Commit | Line | Data |
---|---|---|
4009494e GM |
1 | \input texinfo |
2 | @c %**start of header | |
db78a8cb | 3 | @setfilename ../../info/rcirc |
4009494e GM |
4 | @settitle rcirc Manual |
5 | @c %**end of header | |
6 | ||
7 | @copying | |
acaf905b | 8 | Copyright @copyright{} 2006-2012 |
62e034c2 | 9 | Free Software Foundation, Inc. |
4009494e GM |
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 |
4009494e GM |
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 GM |
19 | (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You have the freedom to copy and |
20 | modify this GNU manual. Buying copies from the FSF supports it in | |
21 | developing GNU and promoting software freedom.'' | |
4009494e GM |
22 | @end quotation |
23 | @end copying | |
24 | ||
0c973505 | 25 | @dircategory Emacs network features |
4009494e | 26 | @direntry |
62e034c2 | 27 | * Rcirc: (rcirc). Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client. |
4009494e GM |
28 | @end direntry |
29 | ||
30 | @titlepage | |
31 | @title rcirc Manual | |
32 | @page | |
33 | @vskip 0pt plus 1filll | |
34 | @insertcopying | |
35 | @end titlepage | |
36 | ||
5dc584b5 KB |
37 | @contents |
38 | ||
4009494e GM |
39 | @ifnottex |
40 | @node Top, Basics, (dir), (dir) | |
41 | @top rcirc Manual | |
4009494e GM |
42 | |
43 | @code{rcirc} is an Emacs IRC client. | |
44 | ||
45 | IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a multi-user chat protocol. Users | |
46 | communicate with each other in real-time. Communication occurs both in | |
47 | topic channels which are collections of many users, or privately, with | |
48 | just one other user. | |
49 | ||
5dc584b5 KB |
50 | @insertcopying |
51 | ||
52 | @end ifnottex | |
53 | ||
4009494e GM |
54 | @menu |
55 | * Basics:: | |
56 | * Reference:: | |
331e4d02 | 57 | * Fighting Information Overload:: |
4009494e GM |
58 | * Hacking and Tweaking:: |
59 | * GNU Free Documentation License:: | |
60 | * Key Index:: | |
61 | * Variable Index:: | |
62 | * Index:: | |
63 | ||
64 | @detailmenu | |
65 | --- The Detailed Node Listing --- | |
66 | ||
67 | Basics | |
68 | ||
69 | * Internet Relay Chat:: | |
70 | * Getting started with rcirc:: | |
71 | ||
72 | Reference | |
73 | ||
74 | * rcirc commands:: | |
75 | * Useful IRC commands:: | |
76 | * Configuration:: | |
77 | ||
331e4d02 AS |
78 | Fighting Information Overload |
79 | ||
80 | * Channels:: | |
81 | * People:: | |
82 | * Keywords:: | |
83 | * Notices:: | |
84 | ||
4009494e GM |
85 | Hacking and Tweaking |
86 | ||
87 | * Skipping /away messages using handlers:: | |
88 | * Using fly spell mode:: | |
89 | * Scrolling conservatively:: | |
90 | * Changing the time stamp format:: | |
91 | * Defining a new command:: | |
92 | * Reconnecting after you have lost the connection:: | |
93 | ||
94 | @end detailmenu | |
95 | @end menu | |
96 | ||
97 | @node Basics, Reference, Top, Top | |
98 | @chapter Basics | |
99 | ||
100 | This chapter contains a brief introduction to IRC (Internet Relay Chat), | |
101 | and a quick tutorial on @code{rcirc}. | |
102 | ||
103 | @menu | |
104 | * Internet Relay Chat:: | |
105 | * Getting started with rcirc:: | |
106 | @end menu | |
107 | ||
108 | @node Internet Relay Chat, Getting started with rcirc, Basics, Basics | |
109 | @section Internet Relay Chat | |
110 | @cindex internet relay chat | |
111 | @cindex irc | |
112 | ||
113 | @cindex channel | |
114 | @dfn{Internet Relay Chat} (IRC) is a form of instant communication over the | |
115 | Internet. It is mainly designed for group (many-to-many) communication | |
116 | in discussion forums called channels, but also allows one-to-one | |
117 | communication. | |
118 | ||
119 | @cindex instant messaging, comparison | |
120 | @cindex server | |
121 | @cindex network | |
122 | Contrary to most Instant Messenger (IM) systems, users usually don't | |
99a3e35f AS |
123 | connect to a central server. Instead, users connect to a random |
124 | server in a network, and servers relay messages from one to the next. | |
4009494e GM |
125 | |
126 | Here's a typical example: | |
127 | ||
128 | @cindex redirection to random servers | |
129 | When you connect to the Freenode network | |
130 | (@code{http://freenode.net/}), you point your IRC client at the | |
131 | server @code{irc.freenode.net}. That server will redirect your client | |
132 | to a random server on the network, such as @code{zelazny.freenode.net}. | |
133 | ||
134 | @cindex channel name | |
135 | @cindex # starts a channel name | |
136 | Once you're connected, you can send messages to all other users | |
137 | connected to the same network, and you can join all channels on the same | |
138 | network. You might join the @code{#emacs} and the @code{#rcirc} | |
139 | channels, for example. (Typically, channel names begin with a hash | |
140 | character.) | |
141 | ||
142 | Once you have joined a channel, anything you type will be broadcast to | |
143 | all the other users on the same channel. | |
144 | ||
145 | @cindex addressing other people | |
146 | @cindex other people, addressing them | |
