How to set up the Srain IRC client on Linux

Srain is an attempt to modernize IRC by providing Linux users with a beautiful, Telegram-like user interface and many useful features. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to get the app working on your system and how to use it.

Ubuntu/Debian installation instructions

The Srain IRC client works on Ubuntu, though you’ll need to convert the package from a Fedora RPM package to use it. The reason? The developers of the project have yet to provide a DEB package to download from their website.

To start the installation process, you must install the Alien package conversion tool. Open up a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or Ctrl + Shift + T on the keyboard. Then, use the apt install command below to get the app working.

Note: these instructions should work on Debian 10, Buster. Keep in mind that on Debian, dependencies may differ.

sudo apt install alien

With the Alien package conversion tool set up on your Ubuntu PC, it is time to download the Srain RPM package. Using the wget command, grab the latest Srain.

wget https://download-ib01.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/8/Everything/x86_64/Packages/s/srain-1.0.0-1.el8.x86_64.rpm

After downloading the package, you must install the dependencies required to run the Srain program (once converted) on Ubuntu. Using the apt install commands, get the dependencies installed.

sudo apt install glib-networking libsoup2.4 libconfig9 libsecret-1-0 openssl

With the dependencies taken care of, the conversion process can begin. Using the alien -dvc command, convert the Srain RPM package to a new DEB package for installation on Ubuntu or Debian Linux.

sudo alien -dvc srain-1.0.0-1.el8.x86_64.rpm

When the conversion process is complete, the Alien package conversion tool will output a Srain DEB package with the name of “srain_1.0.0-2_amd64.deb”. Install this program on your Ubuntu/Debian system with the following apt install command.

sudo apt install ./srain_1.0.0-2_amd64.deb

Flatpak

While it is certainly possible to convert the Fedora release of the Srain IRC client to a fully installable DEB for both Ubuntu and Debian, it isn’t the only way to get Srain working. If you’re not interested in fiddling with Alien, follow the Flatpak instructions in this guide.

Arch Linux installation instructions

The developers of the Srain app do not have an official Arch Linux app in any of the Arch software repositories, for whatever reason. However, Arch Linux users will be able to enjoy the Srain IRC client just fine thanks to the AUR.

To start the installation of Srain on Arch Linux, use the pacman command below to install both the “Git” and “Base-devel” packages. These packages are required to interact with the AUR.

sudo pacman -S git base-devel

With the “Git” and “Base-devel” packages installed on your Linux PC, it is time to install the Trizen AUR helper. This tool will make setting up Srain much easier on Arch, as it takes care of all dependencies automatically. To install Trizen, enter the commands below in a terminal window.

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/trizen.git

cd trizen

makepkg -sri

With the Trizen utility set up on your Arch Linux PC, installing the Srain IRC client is as simple as entering the command below.

trizen -S srain-git

Fedora installation instructions

Srain is available for all Fedora Linux users right in the official software repositories. To install it, open up a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or Ctrl + Shift + T on the keyboard. Then enter the dnf install command below to get the app working

sudo dnf install srain

OpenSUSE installation instructions

In the OpenSUSE Build Repository, there are releases of the Srain IRC client for every version of OpenSUSE. Here’s how to install them.

First, head over to the Srain page on the OBS. Then, look for the version of OpenSUSE you currently use and click on the green “1 Click Install” button to get Srain working.

Flatpak installation instructions

Those unable to install Srain by other means will need to turn to Flatpak to get the app working. To start the installation, follow our guide to learn how to set up the Flatpak runtime. Then, enter the commands below to get the app working.

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

flatpak install flathub im.srain.Srain

Set up the Srain IRC client on Linux

Setting up Srain is quite easy compared to most IRC clients due to its simple UI. To get the client working, open it up, and follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1: Look at the “Welcome to Srain” message in the center of the app when it first opens. You’ll notice there is “Quick Mode” and “Advanced Mode.” Keep it on “Quick Mode.” Only use “Advanced Mode” if you are an IRC expert.