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1 | \input texinfo |
2 | @c %**start of header | |
db78a8cb | 3 | @setfilename ../../info/rcirc |
4009494e | 4 | @settitle rcirc Manual |
c6ab4664 | 5 | @documentencoding UTF-8 |
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6 | @c %**end of header |
7 | ||
8 | @copying | |
6bc383b1 | 9 | Copyright @copyright{} 2006--2014 Free Software Foundation, Inc. |
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10 | |
11 | @quotation | |
12 | Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document | |
6a2c4aec | 13 | under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or |
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14 | any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no |
15 | Invariant Sections, with the Front-Cover texts being ``A GNU Manual'', | |
16 | and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below. A copy of the license is | |
debf4439 | 17 | included in the section entitled ``GNU Free Documentation License''. |
4009494e | 18 | |
6f093307 | 19 | (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You have the freedom to copy and |
6bf430d1 | 20 | modify this GNU manual.'' |
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21 | @end quotation |
22 | @end copying | |
23 | ||
0c973505 | 24 | @dircategory Emacs network features |
4009494e | 25 | @direntry |
62e034c2 | 26 | * Rcirc: (rcirc). Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client. |
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27 | @end direntry |
28 | ||
29 | @titlepage | |
30 | @title rcirc Manual | |
31 | @page | |
32 | @vskip 0pt plus 1filll | |
33 | @insertcopying | |
34 | @end titlepage | |
35 | ||
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36 | @contents |
37 | ||
4009494e | 38 | @ifnottex |
563a450c | 39 | @node Top |
4009494e | 40 | @top rcirc Manual |
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41 | |
42 | @code{rcirc} is an Emacs IRC client. | |
43 | ||
44 | IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a multi-user chat protocol. Users | |
45 | communicate with each other in real-time. Communication occurs both in | |
46 | topic channels which are collections of many users, or privately, with | |
47 | just one other user. | |
48 | ||
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49 | @insertcopying |
50 | ||
51 | @end ifnottex | |
52 | ||
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53 | @menu |
54 | * Basics:: | |
55 | * Reference:: | |
331e4d02 | 56 | * Fighting Information Overload:: |
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57 | * Hacking and Tweaking:: |
58 | * GNU Free Documentation License:: | |
59 | * Key Index:: | |
60 | * Variable Index:: | |
61 | * Index:: | |
62 | ||
63 | @detailmenu | |
64 | --- The Detailed Node Listing --- | |
65 | ||
66 | Basics | |
67 | ||
68 | * Internet Relay Chat:: | |
69 | * Getting started with rcirc:: | |
70 | ||
71 | Reference | |
72 | ||
73 | * rcirc commands:: | |
74 | * Useful IRC commands:: | |
75 | * Configuration:: | |
76 | ||
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77 | Fighting Information Overload |
78 | ||
79 | * Channels:: | |
80 | * People:: | |
81 | * Keywords:: | |
82 | * Notices:: | |
83 | ||
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84 | Hacking and Tweaking |
85 | ||
86 | * Skipping /away messages using handlers:: | |
87 | * Using fly spell mode:: | |
88 | * Scrolling conservatively:: | |
89 | * Changing the time stamp format:: | |
90 | * Defining a new command:: | |
91 | * Reconnecting after you have lost the connection:: | |
92 | ||
93 | @end detailmenu | |
94 | @end menu | |
95 | ||
563a450c | 96 | @node Basics |
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97 | @chapter Basics |
98 | ||
99 | This chapter contains a brief introduction to IRC (Internet Relay Chat), | |
100 | and a quick tutorial on @code{rcirc}. | |
101 | ||
102 | @menu | |
103 | * Internet Relay Chat:: | |
104 | * Getting started with rcirc:: | |
105 | @end menu | |
106 | ||
563a450c | 107 | @node Internet Relay Chat |
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108 | @section Internet Relay Chat |
109 | @cindex internet relay chat | |
110 | @cindex irc | |
111 | ||
112 | @cindex channel | |
113 | @dfn{Internet Relay Chat} (IRC) is a form of instant communication over the | |
114 | Internet. It is mainly designed for group (many-to-many) communication | |
115 | in discussion forums called channels, but also allows one-to-one | |
116 | communication. | |
117 | ||
118 | @cindex instant messaging, comparison | |
119 | @cindex server | |
120 | @cindex network | |
121 | Contrary to most Instant Messenger (IM) systems, users usually don't | |
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122 | connect to a central server. Instead, users connect to a random |
123 | server in a network, and servers relay messages from one to the next. | |
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124 | |
125 | Here's a typical example: | |
126 | ||
127 | @cindex redirection to random servers | |
128 | When you connect to the Freenode network | |
129 | (@code{http://freenode.net/}), you point your IRC client at the | |
130 | server @code{irc.freenode.net}. That server will redirect your client | |
