserv: Send a command to nickserv
  • op [nick2] ...: Grant channel operator status to someone. You must be a channel operator to do this.
  • operserv: Send a command to operserv
  • operwall : If you don't know what this is, you probably can't use it.
  • part [room] [message]: Leave the current channel, or a specified channel, with an optional message.
  • ping [nick]: Asks how much lag a user (or the server if no user specified) has.
  • query : Send a private message to a user (as opposed to a channel).
  • quit [message]: Disconnect from the server, with an optional message.
  • quote [...]: Send a raw command to the server.
  • remove [message]: Remove someone from a room. You must be a channel operator to do this.
  • say : Send a message normally as if you weren't using a command.
  • time: Displays the current local time at the IRC server.
  • topic [new topic]: View or change the channel topic.
  • umode <+|->: Set or unset a user mode.
  • voice [nick2] ...: Grant channel voice status to someone. You must be a channel operator to do this.
  • wallops : If you don't know what this is, you probably can't use it.
  • whois [server] : Get information on a user.

irssi

irssi is a command-line IRC client that runs on Linux, BSD, et al.

$ irssi
[(status)] /server irc.ubuntu.com
[(status)] /join #ubuntu-server

From there, use CTRL-n to switch back and forth between joined channels and the main screen.