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IRC Documentation · Beginner

WHOIS command: consult IRC information for a nickname.

WHOIS requests the information a network makes accessible for a nickname: identifier, displayed host, visible channels, and optionally account or status. It does not automatically grant access to private site data or the real IP address.

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Syntax and Parameters #

Protocol syntax, without the client's '/'
WHOIS [<serveur>] <pseudo>{,<pseudo>}
ParameterMeaning
nicknameNickname to query; multi-target usages vary depending on the server.
serverOptional request routing, sometimes useful to obtain known server inactivity of the correspondent.

Commented Example #

IRC Exchange: C = client, S = server
C: WHOIS Bob
S: :irc.example 311 Alice Bob ~bob cloak.example * :Présentation de Bob
S: :irc.example 312 Alice Bob irc.example :Serveur IRC
S: :irc.example 317 Alice Bob 120 1700000000 :seconds idle, signon time
S: :irc.example 318 Alice Bob :End of /WHOIS 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
311 / 312User and server information.
319Channels the network allows to be shown.
317Seconds of inactivity and, when provided, Unix connection time.
318End of response.
ErrorTypical Cause
401Non-existent nickname.
431Nickname missing.
402Target server not found when specified.

Rights, Compatibility, and Precautions #

Responses like connected count, encryption, or real host are extensions or information filtered by rights. Do not present an IRCop result as what every user sees.

In 317, 120 represents 120 seconds, not 120 milliseconds. Connection time is a Unix timestamp, not a duration. Clients can convert the display into minutes and hours.

Frequently Asked Questions #

Does WHOIS allow you to know where someone lives? No: the host can be masked, and a network connection does not establish a residence.

Why are some channels missing? Privacy modes and network policy may limit the displayed list.

Sources & Verification

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