131 | to a random server on the network, such as @code{zelazny.freenode.net}. | |
132 | ||
133 | @cindex channel name | |
134 | @cindex # starts a channel name | |
135 | Once you're connected, you can send messages to all other users | |
136 | connected to the same network, and you can join all channels on the same | |
137 | network. You might join the @code{#emacs} and the @code{#rcirc} | |
138 | channels, for example. (Typically, channel names begin with a hash | |
139 | character.) | |
140 | ||
141 | Once you have joined a channel, anything you type will be broadcast to | |
142 | all the other users on the same channel. | |
143 | ||
144 | @cindex addressing other people | |
145 | @cindex other people, addressing them | |
146 | @cindex talk to other people | |
147 | If you want to address someone specifically, for example as an answer to | |
148 | a question, it is customary to prefix the message with the nick followed | |
149 | by a colon, like this: | |
150 | ||
151 | @example | |
152 | deego: fsbot rules! | |
153 | @end example | |
154 | ||
155 | @cindex nick completion | |
156 | @cindex completion of nicks | |
157 | @kindex TAB | |
158 | Since this is so common, you can use @key{TAB} to do nick completion. | |
159 | ||
563a450c | 160 | @node Getting started with rcirc |
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161 | @section Getting started with rcirc |
162 | @cindex getting started | |
163 | @cindex connecting to a server | |
164 | ||
165 | @cindex irc command | |
166 | Use the command @kbd{M-x irc} to connect using the defaults. | |
167 | @xref{Configuration}, if you want to change the defaults. | |
168 | ||
1df7defd | 169 | Use @kbd{C-u M-x irc} if you don't want to use the defaults, e.g., if you |
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170 | want to connect to a different network, or connect to the same network |
171 | using a different nick. This will prompt you for four things: | |
172 | ||
173 | @table @asis | |
174 | @cindex server, connecting | |
175 | @cindex Freenode network | |
99a3e35f | 176 | @item IRC Server |
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177 | What server do you want to connect to? All the servers in a particular |
178 | network are equivalent. Some networks use a round-robin system where a | |
179 | single server redirects new connections to a random server in the | |
180 | network. @code{irc.freenode.net} is such a server for the Freenode | |
181 | network. Freenode provides the network ``for the Free and Open Source | |
6772c8e1 | 182 | Software communities, for not-for-profit organizations and for related |
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183 | communities and organizations.'' |
184 | ||
185 | @cindex port, connecting | |
186 | @cindex 6667, default IRC port | |
99a3e35f | 187 | @item IRC Port |
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188 | All network connections require a port. Just as web servers and clients |
189 | use port 80 per default, IRC uses port 6667 per default. You rarely | |
190 | have to use a different port. | |
191 | ||
192 | @cindex nick, connecting | |
193 | @cindex changing nick | |
194 | @cindex name changes | |
99a3e35f | 195 | @item IRC Nick |
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196 | @vindex user-login-name |
197 | Every users needs a handle on-line. You will automatically be assigned | |
198 | a slightly different nick if your chosen nick is already in use. If | |
199 | your @code{user-login-name} is @code{alex}, and this nick is already | |
200 | in use, you might for example get assigned the nick @code{alex`}. | |
201 | ||
202 | @cindex channels, connecting | |
203 | @cindex initial channels | |
204 | @cindex startup channels | |
99a3e35f | 205 | @item IRC Channels |
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206 | A space separated list of channels you want to join when connecting. |
207 | You don't need to join any channels, if you just want to have one-to-one | |
208 | conversations with friends on the same network. If you're new to the | |
209 | Freenode network, join @code{#emacs}, the channel about all things | |
210 | Emacs, or join @code{#rcirc}, the channel about @code{rcirc}. | |
211 | @end table | |
212 | ||
213 | @cindex server buffer | |
214 | When you have answered these questions, @code{rcirc} will create a server | |
d29fbf47 | 215 | buffer, which will be named something like @file{*irc.freenode.net*}, |
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216 | and a channel buffer for each of the channels you wanted to join. |
217 | ||
218 | @kindex RET | |
219 | @cindex talking | |
220 | @cindex communicating | |
99a3e35f | 221 | To talk in a channel, just type what you want to say in a channel |
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222 | buffer, and press @key{RET}. |
223 | ||
224 | @kindex C-c C-c | |
225 | @cindex multiline messages | |
226 | @cindex messages, multiple lines | |
227 | @cindex pasting multiple lines | |
228 | @cindex edit message before sending | |
229 | If you want to paste multiple lines, such as source code, you can use | |
230 | @kbd{C-c C-c} to edit your message in a separate buffer. Use @kbd{C-c | |
231 | C-c} to finish editing. You still need to press @key{RET} to send it, | |
232 | though. Generally, IRC users don't like people pasting more than around | |
