Tkabber

Popularly known as Jabber or XMPP, short for Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol, this XML-based instant messaging service is one of the most used services.

Tkabber is a straightforward piece of software that provides its users with a Tcl/Tk-based environment and an accessible interface for end-to-end communications between one or more users that use other Jabber clients.

This application undergoes a streamlined and surprise-free installation process. Upon launching the app, users are greeted by a simplistic and out-dated but quite functional user interface.

To get started, users are required to firstly add an account and type in the username, password and the server address. It also makes it possible for users to play with connection, authentication, SSL and compression options.

The utility comes with support for TCP, BOSH and HTTP-polling transports, hashed passwords, SASL authentification and IPv6 support. Users can quickly login via SOCKS4a, SOCKS5 and HTTPS proxy or other types of custom-defined connection.

Also, users should be aware of the fact that Tkabber can feature encrypt and compress chat sessions but only with the help of additional extensions.

Users can start private chats, group chats and even create conference rooms. The utility also comes with support for offline messaging, completion of nicknames and commands, hyperlinks, emoticons, avatars, vCards and sound notifications.

This messaging app allows its users to define custom hooks for arriving messages and chat window events and for presence changes.

Taking all of the above into consideration, Tkabber is a run-of-the-mill instant messaging application that provides a Tcl/Tk environment for the Jabber/XMPP protocol.

While the app works as intended, it could surely do with a couple of more customization options, especially in the looks department.