Most IM clients can be configured to reject certain users. In addition, the intended recipient must be willing to accept instant messages. If offline messaging is not supported, attempting to IM an unavailable user results in a notification that the transmission cannot be completed. Once the intended recipient has been identified and selected, the sender opens an IM window to begin the session.įor IM'ing to work as intended, users must be online at the same time, although nearly all instant messaging platforms enable asynchronous interactions between online and offline users. Contact or buddy lists of frequent contacts can be created.

Generally, IM users must know each other's username or screen name to initiate a session. Instant messaging requires users to communicate via the same application. Email, on the other hand, usually reflects a longer-form, letter writing style. Because IM is intended to mimic in-person conversations, individual messages are often brief. IM also tends to be session-based, having a start and an end. Instant messaging differs from email in the immediacy of the message exchange. As the technology has evolved, many IM clients have added support for features such as file transfer and image sharing within an IM session. Unlike chatrooms with many users engaging in multiple and overlapping conversations, IM sessions usually take place between two users in a private, back-and-forth style of communication.Ī core feature of many instant messenger clients is the ability to see whether a friend or co-worker is online and connected through the selected service - a capability known as presence. Instant messaging, often shortened to IM or IM'ing, is the exchange of near- real-time messages through a standalone application or embedded software. Ben Lutkevich, Technical Features Writer.

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