233 | four lines of code, so use with care. | |
234 | ||
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235 | @comment This section copied from the Channels section. |
236 | @comment All index markers should point to the original! | |
237 | Once you are connected to multiple channels, or once you've turned you | |
238 | attention to other buffers in Emacs, you probably want to be notified | |
239 | of any activity in channels not currently visible. All you need to do | |
240 | is switch channel tracking on using @kbd{M-x rcirc-track-minor-mode}. | |
241 | To make this permanent, add the following to your init file: | |
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242 | |
243 | @example | |
244 | (rcirc-track-minor-mode 1) | |
245 | @end example | |
246 | ||
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247 | Use @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} to switch to these buffers. |
248 | ||
563a450c | 249 | @node Reference |
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250 | @chapter Reference |
251 | @cindex reference | |
252 | ||
253 | This is the reference section of the manual. It is not complete. For | |
254 | complete listings of @code{rcirc} features, use Emacs built-in | |
255 | documentation. | |
256 | ||
257 | @menu | |
258 | * rcirc commands:: | |
259 | * Useful IRC commands:: | |
260 | * Configuration:: | |
261 | @end menu | |
262 | ||
563a450c | 263 | @node rcirc commands |
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264 | @section rcirc commands |
265 | @cindex rcirc commands | |
266 | @cindex commands | |
267 | ||
268 | @kindex C-h m | |
269 | This is a list of commands that you may use in @code{rcirc}. It is not | |
270 | complete. For a complete listing, press @kbd{C-h m} in an @code{rcirc} | |
271 | buffer. | |
272 | ||
273 | In addition to using regular Emacs key bindings, you can call them by | |
274 | typing them into an @code{rcirc} buffer. | |
275 | ||
276 | @cindex call commands | |
277 | @cindex typing commands | |
278 | @cindex commands | |
279 | For instance, instead of using the command @kbd{C-c C-j} to join a new | |
280 | channel, you may type this in an @code{rcirc} buffer, and press @key{RET}: | |
281 | ||
282 | @example | |
283 | /join #emacs | |
284 | @end example | |
285 | ||
286 | @cindex / starts a command | |
287 | @cindex messages starting with a slash disappear | |
288 | @cindex disappearing messages if starting with a slash | |
289 | @cindex slash hides message | |
290 | This is why you cannot start a message with a slash. You will have to | |
291 | precede the command with a space, or rewrite your message in order to | |
292 | send it to a channel. | |
293 | ||
294 | @cindex multiple words as parameters | |
295 | @cindex string delimiters | |
296 | @cindex quotes | |
297 | @cindex double-quotes | |
298 | Many commands take parameters. IRC commands usually ignore string | |
299 | delimiters. Neither quote nor double-quote have special meanings in | |
300 | IRC. | |
301 | ||
302 | @example | |
303 | /nick "alex schroeder" | |
304 | @end example | |
305 | ||
306 | This will try to change your nick to @code{"alex}. Usually this will | |
a7d51a21 | 307 | fail because the double quote character is not a valid character for |
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308 | nicks. |
309 | ||
310 | @cindex case insensitive commands | |
311 | These commands are case insensitive. | |
312 | ||
313 | @cindex new command | |
314 | @cindex unknown command | |
315 | @cindex command unknown | |
316 | If a command isn't known by @code{rcirc}, it will simply be sent along to the | |
317 | server. There is a list of some useful commands like that in the next | |
318 | section. | |
319 | ||
320 | @table @kbd | |
321 | @item C-c C-j | |
322 | @kindex C-c C-j | |
323 | @cindex /join | |
324 | @cindex join channels | |
325 | @cindex other channels | |
326 | @cindex rooms, joining | |
327 | @cindex discussion, joining | |
328 | This joins a channel such as @code{#rcirc} or @code{#emacs}. On most | |
329 | networks, anybody can create new channels. If you want to talk with | |
330 | some friends, for example, all you have to do is agree on a valid | |
331 | channel name and join that channel. (Also @code{/join #emacs}.) | |
332 | ||
333 | @item C-c C-p | |
334 | @kindex C-c C-p | |
335 | @cindex /part | |
336 | @cindex part a channel | |
337 | @cindex leave a channel | |
338 | @cindex disconnect from a channel | |
339 | @cindex stop talking on a channel | |
340 | @cindex kill channel buffer | |
341 | This leaves the current channel. You can optionally provide a reason | |
342 | for parting. When you kill a channel buffer, you automatically part the | |
343 | corresponding channel. (Also @code{/part you are too weird!}.) | |
344 | ||
345 | @item C-c C-r | |
346 | @kindex C-c C-r | |
347 | @cindex /nick | |
348 | @cindex change name | |
349 | @cindex nick changing | |
350 | @cindex rename yourself | |
351 | @cindex other name | |
352 | This changes your nick to some other name. Your nick must be unique | |
353 | across the network. Most networks don't allow too many nick changes in | |
354 | quick succession, and have restrictions on the valid characters in nick | |
355 | names. (Also @code{/nick alex-test}) | |
