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Chat & IRC

Real-Time Communication Channels

Overview

Real-Time Chat

While mailing lists are great for discussions that don’t require immediate response, sometimes you need real-time help or just want to chat with the community. OSGeo projects use several chat platforms.

IRC

IRC on Libera.Chat

Many OSGeo projects have IRC channels on Libera.Chat.

How to Connect

  1. Web client: Visit web.libera.chat
  2. Desktop client: Use a client like HexChat, irssi, or weechat
  3. Server: irc.libera.chat (port 6667, or 6697 for SSL)

OSGeo Channels

ChannelProject
#osgeoGeneral OSGeo discussion
#qgisQGIS Desktop
#grassGRASS GIS
#geoserverGeoServer
#postgisPostGIS
#gdalGDAL/OGR
#openlayersOpenLayers
#mapserverMapServer
Matrix

Matrix

Matrix is a modern, federated chat protocol. Many IRC channels are bridged to Matrix, so you can use either.

Joining via Matrix

  1. Create an account on matrix.org or another Matrix server
  2. Use a client like Element
  3. Join rooms like #qgis:matrix.org
Tip: Matrix rooms bridged to IRC show messages from both platforms, so you can participate from either.
Other

Project-Specific Platforms

Some projects use additional platforms:

Discord

  • QGIS has an unofficial Discord community

GitHub Discussions

  • Many projects use GitHub Discussions for Q&A
  • Check the project’s GitHub repository

Gitter

  • Some projects have Gitter channels (now part of Matrix)
Guidelines

Chat Etiquette

Tips for Getting Help

  • Ask your question directly - Don't ask "Can anyone help?" Just ask!
  • Be patient - People are in different time zones
  • Provide context - Include software version, OS, and what you've tried
  • Use paste services - For code/logs, use sites like pastebin.com
  • Stay on topic - Use the appropriate channel for your question
  • Be respectful - Follow the Code of Conduct
Start

Getting Started

For most users, we recommend:

  1. Start with IRC via the web client at web.libera.chat
  2. Join #osgeo for general questions
  3. Join your project’s channel for specific help

Join IRC Now{.button .is-osgeo-primary .is-medium}

Quick Connect

IRC Server: irc.libera.chat

Main Channel: #osgeo

Web Client: web.libera.chat

Desktop:

Mobile:

Not Real-Time?

For non-urgent questions: