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This example ERC session describes how to connect to the ‘#emacs’ channel on Libera.Chat. Also worth checking out is Libera’s own introductory guide to IRC, https://libera.chat/guides/basics, which presents a more comprehensive overview without instructions specific to ERC.
Run M-x erc RET. Use ‘irc.libera.chat’ for the server and ‘6667’ for the port. Choose a nickname, and hit y when asked if you’d prefer to connect over TLS.
Switch to the Libera.Chat buffer if you’re not already there. ERC calls this a server buffer, and it must exist for the duration of the session. You will likely see some messages about “ident”, authentication, and the like, followed by information describing the current server and the network.
In the server buffer, type /join #emacs RET at the prompt. ERC will create a new buffer called #emacs. If you’ve already configured ERC, you may need to switch to it manually. Once there, you will see the channel’s “topic” in the buffer’s header line (see (elisp)Header Lines) and a list of people currently in the channel. If you can’t see the full topic, mouse over it or type /topic RET at the prompt.
In order to access essential network features, like speaking in certain channels and participating in private conversations, you’ll likely have to “register” your nickname. To do so, switch to the Libera.Chat buffer and type /msg NickServ register ‘<password>’ ‘<email>’ RET, replacing ‘<password>’ and ‘<email>’ with your desired account password and contact email (both sans quotes). The server should tell you that the operation was successful. See the official Libera.Chat docs if you encounter problems.
In addition to creating an account, this process also “authenticates” you to the network’s “account services” system for the duration of the session. In other words, you’re now logged in. However, when you connect in the future, you’ll need to authenticate again by providing the same credentials somehow. When you’re finished with this walk through, see “Next Steps”, below, to learn some ways to do that.
Switch back to the #emacs buffer and type a message at the prompt, hitting RET once satisfied. Everyone in the channel will now see your message.
If you want to talk with someone in private, type /query ‘<nick>’ RET, replacing ‘<nick>’ with the their nickname. As before, with the server buffer, if this new query buffer doesn’t appear in the current window, you may have to switch to it. Regardless, its name should match ‘<nick>’. Once there, type something at the prompt and hit RET, and the other party will see it.
Keep in mind that if either party isn’t authenticated, you may not be able to converse at all. Also, depending on the network, certain social conventions may apply to the practice of direct messaging. As a general rule, queries should usually be reserved for personal matters rather than technical help, which can often benefit (and benefit from) a larger audience.
Try joining another channel, such as ‘#erc’, where ERC users and developers hang out (see Official IRC channels for more on the history of ‘#emacs’). For ideas on various options to customize, see Sample Configuration. To learn how ERC can authenticate you to the network automatically whenever you connect, see Authenticating via SASL. As always, if you encounter problems, see Getting Help and Reporting Bugs.
Next: Special Features, Up: Getting Started [Contents][Index]