356 | ||
357 | @item C-c C-w | |
358 | @kindex C-c C-w | |
359 | @cindex /whois | |
360 | @cindex who are these people | |
361 | @cindex identifying people | |
362 | @cindex channels other people are on | |
363 | @cindex what channels people are on | |
364 | Gives you some basic information about a nick. This often includes what | |
365 | other channels people are on. (Also @code{/whois fsbot}.) | |
366 | ||
367 | @item C-c C-q | |
368 | @kindex C-c C-q | |
369 | @cindex /query | |
370 | @cindex starting a private conversation | |
371 | @cindex one-to-one conversation | |
372 | @cindex talk privately | |
373 | @cindex private conversation | |
374 | @cindex contact one person only | |
375 | @cindex query a person | |
376 | Starts a one-to-one conversation with another person on the same | |
377 | network. A new buffer will be created for this conversation. It works | |
378 | like a channel with only two members. (Also @code{/query fsbot}.) | |
379 | ||
380 | @item C-c @key{RET} | |
381 | @kindex C-c RET | |
382 | @cindex /msg | |
383 | @cindex single message | |
384 | @cindex message sending | |
385 | This sends a single message to a nick. Like with @kbd{C-c C-q}, a new | |
386 | buffer is created, where the response from the other party will show | |
387 | up. (Also @code{/msg nickserv identify secret}.) | |
388 | ||
389 | @item C-c C-x | |
390 | @kindex C-c C-x | |
391 | @cindex /quit | |
392 | @cindex quit | |
393 | @cindex disconnect | |
394 | @cindex kill connection | |
395 | @cindex connection end | |
396 | @cindex part all channels | |
397 | @cindex end connection | |
398 | @cindex server buffer killing | |
399 | @cindex reason for quitting | |
400 | This disconnects from the server and parts all channels. You can | |
401 | optionally provide a reason for quitting. When you kill the server | |
402 | buffer, you automatically quit the server and part all channels. (Also | |
403 | @code{/quit ZZZzzz...}.) | |
404 | @end table | |
405 | ||
563a450c | 406 | @node Useful IRC commands |
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407 | @section Useful IRC commands |
408 | @cindex irc commands | |
409 | @cindex commands | |
410 | ||
411 | As mentioned, if a command isn't known by @code{rcirc}, it will simply be sent | |
412 | along to the server. Some such commands are available on nearly all IRC | |
413 | servers, such as: | |
414 | ||
415 | @table @code | |
416 | @item /away | |
417 | @cindex /away | |
418 | @cindex away status | |
419 | @cindex pause status | |
420 | @cindex unavailable status | |
421 | @cindex set away status | |
422 | This sets your status as ``being away'' if you provide a reason, or sets | |
423 | your status as ``being back'' if you do not. People can use the | |
424 | @kbd{C-c C-w} command to check your status. Example: @code{/away food}. | |
425 | @end table | |
426 | ||
427 | @cindex irc resources | |
428 | @cindex help about irc | |
429 | Typical IRC servers implement many more commands. You can read more | |
430 | about the fantastic world of IRC online at | |
431 | @uref{http://www.irchelp.org/, the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) help | |
432 | archive}. | |
433 | ||
563a450c | 434 | @node Configuration |
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435 | @section Configuration |
436 | @cindex configuring rcirc | |
437 | ||
438 | These are some variables you can change to configure @code{rcirc} to your | |
439 | liking. | |
440 | ||
441 | @table @code | |
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442 | @item rcirc-server-alist |
443 | @vindex rcirc-server-alist | |
444 | @cindex channels, configuration | |
445 | @cindex initial channels, configuration | |
446 | @cindex startup channels, configuration | |
447 | @cindex servers, configuration | |
448 | @cindex initial servers, configuration | |
449 | @cindex startup servers, configuration | |
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450 | This variable contains an alist of servers to connect to by default |
451 | and the keywords parameters to use. The keyword parameters are | |
452 | optional. If you don't provide any, the defaults as documented below | |
453 | will be used. | |
4009494e | 454 | |
99a3e35f | 455 | The most important parameter is the @code{:channels} parameter. It |
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456 | controls which channels you will join by default as soon as you are |
457 | connected to the server. | |
458 | ||
459 | Here's an example of how to set it: | |
460 | ||
461 | @example | |
462 | (add-to-list 'rcirc-server-alist | |
463 | '("otherworlders.org" | |
464 | :channels ("#FUDGE" "#game-design"))) | |
465 | @end example | |
466 | ||
467 | By default you will be connected to the @code{rcirc} support channel: | |
468 | @code{#rcirc} on @code{irc.freenode.net}. | |
469 | ||
470 | @table @code | |
471 | @item :nick | |
472 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-nick}. | |
473 | ||
474 | @item :port | |
475 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-port}. | |
476 | ||
477 | @item :user-name | |
478 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-user-name}. | |
479 | ||
480 | @item :full-name | |
481 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-full-name}. | |
482 | ||
483 | @item :channels | |