147 | @cindex talk to other people | |
148 | If you want to address someone specifically, for example as an answer to | |
149 | a question, it is customary to prefix the message with the nick followed | |
150 | by a colon, like this: | |
151 | ||
152 | @example | |
153 | deego: fsbot rules! | |
154 | @end example | |
155 | ||
156 | @cindex nick completion | |
157 | @cindex completion of nicks | |
158 | @kindex TAB | |
159 | Since this is so common, you can use @key{TAB} to do nick completion. | |
160 | ||
161 | @node Getting started with rcirc, , Internet Relay Chat, Basics | |
162 | @section Getting started with rcirc | |
163 | @cindex getting started | |
164 | @cindex connecting to a server | |
165 | ||
166 | @cindex irc command | |
167 | Use the command @kbd{M-x irc} to connect using the defaults. | |
168 | @xref{Configuration}, if you want to change the defaults. | |
169 | ||
170 | Use @kbd{C-u M-x irc} if you don't want to use the defaults, eg. if you | |
171 | want to connect to a different network, or connect to the same network | |
172 | using a different nick. This will prompt you for four things: | |
173 | ||
174 | @table @asis | |
175 | @cindex server, connecting | |
176 | @cindex Freenode network | |
99a3e35f | 177 | @item IRC Server |
4009494e GM |
178 | What server do you want to connect to? All the servers in a particular |
179 | network are equivalent. Some networks use a round-robin system where a | |
180 | single server redirects new connections to a random server in the | |
181 | network. @code{irc.freenode.net} is such a server for the Freenode | |
182 | network. Freenode provides the network ``for the Free and Open Source | |
6772c8e1 | 183 | Software communities, for not-for-profit organizations and for related |
4009494e GM |
184 | communities and organizations.'' |
185 | ||
186 | @cindex port, connecting | |
187 | @cindex 6667, default IRC port | |
99a3e35f | 188 | @item IRC Port |
4009494e GM |
189 | All network connections require a port. Just as web servers and clients |
190 | use port 80 per default, IRC uses port 6667 per default. You rarely | |
191 | have to use a different port. | |
192 | ||
193 | @cindex nick, connecting | |
194 | @cindex changing nick | |
195 | @cindex name changes | |
99a3e35f | 196 | @item IRC Nick |
4009494e GM |
197 | @vindex user-login-name |
198 | Every users needs a handle on-line. You will automatically be assigned | |
199 | a slightly different nick if your chosen nick is already in use. If | |
200 | your @code{user-login-name} is @code{alex}, and this nick is already | |
201 | in use, you might for example get assigned the nick @code{alex`}. | |
202 | ||
203 | @cindex channels, connecting | |
204 | @cindex initial channels | |
205 | @cindex startup channels | |
99a3e35f | 206 | @item IRC Channels |
4009494e GM |
207 | A space separated list of channels you want to join when connecting. |
208 | You don't need to join any channels, if you just want to have one-to-one | |
209 | conversations with friends on the same network. If you're new to the | |
210 | Freenode network, join @code{#emacs}, the channel about all things | |
211 | Emacs, or join @code{#rcirc}, the channel about @code{rcirc}. | |
212 | @end table | |
213 | ||
214 | @cindex server buffer | |
215 | When you have answered these questions, @code{rcirc} will create a server | |
216 | buffer, which will be named something like @code{*irc.freenode.net*}, | |
217 | and a channel buffer for each of the channels you wanted to join. | |
218 | ||
219 | @kindex RET | |
220 | @cindex talking | |
221 | @cindex communicating | |
99a3e35f | 222 | To talk in a channel, just type what you want to say in a channel |
4009494e GM |
223 | buffer, and press @key{RET}. |
224 | ||
225 | @kindex C-c C-c | |
226 | @cindex multiline messages | |
227 | @cindex messages, multiple lines | |
228 | @cindex pasting multiple lines | |
229 | @cindex edit message before sending | |
230 | If you want to paste multiple lines, such as source code, you can use | |
231 | @kbd{C-c C-c} to edit your message in a separate buffer. Use @kbd{C-c | |
232 | C-c} to finish editing. You still need to press @key{RET} to send it, | |
233 | though. Generally, IRC users don't like people pasting more than around | |
234 | four lines of code, so use with care. | |
235 | ||
99a3e35f AS |
236 | @comment This section copied from the Channels section. |
237 | @comment All index markers should point to the original! | |
238 | Once you are connected to multiple channels, or once you've turned you | |
239 | attention to other buffers in Emacs, you probably want to be notified | |
240 | of any activity in channels not currently visible. All you need to do | |
241 | is switch channel tracking on using @kbd{M-x rcirc-track-minor-mode}. | |
242 | To make this permanent, add the following to your init file: | |
331e4d02 AS |
243 | |
244 | @example | |
245 | (rcirc-track-minor-mode 1) | |
246 | @end example | |
247 | ||
99a3e35f AS |
248 | Use @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} to switch to these buffers. |
249 | ||
331e4d02 | 250 | @node Reference, Fighting Information Overload, Basics, Top |
4009494e GM |
251 | @chapter Reference |
252 | @cindex reference | |
253 | ||
254 | This is the reference section of the manual. It is not complete. For | |
255 | complete listings of @code{rcirc} features, use Emacs built-in | |
256 | documentation. | |
257 | ||
258 | @menu | |
259 | * rcirc commands:: | |
260 | * Useful IRC commands:: | |
261 | * Configuration:: | |
262 | @end menu | |
263 | ||
264 | @node rcirc commands, Useful IRC commands, Reference, Reference | |
265 | @section rcirc commands | |
266 | @cindex rcirc commands | |
267 | @cindex commands | |
268 | ||
269 | @kindex C-h m | |
270 | This is a list of commands that you may use in @code{rcirc}. It is not | |
271 | complete. For a complete listing, press @kbd{C-h m} in an @code{rcirc} | |
272 | buffer. | |
273 | ||
274 | In addition to using regular Emacs key bindings, you can call them by | |
275 | typing them into an @code{rcirc} buffer. | |
276 | ||
277 | @cindex call commands | |
278 | @cindex typing commands | |
279 | @cindex commands | |
280 | For instance, instead of using the command @kbd{C-c C-j} to join a new | |
281 | channel, you may type this in an @code{rcirc} buffer, and press @key{RET}: | |
282 | ||
283 | @example | |
284 | /join #emacs | |
285 | @end example | |
286 | ||
287 | @cindex / starts a command | |
288 | @cindex messages starting with a slash disappear | |
289 | @cindex disappearing messages if starting with a slash | |
290 | @cindex slash hides message | |
291 | This is why you cannot start a message with a slash. You will have to | |
292 | precede the command with a space, or rewrite your message in order to | |
293 | send it to a channel. | |
294 | ||
295 | @cindex multiple words as parameters | |
296 | @cindex string delimiters | |
297 | @cindex quotes | |
298 | @cindex double-quotes | |
299 | Many commands take parameters. IRC commands usually ignore string | |
300 | delimiters. Neither quote nor double-quote have special meanings in | |
301 | IRC. | |
302 | ||
303 | @example | |
304 | /nick "alex schroeder" | |
305 | @end example | |
306 | ||
307 | This will try to change your nick to @code{"alex}. Usually this will | |
a7d51a21 | 308 | fail because the double quote character is not a valid character for |
4009494e GM |
309 | nicks. |
310 | ||
311 | @cindex case insensitive commands | |
312 | These commands are case insensitive. | |
313 | ||
314 | @cindex new command | |
315 | @cindex unknown command | |
316 | @cindex command unknown | |
317 | If a command isn't known by @code{rcirc}, it will simply be sent along to the | |
318 | server. There is a list of some useful commands like that in the next | |
319 | section. | |
320 | ||
321 | @table @kbd | |
322 | @item C-c C-j | |
323 | @kindex C-c C-j | |
324 | @cindex /join | |
325 | @cindex join channels | |
326 | @cindex other channels | |
327 | @cindex rooms, joining | |
328 | @cindex discussion, joining | |
329 | This joins a channel such as @code{#rcirc} or @code{#emacs}. On most | |
330 | networks, anybody can create new channels. If you want to talk with | |
331 | some friends, for example, all you have to do is agree on a valid | |
332 | channel name and join that channel. (Also @code{/join #emacs}.) | |
333 | ||
334 | @item C-c C-p | |
335 | @kindex C-c C-p | |
336 | @cindex /part | |
337 | @cindex part a channel | |
338 | @cindex leave a channel | |
339 | @cindex disconnect from a channel | |
340 | @cindex stop talking on a channel | |
341 | @cindex kill channel buffer | |
342 | This leaves the current channel. You can optionally provide a reason | |
343 | for parting. When you kill a channel buffer, you automatically part the | |
344 | corresponding channel. (Also @code{/part you are too weird!}.) | |
345 | ||
346 | @item C-c C-r | |
347 | @kindex C-c C-r | |
348 | @cindex /nick | |
349 | @cindex change name | |
350 | @cindex nick changing | |
351 | @cindex rename yourself | |
352 | @cindex other name | |
353 | This changes your nick to some other name. Your nick must be unique | |
354 | across the network. Most networks don't allow too many nick changes in | |
355 | quick succession, and have restrictions on the valid characters in nick | |
356 | names. (Also @code{/nick alex-test}) | |
357 | ||
358 | @item C-c C-w | |
359 | @kindex C-c C-w | |
360 | @cindex /whois | |
361 | @cindex who are these people | |
362 | @cindex identifying people | |
363 | @cindex channels other people are on | |
364 | @cindex what channels people are on | |
365 | Gives you some basic information about a nick. This often includes what | |
366 | other channels people are on. (Also @code{/whois fsbot}.) | |
367 | ||
368 | @item C-c C-q | |
369 | @kindex C-c C-q | |
370 | @cindex /query | |
371 | @cindex starting a private conversation | |
372 | @cindex one-to-one conversation | |
373 | @cindex talk privately | |
374 | @cindex private conversation | |
375 | @cindex contact one person only | |
376 | @cindex query a person | |
377 | Starts a one-to-one conversation with another person on the same | |
