Halloy is an IRC client written in Rust that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, designed to be simple and fast.
The tool addresses the need for a modern IRC client by implementing comprehensive IRCv3 protocol support. It handles a wide range of IRCv3 capabilities including account notifications, away status tracking, message redaction, message replies, typing indicators, read markers, reactions, multiline messages, and metadata extensions for display names, avatars, pronouns, and user status. The client also supports bouncer networks and file hosting through soju.im extensions, along with SASL authentication and server-time synchronization.
Halloy suits developers and users who want an actively maintained IRC client with strong standards compliance rather than legacy clients. The project is appropriate for anyone connecting to modern IRC networks that support IRCv3 extensions, particularly those using bouncers or networks like libera.chat. The README does not compare the tool to alternatives.
The project maintains steady development activity with regular commits addressing bug fixes and feature additions. Work spans across multiple areas including protocol implementation, user interface refinement, and platform-specific improvements. The maintainers engage with users through the project's IRC channel and accept community contributions via a documented contributing guide.
