# rcirc-color

> adds individual colors to nicknames in rcirc, an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client

**Wikidata**: [Q114365444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114365444)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rcirc-color

## Summary
Rcirc-color is a free software library that adds individual colors to nicknames in the rcirc IRC client, an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for GNU Emacs. It was created by Alexandre Schröder and is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.

## Key Facts
- **Use**: Designed for the rcirc IRC client.
- **Creator**: Alexandre Schröder.
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- **Part of**: GNU Project (since 2017-08-15).
- **Latest version**: 0.4.5 (released 2023-04-14).
- **Programming language**: Emacs Lisp.
- **Platform**: GNU Emacs.
- **Inception**: 2005.
- **Classifications**: Free software, software library.
- **Maintained by**: Alexandre Schröder.
- **Distributed by**: Emacs Lisp Package Archive (since 2017-08-00).
- **Operating system**: Cross-platform (applies to GNU Emacs).

## FAQs
### Q: What is rcirc-color used for?
A: Rcirc-color is used to add individual colors to nicknames in the rcirc IRC client, enhancing the visual distinction of users in an IRC chat.

### Q: Who developed rcirc-color?
A: Rcirc-color was developed by Alexandre Schröder, who also maintains it.

### Q: Is rcirc-color free software?
A: Yes, rcirc-color is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.

### Q: What versions of rcirc-color are available?
A: The latest version is 0.4.5 (released 2023-04-14). Previous versions include 0.4.4 (2022-10-04), 0.4.3 (2022-10-02), and earlier releases.

### Q: Where can I download rcirc-color?
A: Rcirc-color can be downloaded from the Emacs Lisp Package Archive (ELPA) or its source code repository on GNU Savannah.

## Why It Matters
Rcirc-color enhances the usability of the rcirc IRC client by allowing users to assign unique colors to nicknames, making it easier to distinguish between different participants in an IRC channel. This feature improves the visual clarity and user experience in text-based chat environments. As part of the GNU Project, rcirc-color aligns with the principles of free software, ensuring that users have the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute the software. Its integration with GNU Emacs and the Emacs Lisp Package Archive (ELPA) makes it accessible to a wide audience of Emacs users. By providing a simple yet effective way to customize IRC chat displays, rcirc-color contributes to the broader ecosystem of free software tools for communication and collaboration.

## Notable For
- **Integration with rcirc**: One of the first and most notable features added to the rcirc IRC client.
- **Free software compliance**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, ensuring user freedom and open-source principles.
- **Emacs Lisp development**: Written in Emacs Lisp, leveraging the capabilities of GNU Emacs.
- **GNU Project affiliation**: Part of the GNU Project, contributing to the broader ecosystem of free software.
- **Active maintenance**: Regular updates and improvements, with the latest version (0.4.5) released in 2023.

## Body
### Overview
Rcirc-color is a software library designed to enhance the rcirc IRC client by adding individual colors to nicknames. It was created by Alexandre Schröder and is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later. The library is part of the GNU Project and is maintained by its creator.

### Development and Release
- **Inception**: 2005.
- **First release**: Version 0.3 (2017-08-15).
- **Latest version**: 0.4.5 (2023-04-14).
- **Distribution**: Available on the Emacs Lisp Package Archive (ELPA) and GNU Savannah.

### Technical Details
- **Programming language**: Emacs Lisp.
- **Platform**: GNU Emacs.
- **Operating system**: Cross-platform (compatible with GNU Emacs).
- **License**: GNU GPL, version 2.0 or later.

### Maintenance and Support
- **Maintained by**: Alexandre Schröder.
- **Copyright holder**: Alexandre Schröder (since 2005).
- **Source code repository**: Hosted on GNU Savannah, accessible via cgit and Gitweb.

### Versions and Updates
- **Version history**: Includes releases from 0.2 to 0.4.5, with updates addressing stability and compatibility.
- **Stable versions**: Each release is marked as stable, ensuring reliability for users.

### Usage and Integration
- **Use case**: Enhances IRC chat by assigning unique colors to nicknames.
- **Integration**: Works seamlessly with the rcirc IRC client within GNU Emacs.
- **Customization**: Allows users to personalize their chat experience with colored nicknames.

### Community and Contribution
- **Free software movement**: Aligns with the principles of the free software movement.
- **Open-source development**: Encourages community contributions and improvements.

### Availability
- **Primary website**: [ELPA package page](https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/rcirc-color.html).
- **Alternative repository**: [GitHub repository](https://github.com/kensanata/rcirc-color).

## References

1. [Source](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs/elpa.git/tree/rcirc-color.el?h=externals/rcirc-color)
2. [Rcirc-Color version 0.4.3. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-10/msg00002.html)
3. [Rcirc-Color version 0.4.2. 2021](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2021-02/msg00003.html)
4. [rcirc-color version 0.4.1. 2018](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2018-08/msg00001.html)
5. [rcirc-color version 0.4. 2018](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2018-07/msg00015.html)
6. [rcirc-color version 0.3. 2017](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2017-08/msg00007.html)
7. [Source](https://mirrors.zju.edu.cn/elpa/marmalade/rcirc-color-0.2.el)
8. [Rcirc-Color version 0.4.4. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-10/msg00004.html)
9. [Rcirc-Color version 0.4.5. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-04/msg00036.html)
10. [Source](https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/rcirc-color.html)
11. [New package: rcirc-color. 2017](https://lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/emacs-devel/2017-08/msg00201.html)
12. [Source](https://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/rcirc-color-22.el)