378 | network. A new buffer will be created for this conversation. It works | |
379 | like a channel with only two members. (Also @code{/query fsbot}.) | |
380 | ||
381 | @item C-c @key{RET} | |
382 | @kindex C-c RET | |
383 | @cindex /msg | |
384 | @cindex single message | |
385 | @cindex message sending | |
386 | This sends a single message to a nick. Like with @kbd{C-c C-q}, a new | |
387 | buffer is created, where the response from the other party will show | |
388 | up. (Also @code{/msg nickserv identify secret}.) | |
389 | ||
390 | @item C-c C-x | |
391 | @kindex C-c C-x | |
392 | @cindex /quit | |
393 | @cindex quit | |
394 | @cindex disconnect | |
395 | @cindex kill connection | |
396 | @cindex connection end | |
397 | @cindex part all channels | |
398 | @cindex end connection | |
399 | @cindex server buffer killing | |
400 | @cindex reason for quitting | |
401 | This disconnects from the server and parts all channels. You can | |
402 | optionally provide a reason for quitting. When you kill the server | |
403 | buffer, you automatically quit the server and part all channels. (Also | |
404 | @code{/quit ZZZzzz...}.) | |
405 | @end table | |
406 | ||
4009494e GM |
407 | @node Useful IRC commands, Configuration, rcirc commands, Reference |
408 | @section Useful IRC commands | |
409 | @cindex irc commands | |
410 | @cindex commands | |
411 | ||
412 | As mentioned, if a command isn't known by @code{rcirc}, it will simply be sent | |
413 | along to the server. Some such commands are available on nearly all IRC | |
414 | servers, such as: | |
415 | ||
416 | @table @code | |
417 | @item /away | |
418 | @cindex /away | |
419 | @cindex away status | |
420 | @cindex pause status | |
421 | @cindex unavailable status | |
422 | @cindex set away status | |
423 | This sets your status as ``being away'' if you provide a reason, or sets | |
424 | your status as ``being back'' if you do not. People can use the | |
425 | @kbd{C-c C-w} command to check your status. Example: @code{/away food}. | |
426 | @end table | |
427 | ||
428 | @cindex irc resources | |
429 | @cindex help about irc | |
430 | Typical IRC servers implement many more commands. You can read more | |
431 | about the fantastic world of IRC online at | |
432 | @uref{http://www.irchelp.org/, the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) help | |
433 | archive}. | |
434 | ||
435 | @node Configuration, , Useful IRC commands, Reference | |
436 | @section Configuration | |
437 | @cindex configuring rcirc | |
438 | ||
439 | These are some variables you can change to configure @code{rcirc} to your | |
440 | liking. | |
441 | ||
442 | @table @code | |
125a630f AS |
443 | @item rcirc-server-alist |
444 | @vindex rcirc-server-alist | |
445 | @cindex channels, configuration | |
446 | @cindex initial channels, configuration | |
447 | @cindex startup channels, configuration | |
448 | @cindex servers, configuration | |
449 | @cindex initial servers, configuration | |
450 | @cindex startup servers, configuration | |
99a3e35f AS |
451 | This variable contains an alist of servers to connect to by default |
452 | and the keywords parameters to use. The keyword parameters are | |
453 | optional. If you don't provide any, the defaults as documented below | |
454 | will be used. | |
4009494e | 455 | |
99a3e35f | 456 | The most important parameter is the @code{:channels} parameter. It |
125a630f AS |
457 | controls which channels you will join by default as soon as you are |
458 | connected to the server. | |
459 | ||
460 | Here's an example of how to set it: | |
461 | ||
462 | @example | |
463 | (add-to-list 'rcirc-server-alist | |
464 | '("otherworlders.org" | |
465 | :channels ("#FUDGE" "#game-design"))) | |
466 | @end example | |
467 | ||
468 | By default you will be connected to the @code{rcirc} support channel: | |
469 | @code{#rcirc} on @code{irc.freenode.net}. | |
470 | ||
471 | @table @code | |
472 | @item :nick | |
473 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-nick}. | |
474 | ||
475 | @item :port | |
476 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-port}. | |
477 | ||
478 | @item :user-name | |
479 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-user-name}. | |
480 | ||
481 | @item :full-name | |
482 | This overrides @code{rcirc-default-full-name}. | |
483 | ||
484 | @item :channels | |
99a3e35f AS |
485 | This describes which channels to join when connecting to the server. |
486 | If absent, no channels will be connected to automatically. | |
125a630f AS |
487 | |
488 | @end table | |
4009494e GM |
489 | |
490 | @item rcirc-default-nick | |
491 | @vindex rcirc-default-nick | |
99a3e35f | 492 | This variable is used for the default nick. It defaults to the login |
125a630f | 493 | name returned by @code{user-login-name}. |
4009494e GM |
494 | |
495 | @example | |
125a630f | 496 | (setq rcirc-default-nick "kensanata") |
4009494e GM |
497 | @end example |
498 | ||
125a630f AS |
499 | @item rcirc-default-port |
500 | @vindex rcirc-default-port | |
501 | @cindex port | |
99a3e35f | 502 | This variable contains the default port to connect to. It is 6667 by |