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484 | This describes which channels to join when connecting to the server. |
485 | If absent, no channels will be connected to automatically. | |
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486 | |
487 | @end table | |
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488 | |
489 | @item rcirc-default-nick | |
490 | @vindex rcirc-default-nick | |
99a3e35f | 491 | This variable is used for the default nick. It defaults to the login |
125a630f | 492 | name returned by @code{user-login-name}. |
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493 | |
494 | @example | |
125a630f | 495 | (setq rcirc-default-nick "kensanata") |
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496 | @end example |
497 | ||
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498 | @item rcirc-default-port |
499 | @vindex rcirc-default-port | |
500 | @cindex port | |
99a3e35f | 501 | This variable contains the default port to connect to. It is 6667 by |
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502 | default and rarely needs changing. |
503 | ||
504 | @item rcirc-default-user-name | |
505 | @vindex rcirc-default-user-name | |
506 | @cindex user name | |
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507 | This variable contains the default user name to report to the server. |
508 | It defaults to the login name returned by @code{user-login-name}, just | |
509 | like @code{rcirc-default-nick}. | |
125a630f | 510 | |
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511 | @item rcirc-default-full-name |
512 | @vindex rcirc-default-full-name | |
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513 | @cindex full name |
514 | @cindex real name | |
515 | @cindex surname | |
1df7defd | 516 | This variable is used to set your ``real name'' on IRC@. It defaults |
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517 | to the name returned by @code{user-full-name}. If you want to hide |
518 | your full name, you might want to set it to some pseudonym. | |
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519 | |
520 | @example | |
3da13bb9 | 521 | (setq rcirc-default-full-name "Curious Minds Want To Know") |
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522 | @end example |
523 | ||
125a630f | 524 | @item rcirc-authinfo |
4009494e | 525 | @vindex rcirc-authinfo |
fac916bf | 526 | @cindex authentication |
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527 | @cindex identification |
528 | @cindex nickserv | |
529 | @cindex login | |
125a630f | 530 | This variable is an alist used to automatically identify yourself on |
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531 | networks. Each sublist starts with a regular expression that is |
532 | compared to the server address you're connecting to. The second | |
533 | element in the list is a symbol representing the method to use, | |
534 | followed by the arguments this method requires. | |
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535 | |
536 | Here is an example to illustrate how you would set it: | |
537 | ||
538 | @example | |
539 | (setq rcirc-authinfo | |
540 | '(("freenode" nickserv "bob" "p455w0rd") | |
541 | ("freenode" chanserv "bob" "#bobland" "passwd99") | |
542 | ("bitlbee" bitlbee "robert" "sekrit"))) | |
543 | @end example | |
544 | ||
545 | And here are the valid method symbols and the arguments they require: | |
546 | ||
547 | @table @code | |
548 | @item nickserv | |
fac916bf | 549 | @cindex nickserv authentication |
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550 | Use this symbol if you need to identify yourself as follows when |
551 | connecting to a network: @code{/msg nickserv identify secret}. The | |
552 | necessary arguments are the nickname you want to use this for, and the | |
553 | password to use. | |
554 | ||
555 | Before you can use this method, you will have to register your nick and | |
556 | pick a password for it. Contact @code{nickserv} and check out the | |
557 | details. (Using @code{/msg nickserv help}, for example.) | |
558 | ||
559 | @item chanserv | |
fac916bf | 560 | @cindex chanserv authentication |
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561 | Use this symbol if you need to identify yourself as follows if you want |
562 | to join a particular channel: @code{/msg chanserv identify #underground | |
563 | secret}. The necessary arguments are the nickname and channel you want | |
564 | to use this for, and the password to use. | |
565 | ||
566 | Before you can use this method, a channel contact must tell you about | |
567 | the password to use. Contact @code{chanserv} and check out the details. | |
568 | (Using @code{/msg chanserv help}, for example.) | |
569 | ||
570 | @item bitlbee | |
fac916bf | 571 | @cindex bitlbee authentication |
4009494e GM |
572 | Use this symbol if you need to identify yourself in the Bitlbee channel |
573 | as follows: @code{identify secret}. The necessary arguments are the | |
574 | nickname you want to use this for, and the password to use. | |
575 | ||
576 | @cindex gateway to other IM services | |
577 | @cindex instant messaging, other services | |
578 | @cindex Jabber | |
579 | @cindex AIM | |
580 | @cindex ICQ | |
581 | @cindex MSN | |
582 | @cindex Yahoo! | |
