Every IRC client has an input area where you can type what you want to say or issue IRC commands. You issue IRC commands by typing on a new line something beginning with a / (forward slash) character. Anything that does not begin with a / is assumed to be a message you are typing to someone or some channel.

Here is a list of some useful commands:

/HELP [optional command name] The first and most useful command is the on-line help built into all good IRC clients just by typing /help where you normally type to chat. This should bring up a list of all commands. You can also get specific help for a command, such as /help who for the /who command.

/SERVER server-hostname Each server is known by a "hostname" such as irc.gamesurge.net, irc.freenode.net or irc.quakenet.org, which are sample servers for the networks GameSurge, Freenode, and QuakeNet, respectively. Just specify the hostname to connect or switch to that server. For example: /SERVER irc.gamesurge.net

/NICK new-nickname Change the nickname by which you are known.

/JOIN #channelname Changes your current channel to the channel specified. If the channel does not exist already, it will be created and you will be in charge of the new channel and be a channel operator. Example: /JOIN #hfe

/MSG nickname message Use the /MSG or /QUERY command to send someone a message that only that person can read. If you use the /QUERY command then you will get a new tab/window just for that person. Say you want to talk to your friend "buddy". /MSG buddy hello, how are you?

/ME does something Performs an action on a channel. Use /ME in the third person (verbs like "is", "does", "runs", etc.).
Example: /ME likes Hero Fighter
What it looks like: * YourNick likes Hero Fighter

/WHOIS nickname Shows information about the nick specified. With this command you can identify a person unequivocally if the person is registered in the GameSurge network. You can see their nickname (can be used by anyone), ident (can be used by anyone) and hostname (it is unique to that person, but it can only be understood in case the person is registered at GameSurge).

/LEAVE [#channel_name] [optional farewell message] /LEAVE or /PART, leaves the specified channel.

/QUIT [optional farewell message] Exits the IRC server (also leaves any channels you may be on).