protocols
IRC vs RSS
IRC started first, in 1988, 11 years before RSS.
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.
Why RSS lasted
- Podcasts are RSS with a file attached. That industry alone would keep the spec alive.
- It is the anti-algorithm: you subscribe, you get the thing, nobody's ads sit in the middle.
Questions
Which is older, IRC or RSS?
IRC started first, in 1988, 11 years before RSS.
How long has IRC been running?
IRC has been up 38 years 47 days, since 1988-08-01.
How long has RSS been running?
RSS has been up 27 years 186 days, since 1999-03-15.
More protocols comparisons
same category
Bitcoin vs EmailBitcoin vs IRCBitcoin vs RSSEmail vs IRCEmail vs RSS
Dates are founding dates from the written entries. Play which is older, or see the oldest protocols still running.