583 | Bitlbee acts like an IRC server, but in fact it is a gateway to a lot of | |
584 | other instant messaging services. You can either install Bitlbee | |
585 | locally or use a public Bitlbee server. There, you need to create an | |
586 | account with a password. This is the nick and password you need to | |
fac916bf | 587 | provide for the bitlbee authentication method. |
4009494e GM |
588 | |
589 | Later, you will tell Bitlbee about your accounts and passwords on all | |
590 | the other instant messaging services, and Bitlbee will log you in. All | |
591 | @code{rcirc} needs to know, is the login to your Bitlbee account. Don't | |
592 | confuse the Bitlbee account with all the other accounts. | |
331e4d02 | 593 | |
4009494e GM |
594 | @end table |
595 | ||
125a630f AS |
596 | @end table |
597 | ||
563a450c | 598 | @node Fighting Information Overload |
331e4d02 AS |
599 | @chapter Fighting Information Overload |
600 | @cindex information overload | |
601 | ||
602 | This is the section of the manual that caters to the busy person | |
99a3e35f AS |
603 | online. There are support channels with several hundred people in |
604 | them. Trying to follow a conversation in these channels can be a | |
605 | daunting task. This chapters tells you how @code{rcirc} can help. | |
331e4d02 AS |
606 | |
607 | @menu | |
608 | * Channels:: | |
609 | * People:: | |
610 | * Keywords:: | |
611 | * Notices:: | |
612 | @end menu | |
613 | ||
563a450c | 614 | @node Channels |
331e4d02 AS |
615 | @section Channels |
616 | @cindex channels | |
617 | @cindex modeline | |
618 | ||
99a3e35f | 619 | @comment This section copied to the Getting started with rcirc section |
4009494e GM |
620 | @kindex C-c C-SPC |
621 | @vindex rcirc-track-minor-mode | |
622 | @cindex switching channels | |
623 | @cindex tracking activity | |
624 | @cindex active channel | |
625 | @cindex abbreviated channel names | |
626 | @cindex modeline tracks activity | |
627 | Most people want a notification when something is said on a channel they | |
628 | have joined, particularly if they have been addressed directly. There | |
629 | is a global minor mode that will do this kind of tracking for you. All | |
630 | you need to do is switch it on using @kbd{M-x rcirc-track-minor-mode}. | |
631 | To make this permanent, add the following to your init file: | |
632 | ||
633 | @example | |
634 | (rcirc-track-minor-mode 1) | |
635 | @end example | |
636 | ||
637 | When other people say things in buffers that are currently buried (no | |
638 | window is showing them), the mode line will now show you the abbreviated | |
639 | channel or nick name. Use @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} to switch to these | |
640 | buffers. | |
641 | ||
642 | @vindex rcirc-mode-hook | |
643 | If you prefer not to load @code{rcirc} immediately, you can delay the | |
644 | activation of this mode: | |
645 | ||
646 | @example | |
647 | (add-hook 'rcirc-mode-hook | |
648 | (lambda () | |
649 | (rcirc-track-minor-mode 1))) | |
650 | @end example | |
651 | ||
331e4d02 AS |
652 | @cindex busy channels |
653 | If you've joined a very active support channel, tracking activity is | |
99a3e35f | 654 | no longer useful. The channel will be always active. Switching to |
331e4d02 AS |
655 | active channels using @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} no longer works as |
656 | expected. | |
657 | ||
658 | @kindex C-c C-l | |
659 | @cindex low priority channels | |
867d4bb3 | 660 | The solution is to mark this channel as a low priority channel. |
99a3e35f AS |
661 | Use @kbd{C-c C-l} to make the current channel a low-priority channel. |
662 | Low priority channels have the modeline indicator ``LowPri''. | |
331e4d02 AS |
663 | @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} will not switch to low priority channels unless |
664 | you use the @kbd{C-u} prefix. | |
665 | ||
666 | @kindex C-c TAB | |
667 | @cindex ignored channels | |
668 | If you prefer a channel to never show up in the modeline, then you | |
99a3e35f | 669 | have to ignore it. Use @kbd{C-c @key{TAB}} to ignore the current |
331e4d02 AS |
670 | channel. |
671 | ||
563a450c | 672 | @node People |
331e4d02 AS |
673 | @section People |
674 | @cindex people, how to ignore | |
675 | @cindex nicks, how to ignore | |
676 | @cindex friends | |
677 | @cindex buddies | |
678 | @cindex trolls | |
679 | ||
680 | The most important command available to the discerning IRC user is | |
99a3e35f | 681 | @code{/ignore}. It's the big equalizer online: If people aggravate |
331e4d02 AS |
682 | you, just ignore them. |
683 | ||
684 | This is of course a crude all-or-nothing solution. Fear not, | |
685 | @code{rcirc} offers alternatives: You can ``brighten'' your buddies | |
686 | and ``dim'' certain other nicks that you don't want to ignore | |
687 | altogether. | |
688 | ||
689 | @table @code | |
690 | @item /ignore | |
691 | @cindex /ignore | |
692 | @cindex ignoring other people | |
693 | @cindex trolls, ignoring | |
694 | @cindex hide some posts | |
695 | @cindex idiots online | |
696 | This command toggles the ignore status of a nick, if you provide one. | |
697 | If you don't provide a nick, the command lists all the nicks you are | |
698 | ignoring. All messages by ignored nicks are---you guessed it---ignored. | |
