Instant messaging

Instant messaging (IM) is a type of online chat which offers real-time text communication over the Internet.

(TO DO: expand, cross-reference, illustrate.)

Description

Short messages are typically transmitted bi-directionally between two parties, when each user chooses to complete a thought and select "send".

Some IM applications can use push technology to provide real-time text, which transmits messages character by character, as they are composed.

More advanced instant messaging can add file transfer, clickable hyperlinks, Voice over IP, or video chat.