“Sic” is a simple IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client that is part of the “suckless tools” suite of software. The software is designed to be small, lightweight, and easy to use, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a minimalist approach to their software.
IRC is a protocol for real-time text-based communication, commonly used for group discussions, file sharing, and online gaming. The protocol has been in use for over three decades and is still widely used today by communities ranging from developers to gamers and political activists.
“Sic” is a command-line based IRC client that allows users to connect to an IRC server and join channels to participate in group discussions. It is designed to be fast, efficient, and lightweight, with a small codebase and minimal dependencies. The software supports a wide range of IRC commands and features, including private messaging, topic management, and channel operators.
One of the key benefits of “sic” is its simplicity. The software is designed to be easy to use and understand, with a simple and intuitive interface that is accessible to users of all skill levels. Additionally, the software is highly customizable, with options to configure everything from the appearance of the user interface to the behavior of the software itself.
Another key benefit of “sic” is its performance. Because the software is designed to be lightweight and efficient, it is able to operate quickly and with minimal system resources. This can be especially important for users who are connecting to IRC servers from slower or older hardware.
If you encounter the below error while running the command sic:
sic: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install sic |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install sic |
| Alpine | apk add sic |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install sic |
| OS X | brew install sic |
| Raspbian | apt-get install sic |
sic Command Examples
1. Connect to the default host (irc.ofct.net) with the nickname set in the `$USER` environment variable:
# sic
2. Connect to a given host, using a given nickname:
# sic -h host -n nickname
3. Connect to a given host, using a given nickname and password:
# sic -h host -n nickname -k password
4. Join a channel:
# :j #channel
5. Send a message to a channel or user:
# :m #channel|user
6. Set default channel or user:
# :s #channel|user
Summary
Overall, “sic” is a popular and well-regarded IRC client that offers a simple and efficient way for users to connect to and participate in IRC channels. Its small size, minimal dependencies, and customizable interface make it a popular choice for users who value simplicity and performance in their software.