The Lede
Microsoft's beloved Comic Chat, a pioneering IRC client that transformed conversations into comic-style panels, is now open source. Released in 1996, Comic Chat was a quirky part of early internet culture, famous for introducing Comic Sans to the world. The software, which was later bundled with MSN, still runs today, but its newly released source code opens the door for developers, historians, and retro-tech fans to explore, revive, or reinvent it.
Background & Context
Developed by David Kurlander, Comic Chat was first released in 1996 as a unique IRC client that allowed users to engage in conversations displayed in comic strip panels. The software was later bundled with MSN and became a staple of early internet culture. However, with the rise of newer technologies, Comic Chat was eventually discontinued, and its source code remained proprietary.
Deep Dive
The open-sourcing of Comic Chat marks a significant step towards preserving the history of early internet technologies. By making the source code available, Microsoft is allowing developers to study, modify, and distribute the software, which can help to revive its nostalgic value. Additionally, the release of Comic Chat's source code provides a unique opportunity for historians to study the development of early internet technologies and their impact on modern society. According to Windows Central, the classic IRC client still runs today, but its newly released source code opens the door for developers to explore, revive, or reinvent it.
Expert Angle
According to Microsoft's Q&A, there is currently no indication that the company plans to make Microsoft Comic Chat open-source or to support it on modern platforms. However, the open-sourcing of Comic Chat may signal a shift towards preserving the history of early internet technologies. As Neowin notes, the software is more of a piece of history than a functional app, but its open-sourcing provides a unique opportunity for developers and historians to study and revive the classic IRC client.
What Comes Next
The open-sourcing of Comic Chat marks a significant step towards preserving the history of early internet technologies. As developers and historians begin to explore and revive the classic IRC client, it will be interesting to see how the software evolves and what new features and functionalities are added. Additionally, the release of Comic Chat's source code may signal a shift towards preserving the history of early internet technologies, which can provide valuable insights into the development of modern society.