125a630f AS |
503 | default and rarely needs changing. |
504 | ||
505 | @item rcirc-default-user-name | |
506 | @vindex rcirc-default-user-name | |
507 | @cindex user name | |
99a3e35f AS |
508 | This variable contains the default user name to report to the server. |
509 | It defaults to the login name returned by @code{user-login-name}, just | |
510 | like @code{rcirc-default-nick}. | |
125a630f | 511 | |
3da13bb9 DD |
512 | @item rcirc-default-full-name |
513 | @vindex rcirc-default-full-name | |
4009494e GM |
514 | @cindex full name |
515 | @cindex real name | |
516 | @cindex surname | |
99a3e35f AS |
517 | This variable is used to set your ``real name'' on IRC. It defaults |
518 | to the name returned by @code{user-full-name}. If you want to hide | |
519 | your full name, you might want to set it to some pseudonym. | |
4009494e GM |
520 | |
521 | @example | |
3da13bb9 | 522 | (setq rcirc-default-full-name "Curious Minds Want To Know") |
4009494e GM |
523 | @end example |
524 | ||
125a630f | 525 | @item rcirc-authinfo |
4009494e | 526 | @vindex rcirc-authinfo |
fac916bf | 527 | @cindex authentication |
4009494e GM |
528 | @cindex identification |
529 | @cindex nickserv | |
530 | @cindex login | |
125a630f | 531 | This variable is an alist used to automatically identify yourself on |
99a3e35f AS |
532 | networks. Each sublist starts with a regular expression that is |
533 | compared to the server address you're connecting to. The second | |
534 | element in the list is a symbol representing the method to use, | |
535 | followed by the arguments this method requires. | |
4009494e GM |
536 | |
537 | Here is an example to illustrate how you would set it: | |
538 | ||
539 | @example | |
540 | (setq rcirc-authinfo | |
541 | '(("freenode" nickserv "bob" "p455w0rd") | |
542 | ("freenode" chanserv "bob" "#bobland" "passwd99") | |
543 | ("bitlbee" bitlbee "robert" "sekrit"))) | |
544 | @end example | |
545 | ||
546 | And here are the valid method symbols and the arguments they require: | |
547 | ||
548 | @table @code | |
549 | @item nickserv | |
fac916bf | 550 | @cindex nickserv authentication |
4009494e GM |
551 | Use this symbol if you need to identify yourself as follows when |
552 | connecting to a network: @code{/msg nickserv identify secret}. The | |
553 | necessary arguments are the nickname you want to use this for, and the | |
554 | password to use. | |
555 | ||
556 | Before you can use this method, you will have to register your nick and | |
557 | pick a password for it. Contact @code{nickserv} and check out the | |
558 | details. (Using @code{/msg nickserv help}, for example.) | |
559 | ||
560 | @item chanserv | |
fac916bf | 561 | @cindex chanserv authentication |
4009494e GM |
562 | Use this symbol if you need to identify yourself as follows if you want |
563 | to join a particular channel: @code{/msg chanserv identify #underground | |
564 | secret}. The necessary arguments are the nickname and channel you want | |
565 | to use this for, and the password to use. | |
566 | ||
567 | Before you can use this method, a channel contact must tell you about | |
568 | the password to use. Contact @code{chanserv} and check out the details. | |
569 | (Using @code{/msg chanserv help}, for example.) | |
570 | ||
571 | @item bitlbee | |
fac916bf | 572 | @cindex bitlbee authentication |
4009494e GM |
573 | Use this symbol if you need to identify yourself in the Bitlbee channel |
574 | as follows: @code{identify secret}. The necessary arguments are the | |
575 | nickname you want to use this for, and the password to use. | |
576 | ||
577 | @cindex gateway to other IM services | |
578 | @cindex instant messaging, other services | |
579 | @cindex Jabber | |
580 | @cindex AIM | |
581 | @cindex ICQ | |
582 | @cindex MSN | |
583 | @cindex Yahoo! | |
584 | Bitlbee acts like an IRC server, but in fact it is a gateway to a lot of | |
585 | other instant messaging services. You can either install Bitlbee | |
586 | locally or use a public Bitlbee server. There, you need to create an | |
587 | account with a password. This is the nick and password you need to | |
fac916bf | 588 | provide for the bitlbee authentication method. |
4009494e GM |
589 | |
590 | Later, you will tell Bitlbee about your accounts and passwords on all | |
591 | the other instant messaging services, and Bitlbee will log you in. All | |
592 | @code{rcirc} needs to know, is the login to your Bitlbee account. Don't | |
593 | confuse the Bitlbee account with all the other accounts. | |
331e4d02 | 594 | |
4009494e GM |
595 | @end table |
596 | ||
125a630f AS |
597 | @end table |
598 | ||
331e4d02 AS |
599 | @node Fighting Information Overload, Hacking and Tweaking, Reference, Top |
600 | @chapter Fighting Information Overload | |
601 | @cindex information overload | |
602 | ||
603 | This is the section of the manual that caters to the busy person | |
99a3e35f AS |
604 | online. There are support channels with several hundred people in |
605 | them. Trying to follow a conversation in these channels can be a | |
