There are a number of command line options available. The basic command-line syntax is:
epic5 [<switches>] [<nickname> [<server list>]]
The nickname may be at most 30 characters long. The server list may be a space-delimited list of server descriptions. Each server name may use the server:port notation if a port other than the default (usually 6667) is desired. The available switches are as follows:
| -a | Adds default servers and command line servers to server list. |
| -b | Runs EPIC in 'bot mode' in the background. |
| -c <chan> | Join <chan> once connected to the server. |
| -d | Runs EPIC in 'dumb mode' – no fancy screen |
| -f | Tells EPIC that your terminal will handle flow control. |
| -F | Tells EPIC to handle your flow control. |
| -h | Prints a small help message that shows these options. |
| -H <host> | Use virtual <host> as your default hostname. |
| -l <file> | Loads <file> instead of default ~/.epicrc. |
| -L <file> | Loads <file> instead of default ~/.epicrc. |
| -n <nick> | Uses <nick> as your default nickname. |
| -o | Allow terminal IEXTEN handling (terminal eats ^V and ^O |
| -O | Disable terminal IEXTEN handling (terminal doesn't eat ^V and ^O) |
| -p <port> | Uses the <port> you specify as the default port. |
| -q | Tells EPIC not to load your ~/.epicrc. |
| -s | The client will not connect to a server on startup. |
| -v | Print the version of EPIC and then exit. |
| -x | Run in full X_DEBUG mode. |
| -z <user> | Uses <user> as your default username. |
Because the client uses getopt(3), you can combine these options in any way that is considered normal for your operating system.