699 | Since only ``operators'' can kick people from channels, the | |
700 | ignore command is often the only way to deal with some of the more | |
11ac7c8e | 701 | obnoxious fellows online. Example: @code{/ignore rudybot}. |
331e4d02 AS |
702 | |
703 | @item /bright | |
704 | @cindex /bright | |
705 | @cindex highlight other people | |
706 | @cindex friends, highlight | |
707 | @cindex buddies, highlight | |
708 | @cindex nicks, highlight | |
709 | @cindex brighten nicks | |
710 | This command toggles the bright status of a nick, if you provide one. | |
711 | If you don't provide a nick, the command lists all the ``brightened'' | |
712 | nicks. All messages by brightened nicks are---you guessed | |
99a3e35f | 713 | it---brightened. Use this for your friends. Example: @code{/bright |
331e4d02 AS |
714 | rcy}. |
715 | ||
716 | @item /dim | |
717 | @cindex /dim | |
718 | @cindex soft-ignore other people | |
719 | @cindex obnoxious people online | |
720 | @cindex rabble online | |
721 | This command toggles the dim status of a nick, if you provide one. If | |
722 | you don't provide a nick, the command lists all the ``dimmed'' nicks. | |
723 | All messages by dimmed nicks are---you guessed it---dimmed. Use this | |
99a3e35f AS |
724 | for boring people and bots. If you are tracking channel activity, |
725 | messages by dimmed nicks will not register as activity. Example: | |
331e4d02 AS |
726 | @code{/dim fsbot}. |
727 | @end table | |
728 | ||
729 | ||
563a450c | 730 | @node Keywords |
331e4d02 AS |
731 | @section Keywords |
732 | @cindex keywords | |
733 | ||
734 | On a busy channel, you might want to ignore all activity (using | |
99a3e35f | 735 | @kbd{C-c @key{TAB}}) and just watch for certain keywords. The |
331e4d02 AS |
736 | following command allows you to highlight certain keywords: |
737 | ||
738 | @table @code | |
739 | @item /keyword | |
740 | @cindex /keyword | |
741 | This command toggles the highlighting of a keyword, if you provide | |
99a3e35f AS |
742 | one. If you don't provide a keyword, the current keywords are |
743 | listed. Example: @code{/keyword manual}. | |
331e4d02 AS |
744 | @end table |
745 | ||
563a450c | 746 | @node Notices |
331e4d02 | 747 | @section Notices |
867d4bb3 | 748 | @cindex part notices, how to omit |
331e4d02 AS |
749 | @cindex join notices, how to omit |
750 | @cindex quit notices, how to omit | |
751 | @cindex nick notices, how to omit | |
752 | ||
753 | @kindex C-c C-o | |
754 | @cindex low priority channels | |
755 | In busy channels you might not be interested in all the joining, | |
99a3e35f | 756 | parting, quitting, and renaming that goes on. You can omit those |
331e4d02 AS |
757 | notices using @kbd{C-c C-o}. |
758 | ||
759 | @vindex rcirc-omit-responses | |
760 | @cindex away notices, how to omit | |
761 | You can control which notices get omitted via the | |
99a3e35f AS |
762 | @code{rcirc-omit-responses} variable. Here's an example of how to |
763 | omit away messages: | |
331e4d02 AS |
764 | |
765 | @example | |
f4f3b439 | 766 | (setq rcirc-omit-responses '("JOIN" "PART" "QUIT" "NICK" "AWAY")) |
331e4d02 AS |
767 | @end example |
768 | ||
769 | @vindex rcirc-omit-threshold | |
770 | Notice that these messages will not be omitted if the nick in question | |
99a3e35f AS |
771 | has recently been active. After all, you don't want to continue a |
772 | conversation with somebody who just left. That's why @code{rcirc} | |
331e4d02 | 773 | checks recent lines in the buffer to figure out if a nick has been |
99a3e35f | 774 | active and only omits a message if the nick has not been active. The |
331e4d02 AS |
775 | window @code{rcirc} considers is controlled by the |
776 | @code{rcirc-omit-threshold} variable. | |
777 | ||
563a450c | 778 | @node Hacking and Tweaking |
4009494e GM |
779 | @chapter Hacking and Tweaking |
780 | @cindex hacking and tweaking | |
781 | ||
782 | Here are some examples of stuff you can do to configure @code{rcirc}. | |
783 | ||
784 | @menu | |
785 | * Skipping /away messages using handlers:: | |
786 | * Using fly spell mode:: | |
787 | * Scrolling conservatively:: | |
788 | * Changing the time stamp format:: | |
789 | * Defining a new command:: | |
790 | * Reconnecting after you have lost the connection:: | |
791 | @end menu | |
792 | ||
563a450c | 793 | @node Skipping /away messages using handlers |
4009494e GM |
794 | @section Skipping @code{/away} messages using handlers |
795 | @cindex /away messages | |
796 | ||
797 | @cindex handlers | |
798 | @cindex status codes | |
799 | The IRC protocol specifies how certain events are signaled from server | |
800 | to client. These events have numbers and are dealt with using so-called | |
801 | handlers. You can override existing handlers by exploiting the naming | |
802 | convention adopted for @code{rcirc}. | |
803 | ||
804 | Here's how to stop @code{rcirc} from printing @code{/away} messages. | |
805 | Since @code{rcirc} doesn't define a 301 handler, you don't need to | |
806 | require @code{rcirc} before defining the handler: | |
807 | ||
808 | @example | |
809 | (defun rcirc-handler-301 (process cmd sender args) | |
810 | "/away message handler.") | |
811 | @end example | |
812 | ||
563a450c | 813 | @node Using fly spell mode |
4009494e GM |
814 | @section Using fly spell mode |
815 | @cindex fly spell | |
816 | @cindex spelling | |
