weechat

Extensible terminal-based chat client

TLDR

Start WeeChat

$ weechat

Connect to IRC server

$ /connect [irc.libera.chat]

Join channel

$ /join [#channel]

Send private message

$ /msg [nickname] [message]

Start with specific config directory

$ weechat -d [~/.config/weechat]

Run command on startup

$ weechat -r "/connect libera"

Set nickname

$ /set irc.server.libera.nicks "[mynick]"

Quit WeeChat

$ /quit

SYNOPSIS

weechat [-d directory] [-r command] [-p] [options]

WeeChat (Wee Enhanced Environment for Chat) is an extensible terminal-based chat client. While primarily an IRC client, plugins extend it to Matrix, Slack, Discord, and other protocols.The interface uses multiple buffers for channels, private messages, and server consoles. Navigation uses Alt+arrow keys or buffer numbers. Windows can split horizontally or vertically.Configuration through /set covers everything: colors, keybindings, network settings, and plugin options. Changes apply immediately; /save persists them.Scripts extend functionality in Python, Perl, Ruby, Lua, and other languages. Popular scripts add features: notifications, auto-join, URL handling, and protocol bridges. The scripts repository provides community contributions.Relay plugin enables remote access from other clients or mobile apps. This provides a persistent connection that mobile devices can disconnect/reconnect to.Security features include SASL authentication, SSL/TLS, and proxy support. Password handling integrates with system keyrings.

PARAMETERS

-a, --no-connect

Disable auto-connect to servers.

-c, --colors

Display colors in terminal.

-d, --dir DIR

Set configuration directory.

-p, --no-plugin

Don't load plugins.

-P, --plugins LIST

Load only specified plugins.

-r, --run-command CMD

Run commands after startup.

-s, --no-script

Don't load scripts.

-t, --temp-dir

Use temporary directory.

-u, --upgrade

Upgrade from previous session.

-v, --version

Show version.

-h, --help

Show help.

COMMANDS

/connect SERVER

Connect to server.

/disconnect

Disconnect from server.

/join CHANNEL

Join channel.

/part [CHANNEL]

Leave channel.

/msg TARGET MESSAGE

Send message.

/query NICK

Open private conversation.

/nick NEWNICK

Change nickname.

/set OPTION [VALUE]

Set configuration option.

/save

Save configuration.

/quit

Exit WeeChat.

/help [COMMAND]

Show help.

INSTALL

sudo apt install weechat-curses

sudo dnf install weechat

sudo pacman -S weechat

sudo apk add weechat

sudo zypper install weechat

brew install weechat

nix profile install nixpkgs#weechat

CAVEATS

Learning curve for commands and configuration. Some features require plugins/scripts. Mobile use requires relay setup. Default colors may not suit all terminals. IRC-centric despite multi-protocol support.

HISTORY

WeeChat was created by Sébastien Helleu (FlashCode) in 2003. The name references "wee" (small) and evolved to mean "extensible environment." Written in C for performance with extensive scripting support, it became a popular alternative to irssi for terminal chat.