BarnOwl is a terminal-based instant messaging client derived from the ktools owl project. It provides a curses interface for managing conversations across different messaging services, with particularly strong support for the Zephyr messaging system.
The software supports additional protocols through modules, including IRC and Jabber/XMPP. Its design is centred around a powerful message-filtering system that allows users to organise incoming messages and selectively display information.
BarnOwl can be customised using Perl plugins. These extensions can modify message presentation, introduce additional commands and integrate functionality for particular messaging environments.
Although it supports IRC, BarnOwl is primarily a multiprotocol messaging client rather than a dedicated IRC application.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Curses-based terminal interface for instant messaging.
- Support for Zephyr, IRC and Jabber/XMPP protocols.
- Extensive message-filtering facilities.
- Configurable filters for displaying selected conversations.
- Message colouring based on filter rules.
- Perl plugin interface for extending functionality.
- Alias plugin for customising displayed message information.
- ClassFilters plugin for organising filter configurations.
- ColorUtils module for managing message colours.
- Keyboard shortcuts for navigating conversations.
- Support for Zephyr status messages and related functionality.
- Experimental Zulip integration.
Website: github.com/barnowl/barnowl
Support:
Developer: Nelson Elhage, Alejandro Sedeno and contributors
License: BSD 3-Clause ‘New’ or ‘Revised’ License
BarnOwl is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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