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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: