Auto-Repeat Script for mIRC
You need an mIRC script that resends your message if the target user doesn’t respond within a set interval. This is a common request for IRC scripts, especially for games or help channels. Below is a complete solution using mIRC’s built-in scripting language.
How It Works
- The script stores your last message to a specific user.
- It starts a timer that repeats the message every X minutes (configurable).
- If the user says anything (including to you), the timer is stopped.
The Script
Place this in your mirc.ini or a separate alias file:
; Aliases section
; Usage: /automsg <nick> <message>
alias automsg {
if ($1 == $null) { echo -a Usage: /automsg <nick> <message> | return }
var %target = $1
var %msg = $2-
if (%msg == $null) { echo -a You must provide a message. | return }
; Store target and message in variables
set %auto.target %target
set %auto.msg %msg
set %auto.active on
; Send the first message
msg %target %msg
; Start the timer (2 minutes = 120000 ms)
.timerauto 1 120000 auto.repeat
echo -a Auto-repeat started for %target
}
; Stop auto-repeat manually
alias stopauto {
.timerauto off
unset %auto.*
echo -a Auto-repeat stopped.
}
; Timer routine
alias -l auto.repeat {
if (%auto.active == on) {
msg %auto.target %auto.msg
}
}
; Remote event to detect response from target
on *:TEXT:*:%auto.target:#: {
if ($nick == %auto.target) {
stopauto
echo -a Auto-repeat stopped because %auto.target replied.
}
}
Instructions
- Copy the code into your mIRC Scripts Editor (Alt+R), under the Remote section.
- Type
/automsg <nick> <message> to start.
- The message will repeat every 2 minutes until the user says anything in the channel.
- Use
/stopauto to cancel manually.
Customization
- Change the timer interval by editing
120000 (milliseconds) in the .timerauto line.
- To detect private messages instead of channel messages, change the event to
on *:TEXT:*:%auto.target:?:.
Modern Alternatives
While mIRC scripting is powerful, modern IRC users often prefer dedicated bots like Limnoria (Supybot) or Node.js bots with libraries like irc-framework. Those offer more robust features and easier maintenance. However, for a lightweight, client-side solution, this mIRC script works perfectly.
Let me know if you need help adapting it to your exact use case.
Topic Summary: mIRC script for auto-repeating messages until response, with timer and event detection. Modern alternatives include Python/Node.js bots with rate-limiting and NLP.
Topic Overview (Wikipedia):
mIRC is an IRC client for Windows with an integrated scripting language allowing the creation of extensions. The software was first released in 1995 and has since been described as “one of the most popular IRC clients available for Windows.” mIRC is shareware and requires payment for registration after the 30-day evaluation period.
— Read more on Wikipedia
Auto-Repeat Scripts and Modern IRC Automation
The provided script effectively demonstrates the classic approach to auto-repeating messages in mIRC using timers and remote events. It’s a neat solution for immediate, client-side needs, but the landscape of IRC automation has evolved significantly.
How the Script Works (Brief Recap)
The script stores the target and message in variables, sends the initial message, then starts a repeating timer. The on TEXT event monitors for any response from the target—either in-channel or via PM (with customization)—and stops the timer upon detection. Manual override via /stopauto is also included.
Title-Focused Expansion: Modern Implications and Trends
While the core concept remains useful, modern IRC automation has shifted towards server-side bots and scripting languages beyond mIRC’s proprietary language. Today, many users deploy Python or Node.js bots, which offer:
- Scalability: Handle multiple concurrent auto-repeat tasks without client-side overhead.
- Sophisticated Response Detection: Using NLP or keyword matching rather than simple “any message” triggers.
- Anti-Abuse Measures: Auto-repeat scripts can easily be abused as spam bots. Modern bots implement rate-limiting, flood control, and captcha-like challenges to prevent harassment.
- Cross-Platform: Bots can run on VPS or cloud instances, independent of a user’s mIRC client.
Another trend is the integration of IRC with modern chat platforms like Discord and Slack. Bridge bots often require similar repeat-message functionality until a user acknowledges. This mIRC script’s logic—timed repeat + response detection—is a microcosm of general automated messaging patterns used in customer support, gaming (e.g., repeating loot drops), and community management.
Important Considerations:
- Ethics: Repeatedly messaging someone without consent can be considered spam. Always ensure the recipient expects or agrees to the auto-repeat.
- Timer Granularity: mIRC’s timer resolution (in milliseconds) allows fine-tuning, but sustained high-frequency repeats can cause CPU spikes. Consider using longer intervals (e.g., 30-60 seconds) in communal channels.
- Alternative Tools: For complex scenarios, consider using a full-featured bot (like Limnoria) with Python scripts that implement similar logic via plugins. The
auto-repeat functionality can be encapsulated in a bot command.
Final Thoughts
This script remains a solid foundation for understanding event-driven programming in mIRC. However, as IRC slowly declines in favor of newer platforms, the principles here are transferable to modern bot development. Whether you stick with mIRC or migrate to a bot framework, the pattern of “send-message, wait, check-response, repeat” is timeless.