817 | @cindex spell-checking as you type | |
818 | @cindex automatic spelling | |
819 | @vindex rcirc-mode-hook | |
820 | ||
821 | The following code activates Fly Spell Mode | |
822 | for @code{rcirc} buffers: | |
823 | ||
824 | @example | |
825 | (add-hook 'rcirc-mode-hook (lambda () | |
826 | (flyspell-mode 1))) | |
827 | @end example | |
828 | ||
829 | @xref{Spelling, , Flyspell mode, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}, | |
830 | for details. | |
831 | ||
563a450c | 832 | @node Scrolling conservatively |
4009494e GM |
833 | @section Scrolling conservatively |
834 | @cindex input line | |
835 | @cindex scrolling | |
836 | @vindex scroll-conservatively | |
837 | @vindex rcirc-mode-hook | |
838 | ||
839 | IRC buffers are constantly growing. If you want to see as much as | |
840 | possible at all times, you would want the prompt at the bottom of the | |
841 | window when possible. The following snippet uses a local value for | |
842 | @code{scroll-conservatively} to achieve this: | |
843 | ||
844 | @example | |
845 | (add-hook 'rcirc-mode-hook | |
846 | (lambda () | |
847 | (set (make-local-variable 'scroll-conservatively) | |
848 | 8192))) | |
849 | @end example | |
850 | ||
851 | @xref{Scrolling, , Scrolling conservatively, emacs, The GNU Emacs | |
852 | Manual}, for details. | |
853 | ||
563a450c | 854 | @node Changing the time stamp format |
4009494e GM |
855 | @section Changing the time stamp format |
856 | @cindex time stamp | |
857 | @cindex date time | |
858 | @cindex format time stamp | |
859 | @vindex rcirc-time-format | |
860 | ||
861 | @code{rcirc-time-format} is the format used for the time stamp. Here's | |
862 | how to include the date in the time stamp: | |
863 | ||
864 | @example | |
865 | (setq rcirc-time-format "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M ") | |
866 | @end example | |
867 | ||
563a450c | 868 | @node Defining a new command |
4009494e GM |
869 | @section Defining a new command |
870 | @cindex defining commands | |
871 | @cindex commands, defining | |
872 | @cindex new commands, defining | |
873 | ||
874 | Here's a simple new command, @code{/sv}. With it, you can boast about | |
875 | your IRC client. It shows how you can use @code{defun-rcirc-command} to | |
876 | define new commands. | |
877 | ||
878 | We're waiting for the definition of this command until @code{rcirc} is loaded | |
879 | because @code{defun-rcirc-command} is not yet available, and without | |
880 | @code{rcirc} loaded, the command wouldn't do us much good anyway. | |
881 | ||
882 | @smallexample | |
883 | (eval-after-load 'rcirc | |
884 | '(defun-rcirc-command sv (arg) | |
885 | "Boast about rcirc." | |
886 | (interactive "i") | |
887 | (rcirc-send-message process target | |
888 | (concat "I use " rcirc-id-string)))) | |
889 | @end smallexample | |
890 | ||
563a450c | 891 | @node Reconnecting after you have lost the connection |
4009494e GM |
892 | @section Reconnecting after you have lost the connection |
893 | @cindex reconnecting | |
894 | @cindex disconnecting servers, reconnecting | |
895 | ||
896 | If you're chatting from a laptop, then you might be familiar with this | |
897 | problem: When your laptop falls asleep and wakes up later, your IRC | |
6772c8e1 | 898 | client doesn't realize that it has been disconnected. It takes several |
4009494e GM |
899 | minutes until the client decides that the connection has in fact been |
900 | lost. The simple solution is to use @kbd{M-x rcirc}. The problem is | |
901 | that this opens an @emph{additional} connection, so you'll have two | |
f99f1641 | 902 | copies of every channel buffer, one dead and one live. |
4009494e GM |
903 | |
904 | The real answer, therefore, is a @code{/reconnect} command: | |
905 | ||
906 | @smallexample | |
907 | (eval-after-load 'rcirc | |
908 | '(defun-rcirc-command reconnect (arg) | |
909 | "Reconnect the server process." | |
910 | (interactive "i") | |
911 | (unless process | |
912 | (error "There's no process for this target")) | |
913 | (let* ((server (car (process-contact process))) | |
914 | (port (process-contact process :service)) | |
915 | (nick (rcirc-nick process)) | |
916 | channels query-buffers) | |
917 | (dolist (buf (buffer-list)) | |
918 | (with-current-buffer buf | |
919 | (when (eq process (rcirc-buffer-process)) | |
920 | (remove-hook 'change-major-mode-hook | |
921 | 'rcirc-change-major-mode-hook) | |
922 | (if (rcirc-channel-p rcirc-target) | |
923 | (setq channels (cons rcirc-target channels)) | |
924 | (setq query-buffers (cons buf query-buffers)))))) | |
925 | (delete-process process) | |
926 | (rcirc-connect server port nick | |
927 | rcirc-default-user-name | |
3da13bb9 | 928 | rcirc-default-full-name |
4009494e GM |
929 | channels)))) |
930 | @end smallexample | |
931 | ||
563a450c | 932 | @node GNU Free Documentation License |
4009494e GM |
933 | @appendix GNU Free Documentation License |
934 | @include doclicense.texi | |
935 | ||
936 | ||
563a450c | 937 | @node Key Index |
4009494e GM |
938 | @unnumbered Key Index |
939 | @printindex ky | |
940 | ||
563a450c | 941 | @node Variable Index |
4009494e GM |
942 | @unnumbered Variable Index |
943 | @printindex vr | |
944 | ||
563a450c | 945 | @node Index |
4009494e GM |
946 | @unnumbered Index |
947 | @printindex cp | |
948 | ||
949 | @bye |