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Dialova

IRC Documentation · Beginner

JOIN command: join an IRC channel

JOIN requests entry into a channel. In a classic client, /join #atelier sends this command. Joining a channel allows you to receive conversations from your arrival; this does not guarantee access to its entire past.

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Syntax and Parameters #

Protocol syntax, without the client's '/'
JOIN <salon>{,<salon>} [<clé>{,<clé>}]
ParameterMeaning
channelFull name, for example #atelier. Multiple names can be separated by commas.
keyKey requested by a channel protected by a key mode; the position corresponds to the channel requested.

Commented Example #

IRC Exchange: C = client, S = server
C: JOIN #atelier
S: :Alice!alice@cloak.example JOIN #atelier
S: :irc.example 332 Alice #atelier :Bienvenue dans l’atelier
S: :irc.example 353 Alice = #atelier :@Alice Bob
S: :irc.example 366 Alice #atelier :End of /NAMES list

Nicknames, hosts, and text in this exchange are fictional. The client may display responses in a more readable format than the presented frames.

Possible Responses and Errors #

ResponseUnderstanding
JOINEvent confirming arrival.
332 / 331Current topic, or lack thereof.
353 / 366List of nicknames and end of list.
ErrorTypical Cause
471Member limit reached.
473Invitation-only channel.
474Access denied by a ban.
475Incorrect channel key.

Rights, Compatibility, and Precautions #

A channel name does not designate a global conversation: #atelier on two different networks corresponds to two distinct spaces. If the channel does not exist, many servers create it upon the first JOIN, according to their configuration and restrictions.

The IRCv3 extended-join extension enriches the arrival event. Any history depends on another feature: JOIN promises neither archiving nor missed message delivery. Do not enter a channel key in its public message.

Frequently Asked Questions #

Why does JOIN fail while I see the channel? Visibility does not imply right of entry: check key, invitation, ban, and limits.

Which channel to join on Dialova? The main channel is #Dialova; additional channels can be discovered on the Our Channels page.

Sources & Verification

Examples use pseudonyms and fictional domains, except for explicitly documented connection points. Network-specific extensions and settings are noted in the text.