606 | daunting task. This chapters tells you how @code{rcirc} can help. | |
331e4d02 AS |
607 | |
608 | @menu | |
609 | * Channels:: | |
610 | * People:: | |
611 | * Keywords:: | |
612 | * Notices:: | |
613 | @end menu | |
614 | ||
615 | @node Channels, People, Fighting Information Overload, Fighting Information Overload | |
616 | @section Channels | |
617 | @cindex channels | |
618 | @cindex modeline | |
619 | ||
99a3e35f | 620 | @comment This section copied to the Getting started with rcirc section |
4009494e GM |
621 | @kindex C-c C-SPC |
622 | @vindex rcirc-track-minor-mode | |
623 | @cindex switching channels | |
624 | @cindex tracking activity | |
625 | @cindex active channel | |
626 | @cindex abbreviated channel names | |
627 | @cindex modeline tracks activity | |
628 | Most people want a notification when something is said on a channel they | |
629 | have joined, particularly if they have been addressed directly. There | |
630 | is a global minor mode that will do this kind of tracking for you. All | |
631 | you need to do is switch it on using @kbd{M-x rcirc-track-minor-mode}. | |
632 | To make this permanent, add the following to your init file: | |
633 | ||
634 | @example | |
635 | (rcirc-track-minor-mode 1) | |
636 | @end example | |
637 | ||
638 | When other people say things in buffers that are currently buried (no | |
639 | window is showing them), the mode line will now show you the abbreviated | |
640 | channel or nick name. Use @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} to switch to these | |
641 | buffers. | |
642 | ||
643 | @vindex rcirc-mode-hook | |
644 | If you prefer not to load @code{rcirc} immediately, you can delay the | |
645 | activation of this mode: | |
646 | ||
647 | @example | |
648 | (add-hook 'rcirc-mode-hook | |
649 | (lambda () | |
650 | (rcirc-track-minor-mode 1))) | |
651 | @end example | |
652 | ||
331e4d02 AS |
653 | @cindex busy channels |
654 | If you've joined a very active support channel, tracking activity is | |
99a3e35f | 655 | no longer useful. The channel will be always active. Switching to |
331e4d02 AS |
656 | active channels using @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} no longer works as |
657 | expected. | |
658 | ||
659 | @kindex C-c C-l | |
660 | @cindex low priority channels | |
867d4bb3 | 661 | The solution is to mark this channel as a low priority channel. |
99a3e35f AS |
662 | Use @kbd{C-c C-l} to make the current channel a low-priority channel. |
663 | Low priority channels have the modeline indicator ``LowPri''. | |
331e4d02 AS |
664 | @kbd{C-c C-@key{SPC}} will not switch to low priority channels unless |
665 | you use the @kbd{C-u} prefix. | |
666 | ||
667 | @kindex C-c TAB | |
668 | @cindex ignored channels | |
669 | If you prefer a channel to never show up in the modeline, then you | |
99a3e35f | 670 | have to ignore it. Use @kbd{C-c @key{TAB}} to ignore the current |
331e4d02 AS |
671 | channel. |
672 | ||
673 | @node People, Keywords, Channels, Fighting Information Overload | |
674 | @section People | |
675 | @cindex people, how to ignore | |
676 | @cindex nicks, how to ignore | |
677 | @cindex friends | |
678 | @cindex buddies | |
679 | @cindex trolls | |
680 | ||
681 | The most important command available to the discerning IRC user is | |
99a3e35f | 682 | @code{/ignore}. It's the big equalizer online: If people aggravate |
331e4d02 AS |
683 | you, just ignore them. |
684 | ||
685 | This is of course a crude all-or-nothing solution. Fear not, | |
686 | @code{rcirc} offers alternatives: You can ``brighten'' your buddies | |
687 | and ``dim'' certain other nicks that you don't want to ignore | |
688 | altogether. | |
689 | ||
690 | @table @code | |
691 | @item /ignore | |
692 | @cindex /ignore | |
693 | @cindex ignoring other people | |
694 | @cindex trolls, ignoring | |
695 | @cindex hide some posts | |
696 | @cindex idiots online | |
697 | This command toggles the ignore status of a nick, if you provide one. | |
698 | If you don't provide a nick, the command lists all the nicks you are | |
699 | ignoring. All messages by ignored nicks are---you guessed it---ignored. | |
700 | Since only ``operators'' can kick people from channels, the | |
701 | ignore command is often the only way to deal with some of the more | |
11ac7c8e | 702 | obnoxious fellows online. Example: @code{/ignore rudybot}. |
331e4d02 AS |
703 | |
704 | @item /bright | |
705 | @cindex /bright | |
706 | @cindex highlight other people | |
707 | @cindex friends, highlight | |
708 | @cindex buddies, highlight | |
709 | @cindex nicks, highlight | |
710 | @cindex brighten nicks | |
711 | This command toggles the bright status of a nick, if you provide one. | |
712 | If you don't provide a nick, the command lists all the ``brightened'' | |
713 | nicks. All messages by brightened nicks are---you guessed | |
99a3e35f | 714 | it---brightened. Use this for your friends. Example: @code{/bright |
331e4d02 AS |
715 | rcy}. |
716 | ||
717 | @item /dim | |
718 | @cindex /dim | |
719 | @cindex soft-ignore other people | |
720 | @cindex obnoxious people online | |
721 | @cindex rabble online | |
722 | This command toggles the dim status of a nick, if you provide one. If | |
723 | you don't provide a nick, the command lists all the ``dimmed'' nicks. | |
724 | All messages by dimmed nicks are---you guessed it---dimmed. Use this | |
99a3e35f AS |
725 | for boring people and bots. If you are tracking channel activity, |
726 | messages by dimmed nicks will not register as activity. Example: | |
331e4d02 AS |
727 | @code{/dim fsbot}. |
728 | @end table | |
729 | ||
730 | ||
731 | @node Keywords, Notices, People, Fighting Information Overload | |
732 | @section Keywords | |
733 | @cindex keywords | |
734 | ||
735 | On a busy channel, you might want to ignore all activity (using | |
99a3e35f | 736 | @kbd{C-c @key{TAB}}) and just watch for certain keywords. The |
331e4d02 AS |
737 | following command allows you to highlight certain keywords: |
738 | ||
739 | @table @code | |
740 | @item /keyword | |
741 | @cindex /keyword | |
742 | This command toggles the highlighting of a keyword, if you provide | |
99a3e35f AS |
743 | one. If you don't provide a keyword, the current keywords are |
744 | listed. Example: @code{/keyword manual}. | |
331e4d02 AS |
745 | @end table |
746 | ||
331e4d02 AS |
747 | @node Notices, , Keywords, Fighting Information Overload |
748 | @section Notices | |
867d4bb3 | 749 | @cindex part notices, how to omit |
331e4d02 AS |
750 | @cindex join notices, how to omit |
751 | @cindex quit notices, how to omit | |
752 | @cindex nick notices, how to omit | |
753 | ||
754 | @kindex C-c C-o | |
755 | @cindex low priority channels | |
756 | In busy channels you might not be interested in all the joining, | |
99a3e35f | 757 | parting, quitting, and renaming that goes on. You can omit those |
331e4d02 AS |
758 | notices using @kbd{C-c C-o}. |
759 | ||
760 | @vindex rcirc-omit-responses | |
761 | @cindex away notices, how to omit | |
762 | You can control which notices get omitted via the | |
99a3e35f AS |
763 | @code{rcirc-omit-responses} variable. Here's an example of how to |
764 | omit away messages: | |
331e4d02 AS |
765 | |
766 | @example | |
767 | (setq rcirc-omit-responses '("JOIN" "PART" "QUIT" "NICK" "AWAY)) | |
768 | @end example | |
769 | ||
770 | @vindex rcirc-omit-threshold | |
771 | Notice that these messages will not be omitted if the nick in question | |
99a3e35f AS |
772 | has recently been active. After all, you don't want to continue a |
773 | conversation with somebody who just left. That's why @code{rcirc} | |
331e4d02 | 774 | checks recent lines in the buffer to figure out if a nick has been |
99a3e35f | 775 | active and only omits a message if the nick has not been active. The |
331e4d02 AS |
776 | window @code{rcirc} considers is controlled by the |
777 | @code{rcirc-omit-threshold} variable. | |
778 | ||
779 | @node Hacking and Tweaking, GNU Free Documentation License, Fighting Information Overload, Top | |
4009494e GM |
780 | @chapter Hacking and Tweaking |
781 | @cindex hacking and tweaking | |
782 | ||
783 | Here are some examples of stuff you can do to configure @code{rcirc}. | |
784 | ||
785 | @menu | |
786 | * Skipping /away messages using handlers:: | |
787 | * Using fly spell mode:: | |
788 | * Scrolling conservatively:: | |
789 | * Changing the time stamp format:: | |
790 | * Defining a new command:: | |
791 | * Reconnecting after you have lost the connection:: | |
792 | @end menu | |
793 | ||
794 | @node Skipping /away messages using handlers, Using fly spell mode, Hacking and Tweaking, Hacking and Tweaking | |
795 | @section Skipping @code{/away} messages using handlers | |
796 | @cindex /away messages | |
797 | ||
798 | @cindex handlers | |
799 | @cindex status codes | |
800 | The IRC protocol specifies how certain events are signaled from server | |
801 | to client. These events have numbers and are dealt with using so-called | |
802 | handlers. You can override existing handlers by exploiting the naming | |
803 | convention adopted for @code{rcirc}. | |
804 | ||
805 | Here's how to stop @code{rcirc} from printing @code{/away} messages. | |
806 | Since @code{rcirc} doesn't define a 301 handler, you don't need to | |
807 | require @code{rcirc} before defining the handler: | |
808 | ||
809 | @example | |
810 | (defun rcirc-handler-301 (process cmd sender args) | |
811 | "/away message handler.") | |
812 | @end example | |
813 | ||
814 | @node Using fly spell mode, Scrolling conservatively, Skipping /away messages using handlers, Hacking and Tweaking | |
815 | @section Using fly spell mode | |
816 | @cindex fly spell | |
817 | @cindex spelling | |
818 | @cindex spell-checking as you type | |
819 | @cindex automatic spelling | |
820 | @vindex rcirc-mode-hook | |
821 | ||
822 | The following code activates Fly Spell Mode | |
823 | for @code{rcirc} buffers: | |
824 | ||
825 | @example | |
826 | (add-hook 'rcirc-mode-hook (lambda () | |
827 | (flyspell-mode 1))) | |
828 | @end example | |
829 | ||
830 | @xref{Spelling, , Flyspell mode, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}, | |
831 | for details. | |
832 | ||
