IRCv3

IRCv3 is the third major version of the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) protocol, designed to address limitations and enhance functionality in modern IRC networks. Introduced as an incremental upgrade to IRCv2, it builds upon existing standards while introducing new features to improve usability, security, and scalability.

Key components of IRCv3 include a series of extensions defined through RFCs and drafts, such as SASL authentication, message tags, and server-to-server encryption. SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) enables secure client authentication, reducing reliance on traditional username/password schemes. Message tags provide structured metadata for messages, allowing servers to handle advanced formatting and privacy controls, such as message flags for visibility or encryption.

IRCv3 also introduces improvements in message handling, including support for multi-line messages and better handling of large data transfers. The protocol encourages modularity, allowing servers and clients to implement only the extensions they require, ensuring backward compatibility with older IRCv2 networks.

Adoption of IRCv3 has grown alongside the development of modern IRC clients and servers, which increasingly support its features. While not a complete rewrite of the protocol, IRCv3 serves as an evolutionary step, addressing the needs of contemporary IRC users while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. Its design emphasizes flexibility, allowing gradual adoption without disrupting established networks.