IRC Channels for Perl Q&A
What is the IRC?
IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, and it is a distributed, real-time form of communication, that was common from relatively early in the history of the Internet, and is still very popular. IRC servers form networks of servers - each network is separated from the other networks and the servers of each network share the same chat-rooms, user profiles and messages. Each network has different rules and conventions and a different culture. This allows chat-rooms (called channels in IRC-jargon) with the same name to exist in different networks.
Some popular IRC clients include the cross-platform Chatzilla (which is part of the Mozilla project), the Windows-based mIRC and XChat, a cross-platform IRC client for all UNIX systems including Linux and Mac OS X, and with a port for Windows. By downloading one, you can log in to an IRC network and start chatting.
IRC is a great way to get answers to questions quickly and easily. Just note that some networks are not recommended for asking Perl questions on, due to the treatment of beginner question, or general unfriendliness.
Links for More Information
- Wikipedia page on the "Internet Relay Chat"
- IRC Help - comprehensive helps and FAQs about IRC.
- The Wikipedia's List/Comparison of IRC Clients
FreeNode
This is most probably the best network for getting help in Perl and technical matters in general.
Check the channels #perl, and #modperl.
OFTC
The channel #perl accepts beginner questions.