833 | @node Scrolling conservatively, Changing the time stamp format, Using fly spell mode, Hacking and Tweaking | |
834 | @section Scrolling conservatively | |
835 | @cindex input line | |
836 | @cindex scrolling | |
837 | @vindex scroll-conservatively | |
838 | @vindex rcirc-mode-hook | |
839 | ||
840 | IRC buffers are constantly growing. If you want to see as much as | |
841 | possible at all times, you would want the prompt at the bottom of the | |
842 | window when possible. The following snippet uses a local value for | |
843 | @code{scroll-conservatively} to achieve this: | |
844 | ||
845 | @example | |
846 | (add-hook 'rcirc-mode-hook | |
847 | (lambda () | |
848 | (set (make-local-variable 'scroll-conservatively) | |
849 | 8192))) | |
850 | @end example | |
851 | ||
852 | @xref{Scrolling, , Scrolling conservatively, emacs, The GNU Emacs | |
853 | Manual}, for details. | |
854 | ||
855 | @node Changing the time stamp format, Defining a new command, Scrolling conservatively, Hacking and Tweaking | |
856 | @section Changing the time stamp format | |
857 | @cindex time stamp | |
858 | @cindex date time | |
859 | @cindex format time stamp | |
860 | @vindex rcirc-time-format | |
861 | ||
862 | @code{rcirc-time-format} is the format used for the time stamp. Here's | |
863 | how to include the date in the time stamp: | |
864 | ||
865 | @example | |
866 | (setq rcirc-time-format "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M ") | |
867 | @end example | |
868 | ||
869 | @node Defining a new command, Reconnecting after you have lost the connection, Changing the time stamp format, Hacking and Tweaking | |
870 | @section Defining a new command | |
871 | @cindex defining commands | |
872 | @cindex commands, defining | |
873 | @cindex new commands, defining | |
874 | ||
875 | Here's a simple new command, @code{/sv}. With it, you can boast about | |
876 | your IRC client. It shows how you can use @code{defun-rcirc-command} to | |
877 | define new commands. | |
878 | ||
879 | We're waiting for the definition of this command until @code{rcirc} is loaded | |
880 | because @code{defun-rcirc-command} is not yet available, and without | |
881 | @code{rcirc} loaded, the command wouldn't do us much good anyway. | |
882 | ||
883 | @smallexample | |
884 | (eval-after-load 'rcirc | |
885 | '(defun-rcirc-command sv (arg) | |
886 | "Boast about rcirc." | |
887 | (interactive "i") | |
888 | (rcirc-send-message process target | |
889 | (concat "I use " rcirc-id-string)))) | |
890 | @end smallexample | |
891 | ||
892 | @node Reconnecting after you have lost the connection, , Defining a new command, Hacking and Tweaking | |
893 | @section Reconnecting after you have lost the connection | |
894 | @cindex reconnecting | |
895 | @cindex disconnecting servers, reconnecting | |
896 | ||
897 | If you're chatting from a laptop, then you might be familiar with this | |
898 | problem: When your laptop falls asleep and wakes up later, your IRC | |
6772c8e1 | 899 | client doesn't realize that it has been disconnected. It takes several |
4009494e GM |
900 | minutes until the client decides that the connection has in fact been |
901 | lost. The simple solution is to use @kbd{M-x rcirc}. The problem is | |
902 | that this opens an @emph{additional} connection, so you'll have two | |
903 | copies of every channel buffer --- one dead and one live. | |
904 | ||
905 | The real answer, therefore, is a @code{/reconnect} command: | |
906 | ||
907 | @smallexample | |
908 | (eval-after-load 'rcirc | |
909 | '(defun-rcirc-command reconnect (arg) | |
910 | "Reconnect the server process." | |
911 | (interactive "i") | |
912 | (unless process | |
913 | (error "There's no process for this target")) | |
914 | (let* ((server (car (process-contact process))) | |
915 | (port (process-contact process :service)) | |
916 | (nick (rcirc-nick process)) | |
917 | channels query-buffers) | |
918 | (dolist (buf (buffer-list)) | |
919 | (with-current-buffer buf | |
920 | (when (eq process (rcirc-buffer-process)) | |
921 | (remove-hook 'change-major-mode-hook | |
922 | 'rcirc-change-major-mode-hook) | |
923 | (if (rcirc-channel-p rcirc-target) | |
924 | (setq channels (cons rcirc-target channels)) | |
925 | (setq query-buffers (cons buf query-buffers)))))) | |
926 | (delete-process process) | |
927 | (rcirc-connect server port nick | |
928 | rcirc-default-user-name | |
3da13bb9 | 929 | rcirc-default-full-name |
4009494e GM |
930 | channels)))) |
931 | @end smallexample | |
932 | ||
933 | @node GNU Free Documentation License, Key Index, Hacking and Tweaking, Top | |
934 | @appendix GNU Free Documentation License | |
935 | @include doclicense.texi | |
936 | ||
937 | ||
938 | @node Key Index, Variable Index, GNU Free Documentation License, Top | |
939 | @unnumbered Key Index | |
940 | @printindex ky | |
941 | ||
942 | @node Variable Index, Index, Key Index, Top | |
943 | @unnumbered Variable Index | |
944 | @printindex vr | |
945 | ||
946 | @node Index, , Variable Index, Top | |
947 | @unnumbered Index | |
948 | @printindex cp | |
949 | ||
950 | @bye |