protocols
Email vs IRC
Email started first, in 1971, 17 years before IRC.
Why Email lasted
- It is the only identity layer the internet agreed on.
- Every 'email killer' became another inbox that still forwards to email.
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, Email or IRC?
Email started first, in 1971, 17 years before IRC.
How long has Email been running?
Email has been up 54 years 351 days, since 1971-10-01.
How long has IRC been running?
IRC has been up 38 years 47 days, since 1988-08-01.
More protocols comparisons
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Bitcoin vs EmailBitcoin vs IRCBitcoin vs RSSEmail vs RSSIRC vs RSS
Dates are founding dates from the written entries. Play which is older, or see the oldest protocols still running.