IRC
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a real-time text-based communication protocol used for group discussions in channels, as well as private messaging. It enables users to connect to servers and join chat rooms, supporting features like file transfers and basic moderation tools. Originally developed in 1988, it remains popular in open-source, developer, and gaming communities for its simplicity and low resource usage.
Developers should learn IRC for participating in open-source projects, technical support communities, and real-time collaboration where lightweight, persistent chat is needed. It's particularly useful for accessing developer channels on networks like Freenode (now Libera Chat) or OFTC, where many software projects host discussions, announcements, and help desks.