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Dialova

IRC Documentation · Beginner

PRIVMSG and /msg command: send a message to a person or channel

PRIVMSG carries the text addressed to a nickname or channel. /msg is a command in many clients that constructs this IRC message. "Private" describes the destination; it does not mean end-to-end encryption.

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Syntax and Parameters #

Protocol syntax, without the client's '/'
PRIVMSG <cible>{,<cible>} :<texte>
ParameterMeaning
targetNickname or channel, depending on usage and client permissions.
textNon-empty content. The colon introduces the last parameter containing spaces.

Commented Example #

C = Alice; S = server message received by Bob (two distinct connections)
C: PRIVMSG Bob :Bonjour Bob !
S: :Alice!alice@cloak.example PRIVMSG Bob :Bonjour Bob !
C: PRIVMSG #atelier :Bonjour tout le monde !

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
PRIVMSGMessage received by the recipient or authorized members.
No universal acknowledgementThe absence of an error is not proof of delivery. Echo to sender depends notably on echo-message.
ErrorTypical Cause
401Nickname or target not found.
404Sending prohibited to this channel.
411 / 412Recipient or text missing.

Rights, Compatibility, and Precautions #

A moderated channel, a ban, a private message policy, or anti-spam protection may prevent delivery. Extensions and certain services add network-specific errors.

TLS protects the connection to the server, not the content with respect to the server. Dialova links, files, or voice messages are provided by additional application layers; they are not universal PRIVMSG functions.

Frequently Asked Questions #

Is /msg sent as-is to the server? Usually not: the client translates it into PRIVMSG. Aliases depend on the software.

Will my offline interlocutor receive the text? This depends on account settings, histories, and network services. The base protocol does not provide a universal mailbox.

Sources & Verification

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