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HexChat 2.16.2 is an open-source, multi-network IRC client descended from XChat, purpose-built for users who need a lightweight yet extensible way to participate in real-time group and one-to-one text conversations across any number of Internet Relay Chat servers. Targeted at developers, system administrators, open-source project teams, and gamers who coordinate in channels such as #ubuntu, #python, or private support rooms, the program combines a tabbed interface with Python and Perl scripting hooks that let individuals automate repetitive tasks, log channel traffic, or integrate notification bots. Built-in spell-checking, SOCKS and HTTP proxy support, SASL authentication, and full DCC file-transfer capabilities allow secure, low-latency communication even behind restrictive firewalls, while configurable themes and keyboard shortcuts adapt the client to personal workflows. Four successive releases—tracked under the same major version stream—have refined memory usage, updated the underlying GTK toolkit for current Windows builds, and hardened TLS cipher selection without altering the familiar two-pane layout that places server messages and user lists within easy reach. Because HexChat remains licensed under the GPL and accepts community patches, it continues to serve as a drop-in replacement for older XChat installations while offering modern conveniences like channel search, automatic reconnect, and portable mode that stores settings beside the executable. HexChat is available for free on get.nero.com, with downloads provided via trusted Windows package sources such as winget, always delivering the latest version and supporting batch installation alongside other applications.
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