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protocols

Bitcoin vs IRC

IRC started first, in 1988, 20 years before Bitcoin.

Bitcoin 17y 257d since 2009 · Standing IRC 38y 47d since 1988 · Standing started first

Why Bitcoin lasted

  • It is a bearer asset with a fixed schedule and no CEO to subpoena into a pivot.
  • Every 'Bitcoin is dead' headline became a timestamp on the chart.

Why IRC lasted

  • It is a protocol, not a company, so there is no acquisition to survive.
  • Every chat app that replaced it eventually needed a 'go back to IRC' crowd for the rooms that matter.

Questions

Which is older, Bitcoin or IRC?

IRC started first, in 1988, 20 years before Bitcoin.

How long has IRC been running?

IRC has been up 38 years 47 days, since 1988-08-01.

How long has Bitcoin been running?

Bitcoin has been up 17 years 257 days, since 2009-01-03.

More protocols comparisons

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Bitcoin vs EmailBitcoin vs RSSEmail vs IRCEmail vs RSSIRC vs RSS

Dates are founding dates from the written entries. Play which is older, or see the oldest protocols still running.